
Schools used to rely solely on their public image and word of mouth for marketing. However, as today’s millennial parents become more technologically savvy and rely on the Internet to make most of their decisions, the importance of modern school marketing can’t be understated.
Today, we will discuss some innovative marketing strategies for schools, as well as demonstrate how to put these ideas into action!
1. Show Off Testimonials
Marketing experts have long agreed that testimonials are one of the most effective (and enduring) marketing tools available. According to a consumer survey, 90% of us routinely read reviews before making a purchase. Of course, choosing a school is no different. Students and parents will compare their options based on student feedback.
When you can connect with your intended demographic on a personal level, you create distinctive connections that may lead to, in your case, enrollment. Testimonials provide a realistic view of what pupils and their families think about their experiences at your school. They can also help to promote your school’s traditions and programs.
Feature students of various grades and pick individuals who can speak with real excitement about their time at your school. When conducting an interview, use open-ended questions to allow for detailed responses. You can also use a mix of written, audio, and video testimony to highlight the various experiences.
2. Distribute Flyers and Posters
Although the world has become increasingly digital, print marketing tools such as flyers and posters remain an effective way to promote academic institutions. Print ad materials like flyers and posters are relatively inexpensive to produce and can be showcased for extended periods of time, allowing them to reach a large number of people at an affordable rate.
When designing flyers and posters for school promotions, your visual identity is critical to engaging with your target audience. It will help people relate to your promotional materials. When evaluating readability, use font sizes appropriate for the details in your materials. Also, don’t forget to include images of different areas of your school.
The great thing about making flyers and posters is that you can then convert them into digital promotional materials. Simply upload them to your social media account or include them in your emails. Even better, with tools like PosterMyWall’s educational poster templates, you don’t need to hire a professional to create them.
3. Offer Virtual Tours
Schools have long held open days and guided tours for the public, but not all parents and students are able to attend. However, with virtual tours, educational institutions now have a truly exciting and engaging option that allows prospective students and their parents to see their campus space without the hassle of travel.
Creating a high-quality virtual tour of your educational institution gives prospective students a true sense of academic life from the comfort of their own homes. Furthermore, this virtual experience allows students to explore areas of interest at their own pace and even catch glimpses of campus life, regardless of time zone.
4. Cover Your School Events
A well-crafted video can be an effective tool for highlighting your school’s values and accomplishments. You can also use them to engage existing students. Don’t picture an exhausting task that requires a significant amount of time and resources just yet because even schools with limited funds can create powerful videos that stick with their target audience.
When covering school events on video, it’s important to keep things clear and concise. It’s also critical to keep a strong brand identity. This allows you to communicate both your institution’s unique selling points and its mission. You must also keep the messaging in line with other promotional tools to ensure that your overall marketing efforts are cohesive.
5. Run An Email Newsletter
The challenge of marketing a school, however, does not stop with capturing prospective students’ interest. As a school marketer, you must be able to engage and sustain that interest over time. So, what is the best solution to this? An email newsletter can help you sustain and satisfy that interest by providing personalized content, consistently.
In addition to advertising particular course offerings and introducing them to your academic institution’s unique selling points, email newsletters can be used to invite parents and students to upcoming events. What is important here is to run a transparent email campaign because no one wants to receive unsolicited emails, even from educational institutions.
The Takeaway
Due to rising costs and unique challenges in attracting potential students, schools rely on large enrollment numbers to support their budgets. The right marketing strategies, thankfully, can help you put the spotlight on your school! Whether you run a private institution or an independent academy, the guide above can help you accomplish your goal.