Contrary to popular opinion education as a sector has not always been synonymous with technological advancement as the vast majority of educational institutions prefer a more traditional route of imparting knowledge. With the world shutting down because of Covid, teachers and parents were forced to more fully make use of technologically innovative and digital solutions to continue their children’s education.
EdTech companies of any size stand for ‘education technology’ and primarily use digital avenues such as computer systems, digital education programs, and training and seminars to impart skills and education to students of any age as well as employees seeking professional development in any field. EdTech startups have been on the rise in recent years to utilize the new emerging opportunities for digital education avenues all over the world. Here are a few tips on how EdTech companies can partner up with schools more effectively.
1. Navigate The Finance Problem
Most schools do not have endless sources of funding they can rely on for innovative teaching tools and mechanisms. Many schools may not partner up with an EdTech company simply because they may perceive the cost to be too high. EdTech companies need to employ a solution-based approach so that the school feels like its problems are being solved so that funding can be rerouted to digital programs of learning. In some cases, fundraising efforts and parent contributions can do the trick!
2. Key Performance Indicators To The Rescue
EdTech products are excellent for reaching key performance indicators or KPIs in any school or educational institution. If an EdTech is trying a B2B (a business to business approach to selling), they need to shift their marketing strategy to show how KPIs can be met quicker and more effectively with their digital programs especially in trying times such as during a pandemic or where children with special needs or financial constraints are concerned.
3. Workflow And Task Automation
EdTech is all about creating ease and convenience for educators, teachers, and parents. As an
EdTech startup you need to be tuned into your customer’s main needs, their workflow, and their main educational goals. Teachers typically benefit from task automation as well such as the kind obtained from 3D printers for schools.
Sellers like AGC Education sell 3D printers, laminating machines, and any number of helpful school equipment and supplies to make the lives of educators easier when it comes to getting vital tasks done. Not to mention AGC Education also provides customer training so that the end-user is well-versed in all the functions and benefits of their products.
4. A Free Tool As A Gateway Program
Crafting a free tool such as a free training seminar or an add-on is a great way to get schools interested in what you have to offer. With the free tool serving as a gateway to how imparting knowledge can be revolutionized and digitized, you may find your ideal customers are more likely to invest in your digital products. High-priority problems or mechanisms that take a lot of time in schools such as checking practice SAT exams for example can easily be solved by software provided by EdTech startups and a free trial period can convince the school of the need to purchase more such programs.
5. A Network of Referrals
Word of mouth recommendations are common between schools and educators and a satisfied customer is likely to spread the news in the industry they work in that they have discovered a program or a service that can cut workload and benefit students in their learning. Have feedback portals where customers can leave feedback that can later be shared widely so that other educators are convinced of the efficacy of your programs and tools. Referrals also build trust in a community and are therefore very effective marketing tactics to attract new partnerships.
6. Pleasing The Stakeholders
For many people such as school committees, educators, librarians, the school boards and administration, and student counselors, there are clear stakeholders they need to please and worry about such as the students and their parents. An EdTech company needs to have a stakeholder focused approach and needs to provide school administrations and teachers with relevant material, research, and presentations to show why a certain digital product is worthwhile and a solid investment.
This not only reduces the marketing strain on the EdTech company itself, but it also means your potential customers will be doing the marketing for you especially if they are convinced of your company’s trustworthiness and usefulness.