University X is NOT your university. Probably. But are you sure about that? Read on…
The challenge of standing out in the competitive field of Higher Education recruitment demands innovative strategies. The shift from a generic to a more personalised approach in organising Applicant Days has proven to be a pivotal strategy for universities aiming to increase their appeal and conversion rates.
My blog post today compares the transformation of University X before and after embracing faculty-specific Applicant Days, highlighting the indispensable role of a specialised CRM system.
Applicants want faculty specific interactions, communications and support, not ‘one-size-fits-all’
Before: The Conventional Method
University X's approach to Applicant Days was once characterised by broad, institution-wide events. These events, while comprehensive, lacked the depth and personal touch needed to fully engage prospective students in their areas of interest. Event officers on the ground often wondered how they could satisfy the attendees’ desire for more detailed insights into specific faculties and courses.
After: Implementing Faculty-Specific Applicant Days
In pursuit of a more targeted recruitment strategy, University X adopted a new approach, leveraging the capabilities of Student CRM, a specialised CRM system designed for HE. This strategic pivot involved organising Applicant Days with a focus on individual faculties, each tailored to the interests and aspirations of its prospective student audience.
Strategic Changes and Outcomes:
Targeted Invitations: Utilising 'Student CRM's advanced segmentation tools, University X could identify prospective students based on their UCAS choices and directly invite them to relevant faculty-specific events. This ensured high engagement levels right from the outset.
Personalised Experiences: Each Applicant Day was meticulously crafted to highlight the unique offerings of the respective faculty, including specialised workshops, faculty-led tours, and Q&A sessions with current students. This immersive experience provided applicants with a vivid picture of their potential future at the university.
Improved Engagement: The focused nature of these events facilitated deeper interactions and allowed prospective students to gain a comprehensive understanding of their chosen fields. This personalised touch significantly enhanced the overall applicant experience.
Customized Follow-Up: Leveraging the rich data stored against every applicant in 'Student CRM', University X executed personalised follow-up campaigns. These communications were tailored based on the interests and interactions exhibited during the Applicant Days, further nurturing the relationship with each prospective student.
So far, so good
The transformation witnessed by University X underscores the value of investing in specialised, faculty-specific Applicant Days. This strategy, powered by the rich data capabilities and segmentation tools of a specialised CRM system like 'Student CRM', enables universities to engage with prospective students on a more personal and impactful level.
The success of University X's revamped recruitment approach highlights a crucial insight: only by working with a specialised CRM, capable of storing and leveraging rich data against every applicant, can universities truly maximise their recruitment efforts and achieve significant improvements in conversion rates. This targeted, data-driven approach not only elevates the applicant experience but sets the foundation for a more engaged and committed student body.
So, we can manage this in our CRM then?
Yes and no, because not all university CRMs are equal
Our Applicant Open Days is the only app of its kind, once you have seen it you will see its value.
In the ever-evolving landscape of Higher Education (HE) in the UK, university recruitment and admissions teams are constantly seeking innovative ways to streamline processes, enhance student engagement, and ultimately, drive admissions success. While numerous Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems promise efficiency and organisation, the distinct needs of HE institutions call for more than just an off-the-shelf solution. This is where our bespoke 'Student CRM' system, meticulously designed and built in the UK for the HE sector, sets a new standard.
The Unique Demands of Higher Education Admissions:
HE admissions in the UK face a unique set of challenges and requirements. From handling the nuances of UCAS applications to managing intricate student records across various courses and departments, the complexity is substantial. Generic CRM systems, while functional for broad applications, often fall short when it comes to the specific, intricate needs of university admissions.
Why a Specialised CRM Makes a Difference:
Absolutely every detail, setting, default and nuance has been built around observing behaviours and engagement following millions of applications flowing through our platform, year after year. For example: see how easy it is to set up which applicants get automatically invited: Q. How do I use Invite Lists to invite students to my Applicant Open Day?
Custom-Built for HE: Student CRM is not just another CRM; it's a solution born out of an intimate understanding of the HE sector's challenges and opportunities. Developed in the UK, it's fine-tuned to align with the specific workflows, terminology, and compliance requirements of UK universities and colleges. This bespoke approach means every feature is designed with HE in mind, from UCAS integration to bespoke reporting and beyond.
Seamless Integration: One of the hallmarks of our Student CRM is its seamless compatibility with all common university student records systems and UCAS. This integration is pivotal, ensuring that admissions officers have a unified, accurate view of applicant data, streamlining the admissions process, and enhancing communication strategies.
Efficiency and Personalisation: Beyond integration, Student CRM empowers universities to tailor their recruitment and admissions strategies with precision. From automating mundane tasks to facilitating targeted, personalised communication with applicants, our CRM transforms data into actionable insights, enabling universities to focus on what they do best—educating the leaders of tomorrow.
The Difference is Clear: The contrast between a generic CRM and Student CRM is stark. While the former may provide a baseline level of functionality, it lacks the nuanced understanding and tailored features that the latter offers. With Student CRM, universities can expect a system that not only understands but anticipates the needs of the HE sector, offering a level of specificity and support that off-the-shelf solutions simply cannot match.
🚀 Happy recruiting!
Dom Yeadon
Student CRM's Founder, Dom Yeadon, brings unparalleled experience and insights to the world of student recruitment. With decades of marketing, student recruitment, and higher education-specific services under his belt, Dom is uniquely positioned to offer the best advice on engaging students and driving recruitment success.
Subscribe to my Student CRM Newsletter
Why Dom Yeadon's Expertise Matters
EXTENSIVE MARKETING EXPERIENCE
Dom Yeadon has a proven track record in marketing that spans several decades.
His experience and understanding of marketing principles and strategies ensure that the advice and insights provided in the eNewsletter are backed by a solid foundation.
IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE OF STUDENT RECRUITMENT
With years of hands-on experience in student recruitment, Dom has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by UK universities.
His expertise enables him to provide practical and effective solutions to address the unique needs of higher education institutions.
HIGHER EDUCATION-SPECIFIC SERVICES
Dom's dedication to the higher education sector has led him to focus exclusively on providing services tailored to the needs of UK universities.
This specialisation allows him to offer targeted advice and strategies that can have a significant impact on student recruitment efforts.
A PASSION FOR HELPING UNIVERSITIES SUCCEED
At the heart of Dom's work is a genuine passion for helping universities improve their recruitment processes and achieve their goals.
His commitment to the success of UK higher education institutions ensures that the insights and guidance offered in the eNewsletter are both relevant and valuable.