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6 strategies and tactics for Student Recruitment

What is Student Recruitment strategy?

Team success often hinges on the ability to develop and implement effective strategies and tactics. It's a bit like playing chess, except that you have more than 1 player on each side.

Crafting the perfect Student Recruitment strategy can feel overwhelming, particularly when you're juggling daily responsibilities. That's why we've put together a collection of examples to spark your inspiration.

Copy these examples into your preferred app, or you can also use Tability to keep yourself accountable.

How to write your own Student Recruitment strategy with AI

While we have some examples available, it's likely that you'll have specific scenarios that aren't covered here. You can use our free AI generator below or our more complete goal-setting system to generate your own strategies.

Student Recruitment strategy examples

You will find in the next section many different Student Recruitment tactics. We've included action items in our templates to make it as actionable as possible.

Strategies and tactics for enhancing university student recruitment marketing

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Utilise digital marketing

    • Create targeted social media campaigns aimed at prospective students
    • Develop engaging video content featuring current student testimonials
    • Optimise university website for search engines to increase visibility
    • Use Google Ads to target key demographics
    • Implement retargeting ads to re-engage prospective students who visited the website
    • Create informative blog posts about university life and academic benefits
    • Utilise email marketing to nurture leads captured through web forms
    • Leverage influencers or alumni to share positive experiences on social media
    • Conduct webinars or virtual open days to engage with international students
    • Track and analyse digital marketing performance to optimise strategies

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Strengthen relationships with schools

    • Develop partnerships with high schools to facilitate information sessions
    • Offer workshops or seminars conducted by university faculty to school students
    • Create a school ambassador programme to increase the university’s visibility
    • Provide high schools with promotional materials about university offerings
    • Invite school counsellors to campus events to learn more about the university
    • Host on-campus open days specifically for school groups
    • Create tailored outreach programs for underrepresented schools
    • Develop a referral programme for school staff to recommend prospective students
    • Arrange university staff visits to high schools for engagement activities
    • Maintain regular communication with school administrators and staff

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Enhance the university brand

    • Develop a unique brand message that highlights the university’s strengths
    • Revamp the university's visual identity to align with modern design trends
    • Produce high-quality content that reflects the university’s achievements
    • Promote distinguished faculty and student achievements across media platforms
    • Engage with university alumni to share their success stories
    • Use university merchandise to increase brand visibility among prospective students
    • Participate in educational fairs and similar events to showcase the university
    • Conduct market research to understand prospective students' brand perception
    • Encourage student-generated content to promote authenticity
    • Formulate public relations campaigns to enhance the university’s reputation
digital-marketingrecruitmentsocial-media-managerschool-liaison-officermarketing-teamoutreach-team
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Strategies and tactics for creating a 10-minute presentation on recruiting international students from MENA and Pakistan

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Emphasise university strengths

    • Highlight the University of Surrey's global rankings and achievements
    • Showcase unique programmes and courses offered
    • Include testimonials from current international students
    • Present state-of-the-art facilities and campus amenities
    • Talk about the university's support services for international students
    • Share success stories of alumni from the MENA region and Pakistan
    • Demonstrate the multicultural environment on campus
    • Emphasise the university's commitment to diversity and inclusion
    • Display visual content, such as videos and images of campus life
    • Provide detailed information about scholarships and financial aid

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Target marketing in MENA and Pakistan

    • Identify key platforms and media channels popular in the MENA region and Pakistan
    • Develop customised marketing content tailored to cultural preferences
    • Utilise social media platforms to reach prospective students
    • Partner with local educational consultants and agencies
    • Attend education fairs and exhibitions in the target regions
    • Create webinars and virtual events specifically for these markets
    • Engage with local alumni as ambassadors for the university
    • Offer language support and preparatory courses
    • Establish agreements with local high schools and universities
    • Monitor and assess the effectiveness of marketing strategies regularly

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Strengthen university partnerships

    • Identify potential partnerships with universities and institutions in the MENA region and Pakistan
    • Explore student exchange programmes and collaborative research opportunities
    • Host faculty exchange visits to build deeper academic links
    • Co-sponsor regional academic conferences and workshops
    • Arrange roadshows and recruitment events in major cities
    • Develop joint degree or dual degree programmes
    • Promote pathway programmes for easier transition to the university
    • Share success stories of existing partnerships and collaborations
    • Ensure constant communication with educational contacts in the regions
    • Regularly evaluate and report on the outcomes of partnerships
student-recruitmentinternational-outreachmarketing-strategistenrollment-advisormarketing-teamrecruitment-team
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Strategies and tactics for growing the high school student body and preparing lifelong disciples

