“In 2021, nearly 49.4 million students were enrolled in public elementary and secondary schools. Among them were 1.4 million prekindergarten students, 32.6 million kindergarten students, and 15.4 million students in grades 9-12.”
Looking ahead to 2024, these numbers have only increased to millions. How do you think leading schools will manage such a large number of student applications to grow admissions while keeping processes like marketing, counseling, and finance in sync with each other?
The answer lies in a purpose-built CRM for schools. In this digitally savvy age, where parents prefer a diverse array of channels to communicate with schools, educational organizations require advanced tools to manage their operations efficiently.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before implementing CRM software for schools, ensuring you make an informed decision for your institution.
What is a CRM for Schools?
A CRM (Customer Relationship Management) for schools is a comprehensive tool designed to manage and streamline the entire admissions process, from inquiry to enrollment. It centralizes all student and parent interactions, enabling schools to nurture relationships, track engagement, and optimize marketing efforts. CRM software for schools is purpose-built to address the unique needs of educational institutions, offering features that enhance communication, improve efficiency, and ultimately boost enrollments.
Got more questions about a K-12 CRM? Watch our enrollment expert in this explainer video to learn more.
Why Must Schools Opt for a Purpose-Built CRM?
In this rapidly evolving education industry, schools need to adopt technologies that give them a strategic edge. A purpose-built CRM for schools offers several advantages:
- Centralized Data Management: No more juggling multiple systems. Everything is managed on one platform.
- Enhanced Communication: Engage parents and students with personalized communication.
- Improved Efficiency: Automate routine tasks and free up staff time for more strategic activities.
- In-Depth Analytics: Gain insights into marketing and admissions performance to make data-driven decisions.
- Better Parent Experience: Provide a seamless and transparent admissions process.
Things to Look for in a Purpose-Built CRM for Schools
When selecting CRM software for schools, consider the following features:
- Inquiry Centralization: Ability to manage inquiries from multiple sources in one place.
- Communication Tools: Integrated email, SMS, WhatsApp, and more for effective engagement.
- Automation Capabilities: Drip marketing, automated follow-ups, and task automation.
- Advanced Reporting: Real-time dashboards and customizable reports.
- Parent Portals: Platforms for parents to track their child’s application status.
- Payment Integration: Simplified fee collection and financial management.
What a Purpose-Built CRM for Schools Looks Like
Meritto’s School CRM is a perfect example of a purpose-built CRM for schools. Here’s a snapshot of its features:
Inquiry Centralization and Nurturing
- Centralized Inquiry Management: Manage inquiries from online, offline, walk-ins, and third-party agencies.
- 360-Degree Nurturing: Utilize email, multilingual SMS, WhatsApp, calls, chat, and remarketing for comprehensive communication.
- Unified Campaign Manager: Optimize marketing ROI with a single dashboard.
- Marketing Automation: Implement drip marketing, counselor nudges, and disposition automation.
- Counselor Management Platform: Prioritize leads, view smart insights, and generate productivity reports.
Application to Post-Application Automation
- Parent Admission Portal: A central hub for the entire admission journey.
- One-View Student Dashboard: Real-time status visibility and document management.
- Query Management System: Real-time query ticketing and tracking.
Post-Application to Enrollment Automation
- Payment & Financing: Integrated platform for fee collection and management.
- Document Verification: Automated workflows for document approval.
- Enrollment Workflows: Online school tours, virtual appointments, merit list generation, and offer letter templates.
What are the Benefits of a Purpose-Built CRM for Schools?
Implementing K-12 CRM software for schools offers numerous benefits:
- Enhanced Parent Engagement: Provide a personalized and transparent admission experience.
- Streamlined Operations: Automate routine tasks and reduce manual intervention.
- Improved Decision-Making: Leverage data analytics to make informed strategic decisions.
- Increased Enrollment Rates: Optimize the inquiry-to-enrollment journey, leading to higher conversion rates.
- Financial Management: Simplify fee collection and financial tracking.
Why Meritto is the Best CRM for schools?
Meritto is a leading enrollment management platform in India, relied on by over 1,000 educational organizations and trusted by 1500+ schools for its comprehensive and cutting-edge enrollment solutions. Here’s why Meritto stands out:
- Proven Track Record: 5 million applications managed annually, 100 million inquiries processed, and 1 billion student engagements powered.
- Robust Features: From inquiry centralization to advanced reporting and payment integration, Meritto offers a comprehensive solution.
- User-Friendly Interface: Easy-to-use tools that empower teams and enhance productivity.
- Exceptional Support: Dedicated customer support to ensure smooth implementation and operation.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, implementing a K-12 CRM for schools is essential for staying competitive in this thriving education industry. With Meritto’s purpose-built CRM software for schools, you can streamline your operations, enhance parent engagement, boost enrollments, manage communications, keep all your teams in perfect synergy, and handle fees efficiently. As the best CRM for schools, Meritto offers a comprehensive suite of features purpose-built to meet the growing needs of K-12 organizations. Additionally, to explore more about Meritto’s K-12 CRM, you can schedule a call & our experts will get back to you on a 1:1 discussion.
