SMS marketing for Universities offers a seamless communication system to help you get your message across to your target audience quickly and easily. It’s an affordable way to reach many people with your marketing message, and it’s a great way to keep your audience updated on the latest news and events happening at your school or university. Educational institutions must innovate and explore all possible communication channels to ensure that education-related messages are received conveniently and quickly by the students and community.
SMS remains the only marketing and communication channel with the highest open rates at 98%. Text messaging guarantees a streamlined method of getting messages to your target market without the hassle. SMS Marketing for Universities is excellent for event reminders, admissions, news, announcements, or emergencies. SMS messaging has come a long way from being a personal choice for getting in touch with friends. It has evolved into a powerful marketing and engagement tool for businesses, organizations, and educational sectors. This article will give you more information on the importance and use of SMS marketing for universities.
What is SMS Marketing?
SMS marketing is a means of directly interacting with your brand regarding consumer contact. These text messages may be sent out in bulk, offering deals, updates, and reminders to a set of people.
SMS marketing messages are often sent via text messaging platforms for easier distribution to subscribers. Subscribers must have opted-in to the text messaging list. You can’t send marketing communications until your audience “opts in,” which is the case in most jurisdictions. Add a call to action (CTA) to your email marketing campaigns, share social media posts with a link to enroll, and develop creative and straightforward tactics to encourage subscribers.
The same idea works across sectors using SMS marketing. Universities and schools must require students to subscribe to the text messaging system before they can start receiving messages.
Students are participating in more demanding activities. The number of students working full- or part-time has risen, as has the number of students with family and childcare responsibilities. Without students constantly on campus, it’s more difficult for universities to pass along critical information. However, texting can help solve these and other communication dilemmas. Text message alerts are an excellent way for colleges to connect with students, parents or guardians, and staff.
What is the Importance of SMS Marketing in Universities?
SMS Marketing is essential for schools and universities as it allows institutions to reach many individuals conveniently. Furthermore, SMS messages are highly likely to be read. Thus, informative yet concise messages are sent in real-time.
According to a recent study, the educational sector is one of the top 10 industries that use SMS marketing. 47% of educational institutions said they use SMS to communicate with customers.
SMS marketing is a cost-effective and easy way for schools and universities to communicate with parents and students, which is why it has become one of the best methods for announcements, reminders, and other important events. SMS marketing is beneficial for schools and universities in issuing emergency alerts. By using bulk SMS messages, institutions can rapidly disperse notifications to students’ and parents’ phones with an immediate call to action.
How does SMS Marketing Use in Schools and Universities?
SMS marketing provides universities and schools with accessible, quick, and convenient communications for internal and external use. It is more environmentally friendly and instantly reaches the target audience. Here are the 7 ways on how SMS marketing is used in schools and universities.
1. SMS for Events
2. SMS for Contents
3. SMS for School News
4. SMS for Reminders
5. SMS for Emergencies
6. SMS for Guidance
7. SMS for Enrollments
1. SMS for Events
Sending SMS for events in schools and universities has a similar goal to sending invites to businesses. The SMS works as a ticket for students on campus or other people to enter the school premises. Send messages to your subscribers inviting them to attend your campus or online events and encourage them to participate.
Event invites can be sent for the school dance, sports activities, open houses, and others organized by the school. It is also helpful for club activity invitations and other gatherings that require an RSVP. Ensure your audience knows the event’s purpose, date, time, and location.
Here is an example of an SMS marketing message for school or club events:
“Hey {Student Name}! The Fall Ball happens on October 31. It will be a fun and spooky night! The party starts at 7 pm in the school gym. See you there!”
2. SMS for Contents
Sending content through SMS is a new way of providing information to students, staff, and faculty. Institutions can use text messages to send links to articles, videos, or PDFs. Teachers can also remind students of upcoming assignments and deadlines by sending them content through SMS.
You may use text-based content marketing to cultivate future students by sending text messages with information and free offers. If you have eBooks or videos you’d want to share, include an informative caption. Here is an example of SMS for content.
“Hello {student name}, This is from the Univerity Library. We have some great news! We are releasing a free eBook from one of your favorite authors. Click this link to download: {link}. Thanks!”
3. SMS for School News
Universities and schools can use text messages to send announcements or updates to students, staff, and faculty. These may include changes in class schedules, upcoming holidays, and other significant news.
SMS is a great way to keep everyone updated without bombarding them with too many emails. Below is an example of an SMS announcement for schools.
“Good morning {student name}, this is just a quick heads up that there will be no classes tomorrow due to the All Saints’ Day holiday. Enjoy the long weekend!”
4. SMS for Reminders
One of the most common uses of SMS in universities and schools is sending reminders. These can be in the form of upcoming deadlines, meeting schedules, or due payment dates.
Reminders are commonly sent a day or two before the event. It gives students or staff time to prepare and make necessary arrangements. While it’s crucial to send reminders for events, broadcasts, etc., in advance, bombarding people with constant updates will only annoy them. Instead, they would check the official website for news rather than fill their inboxes with unimportant messages.
The frequency of communications is also essential. It is where SMS marketing for schools and universities might be distinguished from other forms of marketing. Below is an example of SMS for reminders as used in schools.
“Hi {student name}, just a friendly reminder that your tuition fee for this semester is due next week. Please settle your account to avoid delays in your enrollment.”
