When I mention to colleagues at networking events and the like that one of the sectors we help the most is Colleges, I often face surprise. ‘Why would a college need to purchase data?’ is a common response and a question well worth blogging about. As it happens, there are several reasons…and not just to Attract Students
Colleges need B2C Consumer data
Colleges need to promote themselves to a relevant audience. Whether they’re promoting courses, open evenings or events, they need to get their name in front of those who matter – their potential students.
Data Bubble has been helping colleges across the UK Attract Students through the provision of accurate, targeted data specific to their requirements for a number of years. Whatever the age or academic year of child, and whatever the geographical criteria (whether that’s by postcode area or a radius of the college), we can source the list.
Say, for example, a college wishes to send a glossy brochure to parents of 14 – 17 year old teenagers, as well as NEETS (16-24 year olds Not in Education, Employment or Training) within their local area, Data Bubble can supply a spreadsheet including the names and addresses that fit their criteria. We can even split the data down by year, in case the college has different messages for each academic year.
Colleges need B2B Business data
Colleges are always on the look-out for local businesses, to promote both apprenticeship schemes and work-placement schemes to. It is important that the colleges build strong relationships with business owners in their area. We help them to pinpoint their ideal businesses by supplying lists that:
- Save the colleges time and resources in not having to create their own lists from public directories (which quite often do not yield all the information required, i.e. the ideal contact’s name)
- Ensure they do not breach the terms and conditions of such directories, which often prohibit their use for marketing purposes
- Save money by excluding any existing contact databases (so they are not buying data twice)
- Allow them to specifically target their ideal business types with a tailored message, maximising return on investment
Budgets are Important
Data Bubble understands that educational establishments have budgets that have to be very carefully managed. For this reason, we offer discounted rates to colleges that also reduce further when “multiple uses” are taken. Furthermore, for each data “use”, we supply fresh data, thus ensuring future campaigns have the best chance of success.
Having clean, accurate and correctly targeted data ensures that:
- Only relevant, most likely to be interested people are contacted
- Awareness of the college is increased, thus helping meet recruitment targets
- Response rates are maximised and more effective than a scattergun approach
- Compliance with the Data Protection Act and third party opt-ins are guaranteed
All these factors give colleges the best chance of campaign success in a way that is most cost-effective.
Reputation Building
Colleges, as with any business, need to preserve their reputation. One of the things that has made our relationships with our college clients successful is guaranteeing our data quality. Put simply, we replace or refund any postal returns without question. Furthermore, we pride ourselves on our high standard of customer service – that’s why so many colleges return for their campaigns.
“One-Stop Shop”
As we have continued to build our reputation within UK colleges, we have in turn built a great relationship with a printer and mail fulfilment company. Their in-house team have become the “Go-To” printers of choice for many of our college clients. They have proved time and time again that they can deliver a fast, efficient service that the colleges simply love.
Their turnaround times are excellent and they are often able to save the colleges huge amounts on standard postage prices. Their relationship with the Royal Mail makes them extremely competitive when compared with other printers, as client feedback can evidence!
Let Us Relieve the Pressure
We understand that College Marketing departments have many balls to juggle – exam results, events, promotions, enrolment, awards ceremonies – not to mention day-to-day things such as staff holidays. However, one of the most important things that a College needs to do is Attract Students in order to meet their college’s targets. This is no mean feat and, we hear, is often an incredibly stressful and time-consuming task. By engaging Data Bubble, that stress is reduced significantly as we can take the weight by co-ordinating your campaign.
One College said: ‘We needed data to conduct a postal campaign to parents within our local catchment area. Data Bubble provided exactly what we needed, to our specification, ensuring our campaign was a success. Their data was accurate and their service was excellent. I would have no hesitation in recommending them’, which is not only lovely to hear, it’s also pretty much what inspires Steve and me to get out of bed in the morning.
So, if your college is considering a campaign to Attract Students or promote an event, or if you’re looking to get in touch with local businesses for apprenticeships and work placements, get in touch with Data Bubble today by calling 01274 965411. Alternatively, more information can be found on the schools and colleges page of our website, which can be accessed by clicking HERE
