College students are a prime demographic to target, as they still have ample time to build loyalties with brands. When businesses reach out to them now, they are more apt to maintain long-term relationships with these desirable consumers after they graduate, get jobs, and start a family. Small startups may find it difficult to compete with larger scale businesses to capture the attention of college students. Here are a couple ways small startups can get a leg up on marketing strategies:
Incorporate video.
Websites like YouTube and Buzzfeed are an important staple of a typical college student’s channel of entertainment. Take advantage of this media outlet by making entertaining short videos that create buzz around your brand or product. Geoffrey Fox, the CEO of Flippze, said, “Videos are an effective way of communicating to college students – informative, fun and entertaining.” Last August, the company released a series of videos on YouTube to help promote Flippze on campus. Incorporate your brand or product into funny skits, how-to videos or DIY projects in order to capture the attention of college students.
Keep in mind students’ budgets.
Find a way to offer your product keeping in mind that college students are on a limited budget. However, they are willing to spend some cash on products they know to be worth the money. Therefore, it is important to offer coupons, encourage product reviews and enlist campus ambassadors.
Reach out to popular clubs on campus.
Word of mouth is one of the primary reasons students learn about new products or brands and consider buying from them. Reach out to influential groups on campus who will guarantee to spread the word to their peers – such as sororities and fraternities, community outreach clubs, and academic clubs.
Place an advertisement in student newspapers.
Although college students heavily use social media, college newspaper readership is still at a high. According to a study conducted at Gustavus Adophus College, over half of college students said they enjoy reading their campus newspapers, and over two thirds said they enjoyed reading magazines. Investing in advertisements will most likely reach a wide range of your target audience.
Hand out survival packs.
The first couple weeks back to college are a frenzy of multiple events, as freshman and upperclassmen are adjusting to dorm life and moving back to campus. Put together a back to school survival pack filled with essentials like toothbrushes, Band-Aids, and other essentials that college students would be interesting in getting. By handing out these items on campus, your brand name will be sure to get out there and create a buzz among students.
For more information on how to market your brand to college students, contact us at OnCampus Advertising today.
