The Brief

Plaid Swan was retained by Southwest Technical College to address low enrollment challenges in some of their courses.

Our Solution

We approached this project by first understanding the goals of the college leadership, interviewing the instructors, implementing a student survey and reviewing the geographic area of the potential student base. Extensive research allowed us to understand the challenges of each program, its potential for future success and develop a strategic marketing/media plan for each.

The Results

After the initial thirteen programs were completed, Plaid Swan was then retained to develop the same strategy for additional courses offered by the college. Not only were most of the programs able to reach the desired enrollment, the college showed an increase in enrollment in a time frame when other technical colleges in Wisconsin were posting decreased enrollment numbers.

Southwest Tech Brand Creative

HEAR FROM OUR CLIENT

As the former Manager of Marketing and Public Relations at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (SWTC), I had the opportunity to work with Plaid Swan on Marketing projects. Betsy McCloskey was referred to me by a colleague at SWTC and a few days later, we met each other at a fundraiser for Potosi Brewing Company. We worked together on multiple projects for the college since our chance meeting in Potosi. 

The largest project we undertook was strategic plans for over twenty programs. The strategic plans incorporated in-depth research in to the programs, future viability in labor market, target markets, messaging and more. The strategic plans were extremely comprehensive. We used the information to guide planning and marketing for the programs. The plans made SWTC more strategic in the marketing channels and messages used. 

In addition, we contracted Plaid Swan for media planning, collateral and consulting. 

Overall, Plaid Swan is a tremendous partner for the post-secondary education market. Betsy McCloskey and Vicki Dirksen have built up a great company, hired talented team members, and provide outstanding service and deliverables on-time. I highly recommend working with Plaid Swan.

– Sue Reukauf, Southwest Technical College