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Openhouse with goody bags

A keychane, a pencil or many other artifacts with the school information will help to get the name of the school out there.

Right Anatoliy
Always be sure your open houses are fun, lively, have food, and in other ways are very memorable. Susan

I am not in agreement. My school is often regarded as a 'marketing' school. We keep marketing costs at 5% of revenue, but we always manage to hit our lead goals. We do it by only doing what we call 'revenue marketing' --> we only spend money on fully trackable marketing activities. We are ruthless on axeing activities that do not have enough ROI.

Our experice has shown that beyond all other marketing means, the "Word of Mouth", has been
the most effective marketing tool.

navraji... coudl you name a few wahtyou consdier to be trackable marketing activites?

Hi Cynthia

It's a good question. We think that all efforts can be tracked and measured. When putting any strategy in place it's a good idea to consider how you will measure results - both immediate results and long term. Then analyze results. Then share with everyone for feedback and decide on what changes are to be made. Best wishes, Ssuan

how are you keeping your marketig cost @5% most schools have total marketing costs at over 15%but everything is realitive, do your costs include admissions reps? benefits? perks? what is your total cost per grad ?

Hi Harry, Good questions. Student acquisition costs do vary and it is true that not everyone counts everything - like salaries. Bottom line is the more you can depend on referrals and your own website, the lower the costs. Thanks, Susan

I agree,

And by the way, what do you think about bring high school students to see your school?

Hope it helps.

Sincerely

vidal,

Goody bags are good, depending on what is in them. We think there should be relevant items that relate to student success and maybe candy and fun things to show that learning is sweet. Depending on your programs, high school students are good prospective students for your institution. It is important to gear your presentations to what they want to and need to know.
Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Marketing is very tricky! Open houses are a good way to advertise via trinkets, but I actually do not think that is the most valuable way to advertise! When there is money involved you have to be thoughtful about every move that you make and research research research!

Marci,
Using trinkets to promote advertising may be limited. There are so many ways to promote an open house that doesn't cost much. First start with all your Alumni. Assuming they had a great experience invite them to come to your open house and bring friends and family. Do the same with your currently enrolled students. Hold one event at lunch time and another after work. You can probably fill a class and all it will cost is some food. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

We theme our openhouses and provide as many logoed items as possible.

Kelly ,
Sounds great. We find that open houses should be fun, have lots of materials around, and allow visitors to experience the institution and training offered. Any selling has to be very very low key. You want the experience to be so pleasant that everyone will look forward to coming back. thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Totally agree. This also helps the student when talking to family and friends about there visit to the institution. Great was for potential students to begin open conversation, and show excitment.

Kerry,

Open houses are one of many many ways a career school can reach out to its community. The goal is for everyone to view your institution as THE place for training and for trained employees. An Open House is one way to show off the school. You can also send students into the community, depending on your programs. Massage therapists can offer chair massages at athletic events. Health care students can help out in clinics. Be sure they wear scrubs or uniforms with the school name and website on it. You can also visit employers to talk about their job opening needs. All this can be sent to local media to attract people and tell them what you do. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

Our Open Houses are information based. We spend a great deal of time demonstrating the techniques we offer. Do gifts and gimmicks really attract new students or smoke screen your curriculum? How much is too much? Are we not putting enough focus on logo items?

Kara,

Appropriately getting the attention of prospective students is always a challenge. You put it very well. Lots of strategies work. You just have to figure out how much in terms of gifts and gimmicks. We suggest you involve stakeholders and ask their opinions. Also after each event ask the participants. What made it a valuable experience for them? What didn't they like? What would they prefer? The answers are there. You just have to ask, gather the data and analyze it and then make appropriate changes. Thanks, Susan

Dr. Susan Schulz

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