Top Student Recruitment Strategies: Testimonials & Influencer Marketing

In today's competitive higher education landscape, attracting college applicants requires more than just a fancy brochure and a website. Students have a wealth of options, and they're looking for valued and authentic voices to help them make their decision. Discover how to use one of the top student recruitment strategies today - a combination of testimonials and influencer marketing.

The Power of Testimonials as a Student Recruitment Strategy 

Testimonials are powerful tools that help build trust and credibility with prospective students. When they hear from current students and alumni about their positive experiences at your institution, they're more likely to see themselves there too.

Using testimonials effectively requires understanding your target audience.

Here are some ways to effectively influence the young adult demographic with testimonials:

• Feature a variety of voices. Make sure your testimonials represent the diversity of your student body. Include students from different backgrounds, majors, and years of study.
• Keep it real. Don't script your testimonials. Let students speak from the heart about their experiences.
• Use multiple formats. Share testimonials in writing, video, and audio. This will appeal to different learning styles and preferences.
• Make it easy for students to find testimonials. Feature them prominently on your website, social media channels, and marketing materials.

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” 

–  JOHN QUINCY ADAMS

Influencer Marketing As a Student Recruitment Strategy

Influencer marketing has taken the world by storm, and it's no surprise that it's finding its way into the higher education space. By partnering with prominent people with strong standing among your target audience, you can reach and engage a wide audience of potential recruits.

Here are some things to keep in mind when working with student influencers:

• Find the right fit. Choose influencers who are aligned with your program’s values and whose opinions are valued among prospective students.
• Give them creative freedom. Don't micromanage your influencers. Let them share their thoughts and experiences in their own way.
• Track your results. Be sure to measure the impact of your influencer marketing campaign so you can see what's working and what's not.

+ See five winning social media marketing strategies to increase college enrollment.

Using Testimonials and Influencer Marketing Together

Testimonials and influencer marketing are even more powerful when used together. For example, you could feature a prominent influencer in a video testimonial, ask them to speak at an open house, or you have them share student testimonials on their own social media channels. Student recruitment strategies like these create a more authentic and engaging campaign that will resonate strongly with prospective students.

See our complete guide: Recruiting Students – A Marketing Plan to Increase College Enrollment.

Here at MSS Media, Inc., we’ve been providing Education, Government, Real Estate & Lifestyle clients with succinct, optimized, and successful marketing solutions for more than 15 years. Consider MSS Media, Inc. a full-service, one-stop shop for all your Media and Public Relations needs. Your goals are our motivation. And our mission is to propel your message, further and faster, to achieve the outcomes you’re looking for. If you found this blog post helpful, please share!