Proven Marketing Strategies to Attract Students

Marketing to students takes time, patience, and creative thinking. Today’s students are discerning and socially conscious, and they can spot a phoney a mile off. So, what’s the best way to grab the attention of this fast-moving, meme-loving crowd? Let’s look at seven ways that actually work, with some examples to guide the way.

1. Social Media Campaigns That Resonate

Social media relatability is key. One approach has been around creating campaigns that fit into students’ lives and appeal to their interests. Spotify, for example, produces highly targeted playlists, and its listeners are more likely to stay with the brand as they study and relax, thanks to the built-in familiarity with the product. If your brand can reflect your audience's lifestyle and show how your product fits into their personal story, this gives you an advantage in engagement and loyalty. 

For example, say you want to promote tutoring or academic aid services. If so, go online where your audiences “live” and create relatable and trendy content for platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. Create a video showcasing how your essay service USA can help learners achieve their study goals. Throw a meme in there, and you’re golden!

2. Engaging Influencers and Brand Ambassadors

Students trust each other, not advertisements. Red Bull and Adobe are two companies that leverage student brand ambassadors who embody the brand’s core values and have an organic connection to student communities. This allows them to create authentic content and host events that make brand experiences feel more legit. Peer-to-peer marketing can be highly effective at building brand trust and organically expanding brand enthusiasm in tight-knit communities.

3. Interactive Content and Competitions

Microsoft’s Imagine Cup brilliantly captures the essence of engaging students through competition. Here’s how creating a competition arena can benefit your brand:

• Demonstrates Expertise: Allows students to showcase their skills.
• Promotes Innovation: Aligns your brand with cutting-edge ideas and technological advancement.
• Supports Career Development: Connects students' participation with their professional growth.
• Increases Visibility: Competitions naturally foster sharing, boosting your brand’s presence.
• Builds Community: Creates a sense of belonging and community among participants.

4. Value-Based Promotions

Provide value they can’t pass up. If there’s one thing that always appeals to university students, it’s saving money. Amazon’s Prime Student program, for example, features tailored promotions that offer genuine value, such as discounts on textbooks and exclusive deals, which will make it particularly attractive for students who want their money to go further. By understanding students' financial situation, you can craft relevant and appealing offers. 

5. Educational Content That Adds Value

Teach, don’t just sell. Grammarly has a terrific blog and email campaign that provides writing tips, grammar recommendations for writers, and even career guidance. You can also see many research paper writing services promoted in a similar way, using free tools and resources to lure students into sampling their services. Position your company as a helpful resource, not just a vendor. Educational content can help establish credibility and build a long-term relationship with students.

6. Mobile-Friendly Campaigns

Students live on their phones. Make sure that your marketing campaigns are mobile-friendly. Use Snapchat’s geofilter and in-stream Instagram story ads as a way to engage students on their preferred platforms.

7. Transparency and Authenticity

Don’t be coy. The clothing company Everlane has built a large following among student customers through its efforts to be transparent about how its clothes are made and at what cost. This plays especially well with a demographic that cares about corporate responsibility and ethical practices. Transparency about how you do business can help to build trust and loyalty among your student customers. 

Bringing It All Together

Student marketing doesn’t have to feel like studying for finals. With these five strategies, you are having a conversation, not shouting into the void. Use artwork, personal interactions, or mobile sites that reflect the student world. Let students know your brand sees and cares about their world, and you may soon have more than just their money; you’ll have their loyalty.