As a school, it’s essential to have a strong marketing strategy to attract students and families to your institution.
With the half-term break fast approaching, now is the perfect time to implement new and innovative marketing ideas to boost your school’s visibility and reputation.
This article has been written by our Regional Manager in the Middle East.
He works closely with our schools across the region to ensure they get the most out of their WCBS solutions, with gold standard support. With experience in this sector he details these seven strategies to help you get started.
1. Create a Strong Social Media Presence
Social media is a powerful tool for schools to reach a large audience, build brand awareness, and interact with prospective and current families. Consider creating a social media strategy that focuses on high-quality content, engagement with followers, and consistent posting. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are great places to start.
2. Develop a School Blog
Blogging is a fantastic way to share news, events, and achievements with your school community. It also provides valuable information to prospective families and helps to build a strong online presence. Consider creating a blog with helpful tips, articles, and advice for students, families, and staff.
3. Host an Open House
Open houses are a great way to showcase your school and allow prospective families to experience what it’s like to be a student at your institution. Plan an open house that is interactive, informative, and provides a taste of the school culture. Be sure to promote the event on social media, in local newspapers, and on your website.
4. Collaborate with Local Businesses
Partnering with local businesses can help to increase your school’s visibility and promote your school to new families. Consider hosting joint events, offering advertising opportunities, or offering a discount to local business employees.
5. Create a Referral Program
Referrals are a valuable source of new students for schools. Consider offering current families a reward for referring new families to your school. This could be in the form of a discount on tuition, a gift card, or a special event.
6. Leverage Email Marketing
Email marketing is a cost-effective and targeted way to reach families and promote your school. Consider creating a newsletter or email campaign that highlights your school’s achievements, events, and unique selling points. Be sure to segment your email list by interest to ensure your messages are relevant and valuable.
7. Utilise Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
SEO is a crucial component of any marketing strategy and is essential for schools to rank highly in search engine results. Consider implementing keyword-rich content on your website, creating high-quality backlinks, and optimising your website for mobile devices.
Implementing a strong marketing strategy is essential for schools to attract students and families and build their reputation. Start planning now and make the most of the February half-term break.
More ways to promote your school
So far, we have covered seven marketing strategies that schools can implement before the February half-term break. But there are many other ways to promote your school and reach a larger audience. In this section, we will discuss three additional strategies that can help you achieve your marketing goals.
8. Participate in Local Events and Community Activities
Participating in local events and community activities is a great way to connect with families and promote your school. Consider sponsoring a local event, hosting a booth at a community festival, or participating in a charity walk. These activities will not only help you promote your school, but also demonstrate your commitment to the local community.
9. Offer a School Tour Programme
Offering school tours is a great way to showcase your school and provide families with an opportunity to see what it’s like to be a student at your institution. Consider offering tours during school hours, after school, and on weekends. Be sure to promote the tour program on your website and social media channels.
10. Create a School Video
Video is an engaging and powerful way to promote your school and reach a large audience. Consider creating a video that highlights your school’s achievements, events, and unique selling points. Share the video on social media, on your website, and at school events.
In conclusion, by leveraging social media, email marketing, SEO, and other strategies, schools can increase brand awareness, promote their unique selling points, attract new students, and build their reputation.
By implementing these strategies, schools can set themselves up for success well into the future.
If you would like information on how WCBS products can support you, please do contact us.