LFP - Large-Format-Printing

Recruiting Tips for Student Organizations – FASTSIGNS

Tuesday 06. August 2013 - It won't be long before a new lineup of freshman hopefuls pack up their high school memories and look ahead to the exciting next chapter that is college life.

For heads of fraternities and sororities, clubs and religious groups, it’s time to start thinking about ways to get your organization top of mind with potential new recruits. There’s a ton of competition out there, so having a solid visual communications strategy is key. Read on for three awareness-building strategies to give your organization the boost it needs to sign up scores of new members.
Event Signage
Student fairs provide the perfect opportunity for you to make a direct connection with potential recruits and start the relationship building. At a minimum, most exhibitors will have a bulletin board. Consider digital signage to create a more immersive and interactive experience. Create a video or slideshow that lets the personality of your organization shine through and watch how it organically draws people to your booth.
Depending on the size of your space, bring a cutout from a recent club event that would make a nice backdrop for a photograph. Then, take a picture of each potential recruit and offer to tag that person on Facebook and other social sites. This is a great way to capture contact information and keep the conversation going.
On any handouts or promotional materials you provide, double check that you’ve listed your website and email address so students can easily get in touch with you if they have additional questions. Create a unique hashtag for your organization so students can post comments and check out what others are saying about your group.
Guerilla Marketing
Large groups and those based in theater and dance should try organizing a flash mob in the center of campus. Macy’s successfully pulled off the first flash mob. Get creative with a fun and quirky idea that will pull a crowd together in a split second and you’ll see your flash mob go viral in no time.
Vehicle wraps, car magnets and car lettering or decals are another way to get traction with your message in and around campus. The American Trucking Associations cites, “by advertising on your vehicle, you can generate more than 600 visual impressions for every mile driven.” Even sitting in a parking lot, a car gets a vast number of eyeballs on it. Obviously car magnets and car decals are going to be less expensive than a full, customized car wrap. With the total cost determined by the car itself and the pictures and graphics you use. A sign specialist can help guide you on how to pick the best car color for your wrap.
Permanent Presence
Students walking or driving by fraternity or sorority row won’t miss your house if you canvas it with a bright and colorful large banner during rush week. Resist the urge to handcraft your sign, as something professionally designed will represent your organization better and have a longer shelf life so you can use it over and over again.
If your club or organization’s building blends in with every other building, draw attention to it with a permanent sign. People will find you faster, which means the likelihood of higher recruiting numbers.
As summer starts to wind down, soon college campuses will be buzzing with activity. Get ahead of the recruiting game with these visual communications strategies designed to help students find you first.