05/ 24/ 2006
A college campus is a great place to make contacts, introduce new products and sell, sell, sell. Take advantage of the thriving marketplace you'll call home for the next four years and make an impact on the consumers there. Here are some great ideas and resources to use to market to your peers:
Recruit your friends
Perhaps the most effective way to build buzz about your company is through peer-to-peer contact. Give your friends T-shirts with your company logo. If you have a catchy or attention-getting slogan, all the better. The idea is that every time they wear your T-shirt to the cafeteria or class, someone will ask them about it. Make sure your friends are knowledgeable and enthusiastic about your business before you recruit them to be one of your informal marketers.
Utilize campus media
Most colleges have their own newspaper, radio station and even TV station. If you have a marketing budget, use some of your advertising dollars on these outlets. They will likely be fairly inexpensive and may even offer a student discount. You might also be able to get some free coverage as well. Call the student newspaper or send them a press release. Most editors will be interested in students doing unusual activities, so use the uniqueness of being a student entrepreneur to your advantage.
Post on campus bulletin boards
You might be thinking that everyone posts on bulletin boards, so your ad wouldn't stand out, and therefore you should skip this outlet. This is not the case. There’s a reason why everyone tacks up flyers there: It works. Because of the heavy foot traffic on campuses, your signs could reach hundreds or even thousands of students a day, depending on how many boards you cover. Look for all the possible places you can hang your flyers and check back often to make sure they haven't been covered up. Make sure they stand out from the other postings, too. Once again, a catchy slogan comes in handy here. Also use attention-grabbing colors and professional looking graphics so you don't blend in with all the "roommate needed" and "futon for sale" postings.
Visit the dorms
If you want to be sure students are aware of your business, catch them at home. Slide an ad under the door if no one is home or, better yet, leave a small treat bag of candy and a pen with your logo hanging on the door. Free stuff, no matter how small, will always be appreciated by your fellow students.
Visit the "quad"
If you go to a school that allows vendors on campus, make sure you're one of them. Arrange to set up a booth or pass out flyers or stickers in front of the student union building. The more brand familiarity you can create with your school community, the better it will be for your company.
Help sponsor a campus event
While you probably don't have the budget to bring your favorite band to campus, there are always events you can help sponsor. No matter how small your contribution, you'll still get your logo on the program and create goodwill towards your business.
