How to Target College Students’ Audience?
Are you looking to target college students for your marketing efforts? Check out how you can target them best.
As college students spend an increasing amount of time online, their presence in other forms of mass media is slowly declining. While it is true that this generation is unruly and more diversified than any generation before them, it is also true that there are ways to approach them. Segmenting the market properly, and understanding the developments and causes for action that college students take, is crucial. Let’s learn more about how to target college students’ audiences.
Why Target College Students?
College students are often not considered in marketing campaigns due to their low purchase power. However, as more students work and study, take out bigger school loans or even monetize their social media channels, one cannot but notice there is a lot of potential to be tapped here.
In fact, the purchasing power of college students is significantly increasing. And so is their spending. This is the reason why you should target college students. In fact, comparing college students’ shopping habits from 20 years ago to today reveals that younger generations are:
- More likely to purchase apps and subscriptions,
- More likely to spend more money on going out,
- More likely to purchase gym memberships, and
- More inclined towards a healthy lifestyle and the products and services coming with it.
How to Target College Students?
So now that we know what the spending habits of student target group are, let’s consider how to approach them. As this is a very diversified group, finding common denominators can be a real hassle. However, consider that college students are:
- Age-stable,
- Not yet independent,
- Geographically tied for a period of 3-5 years, and
- Overburdened with daily tasks.
So, how to approach them? Well, here are a few ways to approach your college target group:
Trials
Although college students have a big purchasing power, it remains to be said that they do not want to spend all their money. For this reason, giving students free samples and a month’s worth of trials is worth the extra time and money invested. If you have a good product, you can let students trial it and use the product or service itself as a funnel-down method to the actual membership or subscription.
Hire Influencers
Hiring social media influencers is yet another way to approach students. As students spend so much time on social media, hiring people who are there professionally can be a huge help. What you usually need to do is ensure that you have a catchy text, you can hire ProEssaysService for this, have enough knowledge about the school kids to know what they are interested in, and even less cash than for a regular marketing campaign.
Offer Seasonal Discounts
A step that can bring together the social media and trial steps together, is giving a discount. It may be true that discounts cost a considerable portion of your profits, but being able to build a brand, public image, and awareness of your services is worth all the fuss. This is especially true for businesses with very focused niches, as well as local businesses that can profit from the extra exposure.
Participate in Social Events
Being a part of the community is another way to target college students. Spring break discounts, Christmas ugly sweater competitions, and other trends can and should be followed. You do not exactly need to make your employees do the ice bucket challenge, but playing with filters, voice-over, and role playing can present you in a new light, and make you more relatable.
Utilize Social Media
Most of the time that an average student spends online is spent on social media. For this reason, you should build and maintain a great feed with reputable sources, regular posting, and amazing shoutout abilities. Furthermore, advertising on social media is one of the cheapest ways to actually advertise, and the ROI value is considerably high.
Final Considerations
While it is true that college students are not the top-notch when it comes to their purchasing power and spending habits, it is also true that they spend a considerable amount of money year after year. Considering their dependence and stability in both spending habits and the age gap they employ, focusing on college students is a step in the right direction when it comes to your next marketing campaign. Our guide will teach you how to approach them, using their own means.
Carl Hill
Carl Hill is a motivated individual who believes that education is of paramount importance. He loves reading, and his subscription to the NY Times is the best investment he’s made in years, he says. He spends his free time jogging and staying active.
FAQ
How can I effectively target college students with advertising campaigns?
To target college students, consider using social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat, which are popular among this demographic. Create engaging and relatable ad content that appeals to their interests and needs.
What are some key demographics to consider when targeting college students with ads?
Consider factors like age (typically 18-24), location (on or near college campuses), academic interests, and extracurricular activities when defining your target audience.
What types of products or services are attractive to college students in ad campaigns?
Products and services related to education (textbooks, study aids), technology (laptops, apps), fashion (clothing, accessories), food (snacks, meal plans), and entertainment (concerts, movies) are often appealing to college students.
How can I use geotargeting to reach college students on campus?
Geotargeting allows you to display ads specifically to users within a certain geographic radius, making it ideal for targeting college campuses and nearby areas.
What role do mobile-friendly ads play in reaching college students?
College students heavily rely on their smartphones, so ensuring that your ads are mobile-friendly is crucial for reaching them effectively.
Should I consider influencer marketing to target college students?
Yes, collaborating with student influencers or campus ambassadors can help your brand connect with college students on a personal level and increase engagement.
What are some creative ad formats to engage college students?
Use visually appealing and interactive ad formats such as videos, quizzes, and contests to capture the attention of college students.
How can I address college students’ budget-consciousness in my ads?
Highlight discounts, student-exclusive deals, and cost-saving benefits in your ad copy to resonate with college students who are often budget-conscious.
Is it important to align ad messaging with college events and seasons?
Yes, tailoring your ad campaigns to coincide with events like back-to-school season, exams, and holidays can boost relevancy and engagement.
What metrics should I track to measure the success of college student-targeted ad campaigns?
Track metrics like click-through rates (CTR), conversion rates, engagement levels, and return on ad spend (ROAS) to assess the effectiveness of your campaigns in reaching and resonating with college students.
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