The competition for student enrollment is at an all-time high. With thousands of institutions vying for attention, how do you make sure your message stands out and resonates with prospective students?
Customizable direct mail is one of the most effective tools for student recruitment. Unlike digital ads or emails that can be easily ignored, a well-designed, personalized mailer creates a tangible connection between your institution and prospective students.
Why Customizable Direct Mail Works for Student Recruitment
- Personalized & Engaging: Prospective students are more likely to respond to a piece of mail that features their name, program interests, or an invitation to visit campus.
- Highly Targeted: Direct mail allows schools to segment prospective students by location, academic interest, and engagement level, ensuring the right message reaches the right audience.
- Tangible & Memorable: Unlike digital marketing, printed materials have a longer shelf life, giving students and parents time to consider their options.
- Integrated with Digital Campaigns: Metzgers’ direct mail solutions seamlessly connect with online resources through QR codes, personalized URLs (PURLs), and social media call-to-actions, driving engagement across multiple platforms.
How MetzgersU Makes Personalized Direct Mail Easy
At Metzgers, we understand that no two schools are alike—and no two students are alike. That’s why we developed MetzgersU, a customizable print solution designed specifically for higher education institutions.
- Custom Mail Pieces – Use variable data printing to personalize every aspect of your mailers, from the recipient’s name to their intended major.
- Seamless Branding – Ensure every postcard, brochure, or acceptance letter aligns with your school’s visual identity and messaging.
- Multiple Print & Mailing Options – Choose from postcards, brochures, self-mailers, or complete welcome kits based on your recruitment goals.
- Data-Driven Targeting – Upload segmented student lists to personalize outreach based on academic programs, location, and past interactions.
With MetzgersU, your school can automate and streamline its direct mail process, making personalized recruitment easier and more effective.
How Colleges & Universities Can Use Direct Mail for Recruitment
1. Personalized Inquiry Mailers
Send targeted mail to students who have expressed interest in your institution but have not yet applied.
🔹 Highlight academic programs, scholarships, and campus visit opportunities.
🔹 Use QR codes or PURLs to drive students to a custom webpage with more information.
🔹 Include a handwritten-style message from an admissions counselor to add a personal touch.
2. Acceptance Letters & Yield Campaigns
Once students are admitted, make their acceptance feel special with a personalized mailer.
🔹 Send a high-quality printed acceptance packet with a welcome letter, next steps, and branded stickers or inserts.
🔹 Feature testimonials from current students in their intended major to create excitement.
🔹 Use variable data printing to tailor messaging based on the student’s intended field of study.
3. Campus Visit Invitations
Encourage students to schedule a campus visit or attend an open house with an eye-catching, interactive mailer.
🔹 Include a QR code that links to an RSVP form for campus tours or virtual events.
🔹 Feature a customized map highlighting campus landmarks based on student interests.
🔹 Provide a discount code for the campus bookstore or coffee shop as an incentive.
4. Financial Aid & Scholarship Awareness
Help students and families navigate the cost of higher education with clear, informative direct mail pieces.
🔹 Send a personalized financial aid award letter outlining estimated costs and available scholarships.
🔹 Create an easy-to-read infographic mailer explaining FAFSA deadlines and steps.
🔹 Use a perforated response card that students can return to indicate interest in specific aid programs.
5. Application Deadline Reminders
Ensure prospective students don’t miss key deadlines with timely, attention-grabbing mailers.
🔹 Use bold graphics and clear calls-to-action to emphasize application cutoffs.
🔹 Offer a waived application fee for students who apply by a specific date.
🔹 Include a tear-off checklist of required application materials to make the process easier.
Start Your Personalized Recruitment Campaign
Your prospective students are waiting to hear from you. Make an impact with customized direct mail campaigns powered by MetzgersU.
