The End of RFI Forms: Engaging Students with Tailored Content

About the Episode:

In this episode of The Application, Allison sits down with Lance Hydrick, an expert in higher ed technology, to discuss the critical role of the Request for Information (RFI) experience on university websites. Lance shares his insights on the shortcomings of traditional RFI forms and introduces innovative AI-driven solutions that transform the web experience for prospective students. They explore how personalized, dynamic content can engage students more effectively, providing them with the specific information they need instantly and creating a more seamless path from inquiry to enrollment.

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Understanding Student Pain Points

Finding Relevant Information

‍Students often face significant challenges when navigating college websites. Lance highlighted that a common pain point is the difficulty in finding specific information. Websites typically cater to a broad audience, including current students, faculty, and staff, resulting in a general information overload. This can be frustrating for prospective students who are looking for tailored details about programs, costs, and campus life.

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Curating Experiences

‍Today's students are accustomed to personalized experiences in their daily digital interactions. From TikTok to Netflix, content is curated to their preferences. Lance pointed out that university websites should not be an exception. The goal is to create a user experience that feels as intuitive and personalized as the platforms students use daily.

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Leveraging AI for Personalized Experiences

AI-Driven Content Curation

‍AI technology provides a unique opportunity for universities to curate content specifically tailored to individual students. By analyzing student behavior on the website, AI can dynamically present relevant information. For instance, if a student is exploring financial aid pages, AI can prompt them with a quick assessment to determine scholarship eligibility. This immediate, personalized interaction can significantly enhance the student experience.

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From Information to Engagement

‍Traditional Request for Information (RFI) forms often result in delayed responses, leading to student frustration. Lance emphasized the need for immediate engagement. AI can transform the standard RFI process by providing instant, relevant content based on the student's specific queries. This approach not only satisfies the student's immediate information needs but also keeps them engaged and more likely to take the next step, such as applying or connecting with a counselor.

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Success Stories and Future Implications

Case Study: University of West Florida

‍Lance shared a compelling success story from the University of West Florida, where implementing Halda's AI-driven assessments led to a 500% increase in down-funnel enrollments. This impressive result underscores the potential of AI to transform student engagement and drive enrollment.

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Beyond the Website

‍The implications of AI extend beyond just the university website. Personalized marketing campaigns, tailored email communications, and customized landing pages can all benefit from the insights gathered through AI. By understanding and responding to individual student needs, universities can create a cohesive and highly personalized experience across all touchpoints.

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Addressing Data Privacy Concerns

First-Party Data Collection

‍In response to concerns about data privacy, Lance clarified that Halda operates with first-party data collected directly from the university's website. This approach ensures compliance with privacy regulations while allowing universities to build robust data sets to enhance student experiences.

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Empowering Students with Information

‍The ultimate goal is to be genuinely helpful to students, providing them with the information they need to make informed decisions. By leveraging AI to deliver personalized, immediate responses, universities can build trust and foster deeper connections with prospective students.

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Key “How Tos”:

• Evaluate Your RFI Process
• Implement AI-driven tools to transform informational websites into experiential destinations
• Focus on understanding and addressing specific student needs in real-time
• Use AI to gather first-party data and create hyper-personalized experiences that mimic popular consumer platforms like Netflix

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‍About the Show: The Application is your playbook for the ever-evolving world of higher education enrollment marketing. This podcast zeroes in on the niche, often-unexplored areas of the field, delivering a potent mix of actionable insights, practical strategies, and cutting-edge perspectives.

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Connect With Our Host:

Allison Turcio

https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonturcio/

https://twitter.com/allisonturcio

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About The Enrollify Podcast Network: The Application with Allison Turcio is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows, too!  

Some of our favorites include Mission Admissions and Visionary Voices: The College President’s Playbook.

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.