How SMS messaging can benefit the education sector

Advantages & uses of bulk SMS to schools

SMS messaging is fast becoming the weapon of choice in the savvy marketer’s arsenal. This is likely due to its instant deliverability, high open and response rates, concise messaging, and general reliability. And now, in a society that’s attached to their phones at the hip, it’s important that sectors outside of marketing realize the potential of SMS  text messages. The education sector, for example, can benefit greatly from using SMS. It’s a great way to build relationships with students, parents, and members of staff. Here are several ways to leverage SMS 's if you’re involved in the education sector.

SMS Messages for weather alerts

This is particularly helpful in areas with extreme climates. Weather conditions can affect traveling, leading to closures and cancellations. It’s not uncommon that parents and students are oblivious to these changes until the last minute or until reaching the school grounds. That’s a lot of wasted resources and can be a point of anxiety for parents with younger children. SMS messaging can alleviate this by notifying parents and students immediately of any delays, cancellations or closures, giving them plenty of time to make alternative arrangements.

Parent-teacher meetings

Parents generally lead extremely busy lives and it can be easy to forget about meetings or important school dates, particularly if they’ve only been notified about said events through letter or email. With the use of text messaging, parents can receive timely gentle reminders about upcoming parent-teacher meetings. And that, in turn, is good for the development of the students.

Exam reminders

Bulk SMS messages can be used during exam times to remind students of exam dates, exam locations, and even exam content. It’s also a great way of informing students of any last minute changes to the exam timetable or allowing them to ask questions if there’s anything they’re unsure of.

New student recruitment

An SMS campaign can spearhead a new student recruitment drive. A simple text message to prospective students and parents with reminders about open days or application deadlines can go a long way to making sure they apply. Schools can also send through content links to course outlines or extracurricular programs.

Sonoma State University in California, for example, sent everyone on their undeclared student roster messages about upcoming workshops and courses that would give prospective students more information on majors and career options. It had remarkably successful results.

Urgent messages

We’ve already touched on the busyness of parents. This can be a problem when trying to get hold of them. And sometimes situations occur that require urgent attention like if a child gets sick, needs to be picked up, is involved in an accident or requires an immediate disciplinary procedure. Parents are likely to be far more receptive to an SMS alert than they are to a telephone call. It means that you can reach them quickly and with minimal fuss. You’ll also know if they’ve read or haven’t received the message, which is something you can’t be sure of if you leave a voicemail. It also gives the parents peace of mind. It prevents that dreaded missed call where the parents fear the worst. An SMS can include all of the facts about any incident and its severity.

Staff contact

SMS messages can also to be used to stay in contact with staff. A simple text can let them know about upcoming events or as a means of filling staff absentees quickly. It’s obviously important that educational institutions maintain strong relationships with their staff as this directly affects the quality of service they provide to students. With SMS, staff can be kept in the loop which is likely to improve their morale.

SMS messaging is definitely the way to attract and retain students and parents across university, college and school campuses. It provides clarity for all parties and ultimately makes the educational environment more efficient. If you’d like to learn how much your students, staff, and parents can benefit from a bulk SMS platform get in touch with us today. Alternatively, read more about how educational institutions around the globe are successfully leveraging the power of SMS messaging to connect with students, parents, and educators.