Who is Today’s Prospective Student?

As an institution of higher education, who is your ideal prospective student? Do you know how to attract them? With the competition of thousands of other schools, you need to have a plan to reach and attract today’s prospective student.

Today’s prospective student is tech-savvy, lives online and wants to feel special – so personalized higher education digital marketing programs and messaging coupled with online outreach resonate best. If you aren’t spending a large amount of your efforts on social media posts, blog posts, emails, website updates and more, then you are missing out on reaching a large market of prospective students.

All colleges are trying to reach prospective students, but many are missing the mark when it comes to being on the same level as those students. Traditional marketing is no longer able to catch their attention or draw them in to apply. Think about this generation of Millennials – what are they known for? They’re early adopters of technology, they live on social media, feel a sense of entitlement and get things tailored to them. Use this to your advantage and implement your knowledge in your recruiting efforts. Again, that means being present where they are and talking to them in a personal way that will resonate best with them.

To attract these students, focus on inbound marketing tactics that will reach them where they spend the majority of their time – online. Create a strategy that includes all of the previously mentioned inbound marketing tactics like social media, emails, blogging, website and pay-per-click (PPC) ads. In your strategy phase, create a cohesive plan, laying the foundation for the students’ experience and the right messaging that will be used throughout recruitment.

Attracting the right students – today’s students – will not only result in a better fit for your institution but also a better overall experience for your potential students. Interested in learning more about how to attract them? Download our white paper, Attract Your Ideal Student Base, and begin implementing the right mix of inbound marketing tactics.

Updated: Apr 13, 2022