Basics

Information on getting the basics right

Review your course marketing materials
It sounds simple, but setting aside some time to review your course marketing material - both printed and online - is an incredibly valuable exercise. Even better, ask a colleague with a fresh pair of eyes to have a quick look. 

Basic errors, such as incorrect or out of date contact details on web pages may have a significant impact on the amount of interest that centres receive about ITE courses. 

Ensuring accuracy of your contact information is quick and easy. It not only makes life easier for you and prospective students, it also creates a better user experience.

Another simple check is to make sure you use every opportunity to actively invite prospects to contact you. Make it as easy as possible for them to get in touch by clearly displaying email, phone and web contact details. And include a strong, prominent call to action on all materials you put out, for example:

• "Contact us for more details at….”
• “If you have any questions, get in touch with us at….”
• “We’d be happy to discuss your future as a teacher, so drop us a line at ….”

Exploit your GTTR profile

The first time many prospective students will encounter your ITE centre is by visiting your profile page on the GTTR website. This is a vital aspect of your marketing because if they don’t like what they see, they’ll move on to the next profile. Consider if you are making the most of this marketing channel.  

It is formatted with students in mind, reflected in the fact that the question it asks is “Why train first with us?”

It is worth spending some time making sure that you are maximising the potential of the profile. Don’t recreate your webpage or just dump your prospectus information here, use it as a marketing opportunity in its own right. 

Fill in the information requested for each field directly and concisely keeping in mind that there are plenty of courses listed and you want to keep them on your page. If they want to find out more they can dig down through the profile or go and visit your webpage.

Make sure the answers highlight your USPs (Unique Selling Points) and those prospective students are sure to want to find out more.

Use inspiring images and use film

In your course marketing material, try to use images that will reflect life as a PGCE student at your institution, rather than generic images that tend to show the solitary work of a physicist in a lab. Break the stereotype by show groups of students working together and having fun. 

Even better, if you can showcase a film (media students are always looking for film projects) about your course, that’s a great way for prospective students to gain an insight into what your course entails.

Make use of social media

Don’t overlook social media such as Facebook and Twitter to build up relationships with potential students. These are perfect forums to generate discussion, provide advice and encourage prospects to ask questions in a non-committal arena. 

This no-cost marketing will not only encourage discussion but will demonstrate your willingness to embrace new technologies. If you don’t have a web officer to help you create and manage your profiles, please get in touch – we are happy to help you. Email: teach@iop.org