How to Use Mass Texting for Student Populations

by admin Tech

Using mass text messaging software opens the door for multiple uses, ranging from business to education. Below, we cover key tips for how to use mass texting for student populations.

Why Use Mass Texting for Students

Navigating the university experience can prove challenging. However, having ready access to relevant information can help level the playing field, giving students more time to focus on their studies. With open rates approaching 98%, texting engages audiences more than most other communication methods. Compared to email, this means those receiving texts prove far more likely to open and actually read the information sent to them. 

Students need to juggle multiple deadlines, changing schedules, and more. Administrations that use mass texting can help ease this burden through a modern, effective communication method like texting.

How to Use Mass Texting for Student Populations

Mass texting can serve as a valuable tool for university administrators. However, like any tool, it only makes things easier when it is used properly. Below, we break down a few key tips for mass texting student populations.

Follow All the Usual Rules

Regulations govern sending out mass text messages. This is true for businesses and any organization, including universities.

  • Opt-In: A student must opt-in to receive messages before you can send them out. While university administration likely has each student’s number on file, that does not mean they can send messages without consent. Additionally, students must be able to opt-out at any point. 
  • Message Quality: Clear, concise, and accessible. For messaging to be effective, it needs to follow these three tenets. 
  • Data Security: Appropriate measures must be taken to protect student information and confidentiality. Fortunately, universities typically already have such measures in place.
  • Monitor Engagement: Tracking open rates and engagement statistics can help improve your process over time. Hone your approach for maximum engagement by using Trumpia’s extensive analysis tools.

Top Uses for Student Mass Texting

Mass texting for students should always be about helping them achieve success. With that in mind, universities can use mass texting in a range of helpful ways to enhance a student’s experience.

Academic Updates

Notify students about upcoming exam schedules or other deadlines. Meeting deadlines can make or break a college experience. Some core updates include registration, financial aid applications, and class add/drop dates. You can also create updates about grades being posted and class cancellations.

Campus Events

Student community engagement can play a crucial role in how a student feels on campus. Sending out information about event announcements, guest speakers, and job fairs can bring the population together.

Student Support

Universities do more now than ever to support students in their journeys. From mental health services to academic counseling, programs exist to help students find success. However, those services may be unknown to many students. Mass texting gets that information into their hands and makes it easier to sign up for appointments.

Emergency Notifications

Student safety is a priority on any campus. The type of risks can vary by state and city, but students should always know if they are endangered. Common emergency alerts include crime notifications, weather alerts, and other safety concerns.

Admissions and Recruitment

Even before a student enrolls, texting can help ease them into the process. Many universities use mass texting to notify individuals of application deadlines, open house events, and financial aid information.

Alumni Engagement

Graduation does not have to spell the end of a student’s engagement with their university. Mass texting can be helpful for a range of outreach needs. Try mass texting to notify your audience about alumni events, donation appeals, and networking opportunities.

Mistakes to Avoid When Sending Texts to Student Populations

Keep in mind a few elements to avoid when texting students. These include:

  • Too many messages: Keep your updates to useful (and important) ones. Message overload often leads to opt-outs.
  • Using only one avenue: Never rely solely on one mode of communication, especially for vital information. Use email, physical correspondence, and texting together as needed. Get that information into your student’s hands one way or another.
  • Bad timing: set messages to reach students when they are not in class (or asleep). Trumpia provides exceptional automation options so you can send messages to different students at the times that are best for them.

The Go-To Company for Mass Texting

Trumpia provides top-of-the-line automated texting software for businesses, organizations, and institutions across the country. From Fortune 500 companies to local organizations, we help users unlock new, efficient ways to connect with their audiences.