How Wolverhampton and Cannock Businesses Can Win Student Customers This Freshers’ Season
Marketing to students in Wolverhampton is one of the best opportunities of the year for local businesses. Every September, thousands of students arrive in the city. Many are new to the area and have not picked their favourite places yet. The coffee shop, barber, gym or takeaway they choose in the first few weeks often becomes their regular spot for years.
Here is how to make sure that spot is yours.
Why students are valuable customers
Students are often seen as low spenders. But they visit often, they share what they like and they bring friends. A student who finds your business in freshers’ week could visit dozens of times before they graduate. Many also stay in the area to work afterwards.
Cannock businesses benefit too. Plenty of students live at home or commute from across Staffordshire, so they are looking for places near where they live as well as near campus.
Be where students are looking
Instagram and TikTok
Students discover new places through short videos. Film your food being made, your team at work or a quick tour of your space. It does not need to be polished. Real, friendly content usually performs better than something that looks like an advert.
Google Maps
New students search “near me” constantly. “Coffee near me”, “barber near me”, “cheap food near me”. Make sure your Google Business Profile has current photos, correct opening hours and a link to your menu, prices or booking page.
Student discount platforms
Listing a student offer on popular student discount apps puts you in front of people who are actively looking for deals. Many are free for businesses to join.
Create a clear student offer
Keep it simple. “10% off with a student ID” is easy to understand, easy to remember and easy to share. Put it on your window, your website, your menu and your social media.
Time limited offers work well during freshers’ week. For example:
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Free drink with any meal until 30 September
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Half price first haircut for students this month
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Free first class at the gym with a student card
These give people a reason to visit now rather than later.
Get involved locally
Many students’ unions run freshers’ fairs and welcome events where local businesses can take a stall or hand out offers. Spaces often sell out, so get in touch early. Sponsoring a student society or sports team is another low cost way to build loyalty. Students remember who supported them.
Make booking and ordering easy
Students do almost everything on their phone. If someone has to call you to book a table or appointment, you may lose them to a competitor who lets them book online in seconds. Online booking, click and collect or a simple enquiry form removes that barrier.
Keep them coming back
Getting a first visit is only half the job. Loyalty cards, a student WhatsApp group or a monthly student night all help turn one visit into a habit. Ask for a review after a good experience too. Reviews from students attract more students.
Track what works
Use a unique discount code for each channel or simply ask “how did you hear about us?” Write down the answers. By October you will know which channel brought people in, and where to focus next year.
Start now
Freshers’ season moves fast. Businesses that plan in early September see the biggest benefit. Even two or three of the ideas above can make a real difference.
Frequently asked questions
When is freshers' week in Wolverhampton?
Freshers’ activities usually take place in mid to late September, around the start of the academic year. Check with local universities for exact dates each year.
What is the best social media platform for reaching students?
Instagram and TikTok are the most effective for most local businesses. Short, authentic videos work best.
How much of a student discount should I offer?
Around 10% is common and easy to manage. A time limited offer during freshers’ week can be more generous to encourage first visits.
Talk to KIVEIN
KIVEIN is based at the University of Wolverhampton Science Park, so we know the student market well. If you would like help planning a freshers’ campaign, get a free quote today.