Posts in category: Guides For Schools

From how your School can be successful in an increasingly competitive market, to how you can get smarter with posting on social media, there are dozens of things that a school marketeer must handle. Marketing a school can become undoubtedly overwhelming!

Using school marketing automation tools can help you overcome this struggle and get back to work. 

Automation isn’t just about staying on track, it’s a useful tool that will help you improve your communication with your team, increase your engagement with prospective parents and students, and enhance the efficiency of your school marketing campaigns.

In this article, we will explore some of the benefits of using automation in school marketing. 

Enhanced personalisation with school marketing automation

Effective school marketing is all about sending the right message to the right families at the right time. By sending general messages you’re risking your school marketing campaigns going unnoticed by prospective parents and students. Personal touches are always appreciated. Small details such as the first name of your recipient can work in your favour. By adding an extra layer of care you’re making a long-lasting impression. 

According to Snov.io by personalising emails, marketers have seen an 82% increase in open rates of their email marketing campaigns. HubSpot is one of the tools where you can start building a personalised communication channel between your School, and not only existing parents and students but also prospective parents and students. 

Enhanced time efficiency whilst the clock is ticking

It can seem like you’re pushing your limits when you undertake repetitive tasks. Sending follow-up messages to interested students and parents can be time-consuming. Automation can free up your time to focus on more strategic planning. Automating email sequences when a student or a parent visits your website can help you nurture your leads and increase your enrollments. 

All marketing materials in one place

By using software like HubSpot and having all marketing materials in one place, you can maintain a consistent brand image. From email campaigns to social media posts across LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter you can build a consistent voice and define your School’s vision and goals, leaving no room for speculation by prospective parents and students. What’s more, you can track your performance at the same time!

Improved engagement and communication

How can marketing automation enhance your communication with prospective students and their families? In actual fact, much of your communication with them can be automated. This will help you increase the frequency of your communication – as it can save you hours of manually sending messages through multiple channels. 

For instance, you can implement automated email nurturing campaigns that engage parents and students at various stages of the admissions journey. When a family initially expresses interest in your School by downloading a brochure or attending an open day event, the automation system can send a series of personalised emails.

These emails may include information on your School’s unique curriculum, success stories from current students, and invitations to virtual campus tours or Q&A sessions. The automation system can adjust the content and timing of subsequent messages, ensuring that each family receives the most relevant information and feels genuinely supported throughout their decision-making process, ultimately increasing the likelihood of admission.

Data-driven decision making

You can track real-time data, which gives you the ability to understand what works the best and what needs to be optimised. By having detailed information about the performance of your campaigns, you can use the data to your advantage.

If you run an email campaign, you can observe the open rates, and the unique clicks on your content. That gives you an enhanced understanding who has connected with your content. On the other hand, if your numbers are not satisfying, you can do an A/B test by changing the subject lines, CTAs or visuals, segment your target audience, and understand which improvements you need to make.

Where to start with school automation marketing? 

ParentMail: It allows schools to send messages, notifications, newsletters, and updates to parents and guardians through various channels, including email, SMS, and a dedicated app.

EdSurge Product Index: This is a platform that helps schools discover and evaluate education technology solutions. It can automate the process of researching and identifying tools that can enhance your admissions process or student engagement.

SchoolCloud: It streamlines the admissions process by allowing schools to create online application forms, manage admissions documents, and communicate with prospective families. It also offers features for virtual parent-teacher meetings.

Hootsuite: Provides schools with a platform to schedule social media posts, monitor engagement, and analyse the performance of their social media content.

Want to learn how you can make the best use of school marketing automation? Let Digithrive For Schools teach you the best practices of school marketing automation. Book a free consultation here

With new social media platforms emerging regularly, one platform has taken the digital world by storm: TikTok. This short-form video platform has grown exponentially in recent years and shows no signs of slowing down, prompting schools to consider its role in their marketing mix. 

In this article, we’ll explore innovative strategies for leveraging TikTok’s potential to enhance your School’s marketing efforts.

First things first, what is TikTok? 

According to DemandSage,TikTok boasts over 1 billion active users worldwide, making it one of the most popular social media platforms globally. What sets TikTok apart is its unique ability to capture and retain users’ attention. The platform’s short-form videos, typically ranging from 15 to 60 seconds, are designed to be quick, engaging, and entertaining. Although initially taken up by Gen Z, this is becoming increasingly popular with Millennials with children.

So, how can your school use TikTok as part of your marketing mix? 

Here’s a few clever ways …

Spark Engagement with Interactive Challenges and Contests

TikTok thrives on challenges and contests that encourage user participation. Schools can tap into this trend by creating their challenges, and inviting students and followers to engage actively. These challenges could range from academic quizzes to creative challenges related to your School’s ethos.

Launch an ‘Academic Excellence Challenge’, where students submit short educational videos explaining complex concepts in a fun and engaging manner. The challenge not only promotes learning but also showcases your School’s commitment to academic excellence.

‘Meet our Faces’ Series with Student Takeovers 

Give your students the reins for a day or week. Allow them to take over your School’s TikTok account, providing a glimpse into their daily lives. This approach fosters a sense of community and trust among your followers.

Designate a ‘Student Ambassador of the Week’ who creates content showcasing their daily routines, favourite school spots, and interactions with school staff. This personal touch humanises your School and makes it more attractive to prospective students.

Behind-the-Scenes Tours

Take viewers on captivating behind-the-scenes tours of your School and facilities. Highlight hidden gems, secret study spots, and the vibrant atmosphere that sets your School apart.

Create a series of ‘Secrets of Your School’ videos, revealing intriguing aspects of your School, such as a centuries-old library or your new science lab.

Spotlight on Alumni Success

Showcase the achievements of your alumni to inspire current and prospective students. Share success stories, career journeys, and interviews with graduates who credit your School for their accomplishments.

Launch an ‘Alumni Spotlight Series’ featuring recent graduates discussing the impact of your School on their lives. This content reinforces your School’s reputation for fostering academic success and helping students achieve their career goals.

Interactive Connect and Inform Q&A Sessions

Host live Q&A sessions with school representatives, school staff, or students. Invite viewers to submit questions in advance or during the live session, creating an interactive and informative experience.

Schedule a ‘Student Life Q&A’ session where current students answer queries about school life, extracurricular activities, and academic support. 

Educational Mini-Series

Offer bite-sized educational content on TikTok, providing viewers with valuable insights and skills. These mini-series can cover a wide range of subjects, from exam preparation tips to career development guidance.

Launch a ‘Study Smarter’ mini-series where each episode focuses on a different study technique or time-management strategy.

Trend-Savvy Content by Joining the TikTok Trends

Stay attuned to TikTok trends and integrate them into your content. By participating in trending challenges, songs, or memes, your School can stay relevant and increase its discoverability.

Join a trending dance challenge and infuse it with your School’s spirit by featuring students and staff participating in the fun. 

TikTok represents a creative and powerful addition to your School’s marketing mix. Its vast and engaged audience, authenticity, creative potential, trend participation, student recruitment capabilities, cost-effectiveness, and tracking capabilities make it a useful platform for schools. By using the power of TikTok, your School can connect with a broader audience, showcase its unique personality, and stay ahead in the competition with other schools. So, don’t miss out on the opportunity—embrace TikTok and unlock its full potential for your School’s marketing success! 

If you have any more questions about using TikTok as part of your marketing mix or you’d like to learn more, we would be happy to help advise you. Book a free consultation here

Digithrive For Schools has created a list of school time management tools to assist you in managing your team