Reach Students and Prospects
Our visuals consist of: billboards, posters and bus/rail signs; no radio; and TV commercials produced by our advertising agent using our current and graduate students. It is my opinion that we should be using more print media opportunities.
Our advisory boards consist of three individuals for each field of study offered at our schools. This is accomplished at each campus twice per year (officially) and quarterly (unofficially). The results of our board meetings have been excellent and have led to outstanding improvements to our programs and more job opportunities for our grads.
Internet marketing would allow us to reach those individuals who are specifically seeking to further their education in a vocational setting. With the many search engines available, we could be seen on a much wider scale and in areas we may not advertise in.
Hi Ronald
Sounds like you may be spending a lot of money on strategies that may not be bringing results. Measuring is an important way to determine results. Getting feedback from advisory boards is vital. Since it's difficult to impose on people's time, we suggest that you plan advisory board conference calls or emailings focused on just one topic at a time. You can get the same results as if you were meeting in person. Many schools are discovering that their websites (and referrals) are the best way to get the best students. Websites don't have to be fancy - they just need to be clear and user and search engine friendly. And most important, your admissions reps have to know to quickly contact internet leads and follow up. You might also want to seek assistance from companies that specialize in web based marketing for career schools. Thanks, Susan
We use handouts and posters in key places. That works very well.
We also use trade magazines that are specific to our field of study.
HI Marc
Handouts and posters are a relatively inexpensive way to market. And you can keep changing the places! What do the handouts say that get people to respond? Do they get invited to an open house? What is the incentive? How are you tracking the quality and quantity of the leads from trade magazines? Best wishes, Susan
Susan,
We have found that our web site has been our best source of leads. We use Google Adwords to pull leads to our site. We get far more leads with our web site than we ever did from newspaper ads and for a small fraction of the cost.
Guy
That's great Guy. Now can you tell us about what you do with the leads. How quickly are they contacted? Did you know there are companies that can automtically call the leads, send info, and in other ways respond to them quickly? How are the leads followed up after the initial contact. What is your conversion rate for internet leads? Sounds like you have an effective strategy. Best wishes, Susan
I have learned so much for this module. We have Advisory boards that meet yearly as well as quarterly. I need to do more in this area.
Thanks Wanda. Advisory Boards are such a great source of information. We feel it is important to meet more often - at least 4 times a year. Then hold phone conference call meetings plus send out emails asking for opinions and information. Advisory Boards, if selected effectively, can impact on all areas of your school. Susan
