At UT Austin, the most effective marketing channels would be a mix of in-person activations and digital community spaces. On-campus events, tabling on Speedway, and collaborations with student orgs or Greek life reach students directly where they gather every day. Digitally, Instagram, TikTok, and GroupMe are essential since they drive most student engagement especially through memes, event promos, and short-form videos tied to UT culture. Partnering with student influencers and local spots like coffee shops or food trucks adds authenticity and keeps the brand visible in places students already love.

I’d measure success through a mix of quantitative and qualitative metrics. Quantitatively, I’d track new user sign-ups, referral rates, and conversion rates from specific channels or activations to see which tactics drove the most growth. Engagement metrics like active users, session frequency, and retention over time would show whether the campaign attracted the right audience. Qualitatively, I’d gather student feedback, both direct and from social listening to gauge brand sentiment, awareness, and how well the message resonated on campus.

I’d start with large on-campus residence halls and nearby student apartments that have high foot traffic, like West Campus housing near UT Austin. These areas concentrate first and second-year students who are often exploring new brands and lifestyles, making them more likely to engage with giveaways and share them with friends. Reaching these locations first maximizes visibility and word-of-mouth quickly.