In the world of higher education, the campus community is one of the most powerful assets a school can offer. A vibrant, inclusive community can make the difference in a student’s decision to enroll and their overall experience. Level up your campus community, enrollment, and engagement with these marketing tips.
Highlight what makes it unique
A sense of belonging is crucial for students. When students feel connected to their campus, they’re more likely to feel comfortable, engaged, and motivated. This can be a significant selling point, and your marketing efforts should reflect this. By highlighting the unique aspects of your campus community, you can attract and retain students looking for a place where they can thrive.
Tailor content to different departments and programs
Your campus is a diverse ecosystem, with various departments and student programs each attracting a unique type of student. Each of these groups has its own way of engaging with current, prospective, and future enrollees. To build a strong community, it’s essential to understand and enable these differences.
For example, a STEM program might produce content that emphasizes cutting-edge research, hands-on projects, and career opportunities. This content could include detailed blog posts, graphs, and videos showing the latest technology improvements and the successes of current students and alumni.
On the other hand, the athletic department might focus on team spirit, game highlights, and the physical and mental benefits of participating in sports. Their content could be more dynamic, featuring live streams, athlete interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage.
By making your marketing content fit the interests and values of each department, you can make it more personal and interesting for students. This not only helps get the right kind of students, but also helps make a strong community where students from different backgrounds feel valued and connected.
Personalizing content with tech
Make students feel seen and valued by personalizing their experience. To best enable individual departments to tell their own stories, universities should consider providing each department with its own email and social media tools to connect with students. The right tools and channels can ensure impactful outreach while maintaining brand consistency.
Universities can invest in tools like:
- Email Marketing Platforms: Become the university students can't wait to hear from. Email marketing platforms like Constant Contact help universities create and send targeted emails. Features like email list segmentation, email automation, email templates, and tracking ensure the right message lands with the right students at the right time, boosting open rates, engagement, and connection.
- Social Media Management Tools: Amplify your voice and broaden your reach. Schedule posts, monitor engagement, and analyze performance across platforms using tools designed to work for you. Reach a wider audience, foster community, and respond to inquiries in real time.
- Video Creation and Editing Software: Software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and Canva can help your department create high-quality videos in a snap. Use them for virtual tours, student testimonials, and program highlights to put your best foot forward.
- Analytics and Reporting Tools: Track, analyze, and amplify your marketing. Data-driven insights help you measure the impact of your marketing efforts, refine your approach, and improve future campaigns.
Use a digital influencer model for Student Ambassador Programs
Your future students are accustomed to interacting with influencers and peer recommendations on social media. This presents a unique opportunity for higher education institutions to use student ambassador programs. These peer representatives can function as influencers, sharing their experiences and insights with prospective students in a relatable and authentic way.
When selecting student ambassadors, look for individuals who are outgoing, enthusiastic, and passionate about your school. Don't sweat it if you're not already social. While a pre-existing social media presence is beneficial, it's not a requirement to get started. You can guide and train your ambassadors to create compelling content that resonates with their audience. Encourage them to share personal stories, campus life updates, and insights into their academic and extracurricular activities.
Pay close attention to which messages and posts from your ambassadors receive the most engagement. This will help you identify what works and refine your strategy accordingly.
Enhance engagement with online and on-campus events
Campus community events have long been a staple of college and university life, bringing students together and fostering a sense of belonging. The pandemic has normalized online events, making it easier than ever to reach a wider audience. Here are some creative ways to enhance your event strategy and boost engagement:
- Giveaways and Contests
- Campus Tour Selfies
- Student Video Competitions
- Campus Tour Raffles
- Virtual Events
- Webinars and Q&A Sessions
- Virtual open houses
- Online workshops and seminars
- On-Campus Events
- Welcome Week Activities
- Cultural festivals
- Sports and recreational events
Build Inter-Cohort Connections
One of the keys to a strong campus community is fostering connections between different groups of students. Whether it’s connecting current students with alumni, or bridging the gap between freshmen and seniors, inter-cohort connections can improve the overall student experience.
- Mentorship Programs
- Alumni Panels
- Interdisciplinary Projects
Conclusion
In conclusion, building a strong campus community is essential for enhancing student engagement and fostering a sense of belonging. By highlighting the unique aspects of your institution, tailoring content to different departments and programs, leveraging student ambassador programs as digital influencers, and enhancing engagement through a mix of online and on-campus events, you can create a vibrant and inclusive environment. Additionally, fostering inter-cohort connections through mentorship programs and interdisciplinary projects ensures that students from all backgrounds and stages of their academic journey feel valued and connected. These strategies not only attract and retain students but also contribute to a richer, more dynamic campus life that supports their personal and academic growth.
▷ Discover how Constant Contact makes higher ed marketing easier with brand control tools that ensure every email and SMS message looks professional — no matter which department is doing the sending.
