Are you struggling to fill your trade school classrooms? We get it.Marketing trade school programs can be tough in today’s competitive education market.
Worried about standing out in the crowded education market?
Let’s explore the proven trade school marketing tactics that’ll boost your enrollment and and your trade schools reputation.
Know Your Audience Inside Out
Who are we trying to reach?
Think about your ideal student:
- What are their career dreams?
- What problems are they facing?
- Why are they considering a trade school?
Understanding your audience is key to effective marketing.
A 2023 report by the National Center for Education Statistics shows that 16% of undergrads are in vocational programs. That’s a big pool of potential students waiting to hear from you.
Show Off What Makes You Special
What sets your trade school apart?
Highlight things like:
- Your job placement success rate
- Partnerships with big industry names
- Top-notch training facilities
For example, our ProxiSpeak blog shows how focusing on unique selling points can really boost enrollment.
Make Your Website a Winner
Your website is often the first impression students get. Make it count:
- Ensure it works great on mobile
- Provide clear info about your programs
- Include stories from successful students
Google found that 61% of users won’t come back to a mobile site they had trouble with. So a user-friendly, mobile-ready site is a must.
Rock Social Media
Social media is a goldmine for reaching potential students. Try these ideas:
- Share stories of students who’ve made it big
- Show off your cool facilities and equipment
- Do Q&A sessions to engage with your audience
With 4.48 billion social media users worldwide, there’s a huge opportunity to connect with future students.
Create Content That Matters
Good content can make your school the go-to expert in your field. Think about making:
- Blog posts answering common questions about trade careers
- Videos showing your programs in action
- Eye-catching graphics about job market trends
Check out our guide on P-STEM marketing strategies for more ideas.
Email Marketing That Works
Email lets you talk directly to potential students. Consider sending:
- A welcome series for new leads
- Spotlights on different programs
- Reminders about application deadlines
Email marketing gives an average return of £44 for every £1 spent. That’s a pretty good deal, right?
Team Up for Success
Partnerships can help spread the word about your school. Think about teaming up with:
- Local businesses for work experience opportunities
- High schools to catch students early
- Industry groups to boost your credibility
The U.S. Department of Labor says apprenticeship programs have grown 70% since 2011. This shows how important industry partnerships are in trade education.
Keep an Eye on What’s Working
Regular check-ins help you fine-tune your marketing. Key things to watch:
- How many people visit your website
- How many leads you’re getting
- Your enrollment numbers
Google Analytics is a free tool that can help you track all this.
Use Video to Show, Not Just Tell
Video can bring your programs to life. Consider making:
- Virtual tours of your campus
- Videos of students talking about their experiences
- Short how-to videos related to your courses
86% of businesses use video for marketing, so it’s definitely worth a shot.
Get Your Graduates Involved
Your past students can be your best advertisers. Try:
- Featuring success stories from graduates
- Starting a referral program for alumni
- Inviting graduates to speak at open days
Focus on Local Visibility
Being easy to find locally is crucial for trade schools. Here’s how:
- Set up and optimize your Google My Business listing
- Get listed in local business directories
- Encourage students to leave reviews
For more on this, check out our guide to finding trade schools near you.
Use Paid Advertising Wisely
Paid ads can give your marketing a boost. Consider:
- Google Ads to show up in search results
- Facebook ads to target specific demographics
- Retargeting ads to stay on people’s minds
A study by WordStream found that the average click-through rate for education-related ads on Google is 3.78%.
Host Events to Showcase Your School
Events can bring potential students right to your door. Think about:
- Open days to show off your facilities
- Workshops to give a taste of your programs
- Career fairs to connect with job-seekers
Keep Up with Industry Trends While Marketing Trade Schools
Staying current makes your school more attractive. Stay on top of:
- New technologies in your field
- Changes in job market demands
- Updates to industry regulations
The World Economic Forum predicts that 50% of all employees will need reskilling by 2025. This highlights the growing importance of trade schools in the changing job market.
Real World Trade School Case Studies
Let’s look at some real-world examples of effective marketing of trade school:
- Midwest Technical Institute (MTI)
MTI saw a 20% increase in enrollment after implementing a targeted social media campaign.
They created short, engaging videos showcasing their programs and student success stories.
These videos were shared across Facebook and Instagram, reaching a wider audience of potential students.
Key Takeaway: Visual content can significantly boost engagement and interest in trade school programs.
- Lincoln Tech
Lincoln Tech revamped their website with a focus on SEO and user experience.
They added detailed program pages, a blog with industry insights, and an easy-to-use course finder tool.
This resulted in a 35% increase in organic traffic and a 15% boost in lead generation.
Key Takeaway: A well-optimized website can be a powerful tool for attracting and converting potential students.
- Universal Technical Institute (UTI)
UTI partnered with local high schools to offer hands-on workshops and campus tours.
This grassroots approach helped them build relationships with potential students early on.
As a result, they saw a 25% increase in applications from participating schools.
Key Takeaway: Community outreach and partnerships can be highly effective in attracting students to trade schools.
Actionable Tips for Trade School Marketers
Based on these case studies and industry best practices, here are some actionable tips:
- Create engaging video content showcasing your programs and student success stories
- Optimize your website for search engines and user experience
- Develop partnerships with local schools and businesses
- Use targeted social media advertising to reach potential students
- Implement a content marketing strategy with blog posts and industry insights
- Offer virtual tours and interactive online experiences
- Use data analytics to continually refine your marketing strategies
Trade School Marketing FAQs
Partner with community organizations and customize your messaging to different groups.
Respond professionally, address concerns, and showcase improvements you’ve made.
Regularly review and update to align with industry needs, at least annually.
VR can offer immersive campus tours and program previews, enhancing the prospective student experience.
Use data to personalize marketing efforts, predict enrollment trends, and optimize ad spend.