Great idea to contact HS guidance counselors. We find that many still don't view career schools as a viable choice for their students. We also find that school alumni can talk effectively to them. It's interesting about sending print materials to companies. And faxes. Sometimes they don't want all that information. So it's a balance. And great to put news clips and articles on your website. With alumni testimonials they are all endorsements! We have seen schools increase enrollment and retention through student success stories. It's amazing what a huge blowup of a happy grad's picture and story can do when they are posted all around the school and on your website. Community Outreach does take time and it sounds like you are doing a great job with limited staff. The goal is to set up your outreach and publicity programs once and do it right. Then you can get admin assistant type support. Keep in mind the value of Alumni Associations for publicity. Good luck and keep in touch with your successes. Thanks, Susan
We have in the pass utilized the Guidance Counsellors at the high schools, posters, brochures, faxing and emailing to targetted companies, or organization. We have also done a few press release where the TV media came to get the story for the evening news. For our students it's usually by text message or email and word of mouth. A good thing about the tv media the news clips are available on their website. But we have not captilized on this, we will begin now to gather these links to our own website. We have such a skeleton staff we all do our part to get the job done.
A wealth of useful ideas have been shared in this course, I have already began to focus on student success, and have contacted a crossection of students to develop their stories so we can put together a calendar for news articles, and capitalize on these in several ways. In addition I will ensure we develop a publicity committee, we desperately need this extra support such a body will give to our small staff, looking forward to getting the students and faculty more involved in our overall effort of school promotion and publicity, and building stronger more consistant relationships with employers and key persons in the media and organizations. Regards.
That's great Wanda. Along with these strategies it is very important to measure results. How many people responded? Did they meet admissions requirements? How many enrolled? How many responded immediately and how many responded over time? What's working and what is not and where are you getting the best value for qualified students? Once you measure results it is important to issue a report to people at your school who can give you good feedback for improvement. Lots to do. Thanks, Susan
We use blast mail outs, prospective student lists, and drop off flyers in the community.
HI Robert, Paid advertising is good and usually measurable. That's the key. Look at the quantity and quality of leads from each source. Of course it is nice to get good press (which costs a bit less). A website, in our opinion, is essential. Many schools get all their students from their websites. You might want to put that on the top of your list. Thanks, Susan
Currently with our school we have been successful in advertising in the newspaper.
But in this course I have learned that there are many different sources of advertising that we have not utilized yet.
We plan on making a website so that the information about the school is more assessable. Also I would like to try the different options that were stated on creating news-making events.
HI Andrew, Press releases are typically sent to the media. Although copies can certainly be included when contacting students. You are right - when material gets into the students home, there is certainly an opportunity for more readers. And when press releases are published, copies can be made and handed out, mailed, emailed, posted on websites, and more. Thanks, Susan
I think a press release and/or newsletter to the student's home address would support retention. There is a better likelihood of a parent or spouse reading it as well. These documents are typically always positive and support the student on their journey to finishing school, especially if there is a highlighted section on recent placements.
Like I said the other day we have an out side contract to help us do our marketing. We do TV ads, Billboards, radio ads on several radio stations, our website.
Hi Christopher, Good points about all the opportunities from your website. There are several marketing companies that specialize in websites for schools. In addition to great information students can be called when they request info, there can be automated testimonials of students and grads, live chats online with admissions reps and students and grads, and lots more. The more information and the more accessible your school seems, then the more likely a prospect will feel comfortable contacting you. You're on a great path to success and communication with a broad constituency. Thanks, Susan
Hi Susan, we currently get information out in various ways including Graduations, a Monthly Student Newsletter, Program Advisory Committees, alliances with Community Groups like the Red Cross and Blood Banks, attendance at Professional Conferences, our website to provide all viewers our Catalog which describes our school, the programs, facilities and instructors. I liked some of the thought in this module especially about applying the newsletter online so others can see it. We are upgrading our website and on it are testimonials the catalog etc but I think it would be really cool for prospective students to read the student newsletter and be able to see various editions and get a sense of the students and life at our college.
Hi Gheorghe
The poster and brochures sound great. Have you ever put any staff there to talk with people and answer questions?
The Rotary Club activity sounds great. Have you tracked the response after this event? Of course response can occur for months afterwards. Makes us think to ask all leads how they heard about the school.
Many schools are attempting to use the online social networking websites. Best to get some high school students to work with you on that project. No kidding. Thanks, Susan
We have a free standing poster in the largest tri state Mall. Under the poster are pouches in which we keep inquiry brochures and information about our student clinic.
I joined the local Rotary Club. For this year's Charity Golf Tournament (the club's biggest fund raiser), the school has purchased advertising on four of the greens. In addition, each of the 120 players receives pens and key chains with the school logo and phone number.
At this time we are trying to figure out how to get the word out to the young generation using face book, twitter or U-tube.
Does anyone have experience in this area?
HI Vicky, You have great plans for applying the concepts. You have identified the rules of following up. In our experience a lead has to be followed at least 7 times - in 7 different ways. Looks like you have a plan. Now it is important to measure results. What do leads respond to? How long does it take? What doesn't work at all? There are many strategies that can be put in place to reach quality leads that don't take a lot of money. Or take planning a really great budget. Very good, Susan
We do send a students news or updates e-mails to our current alumni.
A separate news to our new students.
We are planning to reach potential students via e-mail via Catalog, regular mail, calls and e-mails. This module is great because it gives a lot of tools and creative ideas that can be implemented with a small budget to let the word out about our school in our industry. We will be planning soon a Marketing Plan for 2009, and this could not has come at a better time to help us out with it.
Hi Javier
Using TV media is often the most challenging way to get qualified leads. How is it working for you? Can you share your strategies for success? If TV is used we also suggest several other marketing approaches such as email blasts, direct mail, phone follow up, newsletters - as long as the content is interesting and valuable. Also lots of ways to get free or nearly free publicity by sending out press releases, announcements, holding open houses, and more. Thanks, Susan
we use TV media to get the word out, but i think we will start using the news latter. I think this is a good tool.
