As one of the premier publication printers in the Pacific Northwest, Journal Graphics works with several nonprofit, secondary and higher education institutions to help them produce high-quality publications for fundraising, informational, and academic pursuits. Despite shrinking budgets and resources, digital burnout and lack of engagement are causing many organizations to rethink the all-digital route. Let’s explore what’s trending for this space.
Dial-up engagement
We don’t have to tell you how important an alumni network is for universities. Alumni are one of the main streams of revenue and support for any institution. Many organizations fall short in successfully engaging their alumni network, particularly newer graduates. A recent study revealed that 85% of alumni felt their alma maters weren’t doing enough to engage with them. Utilizing print and digital communications is a great way to activate and engage your alumni network.
Tell me more
Your alumni magazine should be more than just alumni stories in your magazine. Use this valuable space to inform alumni on how they can utilize alumni benefits to succeed professionally, important how-tos on navigating life after campus, or how to develop their own regional or corporate alumni network. Not all alumni, especially newer graduates, are poised to give generously. Finding ways to keep them involved is essential.
Specialties abound
Larger institutions can elevate their communications further by targeting past grads via specialized publications focused on a College or individual Department / School. Organizing your alumni content by specialization such as technology or business helps you develop a distinct voice and avoids tune out by disinterested parties. Consider an annual review from your individual schools and bundle it with your standard campus-wide alumni magazine. This also allows you to fine-tune fundraising asks for specific needs within these departments.
Click with your audience
Use print and digital versions of your publication to cast a larger net and drive your content further. Utilizing a digital version of the magazine allows you to reach a wider audience. Doubling up is never a bad idea, especially when trying to keep track of alumni as they move and disperse after graduation. When we say digital, we mean more than just a pdf. Online publications allow you to offer more dynamic content such as video, social sharing and more.
Ask them what they want
Be sure to include a survey at least once annually in your magazine for recipients to complete. Requesting feedback allows you to evolve and customize the alumni experience while giving your graduates the ability to be heard. You’ll find that this customer-first level of engagement will unveil insights and ideas as to what you could be doing better or at all.
Let Journal Graphics help you press forward into the future with our wide array of publication techniques. Contact us today to learn more about our print and digital publication capabilities to help improve your alumni communications.