5. SMS for Emergencies
SMS allows institutions to quickly send out mass emergency notifications to employees, faculty, and students. Text message notifications may be sent out to limited recipients in the event of a safety or criminal threat, extreme weather conditions, or even last-minute lecture room modifications.
Schools and colleges may also send emergency notifications through their websites, which is another option. A website with a built-in rapid notification system sends text messages quickly and easily without additional software or hardware. SMS services allow you to easily modify and define the kind, degree, and frequency of events that generate alerts.
Below is an example of an SMS message for an emergency in schools.
“Attention all students and faculty, there has been a report of a suspicious person on campus. Please remain in your buildings and do not go outside until further notice.”
6. SMS for Guidance
Many universities and colleges already have guidance counselors who help students with their studies. However, SMS can also provide students with academic advice and support.
SMS services can send out important information about scholarships, bursaries, and other financial aid programs. Counselors can also use text messages to remind students of important deadlines.
An example of SMS for the guidance of students is shown below.
“Hi {student name}, This is your guidance counselor. I just wanted to remind you that the deadline for scholarship applications is next week. Please let me know if you need any help with the application.”
7. SMS for Enrollments
SMS can also be used for university and school enrollments. Universities can use text messages to notify students of the enrollment process and deadline. They can also provide a link to the online application form.
With numerous events and deadlines, students and faculty find it difficult to stay on top of everything. Scheduling mass text messages can be a lifesaver for important dates; enrollment reminders are just one example Schools utilize SMS text messaging to communicate with everyone easily.
Here is an example of an SMS message for enrollment in universities.
“Hi {student name}, This is a reminder that enrollment for the upcoming semester will open next week. Please log into your student portal to check the available courses.”
What are the Benefits of using SMS Marketing in Universities?
SMS marketing in universities offers many benefits to the students, faculty, and the institution. Like other industries, schools and universities will enjoy the convenience and cost-effectiveness of text message marketing as one of their communication channels.
SMS marketing initiatives may become expensive, mainly when they include print media, visual media, PPC advertising, etc. It’s considerably less costly to send an SMS online. Considering SMS’s high conversion rates, achieving a quick return on investment is feasible.
Another benefit of using SMS marketing in universities is the direct connection between students, parents, and institutions. Every university or college student has a smartphone, making SMS announcements an excellent method of reaching any student, anywhere in the world, at any moment. Text message notifications come directly to the inbox and stay as alerts on the receiver’s phone until they are opened. Unlike email communications, text message notifications are difficult to ignore.
Additionally, SMS marketing allows for two-way communication. It is essential for schools that want feedback from students about their university experience or any other concerns they may have.
Lastly, text message alerts are not only trackable, but they’re also measurable. It allows you to evaluate your text messages’ performance and decide whether to continue sending them after the first batch has been dispatched.
What are the things to consider when sending Bulk SMS in Schools and Universities?
Before you start sending bulk SMS as part of the university communication channel, there are three critical things to consider. The first is to ensure that you comply with applicable laws, the second is to plan your message strategy carefully, and the third is to choose an SMS marketing platform suitable for your needs.
You want to get off on the right foot by ensuring your recipients are receptive to your messages. Check applicable laws such as the Clery Act for Schools and the CAN-SPAM Act. Likewise, ensure you gather consent from students, parents, and faculty by getting their opt-in before beginning your SMS marketing campaign in universities.
The next step is to create a message strategy. Plan the content of your messages and what you want to achieve with each message. Since you’ll be sending out many messages, you must have an organized plan, so your recipients don’t get overwhelmed and unsubscribe from your service. Prepare templates that you will use for various situations, such as for event invitations, emergencies, and others.
Lastly, choose an SMS marketing platform like JookSMS that will automate your messages and make it easier for you to manage your contacts and subscribers. JookSMS offers a free trial so that you can explore its features and see how it can benefit your university.
Are there SMS templates for Schools and Universities?
Yes, there are SMS templates for universities and schools. These templates can be used for various purposes, such as event invitations, emergencies, and reminders. Using templates lessens the burden of creating messages from scratch every time you need to send one. It also ensures that your announcements follow a format unique to your institution. Below are some SMS templates for schools and universities.
“It’s Teacher Appreciation Day! All teachers, faculty, and staff are invited to enjoy the donuts in the teacher’s lounge.”
“Thank you for signing up for {School Name} parent updates. You may also create an account for parents on the school website. To unsubscribe, text STOP to 611.”
“Emergency alert: The Tanner Building will be closed and evacuated until further notice due to an electrical fire. Please avoid the building and surrounding areas.”
“Hi {Student Name}! Please be reminded of your appointment with Ms. Wilkinson on {Date} at {Time} for your semestral assessment. Thank you!”
FACULTY AND STAFF: “Lockdown protocol: stay in your current location and take shelter. This is not a drill.”
“The Homecoming Dance is quickly approaching, and we’ve just announced the topic for this year’s event! Discover what it is and purchase your tickets in advance: [Link].”
“For the safety of our students and staff, all roads on campus will be closed until tomorrow morning. If you are currently on campus, please stay where you are and contact onsite management by calling or texting [Phone Number].”
Is Short Code Texting applicable for Schools and Universities?
Yes. Short code texting is a type of SMS that uses a 5- or 6-digit number instead of a 10-digit phone number. It’s commonly used for marketing purposes and can effectively reach a large audience with your message. Short codes are particularly well-suited for universities since they allow you to send reminders, announcements quickly, and alerts to students, parents, and faculty. Shortcodes are easy to remember, so your contacts are more likely to opt-in to your service.