University Marketing Strategy: Print Campaign Schedule

In addition to targeting different university audiences, you can plan your university marketing strategy around the different seasons throughout the year. Here are some ideas from the print and mailing experts at Preferred Direct to help organize your campus marketing.

Year-Round University Print Campaigns

Acceptance letters: Acceptance letters can be sent throughout the year for the different semesters students apply to. Include campus life materials and make incoming students feel welcomed and excited about joining your institution.

Housing information: For those planning to live on campus, a printed packet of housing options and deadlines can be helpful when sent at key times throughout the year. Send after or with your acceptance letters so students have all they need to know about campus housing.

Financial aid information: Brochures or mailers can educate students and families about financial aid options (such as FAFSA) and when to apply. Time of promotion will depend on FAFSA and semester deadlines.

Deadlines & Schedules: Postcards sent a few months prior to the start of each semester can remind current students about upcoming registration deadlines and class schedules for their degree programs.

Scholarship opportunities: Let students know of known scholarships at the beginning of each semester and others as they become available. Use variable data printing to change the scholarship options that apply to each student.

University Marketing Strategy By Season

Spring – March to May

Study abroad programs: Printed flyers and brochures can inform students about your study abroad opportunities happening throughout the summer and in the semesters to come. Send a postcard of the study abroad options and follow up with a professional booklet highlighting the details of the specific option they’re interested in. 

Graduation announcements: Professionally printed graduation postcards can be a special keepsake for students and their families. Make sure to send out letters informing students of their graduation status and include postcard “tickets” for them to keep and give to those they want to attend.

University & Booklets: A university prospectus booklet is a great way to attract students to consider and apply to your institution. Send in the early spring so highschool junior and seniors can browse the info in time for mid-summer application deadlines for your fall semester.

Summer – June to August

Summer Kick Off Campaign: A catalog of summer courses, programs and events can encourage students that stay on campus during break to get more involved. Engage this smaller audience with fun full-color print materials to keep their experience positive while friends are away.

Orientation Packets: Get students excited and ready for their first semester by sending out an eye-catching orientation packet, equipped with a campus map, student programs, and a printed schedule for new student orientation.

Athletic Season Tickets: Before your athletic programs start back up, send out season ticket promotions to encourage early bird ticket purchases. Use letters or postcard style and make sure to include details on the upcoming athletic schedule and season ticket holder perks!

Fall – September to December

Back To Campus Newsletter: As students head back to campus, send out a university-wide newsletter detailing all the fun events and activities for the upcoming academic year. Highlight any new programs, campus construction/renovations, athletic schedules, and important campus news so students are up-to-date and ready to take on the year.

Homecoming Promotions: Encourage attendance to your fall homecoming events with campus flyers and postcards. Be sure to send important details about special events like alumni receptions and football game logistics to ensure your homecoming week runs smoothly.

Student Groups: Promote your student groups like fraternities/sororities, volunteer groups and student associations to communicate the benefits of joining these organizations and recruiting schedules.

Winter – January to March

Holiday Closings and Campus Hours: Remind students and staff of holiday closures and changes in campus hours with a simple postcard or letter. Include when campus hours return to normal for the Spring semester.

Year-End Giving: Encourage end-of-year donations with a direct mail campaign that highlights the impact of giving. Showcase scholarships, community engagement and testimonials to encourage donations.

Holiday Greeting Cards: A holiday card from the university can foster a sense of community and appreciation among students, faculty, staff, alumni, and donors.

End-Of-Year Reflections: An Annual Report Newsletter can reflect on the accomplishments and milestones of the past year and set goals for the upcoming year. This can attract both students and donors to get in on the action the next year.

For more ideas on university marketing strategy, contact the experts at Preferred Direct. We are a local, family-owned printer dedicated to helping institutions with their communication programs and marketing engagement. Visit our university page for more ideas and request a project estimate to get started.