Whether you're just starting or looking to grow your college counseling practice, these marketing tips will help you stay organized and reach potential clients.
The Power of Word of Mouth
In college counseling, nothing beats the endorsement of satisfied clients. Positive referrals from parents and students can significantly boost your reputation and client base. Building confidence through pro-bono support and connecting with professional organizations can also help establish your credibility and increase your visibility. Check out programs like Matchlighters Scholars, Questbridge and others to support students in need and gain invaluable experience. Offer your services to local parent organizations and student groups, and get connected with your local public high school to assist with application workshops. With each student you work with, you’ll expand your expertise and become more confident as a counselor—while also building a network and credibility with prospective clients.
Building a Specialty
Specializing in a particular area (arts, engineering, business) or sports, can set you apart from the competition. By becoming an expert in a niche, you can attract clients seeking specialized knowledge and tailored services. Families are often seeking expert guidance in different fields, so consider learning about a specific arena to stand out. Whether you’re versed on DIII athletic programs, applying to public colleges in California, or the best pathways for nursing programs, developing a speciality is a great way to gain traction with a community.
Manage and Communicate with Prospective Clients
Utilize a database or CRM system: Using a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system like CollegePlannerPro allows you to track leads, keep detailed notes, and ensure you remember key characteristics about each student. This personal touch is highly appreciated by parents and can make your service stand out. By adding prospective students in CollegePlannerPro, you can track your prospective student pipeline and navigate your marketing efforts accordingly.
Email Marketing: Email marketing is a powerful tool for staying top-of-mind with prospective families. Regularly sending valuable information, such as changes in application requirements, news articles, success stories, and highlights about your services, can keep parents engaged and informed. Broadcast Messages in CollegePlannerPro are a great tool for sharing information with prospective parents and current clients alike. In the Broadcast feature, IECs can build specific distribution lists for targeted messaging.
Scheduling Tools
Efficiently managing your time is essential. Using scheduling tools, available in systems like CollegePlannerPro, can streamline the process of setting up initial consultations. Including a scheduling link in your email signature and on your website can save time and make it easier for families to connect with you. With families managing busy calendars, scheduling tools allow for a professional and efficient way for prospective clients to arrange those initial calls with you.
Showcase Your Software Tools
If you’re a CollegePlannerPro member, you can use a sample student profile to wow prospective families. By creating an impressive sample student profile, you can highlight the vast college research & list building tools, communication features, scheduling technology, and robust file library that you offer to your students.
By leveraging these marketing strategies and incorporating software tools, you can grow your IEC practice effectively. Stay organized, keep your clients informed, and continue to build your reputation as a trusted advisor in the educational journey of students.
Interested in learning more about the ways that CollegePlannerPro can help you stay organized and reach potential clients? Schedule a demo here.