Connecting Students Like Never BeforeSmartphones are ubiquitous on campuses1 and students are connected on Facebook in unprecedented numbers2. In order to compete for attention in this hyper-connected age, SIFE needs to leverage mobile & social channels to get more students engaging with SIFE and their communities. Learn How →
The SIFE Project Recommender is a mobile and desktop web tool that connects students' Facebook interests with real SIFE projects. The site recommends SIFE projects based on what they like on Facebook, and allows them to connect with other SIFE participants on their campus. This tool takes an otherwise-superficial aspect of social media and applies it in a way that engages students in a very real way.
Try it OutOnce the student connects their Facebook account, the site can pull in their Facebook likes, interests and activities in order to recommend SIFE projects they may find interesting. For example, a student who likes outdoor activities on Facebook might be interested in SIFE projects that have them working outdoors, while a finance major might be interested in SIFE projects that involve creating budgets.
By personalizing the projects to the individual, SIFE can create real interest and get the right people signing up for the right projects.
I'm sold. Sign me up.Once the student has viewed their recommended SIFE projects they sign up using their Facebook info. No forms, no hassle, and best of all, the tool can pull in all the person's friends involved with SIFE. This creates added incentive to sign up for the program and connect with their friends on a whole new level.
How to we get the word out?QR codes on college campuses can be extremely effective in reaching students. Smartphones are everywhere on campuses and tech-savvy students are more willing to connect than older generations. Placing QR codes in high-traffic areas such as bus stops, sporting events, dining halls, student unions and more can drive more students to the SIFE Project Recommender and increase sign-ups.
While print advertising and digital advertising such as Facebook ads are important for spreading the word, there's no denying the importance of the iPhone, especially on college campuses. The first thing students do when they get out of class is pull out their phones to call a friend or fire up an app. Apple's iAd platform is the perfect way to connect with this ultra-mobile generation.
iAds allow students to sign up for SIFE right within the ad itself without ever having to leave the experience. Students can also watch success stories videos, learn more about the organization and contact all from right within the ad.
Check out the iAd →
By connecting with students using the channels where they are most active, SIFE can increase exposure to students and take advantage of the trends towards mobility and socialization.