Case Study: How Custom USB Flash Drives Increased Student Enrolments by 30%
Last Updated: June 28, 2025
When traditional marketing methods failed, a Perth-based training provider discovered that branded USB flash drives could cut through the noise and deliver real results. This is a look at how Cubic Promote helped them boost enrolments and grow their reach with something simple, innovative, and effective.
The Problem: Low Enrolments Despite High Ad Spend
The training organisation offered a mix of vocational courses and short workshops. To attract new students, they tried everything—Google Ads, Facebook campaigns, printed flyers, and even radio promotions. Despite spending thousands, the results were disappointing.
They were reaching people but not connecting with them. Their brand wasn’t sticking. They needed a way to build awareness and encourage action in a way that felt useful and personal.
Our Strategy: Give Them Something Practical and Branded
That’s where custom-branded USB flash drives came in. After understanding their audience—mostly students and young professionals—we proposed a giveaway that was more than just a freebie. It was a practical tool that added real value while promoting their brand at the same time.
We selected 500 red 16GB USB drives, each branded with its logo and the slogan: “Plug Into Your Future.” But the impact didn’t stop there. Each drive was preloaded with:
- A digital course catalogue
- A video tour of their training centre
- A discount code for first-time enrolments
The design was clean and eye-catching. Red was chosen because it grabbed attention, and the quality of the USBs was reliable and fast—no crashes, no slow transfers.
How They Used the USBs to Boost Engagement
Rather than handing them out at random, the training provider took an innovative approach to distribution.
They gave away USBs at:
- Open days and education expos
- Local cafés (students got one free with any coffee purchase by showing ID)
- Inside welcome packs for newly enrolled students
This helped spark curiosity and conversation. The drives weren’t just useful—they made people talk, post, and share.
The Results: Tangible Growth, Real ROI
In just two months:
- Enrolments jumped by 30%
- Over 400 new students signed up for short courses
- The discount code was used by 1 in 4 recipients
- Social media posts featuring the red USBs gained strong organic traction
- Branded hashtags like #PlugIntoSuccess and #PerthLearning began trending locally
ROI That Speaks for Itself
Here’s the breakdown:
- Total campaign spend: $12,000 (design, USB production, preloading, and distribution)
- Revenue generated: $135,000 (based on $150 average course cost x 900 new enrollees)
- Return on investment: 1,025%
And the USBs? They’re still in circulation. In backpacks, study spaces, library desks—silently reminding people of the brand behind them.
Why It Worked: More Than Just a Giveaway
This wasn’t just about handing out a free item; it was about making a lasting impression. The USBs served a purpose, and that made all the difference.
- Helpful: Students genuinely needed something to store their assignments, notes, and presentations. These drives quickly became part of their everyday study routine.
- Customised: Each USB came loaded with content that mattered—course information, a video walk-through of the campus, and a discount to help them get started. It was designed to lead people straight to enrolment.
- Visible: Because the USBs were compact and easy to carry, they stayed in sight. Whether they were clipped to a lanyard or tossed in a bag, the brand was always there.
- Shareable: The bold red design and strong message made people take notice. Students posted them online, shared them with friends, and discussed where they obtained them.
Every time someone used the USB, it brought them back to the training provider. It kept the name and message alive in a quiet but powerful way.
What Other Education Brands Can Learn From This
If you’re looking for more innovative ways to promote your courses or training services, consider how branded merchandise can build stronger engagement.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Work with a trusted supplier like Cubic Promote to ensure high-quality products that reflect well on your brand.
- Preload your drives with valuable resources, such as course guides, videos, or incentives.
- Distribute them where they matter—at events, partner venues, or during enrolment periods.
- Choose quality over quantity—valuable items get reused, shared, and remembered.
Final Thoughts: A Smarter Way to Promote Education
The right branded product doesn’t just advertise; it delivers more. It helps people connect with your message, builds trust over time, and encourages them to take action. This campaign showed how USB flash drives can go beyond being a simple tech item for customers. They became an innovative and creative way to market a brand.
If your brand is ready to move beyond short-term promotions and focus on creating lasting impact, Cubic Promote is here to help you craft effective branded merchandise strategies.
👉 Explore our range of customised high-quality USB flash drives and discover how they can benefit your business today.