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Develop a targeted recruitment plan

    • Identify key demographics and geographic areas for student recruitment
    • Create engaging marketing materials that highlight the school's unique mission
    • Host open house events and virtual tours to attract prospective students and their families
    • Develop partnerships with local churches and community organisations to reach potential students
    • Leverage social media platforms to increase awareness and interest in the school
    • Implement a referral programme for current students and staff to bring in new students
    • Attend education fairs and community events to showcase school offerings
    • Develop a mentorship programme where current students can share their experiences with potential students
    • Offer scholarships or financial aid packages to attract a diverse student body
    • Track and analyse recruitment data to refine strategies and improve results

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Enhance educational programmes and extracurricular offerings

    • Conduct a thorough review of current educational programmes and extracurricular activities
    • Gather feedback from students, parents, and staff to identify areas for improvement
    • Introduce new courses or programmes that align with college and career readiness
    • Strengthen the integration of the Christ-centered mission into all aspects of the curriculum
    • Enhance extracurricular programmes to include a wider variety of interests and skills
    • Develop partnerships with local businesses and colleges for internship and apprenticeship opportunities
    • Implement a regular assessment process to ensure educational quality and relevance
    • Provide professional development opportunities for staff to align with educational goals
    • Promote extracurricular success stories to increase student engagement and interest
    • Regularly evaluate and update programmes based on student outcomes and feedback

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Strengthen community engagement and relationships

    • Establish a community engagement committee to coordinate outreach efforts
    • Host quarterly events that invite community members and alumni back to the school
    • Develop a volunteer programme that connects students with community service opportunities
    • Create an alumni network to foster ongoing connections and support
    • Build partnerships with local businesses for sponsorship of school events and programmes
    • Develop a communication plan to keep community stakeholders informed of school activities and achievements
    • Use school platforms to highlight stories of students making a positive impact on society
    • Organise service projects that involve students, staff, and community members working together
    • Invite guest speakers from the community to enhance student learning experiences
    • Regularly assess community engagement efforts and adapt strategies to strengthen relationships
recruitmentengagementrecruitment-coordinatorcommunity-liaisonadmissions-teamcommunity-engagement-committee
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Strategies and tactics for developing a Strategic Framework for University Growth

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Enhance Campus Infrastructure and Facilities

    • Upgrade and decorate lecture rooms and seminar spaces
    • Expand and upgrade medical, engineering, and IT laboratories
    • Develop a new library expansion project
    • Establish a second medical laboratory
    • Install a robust IT structure with green and sustainable technology
    • Open a new campus branch in a strategic location
    • Replace and upgrade university's transport vehicles
    • Collaborate with public and private sectors for infrastructure investment
    • Implement eco-friendly practices in all campus operations
    • Develop and enforce strong health and safety guidelines

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Foster Academic Growth and Student Engagement

    • Revise and enhance the academic curriculum regularly
    • Introduce student empowerment and development programs
    • Integrate co-curricular activities to promote holistic learning
    • Provide mentoring and tutoring systems for student support
    • Expand transformational education experiences with global outreach
    • Implement a comprehensive enrolment management plan
    • Offer competitive scholarships and financial aid
    • Encourage community engagement through volunteering and projects
    • Foster an inclusive and collaborative educational environment
    • Implement quality recruitment processes for diverse and skilled faculty

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Strengthen Research and Resource Management

    • Prioritise socio-economic research in university's agenda
    • Create partnerships with local and international organisations
    • Develop a strategic financial plan for sustainable funding
    • Enhance the university's internal and external communication
    • Introduce a robust monitoring and assessment framework
    • Cultivate a culture of continuous improvement and innovation
    • Strengthen the support for research activities and infrastructure
    • Develop a resource utilisation policy for efficiency
    • Organise seminars and workshops to showcase research
    • Provide training for staff on resource management and efficiencies
infrastructure-improvementacademic-excellenceuniversity-administratorcurriculum-developerinfrastructure-developmentacademic-affairs
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Strategies and tactics for developing a Comprehensive Strategic Plan for Marketing and Communications

