In the high-stakes world of college enrollment, small private institutions face a unique challenge: how to stand out in a sea of bigger budgets, bigger names, and broader reach. With fewer resources and shrinking applicant pools, simply getting noticed – let alone chosen – can feel like an uphill battle.
But what if the advantage wasn’t in being bigger or louder?
What if it came from being more personal?
Connection is still the most powerful enrollment strategy.
At its core, enrollment is about building relationships. It’s about helping prospective students see themselves on your campus – not just through photos or rankings, but through authentic, human connection.
In a landscape crowded with emails, viewbooks, and digital ads, that kind of connection doesn’t happen by chance. It happens when communication feels less like marketing – and more like a moment of being seen.
Personalization is the bridge.
Today’s students are digital natives. They’re fluent in short-form video, curated content, and personalized recommendations. They expect communication that feels as individual as their TikTok feed – and they know when they’re getting a copy-and-paste message.
The good news is that personalized video doesn’t have to be complicated. It doesn’t require a full production team or hours of editing. What it does require is intention: a willingness to meet students where they are, with content that speaks directly to them.
It can be as easy as:
- A short, warm video from an admissions counselor, greeting a student by name
- A quick message after a campus visit, thanking them and inviting next steps
- A tailored overview of an academic program based on a student’s expressed interest
- A friendly financial aid explanation for parents – human and jargon-free
It’s not about perfection – it’s about presence. Students don’t need a perfectly produced video; they need to feel a connection.
Why Smaller Colleges Are Uniquely Positioned to Win
Big schools often rely on automation and mass marketing. But small colleges have already built their brand around community, connection, and belonging.
Personalized video is a natural extension of that mission. It doesn’t replace current efforts – it enhances them. And for students navigating the biggest decision of their academic career, that extra effort matters.
A Small Shift That Makes a Big Impact
One of the most common questions enrollment teams ask is, “How do we make this manageable?”
Start small. Choose one audience segment – like high-priority inquiries or admitted students – and one key moment in their journey. Then test a short video message and measure engagement.
Colleges using personalized video with Spokenote have seen:
- Increased video view rates
- Higher click-through rates on calls to action
- Better yield from admitted student outreach
Case in point: Purdue University
When Purdue combined personalized video with direct mail, the results were powerful: 22 new enrollments tied directly to the campaign – totaling $4M+ in tuition revenue.
Even more compelling? 53% of students who engaged with their videos showed high levels of interaction, proving that personalized content doesn’t just get noticed. It drives meaningful connection.
The numbers tell a clear story – but the real value is in how students feel: remembered, understood, and welcomed.
And That’s Where You Win.
When a student receives a message that speaks directly to them – not just in content, but in tone – it creates a moment. A memory. A reason to say yes.
Personalized video can’t replace your admissions team. But it can amplify what they do best: connect.
That’s exactly why small colleges are turning to Spokenote – to bring their mission of community and connection to life in a way that feels personal, is scalable, and effective. Whether you’re nurturing inquiries, welcoming admits, or engaging families, Spokenote helps you turn everyday outreach into meaningful moments that drive enrollment.
Recently featured in Chasing Mission Fit by Bart Caylor, Spokenote is recognized as a must-have for small colleges looking to grow enrollment in a meaningful, personal way. It’s not just a tool – it’s a recruitment advantage.
Want to see how personalized video could work for your team? Schedule a discovery session – and unlock the power of connection.
About Us
Spokenote’s platform empowers businesses to craft engaging experiences and make data-driven decisions to better serve their audiences. For more information or to explore how we can enhance your short-form video strategy, visit spokenote.com or contact us at info@spokenote.com.
