Date
August 12, 2024
According to a leading higher ed-tech organization (Source), 87% of students who received personalized communications said it was a crucial factor in their college decision process.
When you visit your favorite coffee shop, the barista often greets you with, “The usual today?” This recognition of your regular order makes your experience more enjoyable and encourages you to return.
Similarly, personalized outreach communication in college admissions - tailored to reflect specific interests and achievements - helps prospective students feel acknowledged and valued, increasing their engagement and likelihood of applying.
To achieve such a custom approach, institutions need effective strategies and tools that can adapt communications to the unique needs of each student.
To effectively customize strategies that encourage student enrollment, it is essential to understand the student’s journey through the various stages of consideration prior to enrollment.
Depending on the stage of the enrollment funnel a prospective student is in, various outreach strategies can be employed to drive conversion.
Social media platforms are crucial for reaching a significant segment of potential prospects for your institution. A combination of video marketing, social media ads, and infographic-based content helps engage prospective students exploring college options.
Ensure that your content focuses on conveying the institution's values, vision, and culture to create a lasting impression for students to refer to during their decision-making process. Tailoring content to the needs and aspirations of students is essential for achieving maximum engagement.
The effectiveness of this strategy is supported by an article from Engagebay, which notes that 86% of educational institutions now have a YouTube channel.
Business Benefit:
Content marketing strategies increase brand visibility and awareness, driving higher traffic to the institute’s website, and thereby generating a larger pool of potential leads.
The interest/consideration stage is the most crucial part of the enrollment funnel. Due to the high drop-off rates at this stage, it is essential to carefully customize strategies. Personalizing emails from the start enhances the institute's rapport with students early in the funnel.
This element of personalization could be the key difference between a student feeling valued enough to enroll and not advancing further in the process. A blog post by Emma reports that emails with personalized subject lines are 26% more likely to be opened,
while personalized email messages help to improve click-through rates by an average of 14% and conversions by 10%.
Another effective strategy at this stage is to incorporate virtual tours, allowing students to experience the campus atmosphere. Students don’t base their enrollment decisions solely on numbers and courses; how they feel once inside the campus is a crucial, yet often overlooked, factor.
EAB reports that including virtual tours in email campaigns increased inquiry rates by 21%.
Business Benefit:
By deepening engagement and personalizing interactions, the approach not only nurtures interest but also improves lead quality and conversion rates, resulting in more prospects advancing to the application stage.
Personalized follow-ups and notifications foster a sense of belonging among prospective students. This tailored approach clarifies the next steps, and deadlines, and shows genuine interest in their future.
By providing timely reminders and specific guidance, institutions can enhance the applicant's experience, leading to higher conversion rates and a stronger connection.
Business Benefit:
Personalized follow-ups, notifications, and reminders enhance applicant experience and reduce applicant anxiety, leading to higher applicant satisfaction and a more positive perception of the institution.
Each student weighs various factors when deciding to enroll. Personalized counseling demonstrates the institution's care and attentiveness, addressing individual concerns and motivations. The focus should be on each student's strengths, aspirations, and background to help them make an informed academic decision.
Offering tailored incentives, such as scholarships suited to their circumstances and opportunities for extracurricular activities they are interested in, also increases the institution's appeal.
Business Benefit:
Personalized counselling increases enrollment conversion rates by addressing final decision-making factors and enhancing attractiveness through financial incentives.
Students who enroll should receive exceptional care, as they can become advocates for your institution. To provide an optimal experience, implement automated orientation schedules and offer any necessary academic advising to support their transition effectively.
According to Concept3D, 86% of high school students and 87% of first-year college students noted the importance of a personalized university tour in helping their decision and readiness to enroll.
Business Benefit:
Personal attention after enrollment strengthens student commitment and reduces attrition by ensuring a well-prepared and enthusiastic start to college life, leading to higher retention rates.
As educational institutions adapt to evolving expectations, incorporating personalized strategies becomes increasingly essential. Personalized outreach is a transformative element in the education sector, significantly enhancing the enrollment experience for both institutions and prospective students.
Tailored communication strategies address individual needs, build stronger connections, and lead to higher engagement and improved outcomes. Institutions that invest in these approaches are better equipped to attract, nurture, and retain students throughout their enrollment journey.
With Kenroll, you can develop personalized strategies for every stage of the enrollment funnel, ensuring that students receive attentive support throughout their decision-making process. Visit ken42.com to discover how our solutions can improve your institution’s personalized outreach efforts and help your prospective students have a great applicant experience in higher education.
Schedule a Demo