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Strengthen brand recognition and awareness

    • Conduct a brand audit to identify strengths and areas for improvement
    • Create a unified branding guideline to be distributed across all departments
    • Organise a series of brand-focused workshops for FNU staff
    • Develop a consistent messaging strategy highlighting FNU's dual roles
    • Engage professional designers to update FNU's visual identity
    • Leverage successful alumni stories in marketing materials and campaigns
    • Launch a digital campaign featuring student testimonials and experiences
    • Collaborate with influencers and media for broader reach
    • Use targeted social media ads to reach potential students
    • Monitor brand perception through regular surveys and social listening

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Enhance stakeholder engagement and partnerships

    • Map out key stakeholders and create a targeted engagement plan
    • Develop an alumni relations strategy that includes networking events
    • Launch a newsletter for staff, students, and alumni to foster connection
    • Establish partnerships with local and international businesses
    • Organise industry panels and talks at FNU to increase visibility
    • Promote collaborative research initiatives with partner institutions
    • Host bi-annual stakeholder forums to discuss university progress
    • Develop student ambassador programs to engage current and prospective students
    • Launch campaigns highlighting student achievements in local communities
    • Implement stakeholder feedback mechanisms to improve relationships

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Drive a digital transformation and innovation in marketing

    • Adopt advanced digital marketing tools and platforms
    • Create a dedicated content team for social media management
    • Introduce monthly podcasts focusing on trends and experiences at FNU
    • Enhance the FNU website with a user-friendly experience
    • Run SEO and content marketing campaigns to increase organic reach
    • Engage in targeted email marketing for different audience segments
    • Invest in analytics tools to assess digital campaign performance
    • Produce engaging video content showcasing the university's offerings
    • Use virtual reality for interactive virtual tours of campus facilities
    • Launch digital education initiatives to support online learning goals
brand-recognitiondigital-transformationmarketing-managercommunications-specialistpublic-relationsdigital-marketing
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Strategies and tactics for developing pathways for student athletes

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Strengthen club infrastructure

    • Recruit experienced coaches with NCAA connections
    • Invest in state-of-the-art training facilities
    • Establish a mentorship programme with former NCAA athletes
    • Create a robust scouting network across Somerset
    • Develop a data-driven performance monitoring system
    • Schedule regular skill development workshops
    • Organise annual basketball clinics with NCAA coaches
    • Form strategic partnerships with sports performance experts
    • Implement mental and physical wellness programmes
    • Secure sponsorships to fund infrastructure improvements

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Enhance competitive performance

    • Set clear performance targets for CBSQ division competition
    • Develop specialised training plans for each athlete
    • Analyse competitor performance to devise effective strategies
    • Schedule regular friendly matches against higher division teams
    • Conduct bi-annual performance reviews for players
    • Use video analysis tools to review games and practices
    • Encourage participation in elite basketball camps and tournaments
    • Create a leadership development programme for team captains
    • Establish a reward system for achieving competitive milestones
    • Engage in continuous feedback loops with players and coaches

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Facilitate scholarship attainment

    • Identify and target key NCAA programmes aligned with student goals
    • Create an advisory team for scholarship applications
    • Develop a tracking system for student-athlete academic performance
    • Host annual college recruitment showcases for NCAA scouts
    • Provide workshops on scholarship essay writing and interviews
    • Connect students with former scholarship recipients for guidance
    • Establish strong communication channels with NCAA compliance officers
    • Organise SAT/ACT preparation classes for students
    • Create profiles for each student highlighting athletic achievements
    • Set up a scholarship fund to support students without full NCAA scholarships
college-pathwaysscholarshipscoachesmentorsrecruitment-teamperformance-analysis-team
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How to track your Student Recruitment strategies and tactics

Having a plan is one thing, sticking to it is another.

Don't fall into the set-and-forget trap. It is important to adopt a weekly check-in process to keep your strategy agile – otherwise this is nothing more than a reporting exercise.

A tool like Tability can also help you by combining AI and goal-setting to keep you on track.

More strategies recently published

We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.

Planning resources

OKRs are a great way to translate strategies into measurable goals. Here are a list of resources to help you adopt the OKR framework:

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