There is a common sentiment among those involved in the ever-changing field of student recruitment: the process is becoming more difficult, not less. The recruitment landscape has become more competitive as student mobility patterns change around the world and more schools compete for international students. The current challenge is to keep your school at the forefront of prospective students’ minds as they weigh their options. However, this does not mean spreading thin; rather, it calls for strategic, cohesive approaches to advertising.

 

Harnessing Multiple Channels

Reaching out to potential new students is possible through a variety of channels. From traditional student fairs and agent referrals to modern digital platforms like websites and social media, the outreach methods are diverse. In this respect, tools like Educli are invaluable. With more than 15,000 monthly unique visitors, Educli helps educational institutions reach a large audience that is keen on studying abroad. A cursory examination of common recruitment channels reveals that many organisations rely almost exclusively on one or two approaches. It could be expertise in digital advertising or a large network of agents. The real magic, however, occurs when multiple channels are integrated so as to support one another in leading the student from curiosity to enrollment.

 

Making It Sustainable

To some, the concept of a comprehensive approach to hiring may seem overwhelming. However, the point is not expansion at the expense of integration. An elaborate worldwide alumni program may seem far-fetched at the moment, but a database of recent graduates could be the first step. Why not strengthen a current connection instead of casting a wide net for potential institutional partners?

 

The Always-On Strategy

Imagine a system of hiring that continues to function even when you are not there. You can guarantee that a student is learning about your school somewhere in the world if you put in the time and effort to build strong local networks and optimize your online marketing. The goal is to have a smooth transition between a student’s offline and online networks so that they remain interested and involved throughout the entire process. 

 

A Student’s Journey: A Case Study

To better understand this, let’s dive into a real-life example. An Indian student’s journey to enroll in an Australian university took approximately 15 months from the initial inquiry. Throughout this period, the university maintained consistent communication. From the student’s first query, an automated email series was triggered, providing her with information ranging from courses to virtual campus tours. This approach, whether managed through sophisticated CRMs or basic email tools like MailChimp or Monday, ensures sustained engagement.

 

The student’s journey was further enriched with one-to-one emails, live chats, and even WhatsApp messages. These messages showed the institution’s flexibility by being adapted to her individual preferences. Read more about Leveraging Social Media for International Student Marketing.

 

Final Thoughts

In today’s competitive landscape, the key is an integrated recruitment strategy. It’s about ensuring every touchpoint, whether it’s an email, a student fair, or a chat, is interconnected. Such a cohesive strategy doesn’t just ensure a student’s enrollment; it guarantees a seamless and enriching journey from inquiry to admission. By adopting a multi-channel approach, institutions can ensure they are always present, always engaging, and always top-of-mind for prospective students.

Engage with Educli Now! Boost your institution’s recruitment strategy with Educli’s expansive platform. Join us and tap into a vast pool of prospective students.

 

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