3 things to consider when using social media to improve engagement with parents
Social media has become important for private schools seeking strategies for increasing student enrollment. However, embarking on this digital journey requires more than just a presence on various platforms. For schools to really take advantage, there must be a thoughtful approach tailored to the needs and preferences of parents. If you are looking to utilize social media effectively to improve communication and engagement with parents, then keep reading this article.
1. Choose the right platforms
Before anything, it’s essential to choose the appropriate platforms aligning with your objectives, target audience, and available resources. There are different platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, among others. Each of them offers distinct features, benefits, and challenges, therefore you need to consider factors such as the type of content you want to share, and your desired engagement level, to mention a few. Additionally, it is a good idea to conduct surveys among parents and teachers to identify preferred and frequently used platforms that can offer valuable insights and make it easier to choose which =h platform to prioritize.
2. Craft a well-defined strategy
After pinpointing your preferred platforms, the next step is to develop a comprehensive strategy for your social media outreach. Finding good strategies for increasing student enrollment can help you plan, execute, and track the effectiveness of your social media efforts, ensuring both efficacy and efficiency. During this step, it is best to use the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals. For example, do you want to increase awareness, build relationships, or provide support to parents? Another important step is to define your target audience, desired tone of voice, posting frequency, content topics and themes, and some evaluation methods.
3. Post valuable content
During this phase, it’s key to establish expertise and trust. Since according to research, new parents conduct over 2,000 Google searches annually and over 75% of new parents rely on online communities for guidance, your social media page should become one of the go-to resources they turn to when seeking solutions to their challenges. To demonstrate your school and staff are experts in your industry, make sure to share relevant, high-quality content, and real-life anecdotes that educate and engage your audience.
Additionally, you can post updates, event notifications, and deadline reminders to keep parents informed. Tips and resources for parents to support their children’s learning at home can also be shared, as well as photos and videos to highlight your school’s culture and environment. All of this content will help solidify your reputation as a reliable source. Don’t forget that something crucial to improve engagement and interaction is to respond to comments and messages promptly and politely, as well as ask questions and thank parents for their participation and contributions!
Social media is a two-way tool that allows you to interact with both current and prospective parents as well as build trust and rapport. By conscientiously choosing platforms aligned with your goals and resources, your school has the opportunity to stand out as a reputable education institution among all the other schools in your area. Keep in mind that when it comes to strategies for increasing student enrollment social media is just a small piece of the cake. Contact our expert team in marketing for private schools today to discover how a combination of social with SEO can spice up your enrollment numbers!
