Promote your new Campus App

Owned by jamal.naveed
Last updated: Sept 03, 2024 by Farwa Ali
3 min read

You’ve been working so hard to launch this new mobile experience for your campus, so let’s make sure we get it in front of as many students, staff & faculty as possible!

Many of our campus partners launch during orientation or other new student welcome events. It’s common to align app promotion with these new student activities and cement the app as part of their college experience. If you are not planning to launch your app during Orientation, never fear! Many of these examples can be applied to other high-impact campus events, activities, and initiatives. 

Here are some other examples of how campus partners have promoted their app across Social/Web Channels:

  1. Leverage Campus Social Media

  2. Featuring the App on Landing Page on the Website, Portal, and LMS 

  3. Incorporate Video 

  4. Work with Communications on Press Release or article for Campus News Channels

  5. A Student-Driven Blog

  6. Launching During Orientation

  7. Promoting Beyond Orientation

You can link directly to your Campus App using a universal URL. When accessed from a mobile device, this will automatically launch the app. If the app is not installed on the device, it defaults to a landing page where you are prompted to download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store. 

To find the universal URL specific to your Campus App, use the format below: https://your-app-domain.dl.campusapp.com/app_start/

*You must replace 'your-app-domain' with your specific web app's domain. This is the same as the domain used by your web app. If you do not know your app's web domain, contact support.

1. Leverage Campus Social Media

Facebook

Biola University: See how BU promoted their app over Facebook, Biola University.

The University of Indianapolis asked students to help them choose their app icon by conducting an online poll, UIndy’s ‘Vote for an app icon’ campaign. Here is their Facebook post.

Instagram 

  • Post University

  • Biola University

                

2. Featuring the App on Landing Page on the Website, Portal, and LMS 

Maryland Institute of College and Art (MICA)

See MICA Resources for Students page for more information.

Arkansas State

See A-State New Student Orientation page for more information.

Santa Rosa Junior College

See the MySRJCApp page for more information.

3. Incorporate Video 

Bridgewater State University 

//www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/jMDfBJlDEEg

Central College

//www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/r6pKinPAWh8

Porterville College

//www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/iVGDvt94sGk

Biola University

//www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/zdUXSJXxZ9Y

4. Work with Communications on Press Release or article for Campus News Channels

5. A Student-Driven Blog

6. Launching During Orientation

  • The app should be included as part of the Welcome Address, with a call to action to download then and there! Some campuses also have students check into the Welcome event using the app’s QR code reader. This is a great way to gain newly registered users early on.

  • House Orientation schedules and new student resources inside the app ensure recurring users throughout those first days/weeks of term.

Here’s an example from Arkansas State below:

  • Orientation and Rez Life packets should include references to downloading the app - a postcard format works well!

  • Involve your Student Leaders. They’re influencers in your Community!

  • Set up a booth/table showcasing your new app with fun, interactive activities such as “Post a Selfie to the Community” or “Join Our App Scavenger Hunt.”

             

Linn Benton Community College created a #hashtag to get students involved during Welcome Day. They drew spot prizes at the end of the day for anyone who used their #firstdayphoto2020 hashtag, which was a real hit!  

7. Promoting Beyond Orientation

  • Involve your Mascot! Create an entity for them on your mobile app to spread College Spirit! We love this example from ASU Beebe

  • Leverage school initiatives to further boost adoption

    • Homecoming, sporting events, campus events, etc.

  • Don’t forget classic postering like these examples from Sullivan University & Cloud County

If you would like to chat more about app promotion tactics, please reach out to your designated Campus Success Consultant or contact cs@readyeducation.com.