Print Campaign Ideas for Higher Ed Marketing

Whether you’re looking to recruit new students, engage alumni, or share important updates with faculty and staff, print campaigns are a highly effective medium for higher ed marketing.

Printed materials offer a tangible and personal touch that digital marketing can’t always provide. For example, a well-designed orientation booklet can be held, shared, and stored as a keepsake, capturing the moment of a young entrepreneur’s first years in college.

As a trusted print & mail partner for over 35 years, Preferred Direct has some ideas for using print to connect with your college community…

Higher Ed Marketing Print Campaigns

Colleges and universities can target several key audiences through print campaigns. Here’s a few great print marketing strategies for each group. For assistance, contact Preferred Direct.

For incoming students and undergraduates

Prospectus / Admissions Booklet: Send a custom designed university booklet to prospective students and show what life at your institution could be. Include a college overview, academic programs, campus life, the admissions process and financial aid options. Attract the next class with engaging images, campus activities, student testimonials and a message from the President or Dean.

ROI tip: send a postcard first to ALL prospective students to sign up for your email newsletter. For those that sign up, follow up by sending the full University booklet. The postcard is a budget-friendly option to generate interest, allowing you to send your valuable printed materials only to those that are more likely to apply.

Program Brochures:  Informative program brochures can help attract and excite students for the degrees they’re most interested in. You can include information on pre-requisites, courses, tuition fees, program events, and semester schedules (or where to find them) for each degree program. Having a separate booklet will help students choose the right course of study and inspire confidence and independence as they navigate their academic career. 

Orientation & Campus Life: Once students are accepted, professionally printed orientation materials can help ease their transition to campus life. Booklets for student housing options, building info and campus maps, student groups and associations and more are all print pieces students need to take full advantage of all your university has to offer.

For alumni and donor relations

Alumni Newsletters: Newsletters keep alumni and donors informed about the happenings of their alma mater and how funds are impacting student life and success. Feature stories on recent accomplishments, star programs, sports tickets, upcoming events, student spotlights, and ways to get involved or give back.

Annual Report: Showcasing the impact of donations can be a powerful way to engage with donors too. Consider creating an annual report that highlights project updates, fundraising goals, and program impact that have been made possible through their contributions.

Event Invitations: Printed letters or postcards inviting alumni to events such as homecoming, reunions, seminars, or fundraising galas can help generate excitement and encourage attendance. Be sure to include all relevant event details and a call-to-action for RSVPs.

Transpromo Marketing: Incorporate transpromo marketing into your donor billing letters to maximize engagement and highlight upcoming marketing initiatives. Transpromo marketing is incorporating marketing promotions into your billing materials. Learn more here.

For athletics and Greek life

Recruiting Materials: Attract and recruit top talent to your university with rockstar printed booklets. A saddle-stitched brochure or booklet can showcase your programs, scholarships, and success stories from current student-athletes and greek life and convince top performers to pick your programs.

Athletics Schedule: Send out athletic schedules and flyers for upcoming sporting events to promote game attendance, highlight star players, and encourage fans to show their school spirit.

Fundraising Campaigns: If your sports teams are in need of additional funding, a well-designed mailer or postcard can help raise awareness and encourage donations from alumni, parents, and fans.

Your Partner for Higher Ed Marketing

When selecting a print partner for higher ed marketing, you want to choose a reputable and reliable company that has experience working with educational institutions. At Preferred Direct, we understand the unique needs and goals of colleges and universities. Our local, family-owned printer offers print solutions, direct mail services, and bindery options to meet your needs.

Preferred Direct is HITRUST-certified to ensure the security and confidentiality of your sensitive information. Request a project estimate to get started today!