There’s a digital revolution happening, and colleges are right at its epicenter. Today’s college-bound students have grown up in a world where customization is the norm – from playlists to pizza toppings. It’s only fitting that universities join this bandwagon. How, you ask? Enter the innovative realm of “higher education geofencing marketing“!
For the uninitiated, geofencing might sound like something from a sci-fi flick. In reality, it’s a friendly digital tool making waves in how universities interact with potential students. In simple terms, geofencing creates virtual boundaries around specific locations. Walk into one of these boundaries, and your smartphone lights up with tailored messages or notifications. Neat, right?
Now, think about a high school grad, undecided about which college to join. They’re touring multiple campuses, trying to get a feel for where they might spend the next few years. As they amble around one particular campus, their phone pings with an invite to a breakout session specifically designed for their major. Or maybe they receive a video testimonial from a recent grad who pursued the same course. It’s these personalized interactions that can tip the scale in favor of one institution over another.
But there’s more to higher education geofencing than just snazzy marketing. For universities, it’s a tool to tap into the psyche of potential enrollees, understand their preferences, and curate experiences that resonate. Fancy a vegan snack? Here’s a coupon for the campus eatery! Looking to join a coding club? Here’s an invite to this evening’s meetup!
However, (and this is a biggie) – subtlety is the name of the game. Bombarding students with too much information could make them feel overwhelmed. Also, and it can’t be stressed enough, data privacy is sacrosanct. Universities need to ensure they’re transparent about how data is used and give students the choice to opt-in or out.