Did you know that the average college student spends approximately $14,435 per year? This amount includes tuition, housing, food, and miscellaneous expenses. And here’s another interesting fact. College students rarely have a go-to brand because how products fit their tastes is what influences their buying behavior.
If your product or service is one you can sell to students, the key is to market right. You might just get yourself loyal customers. This tech-loving generation knows how to block and skip ads, so generic advertisements won’t cut it. However, it is possible to appeal to them with the right tricks. We have compiled five strategies to help you market your startup to college students. Here’s what to do.
Use Student Discounts
A targeted discount means you reduce merchandise costs for a particular customer group. Companies such as Apple and Adidas have mastered the art of student discounts and are a darling with this generation. You can also create a loyal customer base with student deals, coupons, and promotions. Student discounts build a good reputation for your business while generating revenue.
Giveaways and Freebies
Students are not the richest of people, the majority of them survive on allowances and student loans. They love freebies, and if you can use this marketing strategy, they will love you. For instance, if you have a gadget manufacturing startup, you can give free backpacks, headphones, or SD cards to students who buy a gadget. Think of what the students need alongside your product or service and give it for free.
Approach Student Ambassadors
A student ambassador can influence the shopping habits of their fellow students. Identify loyal student customers and talk to them about a paid partnership. You can give them free branded items to use on campus and entice others to buy your product or service. These items may be water bottles, caps, t-shirts, and shopping bags. Here is an article on using student ambassadors to promote your business.
Partner with College Media Outlets
College media outlets such as newspapers, radio, and podcasts can help you reach prospective student customers. These channels are popular with students because they provide free entertainment and awareness. If you can get an advertisement on the school newspaper, podcast, or radio show, you will reach thousands of students. Getting an endorsement from a trusted media outlet can persuade them to buy from your startup.
Adverts will cost you a considerable amount of money. Quick cash loans, such as car title loans, can help you get the money you need for advertising. If you are in California, search for car title loans California to explore available options. A short-term loan is more affordable and easier to pay off.
Use Targeted Advertisements
College students are huge consumers of entertainment content. Create targeted ads on entertainment sites like Netflix, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook to put your startup before their eyes. Remember to use ad content that resonates with students; use slang words, trendy outfits, and popular music. If you are unsure how to do that, hire a student ad expert because they know what their fellow students like to see and hear.