Unlocking the Power of Text Messaging for Student Enrollment

Text messaging is one of the most powerful yet underutilized tools in your marketing and sales arsenal. If you’re not leveraging it, you’re leaving potential students—and revenue—on the table.

In this article, I’m going to break down five proven ways you can use text messaging to enroll more students. Some of these tactics lean more toward sales than marketing, but in reality, they go hand in hand.

Before We Dive In...

To make text messaging work for your business, you’ll want to use a business text platform. I personally use Sales Message, but there are plenty of great options out there. A dedicated text service allows you to:

✅ Have a separate business number for texts
✅ Broadcast messages to multiple leads at once
✅ Make business calls from the same platform

I primarily use Sales Message from my laptop because it’s faster and more efficient, but I also love that I can send texts and handle business from my phone while camping or traveling.

Now, let’s get into the five text messaging tactics that can help you enroll more students.

Tactic #1: Warm Up New Leads Before Calling

These days, getting people to answer the phone is nearly impossible. That’s why a quick warm-up text before calling makes a huge difference.

Here’s a sample of my go-to message:

📩 "Hey there!!! Danny here from The Music Factory School of Music. Thanks so much for reaching out! Is there a good time for me to give you a quick ring?"

Want to supercharge this? Attach a photo of yourself! Even better—if they inquired about drum lessons, take the pic in your drum room. If they’re interested in guitar, hold a guitar in your pic. Make it personal and show them you’re a real human.

Tactic #2: If They’re Ghosting You, Send a Video

If a lead isn’t responding to your emails, calls, or texts, send them a video message. Most business text platforms (like Sales Message) let you do this easily.

A personalized video helps you cut through the noise and reminds them what they’re missing out on. It also reinforces that you’re a real person—not just another sales message in their inbox.

Tactic #3: Use Broadcast Texts to Create Urgency

The broadcast feature lets you send out messages to multiple leads at once—perfect for filling up classes fast.

⚡ Example: “We just opened a new KidzRock class time, and spots are filling up fast! Want in? Reply YES to grab your spot.”

This tactic works wonders because it creates urgency and scarcity—two powerful sales motivators. I used this recently for a new class, and within a few hours, several parents signed up their kids.

💡 Pro Tip: Tag your customers in Sales Message (or any CRM) so you can segment them for targeted broadcasts.

Tactic #4: Use a Trigger Keyword for Easy Lead Capture

Make it super simple for potential students to inquire about lessons. Set up a trigger keyword that automatically starts a conversation.

📢 Example: Run an Instagram ad or print a flyer that says:
“Text GUITAR to 44345 for more info on lessons!”

Once they text the keyword, they receive an automated message with details, next steps, or even a special offer. It’s easy, effective, and requires zero effort on your part after setup.

Tactic #5: Send a Coupon via Text

Want a fast, easy way to boost enrollment? Text out a limited-time offer.

I used Canva to create a simple coupon and sent it via text twice in January. The message said something like:

🎸 "Book your first lesson before the end of the month and get [$X OFF] or [No Registration Fee]!"

It’s quick, easy, and works like a charm.

Final Thoughts

These five text messaging strategies are simple to implement and can significantly boost your student enrollments.

📲 Give them a try and watch your numbers grow!

Know someone who could benefit from this? Share it with them!

🚀 Let’s get more students enrolled,
Danny

This version makes the content more engaging, structured, and persuasive. Let me know if you want any tweaks! 🚀

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