IS RECRUITMENT YOUR PAIN? Try the power of

REFERRALS

31%? Enrollment is projected to

by 2022

- U.S. Department of Education’s Projection of Education Statistics

shrink by

Did you know . . .

where education prices are skyrocketing and young adults are starting to think of alternatives to the traditional 4-year university.

THIS IS BECAUSE WE LIVE IN A TIME

$150,000 After all, why spend upwards of

when you can acquire a job right out of high school and get a head start on the career you want?

A current trend among the younger generation

on a Bachelors degree

And few have forgotten about the power of a solid 4-year bachelor’s degree.

Knowledge Is power

But

Recruitment

Enrollment

Retention

However, Higher Education Needs Help with

Brand advocacy gives universities the help they need by bestowing on them the power to be disruptive through the use of referrals when attempting to increase recruitment, enrollment, and retention. Referrals are the highest value action that a donor, alumni, board member, partner, student or employee can do for your school. 

We Trust our friends

Referrals take advantage of the fact that just like anything else,

and family for guidance on matters as large as choosing which university to attend

This makes educational institutions perfect for implementing referrals.

68% After all, research shows that

of students already choose their school of choice because of their family or friends.

400% more likely to buy a product or service recommended by family or a friend.

(Nielsen)

Studies have shown that people are

Referrals add on to that percentage

Two Key Things Need to happen

But for higher educational institutions to take advantage of these statistics

They will need to learn to develop new tactics and ways to engage students who believe that educational institution’s benefits no longer balance the rising costs, and as they do this retention will be more important than ever.

The first is that universities need to place a very high level of focus on student recruitment and enrollment. 

that will allow them to develop, leverage and track the power of referrals at their institutions.

Secondly, universities are going to need to invest in new disruptive forms of marketing technology

Once you’ve determined who your advocates are and selected a vendor to host your individualized referral program, the right incentives can be implemented to produce highly motivated advocates.

But what incentives are right to motivate your specific advocate group?

Referral program

One paramount form of disruptive marketing technology that’s used to accelerate lead generation is a

and the audience that you are asking to the make referrals.

The answer is tied to the type of product you are offering

Many referral programs opt for some sort of monetary reward, whether e-gift cards, bill or account credits, checks, or product discounts.

Open up the discussion

But, there are market segments with less mercenary, more altruistic attributes that

of alternatives.

university advocates are motivated by loyalty to their university.

Higher education is a great example where non-cash rewards are desirable because

reward

Alumni rewards include: Campus swag Tango card (electronic gift card) Students rewards include: Tango card Bookstore gift card Dining dollars Parking pass

An example of rewardable activity would be the completion of a campus visit. This would be a great chance to

alumni and students with individualized rewards based off the type of advocate they are.

But truth be told... Cash is king

Overall, don’t be afraid to be creative with your rewards.

And in the end even non-cash rewards all have cash value.

Need help filling your fall class?Learn more about referral automation software for higher education.!

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