5 Student Marketing Activation Ideas for the 2024-2025 Academic Year
22nd July 2024
/
The student demographic is a dynamic, tech-savvy, and influential group that brands can’t afford to overlook. As the 2024-2025 academic year approaches, it’s time for marketers to strategise and roll out campaigns that resonate with this vibrant audience.
Whether you’re looking to boost brand awareness, drive product trials, or increase engagement, here are five innovative student marketing activation ideas to consider:
1. Leverage Student Influencers and Content Creators
Students today are highly active on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, making them ideal spaces to connect with this audience. Partnering with student influencers can give your brand a relatable voice and amplify its reach. Influencers can host giveaways, create challenges, or share unboxing experiences highlighting your products or services.
In addition to influencer partnerships, encourage User-Generated Content (UGC) by launching a hashtag campaign that inspires students to share their own experiences with your brand. Reward participants with exclusive discounts or the chance to be featured on your brand’’’s official channels.
2. Host Interactive Campus Events
Nothing beats face-to-face engagement when it comes to building authentic connections with students. Hosting interactive events on campus can be an excellent way to introduce your brand to new students. Consider setting up pop-up booths during fresher’s fairs, exam periods, or sporting events. Offer free samples, fun games, or photo opportunities to create memorable experiences.
Ensure that your on-ground team is knowledgeable and personable. Having trained Brand Ambassadors/Promotional Staff who can answer questions, collect feedback, and create positive interactions can significantly enhance your brand’s image among students.
Our work with Domino’s is a great example of how you can engage students 🍕🎓
3. Create Exclusive Student Offers and Discounts
One of the most effective ways to capture the student market is by offering exclusive deals that cater to their budget-conscious nature. Create special student discount codes, bundle offers, or loyalty programs that reward repeat purchases. Collaborate with student unions or societies to promote these offers directly to their members.
To increase visibility, integrate these offers into popular student discount platforms like UNiDAYS or Student Beans, ensuring your deals reach a wider audience. Emphasise the exclusivity of these offers to create a sense of urgency and encourage immediate action.
If you’re looking for more information on how to position your student discounts, make sure to tune into the recording of our webinar with Pion (Student Beans) 👇
4. Develop Engaging Educational Content
Content marketing is a powerful tool for connecting with students. Position your brand as a valuable resource by developing educational content that resonates with their needs and interests. This could include short-form video content on social media or downloadable guides.
For example, if you’re a tech brand, consider creating content that provides tips on optimiaing study sessions using technology. If you’re a fashion brand, curate content around back-to-school style guides. Tailor the content to reflect the brand’s expertise and align it with the student lifestyle, adding value beyond just selling a product.
5. Utilise Gamification in Marketing Campaigns
Gamification is an exciting way to engage students and capture their interest. By incorporating game elements into your marketing campaigns, you can make the brand experience fun and interactive. Launch a mobile app game, a scavenger hunt at a Fresher’s event, or an online quiz where students can win prizes, discounts, or exclusive access to events.
The key is to ensure that the gaming experience is easy to access and play and that the rewards appeal to the student demographic.
Get Ahead with Our Student Marketing Calendar 2024/2025
To unlock the full potential of student marketing for the 2024-2025 academic year, dive into our comprehensive resource, the “Student Marketing Calendar 2024/2025”.
This whitepaper is packed with 150+ opportunities to connect with the student population and offers invaluable insights into this vibrant market segment. From important academic dates to key cultural events, our calendar will help you strategically plan your marketing activities and maximise your brand’s impact.
Download the Student Marketing Calendar 2024/2025 and start crafting campaigns that resonate with the student market today!