Modern marketing tools like texting can improve student retention.

When it comes to student retention strategies, communication methods play a significant role – after all, what’s the point of having a message if no one reads or hears it. And since about 75% of GenZ and Millennials prefer texting over any other communication method, evaluating text messaging platforms is a must. Juxtapose this statistic with the fact that the average freshman retention rate in U.S. universities is 78%, and that less than 50% graduate, means that universities have to do anything and everything to keep their students engaged and enrolled.

But what should you look for, and what are the additional reasons texting could complement your existing communication tools? And can they really help drive retention and enrollment? Let’s dive deeper into some of these aspects.

1. Improve Coordination Across Departments

We all know that student retention depends on faculty leadership. The more faculty are involved in the education process, the easier it is for students to achieve their goals and stay at school until graduation.

But sometimes, communication and coordination between departments and faculty teams aren't always in top shape. You can change that by implementing a text messaging system that enables better coordination via integrations with CRM or marketing automation tools.

Text messaging platforms that have native (truly native is key) integrations into CRMs like Salesforce or Microsoft Dynamics makes it even easier for different departments or colleges to administer their own text messages, while staying in coordination at the “university” level.

2. Send Important Reminders

Students, especially first-year students, are overwhelmed with the information they need to keep in their heads. Many don't have the right skills and experience to coordinate their studies. To help them do this, you can implement a system of reminders.

You can send timely text messages to remind a student about the upcoming exam or review homework requirements. Since institutions can automate most of these reminders for specific groups of students, the implementation doesn't have to be time-consuming.

Since a student is likely to open an SMS within minutes of receiving it, such reminders can be beneficial and take some stress out of the learning process.

3. Streamline Engagement

Engagement is the key driver behind successful education. However, many students feel disengaged. One of the reasons is a lack of adaptability. Text messaging can help new students adapt to the new life in the university and the pace of higher education. You can send messages about:

Changes in schedule
Student events
New class opportunities
Class cancelations
Counseling options

After COVID-19, engaging students who spend their first years learning remotely became even more imperative. Text messaging can help with integration and adaptation to the offline student environment.

4. Employ Segmentation

Showering students with information is easy to drive disengagement, frustration, and anxiety. Segmenting them into groups and communicating relevant information is essential for your retention efforts.

Text messaging platforms can help send relevant messages to the proper recipients. When integrated with your CRM systems, this software can ensure that students get the correct information at the right time.

One of the main benefits of segmentation is the ability to send personalized messages. When students receive relevant information, they feel more engaged and cared for. This can play a significant role in their decision to stay with the university.

person in white long sleeve shirt holding black smartphone

Photo by Kelli McClintock on Unsplash

Photo by Shawn Fields on Unsplash

5. Provide Support

Some students never talk about their problems with the faculty and quit because they can't find solutions independently.

From health and safety to finances, it's essential to show students how supportive the university can be. If a student needs academic counseling support, help with career choices, or mental health guidance, they may not always seek it.

With text messaging campaigns, you can educate students about various programs and offer support every step of the way. The feeling of support can drive engagement, which in turn improves retention.

6. Collect Data

To improve retention rates, it's important to collect detailed data about student needs. While many students are too pressed for time to participate in time-consuming surveys, a simple texting questionnaire can be helpful.

Text messaging campaigns can include feedback opportunities. Besides collecting information about the success or failure of your text messaging tactics, you can gather reviews, suggestions, and complaints.

Student feedback can help you improve your retention campaign, streamline communications, and save money on unnecessary strategies.

7. Work on Encouragement and Recognition

After enrollment, students face a hard time adapting to the new life. Some drop out simply because they can't handle the pressure or worry about failure. When it comes to self-confidence, encouragement plays a significant role. With the right SMS tools, it can become an integral part of your retention campaign.

You can identify at which moments of their education cycles students require extra support and encouragement. Once you know when to send these messages, you can automate the process.

It's also possible to use text messaging to recognize student achievements. A simple "Good job, Katie" message can go a long way toward keeping Katie on track.

Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash

Photo by Product School on Unsplash

Improving Student Experience with Text Messaging

The right approach to student communications can improve the student experience. And texting can be a powerful tool for student interactions, including registration assistance, financial aid information, appointments, alerts, and more.

Platforms like TrueDialog offers a comprehensive set of tools to help you improve student retention through text messaging. They even offer a trial that can be set up in minutes. Start engaging your students in a new way today.

Contact Us Now

This custom content is sponsored by TrueDialog and developed by Inside Higher Ed's sponsored content team. The editorial staff of Inside Higher Ed had no role in its creation.