Text Messaging Strategies for Higher Education Institutions

This guide presents the advantages of text messaging as a communication tool for colleges and universities. It outlines the increasing preference for texting among college students, noting that texting offers a 98% open rate compared to a 20% open rate for emails. The document details various statistics that support the effectiveness of text messaging, including a 45% response rate for texts versus 6% for emails, and highlights that 90% of texts are read within three minutes. Additionally, it discusses the impact of text messaging on student engagement, with 86% of students indicating that texts prompt them to complete tasks. The guide also emphasizes the growth opportunities associated with text messaging, such as higher application rates among prospective students who receive text updates. The conclusion encourages institutions to start SMS campaigns and build opt-in lists, while also mentioning the availability of SMS emergency alert solutions. This document serves as a resource for higher education organizations considering the integration of text messaging into their communication strategies.