Traditional forms of acquiring new applicants such as direct mail, billboards and print ads are no longer doing the job. The internet has altered the ways families search for, and choose a private school.
More than ever, a strong online brand and presence is crucial for your marketing strategy. This includes your website, social media, advertising and tracking. By having an online presence, your schools exposure is increased meanwhile achieving a better return on investment.
On your website, you should provide educational content along with parent references and the ways your admissions office can be communicated with before people are ready to apply.
Your website should be inviting and engaging. Have images of students and upload videos of events to create awareness of what is happening in school. This allows visitors to learn about as well as get a better feel for your school. When parents see their children in videos, they are more likely to share it to friends and family whom are also prospective applicants.
Have a blog community on your website where you share updates about what has been happening in your school, and where parents can post and communicate with each other. If you do not update your website, there is no reason for people to return to it.
Inbound marketing is a strategy that will be found on Google and social media by your target parents and students. This type of content is found on your blog and website and targets inquiries or concerns that your target audiences are searching for online about private schools in general, not only yours.
Paid advertising such as Google and Facebook ads that bring visitors to the relative landing pages so they are directed exactly where they want to go when they click on your ad. The reach of pay-per-click advertising online is far greater than print.
Social media serves as a retention tool where you can engage with families and students. In order to manage social media effectively, you should understand which channels work best for your school and focus on few instead of all. Check your social media accounts a few times a day, and always respond to messages or tweets you have received.
You can also implement methods for your school to go green. Have weekly newsletters online instead of printed. Post the student handbook online along with any permission forms so they can be downloaded easily. Also, taking electronic payments for tuition and field trips are an attractive option for parents.