Plant the Seeds for a Successful Spring

The following is excerpted from a blog by Spark451, a Jenzabar Company.

As the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers,” and in the world of admissions, those flowers come in the form of deposits. By leveraging your CRM to shower students with the information, support, and encouragement they need to feel connected to your school, you’ll be well-positioned to bring in a full and vibrant fall class.

Here are the seeds you should focus on planting this month: 

1. Seeds of Clarity

It’s easy to forget that not everyone knows what an enrollment deposit is or why it’s important, so help make it simple for students by doing the following:

• Use plain language that clearly explains the WHAT and WHY of the deposit. Instead of “submit your enrollment deposit,” consider something more descriptive such as “submit your deposit to secure your spot,” or “let us know you’re coming this fall by submitting your deposit.” 
• Provide easy, step-by-step instructions on HOW and WHERE to submit the deposit, and be sure your website, microsite, portal, and emails all include prominently displayed buttons that link directly to the deposit page. 
  
  

2. Seeds of Engagement

Take an omnichannel approach to May 1 reminders, engaging with students across various platforms and mediums. Send countdown emails and texts, post on social media, make phone calls, and consider hosting a live Q&A session to answer questions and help create a sense of community. Once May 1 has passed, keep the conversation going through regular emails or newsletters, and think about building an incoming student/family portal!

3. Seeds of Preparation

Help students get ready for their arrival by sending detailed welcome packets that include information like important dates, required documents, and a list of next steps. You could also consider hosting workshops or webinars on financial aid, scholarships, budgeting, and payment plans to help ensure families have a thorough understanding of their financial responsibilities.

There are more seeds to plant! Read the rest of this article here.