Back to basics: How to revitalize your alumni network platform

Has it been awhile since you’ve logged in to update your alumni platform? Or are you new to your role and aren’t sure where to begin to bring your alumni platform to life? 

Just like students are headed back to class this fall, we’re going back to basics too. In this blog, we provide tips and tricks to help you easily jump back into your Gravyty-powered alumni engagement platform, make tweaks, post updates, and reinvigorate your alumni community.

4 easy ways to reinvigorate your alumni engagement platform

1. Polish up your landing page

Has your institution rebranded lately and you need to update accordingly? Or have you had the same images since your initial launch and need to do some updating? The first thing you will want to do is to make sure that the images and the language on the landing page are up to date. This is the first place your users will see when they login or register, so start off on the right foot and give them a snapshot of what to expect when they engage with the network.

Let your creativity shine by customizing the landing page. Update it to reflect changing priorities or changing seasons. Just be sure your landing page is clear and concise and you showcase the value you want users to find within the platform. You can highlight recently posted jobs, recently joined members, posted events and more. 

All of the data collected when a user registers on your Graduway alumni network can be customized to your strategy and the goals you want to achieve. Be sure to review the profile attribute section, detailing all the platform registration questions. Verify that it includes all the data and information you are looking to collect, and add any others that are relevant to your team. These questions are key to making sure you collect the information that is most important to you.

2. Enhance user engagement with Graduway’s updated homepage

The newly redesigned homepage in the Graduway platform serves as a personalized portal for graduates, offering a more engaging and valuable experience. By prompting users to update their profiles, the homepage tailors content and resources to the users specific interests and needs. This personalized approach has led to a significant increase in user engagement:

• 30% rise in time spent on the platform
• 40% increase in profile completion rates

The new homepage empowers users to navigate relevant information effortlessly. Users will automatically see events based on their geographic location, can easily connect with mentors and network with fellow alumni and explore job opportunities relevant to them. This streamlined interface encourages active participation and strengthens the overall value of the platform.

To unlock the full potential of the new homepage, explore the Gravyty Knowledge Center for detailed guidance and resources. By leveraging this powerful tool, you can enhance user engagement, foster stronger community connections, and drive greater impact.

3. Content is king (or queen)

To keep your Graduway platform vibrant and engaging, consistently update its content. Refresh the job board with relevant opportunities, post captivating photos from past events weekly, and ensure groups are active and engaging. Regularly review and update event listings to keep users informed and excited about upcoming activities.

Tips for effective communication on your alumni platform

Welcome Message: Greet new and returning users with a personalized welcome message. Clearly articulate the platform’s purpose, benefits, and how it can enhance their experience. Pin this message to the top of the feed for easy visibility.

Activity Digests and Mass Messages: Utilize Graduway’s email communication features to send out regular activity digests and mass messages for different groups. These communications can highlight recent updates, upcoming events and other relevant content.

Data Analysis: Review platform statistics to track the performance of your communications. Identify successful strategies and adapt future communications accordingly.

Targeted Messaging: Leverage customizable mailing lists to send targeted messages based on user affiliations and attributes. This allows you to tailor your communications for maximum impact.

Best practices for content planning

Consistent Updates: Develop a weekly or monthly content plan to ensure a steady stream of fresh and engaging content.

User Engagement: Incorporate interactive elements, such as polls or questions, to encourage user participation.

Marketing Calendar: Create a platform marketing calendar to outline your content strategy for the months and/or year ahead. This will help you maintain a consistent and relevant presence.

By implementing these strategies, you can create a dynamic and engaging alumni engagement platform that fosters user interaction and drives meaningful connections within your community.

4. Invite new users to your alumni community

Now that you’ve freshened up the images and content, it’s time to bring new users into the platform.

Start by evaluating your pre-populated list. The pre-populated list is uploaded to the site during the launch process so it is important to consider whether there are additional users that should be included. Have you had a graduation since the previous upload and you now have a group that needs to be added as alumni, or have you come across additional data since your platform was first launched that would now be helpful to add? Take a look at your current pre-populated list and make adjustments, replace the entire list, or proceed as is.  

Revitalize your Graduway platform for maximum engagement

By implementing these four key strategies, you can transform your Graduway platform into a dynamic and engaging hub for your community. An up-to-date and relevant landing page, an intuitive homepage, consistent and engaging content updates and strategic outreach to new users are essential for driving user engagement and achieving your platform’s goals.

Remember, a successful platform is a living entity that requires ongoing attention and refinement. By continuously evaluating and improving your outreach, you can create a valuable resource that fosters meaningful connections and strengthens your community.

Ready to jump in and have questions? Reach out to your Gravyty customer success manager.

Interested in learning more about Gravyty’s alumni engagement platform? Get a demo today.