Marketing for Community Colleges – What’s Different This Year

This fall, community colleges may see an uptick in enrollment, thanks to the coronavirus. Many students are eschewing the expense of four-year colleges, especially when what these institutions are offering is limited to online classes and restrictive dorm life protocols.

This is the time for community colleges, online educational institutions, certificate programs, and trade schools to benefit from the attention they’re getting from prospects they’ve never had before.

If that describes your institution, we recommend these marketing tactics to reach new students.

Broad Strokes

To attract brand new prospects, consider a digital ad campaign since this age group is consuming its marketing messaging through a computer screen or mobile device. Think about what terms the students would search for. Focus on keywords like “local college,” “colleges near me,” and “online college/university.” You’ll get even more qualified leads if you include the names of your specialty programs, like “nearby community college for a business degree.”

Social Media Tactics

Social media is crucial more than ever to talk directly to your target market. Share news, events, helpful resources, sports updates, and appreciation posts at least daily on your social networks. Consider where your current and potential students are most active. Maybe it’s time for your institution to branch out and create an account on Instagram, Snapchat, or even Tik Tok.

Video Marketing

Video has become one of the most successful forms of marketing to reach a young audience. Creating videos doesn’t need to be a big production, either. Live videos on Facebook or fun boomerangs on Instagram are easy to produce. Consider what information your students will be looking for when they watch your videos. Virtual campus tours, Q & A videos with faculty and live event videos are all engaging.

Blogging

Creating a blog on your college’s website can not only be informational for students and parents, but also help improve search engine performance. Use a blog to share campus news, advice on how to apply, and pertinent details on new health and safety regulations.

Need help with your marketing strategy for the school year and beyond? Set up a free consultation with us.

By Bethany, Social Media & Public Relations Strategist | August 10, 2020