How to Choose the Right Email Tool
The best email marketing tool depends on your situation:
School size matters. Single-location schools can use simpler tools. Multi-campus operations need platforms with more organization and team features.
Online vs in-person. If you offer online courses or hybrid programs, consider tools with webinar features and course tracking.
Budget is real. Most trade schools operate on tight margins. Calculate cost at your expected list size including all prospects and alumni, not just starting prices.
What Actually Works for Trade Schools
After talking to many vocational education professionals about email marketing:
Success stories sell. Graduate placement stories with real salaries and career paths are the most compelling content. Show prospective students where they could be in 6 months.
Timing aligns with life transitions. Career changers research during job dissatisfaction. High school seniors research in fall. Adjust your promotional timing accordingly.
Retention emails pay off. Every student who drops out represents lost tuition and hurts your completion rates. Automated encouragement and check-ins help students push through difficult periods.
Getting Started
Pick a tool from this list. Then:
- Import your contact lists (prospects, students, alumni)
- Set up enrollment inquiry follow-up automation
- Create weekly student update templates
- Plan graduate success story features
Start simple and expand as you learn what works for your students.