We have struggled with getting the word out about our school. Part of the problem is that there is alot of competition in our market but we are also small and do not have the advertising dollars and efficiencies of some of the larger schools in the area. That said, we have alot to offer being a great school with regional accreditation and high demand programs including Nursing. Traditional advertising is not going to take us over the edge. Recently (in the last year or so) we have started placing a greater emphasis on "guerilla marketing" and have had some success doing things that are more PR driven than advertising. Examples include our newsletter, hiring someone in the position of corporate liasson, setting up kiosks in the mall, attending education and job fairs, sending students to company health fairs, etc. I think we are getting to the point where we have experienced some successes but our efforts have not been directed enough. It's hard to go 15 rounds if most of your punches aren't landing. If you throw enough you are bound to hit sometimes but you get tired.
Hello
You are doing a lot of great things. So patience, persistence and stay in the ring. From what you say you are getting success from target marketing - getting the word out to your more likely prospects. Publicity is a way to do that rather than traditional advertising. It has a more person to person approach. And that's what people like. While you have competition, get known for what differentiates you - what makes you stand out and why students will have a better experience at your school than at your competition. Keep at it. You will discover what works and it will become automatic. Best wishes, Susan
