In August 2023, Level Agency acquired Becker Media, a leader in education advertising for over two decades. This acquisition marked a pivotal moment for both agencies as they combined their strengths to offer enhanced marketing solutions to educational institutions across the country.
After a successful 14-month integration, the decision has been made to retire the Becker brand. Moving forward, Level Agency is the singular voice for education expertise and performance marketing.
Becker Media’s Legacy in Education Marketing
Founded 20 years ago, Becker Media established itself as a reliable advertising agency, specializing in helping colleges, universities, and trade schools attract prospective students. The agency’s success was driven by its deep understanding of client needs, enrollment trends, and target audiences, consistently delivering creative, results-oriented campaigns.
Dale Leatherwood, CMO at Columbia Southern University, mentioned:
“As a long-time client of Becker Media, we are thrilled to be a part of the integration with Level Agency. Both agencies bring exceptional expertise in the adult learner space, and together they are poised to deliver even greater value. The combination of their innovative strategies and deep understanding of student acquisition will undoubtedly benefit institutions like ours. We’re excited to see the heights they’ll reach as a united force, and we’re confident this partnership will drive even more success for everyone involved.”
As the digital marketing landscape evolved with the rise of data analytics and automation, Becker Media recognized the need to innovate. Partnering with Level Agency ensures clients continue to receive cutting-edge solutions.
Level Agency: A Powerhouse in Digital Marketing
Level Agency also has a strong foothold in education marketing, known for its data-driven approach and expertise in digital lead generation, programmatic advertising, social media marketing, and search engine optimization. The agency helps educational institutions achieve growth through intelligent use of data and technology, blending creative storytelling with analytics for optimized campaigns.
Dr. Jason Altmire, President and CEO of CECU, shared his enthusiasm about the merger:
“As someone who has seen Becker Media’s dedication to the proprietary career education sector for years, I’m excited about the merger between Level Agency and Becker Media. Their combined expertise and innovative approach will undoubtedly lead to even greater success for the institutions they serve. This partnership represents a bold step forward, ensuring that our sector continues to benefit from top-tier marketing and strategic support.”
For Level, acquiring Becker Media is an opportunity to strengthen its position in the education sector by leveraging Becker’s legacy and client relationships.
What to Expect Going Forward
The merger of Becker Media’s reputation with Level Agency’s technological capabilities creates a robust marketing powerhouse. Together, they provide a comprehensive suite of services designed to meet the needs of educational institutions in a competitive environment.
Here’s why this is a win for clients:
- Comprehensive Marketing: A wider range of services, from traditional advertising to advanced digital strategies, tailored to build brand awareness, drive enrollment, and enhance online presence.
- Data-Driven Insights: Access to Level’s data analytics and real-time reporting, enabling more informed marketing decisions and campaign adjustments for better ROI.
- Creative Innovation: Becker’s creative approach is enhanced by Level’s digital solutions, delivering more engaging campaigns that resonated with prospective students.
- Stronger Digital Presence: Expertise in SEO, social media, and digital strategies helped schools stand out in an increasingly competitive market.
- Cost Efficiency and Optimization: Level’s performance-based approach tracks and optimizes campaigns, ensuring better results and resource allocation.
A Shared Vision for the Future
Although Becker Media operates under the Level Agency brand, its core values remain. Becker’s team continues providing personalized service and strategic guidance, now enhanced by Level’s advanced capabilities.
According to Level Agency’s leadership, the acquisition wasn’t just about growth—it was about creating something special in education marketing. Bill Buchanan, President of Becker Media, emphasized the benefits to the education sector, stating:
“Combining Level and Becker, we have become the high-quality leader in the education sector, providing robust and unique solutions. Our combined expertise and advanced analysis allow higher education institutions to achieve sustainable growth and empower students to make informed choices about their future.”
Patrick Patterson, CEO at Level Agency, highlighted the seamless cultural fit between the two companies and their shared focus on client success,
“Both organizations have always prioritized remote-first, agile work environments with high levels of employee engagement and a relentless focus on client success.”
For Becker Media, this transition marks a new chapter. While leaving behind a legacy of success, their journey continues as part of Level Agency, shaping the future of how educational institutions connect with students.