Colleges and universities have the unique opportunity to really connect with their students if they can craft personalized emails that get engagement soaring. Automating those messages is now a must so schools don't miss out on reaping maximum rewards.
Our top tips provide an easy way to keep student engagement high, so colleges and universities take note - it's time for something bolder.
1. Forget hitting send and deploy messages as a scheduled sequence.
You can schedule by date and time or, even better, by a trigger. For example, after a student fills out a request for information form, they receive the campaign sequence. Keep those initial forms short and sweet and use triggered messaging for follow-up forms.
Bonus tip: Reuse sequences for different campaigns so all you have to do is change content.
Making the most of your email strategy is integral to the power of automation. Make sure you're using the best techniques to connect to your students.
2. It doesn’t always have to be an email. Try texting it instead.
Students are on their phones 24/7. Why not take advantage and send your email campaign as a series of texts instead? Likely to have better engagement, you can even encourage them to click the link to register for an event, and complete a short form all from their device.
Bonus Tip: Make your message more personalized with an image, graphic, or emoji. Merge in their first name so they’ll feel like they are texting their BFF.
Did you know? With Element451, you can set up an SMS version of your email to go out with your email. CC or BCC family members, counselors, and more for an even greater impact.
3. Integrate the Chatbot.
Students expect a rapid response. Automated chatbots can be used to answer student questions, provide quick feedback, and guide them through the process without relying on more pressure on your team. Integration of the chatbot doesn't have to be so hard.
Bonus Tip: Give your chatbot some personality by making them similar to your school's mascot. Add a name, and an image, and it’ll make engagement even more fun.
4. Be More Interactive
The beauty of automating communication with students means that it can not only be personalized but it can also be fun. Ask interesting questions that trigger more personalized content and information that students actually care about. All at the push of a button.
Bonus Tip: Automation can provide immediate and personalized feedback on student assignments and assessments, helping improve student motivation and engagement.
5. Make Data-Driven Decisions
Automated systems collect and store data, allowing educational institutions to make data-driven decisions to drive student engagement and success. Using this data can help you prep for future campaigns and also assist with scalability as your student needs grow.
Bonus Tip: Try using A/B automated testing to segment your audience. For example, send one message to prospective students and one to current applicants to discover which may have a higher yield.
6. Automation can be easier with Packs
Our exclusive library of higher-ed campaigns actually automates automations. Each Pack comes with the messages for a campaign, such as senior search, and the workflow to run the campaign. Simply install and Packs does the rest.
Bonus Tip: Set up your Packs Content Tokens by filling out a brief survey about your school and watch as messaging is built and customized for your school, including logo and branding.
Did you know? All of our packs are fully customizable to your school's engagement and enrollment goals. Adjust messages exactly as you need them.
It's time to put student engagement on the top of the class.
Automating processes is an easy way to make it happen. Contact us to discover how to make it easier.
It's time to put student engagement at the top of the class.
Automating processes is an easy way to make it happen. Contact us to discover how to make it easier.
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