Ooooh, we’ve got some juicy research to share with you! Google teamed up with TNS Australia to dig deep into the path to higher education purchase. They looked at everything from where students get their info, to how they enrol, and even the devices they use to make decisions.
They surveyed a whopping 552 Australian students, both undergrad and postgrad, who enrolled in higher education courses within the past two years. These students studied on campus, online, or a combination of both, and hailed from public and private providers.
Now, if you’re a go-getter and want to dive into all the nitty-gritty details, we recommend reading the full article here. But, if you’re short on time and just want the highlights, we’ve got you covered. We’ve distilled their findings into practical tips so you can make the most of this research goldmine.
While the research conducted by Google in partnership with TNS Australia focused on higher education, many of the findings can still be applicable to vocational education and training (VET) based registered training organizations (RTOs). Students across both higher education and VET-based programs share similar concerns and considerations when it comes to choosing where to study. Therefore, RTOs can still benefit from the practical tips and insights provided in the research to attract and engage potential students.
Video
The Stats
- 79%, showed an interest in learning about higher education institutions through online videos, specifically about course content, subject information and student experience.
- 30% introduced students to a provider they had not previously considered.
- 50% convinced them to think more positively about a provider.
Hey there, it’s time to talk about the impact of video content on the decision-making process of potential students. Yes, we know you’ve heard it all before, but the stats speak for themselves. And in the world of training and education, this is a crucial aspect that simply can’t be ignored. But here’s the good news for all you small training companies out there – video content presents an opportunity for you to stand out from the crowd and make a name for yourselves.
Despite the numerous benefits of video content, many small training companies are yet to explore this powerful medium. By investing in creating informative and engaging video content, you can attract and engage potential students who are searching for training providers online. And the best part is, creating high-quality videos doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. With a simple setup using a smartphone on a tripod, you can create compelling videos that provide value to potential students.
The statistics don’t lie – video content has become a crucial element for training providers to acquire students. And small training companies have a chance to level the playing field by utilizing this medium and providing informative and engaging video content to potential students. With the availability of affordable and accessible video production tools, you can create high-quality video content without breaking the bank. So why not seize this opportunity to compete with larger training providers and make your mark in the industry?
The stats show that video content is a game-changer in the world of training and education. By investing in this powerful medium, small training companies can attract and engage potential students, stand out from their competitors, and compete with larger training providers. So grab your smartphone, set up that tripod, and get ready to create informative and engaging videos that will make potential students sit up and take notice.
Students Research Almost Entirely Online
The Stats
- 97% of students researched their options online
- 35% researched offline
- 80% looked at the providers website
- 65% used Google search
- 28% went on course comparison sites
- 28% looked at online brochures/guides
- 72% started with a course online
- Only 36% were sure of their provider of choice.
- 45% said they have a better opinion of providers that appear on the first page of search results.
- 36% said they’d be less likely to revisit a website if it wasn’t mobile-friendly.
Well, well, well, look who’s come crawling back to the internet for help! That’s right, it’s the students, and they’re doing their research online. No surprise there, with 97% of them scouring the web for training options, and 65% relying on Google search to do the heavy lifting.
So, what’s a training provider to do? Get your website in gear, baby! With 80% of students checking out your site during their research process, you better make sure it’s up to snuff. And it’s not just about having a website, it’s about making sure it’s mobile-friendly too. Because let’s be real, if your site isn’t optimised for mobile, then 36% of students are just going to peace out and never come back.
But wait, there’s more! Did you know that 72% of students start their research by looking at a course online? That’s right, they’re all about that online window shopping. So, if you want to catch their eye, make sure your website is dressed to impress.
And finally, let’s talk about SEO. Because 45% of students have a better opinion of providers that appear on the first page of search results. That’s right, they want to see you at the top of the list, so get your SEO strategy in order and start climbing those search result rankings.
The bottom line? If you want to attract new students, you gotta have a killer online presence. So, get your website in gear, make it mobile-friendly, showcase your courses, and climb those search rankings. The internet is waiting for you, baby!
Online study is not new but students have the same reservations
The Stats
- 90% said they would consider online study but they have common reservations
Common reservations:
- 61% Self-discipline
- 58% lack of support from teachers
- 54% quality of teaching
- 35% student experience
- 25% qualifications inferior to ther modes of study
So, what’s the key takeaway here? Well, if you want to get students excited about online study, you need to make sure they know what resources and support are available. Synchronous learning sessions and on-demand tutor support are great features to promote, and what better way to do that than through compelling video content or in-depth reviews written by current or recently enrolled students? With the right communication and support, online study can be a fantastic option for anyone looking to further their education.
To help students overcome their hesitations about online study, it’s essential for marketers to clearly communicate available resources and outlets for student support. Course features such as synchronous learning sessions and on-demand tutor support should be promoted through compelling video content or in-depth reviews written by recent or currently enrolled students. As we’ve previously discussed, video content has become a crucial element for training providers to acquire students, and it can be particularly effective in addressing concerns and alleviating fears that potential students may have about online study. By creating engaging and informative video content that showcases student experiences and highlights the benefits of online study, training providers can make potential students feel at ease and encourage them to take the next step towards enrolling in a program.
In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is essential for training providers to attract potential students. The stats show that students are increasingly turning to the internet to research their options, with a high percentage of them looking for providers’ websites during their research process. Moreover, mobile optimization and having a strong SEO strategy are crucial for a website to be effective, and video content has become a crucial element in acquiring new students. By creating engaging and informative video content, small training companies can stand out from their competitors and make potential students feel more at ease about online study.
However, with the growing popularity of online study, it’s important for marketers to address common reservations that students may have. Providing clear communication about available resources and outlets for student support, such as synchronous learning sessions and on-demand tutor support, can help students overcome hesitations about online study. Additionally, creating compelling video content that showcases student testimonials or reviews can make potential students feel more at ease and confident in their decision to pursue online study.
Overall, training providers who invest in their online presence, prioritize mobile optimization, have a strong SEO strategy, and create engaging video content will increase their chances of attracting and retaining potential students. It’s important to understand and address common student reservations about online study to ensure that they feel supported and confident in their decision to pursue further education online.