Introduction
Student recruitment is crucial for universities and colleges, especially with today’s competition. With increasing demands for institutions to rank highly worldwide, attracting and enrolling students has become more challenging. Institutions also face a variety of challenges, such as changes in student preferences, increasing fees, and shifting trends in higher education.
This article will provide actionable strategies that can help institutions tackle student recruitment difficulties with ease. We’ll cover five key strategies, from utilising student ambassadors to harnessing digital tools. Whether you’re looking to promote recruitment or improve your enrollment strategies, these tips will help you to flourish in a congested market.
Strategy 1: Leverage Student Ambassadors for Engagement
Why Student Ambassadors Work
One of the most effective ways to engage prospective students is through student ambassadors. Peer-to-peer marketing plays a significant role in a student’s decision-making process as prospective students are more likely to trust and relate to the experiences of their peers. They can ask questions and receive first-hand answers from current students, which adds to the credibility of your institution.
A study by the Erasmus School of Economics showed that student ambassador programs significantly increased the institution’s visibility and student engagement. Using student ambassadors is all about building trust and creating a more relatable student body.
Tools such as WhyIStudyHere allow institutions to display their student ambassadors alongside quotes and videos on a easy to use platform.
How to Implement an Effective Ambassador Program
Implementing a successful ambassador program involves a few key steps. Here’s a simple guide:
- Choose students who are enthusiastic about their institution and can represent diverse perspectives. A mix of international and domestic students is ideal, alongside a variety of courses, as it reflects the institution’s broad appeal.
- Train Your Ambassadors: Provide full training on how to effectively communicate the benefits or USPs of your institution with prospective students, whilst maintaining a positive and helpful attitude.
- Use Multiple Platforms: Ambassadors should engage with prospective students both online and offline. Whether it’s through social media, virtual meetings, or in-person events, providing multiple channels for engagement ensures you reach more students.
Strategy 2: Utilise Student-Generated Content (UGC)
In today’s digital world, students trust content that feels authentic. Student-generated content (UGC) plays a key role in building that authenticity. When students share their personal experiences—whether through blogs, social media posts, or videos—prospective students get a genuine look into what life at your institution is really like.
Institutions like Newcastle University have leveraged UGC to enhance their student recruitment strategies. By allowing students to share their stories, universities can create compelling content that prospective students can relate to, helping them make informed decisions.
How to use UGC
There are many forms of student-generated content:
- Blogs and Vlogs: These allow students to share their personal experiences and offer insights into academic life, student clubs, and campus culture in a quick and easy video format.
- Social Media Posts: Instagram stories, TikTok videos, and Facebook posts offer quick glimpses into daily life on campus. They can be used to showcase events such as graduation ceremonies, campus tours, and student or alumni achievements.
- Student Testimonials: Encourage students to write reviews about their courses, professors, and overall experiences at your university. These testimonials are valuable for building trust with prospective students.
Strategy 3: Host Hybrid and Virtual Events
The Benefits of Going Digital
Hybrid and virtual events have become a staple in student recruitment strategies. With many prospective students living across the globe, offering virtual access to information sessions, taster-lectures, campus tours, and Q&A events allows you to engage a wider audience.
For example, the University of Exeter successfully used virtual events to increase attendance, making it easier for students to engage with the institution on an international scale.
How to Host Successful Events
When hosting virtual or hybrid events, keep the following tips in mind:
- Choose the Right Technology: Ensure that your event platform supports features like live chat, Q&A, and breakout rooms.
- Create Engaging Content: Offer a mix of content, from live presentations to on-demand videos, so prospective students can choose how they engage with your event.
- Follow Up Post-Event: Send follow-up emails with additional resources and information, thanking attendees for their participation alongside a recording or summary of the session.
Strategy 4: Build a Sense of Belonging from the Start
Creating a Welcoming Environment
Prospective students are not only choosing an institution based on academics—they also want to feel like they belong. Creating a welcoming environment from the first point of contact is crucial. You can achieve this by offering virtual tours, personalized campus visits (such as for students with disabilities or special needs), and showcasing a diverse and inclusive campus culture.
Students are more likely to apply to a university where they feel they can see themselves, whether it’s through interactions with current students, faculty, or staff.
Long Term Engagement Tactics
Maintaining a sense of belonging doesn’t stop after the application. Keep engaging with students through personalized communications, social media groups, and virtual communities. Providing students with resources like “future student” newsletters or connecting them with student ambassadors keeps the relationship strong and makes them feel more connected to the institution. Use features like mail merge, so that students receive emails on a first-name basis.
Strategy 5: Focus on Career Outcomes
Highlighting Alumni Success and Job Placement
Prospective students are increasingly looking for universities that provide strong career prospects. Showcase your institution’s alumni success stories, job placement rates, and career support services to demonstrate the real-world impact of earning a degree from your university.
Partnering with Industry for Enhanced Opportunities
Building relationships with businesses to offer internships, apprenticeships, and job placements is another way to make your institution more attractive. Highlight these partnerships during your recruitment events and marketing efforts. Well-known businesses having ties to your institution is also a very helpful recruitment tool.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the key to successful student recruitment strategies is adopting innovative, authentic strategies that resonate with prospective students.
For more tips on student recruitment, consider reaching out to us via our contact form or through LinkedIn.
Alternatively, you could request a demo to see how we can tailor these strategies to your institution’s needs.
