Revolutionizing Student Recruitment: The Role of Marketing Technology
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems and Student Information Systems (SIS) are indispensable tools for enhancing the higher education experience for prospects. In an era where digital communication and online research are the norm, a CRM system plays a crucial role in streamlining the connection process between institutions and their prospects. While some SIS platforms incorporate CRM features, others integrate seamlessly with third-party CRM applications to deliver top-tier functionality.
Colleges leverage CRM systems to spotlight their institutions and enrich the learning journey. A well-implemented CRM system aids schools in recruiting the right students, offering college application services, tailoring personalized student mailing lists, optimizing alumni relations, disseminating compelling content across all communication channels, and nurturing a vibrant campus life.
Utilizing Third-Party Management Systems
According to the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), 64 percent of higher ed institutions currently utilize at least one CRM, with 42 percent of those not yet employing a CRM considering its adoption for future recruitment strategies.
AACRAO's report highlights that CRM systems are primarily utilized to support admissions recruiting efforts. Despite initial challenges in learning the platform, once successfully implemented, CRM systems significantly streamline operations, saving time and effort for institutions. An overwhelming 86 percent of respondents rated their CRM programs as moderately or very successful, demonstrating their effectiveness in higher education settings.
Third-party CRM and Communication Management Systems and List Services
Educational institutions seeking to expand their reach and enhance marketing strategies through student mailing lists can access a spectrum of tools, ranging from in-depth and sophisticated to basic and limited options.
HubSpot Admissions Process
HubSpot offers comprehensive software solutions designed to enhance website traffic, convert recruits, and nurture prospects throughout the recruitment funnel. Leveraging HubSpot's analytics capabilities enables schools to refine marketing campaigns and tailor outreach efforts to meet the evolving needs of students.
Salesforce for Higher Education
Salesforce provides a robust platform that integrates social, mobile, and cloud technologies into a unified dashboard. Its scalable management system caters to institutions of various sizes, empowering them to connect seamlessly with students, parents, and alumni, thereby enhancing engagement and fostering stronger relationships.
Marketo
While Marketo is renowned for its business marketing tools, it also offers solutions tailored to the educational sector. Recognizing the importance of relationship management in higher education, Marketo provides marketing management systems and resources to help institutions build long-term connections with recruits, alumni, and donors.
College Board Student Search Service
For institutions seeking a more straightforward tool to expand their reach, list services offer a basic yet effective solution. While list services may not prioritize content or engagement, they provide valuable information to prospective students seeking higher education options.
In Conclusion
In today's competitive landscape, effective communication necessitates a robust technology stack capable of delivering engaging and personalized experiences to prospective students. With the right strategy and tools in place, institutions can engage with students on a mass scale, delivering timely and contextually relevant messages. Don't let your competition outpace you in the technology race; invest in smarter workflows to stay ahead.