Any innovative ideas for marketing to students?

Answer 1

Depends what you're doing really, type and price of product/service will obviously affect what you can offer. But students love freebies, so give them an incentive. More traditional devices such as testimonials and long term discounts or loyalty schemes don't tend to work as well on the student market, they want something right there and then. So try to make it as instant and as close to the 'transaction' as possible.

If you want them to call you, offer them a discount.
If you want them to recommend a friend, give them something for every friend they give you.
To increase attendance offer a discount with a flyer, or before a certain time.
To encourage loyalty, give them money off next time.

In terms of discounts, they have to be worth having. 10% is nice but what difference will it really make (obviously this depends on the price of your product!). If your product is fairly low cost, go for a discount with more impact such as 30 or even 50%. For a more tangible discount (even more favourable to students) try giving them something free, maybe a free drink with their meal, or virus protector with their computer purchase etc.

Hope this helps! And remember students are a complete separate target market and should be treated as such.

Answer 2

You didn't say what age range - school or college?

Anyway, referrals are the best way. Set up a "reward for referral" program, with very generous gifts (could be merchandise, something you get cheap, or other benefits such as a pre-loaded debit card).

Kids are notoriously skeptical of traditional advertising, but referrals and viral campaigns can work very well.

Answer 3

Leaflet Drops are one of the best ways to market to students I find business card sized leaflets with a calendar 2007 on the back are often kept therefore increasing your chances of success.

Speak to college head and advertis your cards in the canteen/Bar. also leave them on the windscreen wipers of cars in the car park. very cost effective. However nationally I would not know.

Answer 4

Conduct a lecture or seminar on Proper selection of a college course. Give leaflets about the product. Invite them to a free snack and endorse the product to them.

Answer 5

for some great marketing ideas from an inspirational guy see the website of Chris Cardell....
sign up for his free emails, and listen to some of his free teleseminars for some fab tips on marketing

Answer 6

Student love free stuff (provided its relevant to them). But when I say free stuff there are conditions, a) there isn't a catch and b) it requires them to do little or nothing.

Word of mouth, and reputation is a big one for this group and can be linked to the above if done successfully!

Answer 7

Well it depends what you are doing? I'm currently working on a campaign, I will be using MySpace and You Tube as well as Promo bikes outside schools. As well as the tradiional media, such as bus streetliners, posters and so on.

Answer 8

leaflets, flyers... A good idea is to go into a Uni or college and hold a barbeque or sumthing and hand out flyers with meals and stuff. at least that way they will have to glance at your flyers at least once

Answer 9

also potentially dormstorming....expecially while students are gone...most dorms are open during the day...have students working for you (or yourself, if your in the age bracket) simply walk through the dorms slipping fliers under students doors, fast, easy, and cheap!

Answer 10

Anything free is a good one.