The best way of marketing for an educational institution is the reference of their own students. provide maximum quality in every sense will always be the key to success
Personally, I think the most credible way people will believe in your product is if someone else tell them their own experience. The most experiences they can hear the better... As soon as the prospective students are hearing all these personal stories they will project themselves as if they were doing your program or doing your courses. Usually, a "good story" is hard to beat and very easy to remember!
In our industry, the use of "testimonials" is critical.
The potential student must see him/herself in the same situation at work, at classes, etc.
The type of media used, will depend on the target you are aiming for. Usually, websites will work better for younger students that use this media very often. Newspapers will work better for senior executives that still like to read the newspaper, especially the business section.
Word of mouth will continue to be the most effective and cheapest way to do marketing.
With a reduced marketing budget you need to "discover" other interests your candidates have in order to open a new door of connection/communication with them.
We have a contract with social media person who does the initial work and forwards any complex or involved issue to us.
Allen,
Who maintains your blog?
We have used a "blog" on website to encourage graduates, student and prospective students to talk about the career.
Scott,
It's a great marketing tool and brings new faces to the classroom.
I have to agree with both individuals, I agree that the system that is in place is a good way to generate leads, but I have found that word of mouth or the students telling their friends and family is also a grat way to generate students for the institution.
It is extremely important to have the prospective student bring in the buying party for the initial visit to your campus. By "buying party", I mean someone who will be helping them make the decision to go back to school. A lot of times the buying party will be a friend. It could not only help the student decide if your school will be the best fit for them, but also could also lead to a referral. We have seen a noticeable increase in results based off referrals/PDL’s.
I agree with the "Word of Mouth" form of advertising being the most successful. We don't have a very large advertising budget, but we have had some success with local radio and TV. It never hurts to get your name out on the airwaves!
I like the bring a friend to school idea.
Suzanne,
Finding the strategies that match your target market. For example, if they don't have access to a newspaper, why place expensive ads there?
Nicolette,
The most successfully proven strategy is personally developed leads. Recommendations from previous or current students bring so much credibility and weight. Activities within the school, such as bring a friend to school day or open house will set the stage.
In my personal and professional opinion sticking with the basics. The primary media sources that generate the most results.
