Linkedin has not traditionally been considered a recruiting tool for prospective students. Instead, people have typically thought of Linkedin as a networking tool for alumni and for those who are searching for jobs.

For the past year, we have utilized Linkedin advertising for a number of clients. Guess what?

It works!

Linkedin is a channel that you should definitely consider in your attempts to recruit prospective students.

Here are a few things to think about when considering Linkedin:

1.)  Prospective Student Audience: Linkedin works well for recruiting graduate and adult students as 2/3 of Linkedin users are between the ages of 25 and 54 and industry representation of members leans toward high-tech, finance, manufacturing, entrepreneurship, sales, and operations (are your prospective students a good fit?).

2.)  Channel Mindset: Unlike Facebook, where individuals are checking out photos of their friends and family, Linkedin users are trying to further their careers and expand their networks.  Thus, your marketing messages will be welcomed instead of shunned.

3.)  Micro-targeting: Utilizing Linkedin advertising, you can micro-target to the level of a specific company.  An innovative client of ours in the Midwest recently conducted a campaign in which they targeted employees of several local companies for their new hybrid MBA program.

4.)  Rich Data: Using Linkedin, you have the ability to gain a deeper understanding of individuals prospects, their desires, goals, and motivations. By viewing individual profiles, you can customize your messaging based on target audience characteristics. For example, here are specific interests and affiliations that I list on Linkedin:

Whether attempting to generate inquiries for an open house/information session or build awareness for a new program, Linkedin can be a very effective part of your overall recruitment strategy.

Want to Learn More about Linkedin? Ask us how.