Use Hashtags: Utilize popular and relevant hashtags to increase the visibility of your posts. Hashtags like #BackToSchool, #ChristianEducation, and #SchoolLife can help your content reach a broader audience. Click on the image to download a full school year, ready-to-use hashtag list for your school.
Leveraging Social Media for Back-to-School Campaigns: A Guide for Christian Schools
Jenani Paul • July 10, 2024
As the back-to-school season approaches, it's crucial for Christian schools to effectively engage with prospective students and their families. Social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, offer unique opportunities for schools to create engaging and impactful content.
Why Social Media?
Social media platforms are where students and their families spend significant time. These platforms allow schools to connect with their audience in a more personal and interactive way. By using creative content, schools can increase their visibility and attract prospective students.
Key Strategies for Christian Schools
Showcase School Life: Create short videos and photo posts highlighting daily activities, special events, and the overall environment of the school. This helps prospective students get a feel of what attending the school would be like.
Involve Students: Encourage current students to create content about their experiences. Peer-to-peer recommendations are incredibly powerful, and seeing students enjoy their time at school can be very persuasive.
Engage with Trends: Participate in trending challenges, sounds, and topics that align with your school's values. This not only boosts engagement but also shows that the school is current and in touch with modern trends.
Highlight Unique Programs: If your school offers unique programs or extracurricular activities, make sure to showcase these. Whether it's a special arts program, sports team, or community service projects, highlighting these can attract students interested in those areas.
Collaborate with Influencers:
Partnering with influencers, especially those who share similar values, can amplify your reach. These influencers can help promote your school to their followers, providing a trusted endorsement.
Platform-Specific Tips
Instagram: Use Stories and Reels to share quick updates and behind-the-scenes content. Utilize the platform's visual nature to showcase the campus and student life.
Facebook: Create events for school activities, share longer posts about school achievements, and engage with parents through comments and messages.
YouTube: Upload videos of school events, student testimonials, and virtual tours. Longer-form content works well here to provide more detailed insights into the school.
TikTok: Focus on short, engaging videos that participate in trends and challenges. Use it to show the fun and dynamic aspects of school life.
Summary
As Christian schools look to fill their classrooms, leveraging social media as part of their marketing strategy can be highly effective. By showcasing the vibrant life at the school, involving students in content creation, and staying current with trends, schools can significantly enhance their outreach efforts. Social media provides a dynamic platform to highlight the unique aspects of Christian education, from spiritual growth opportunities to academic excellence and community involvement. When schools actively engage with their audience on these platforms, they create a sense of connection and belonging, making prospective students and their families feel more comfortable and excited about the possibility of joining the school community. Additionally, the interactive nature of social media allows schools to receive real-time feedback, fostering a dialogue that can help address concerns and answer questions promptly. This proactive engagement can lead to increased trust and interest from prospective families. By strategically using social media, Christian schools can not only attract new students but also build a supportive and engaged community around their mission and values.
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Here are 10 digital marketing trends your school can start applying right away — plus a free cheat sheet at the end to make it even easier.
In today’s digital world, families begin their search for a Christian school online—and 90% of people start their search on Google. If your school isn’t showing up where it counts, parents may never discover the Christ-centered education you offer. That’s why having a strong online presence is essential—not just a website, but a profile that helps your school get found, build credibility, and connect with the families God is sending your way. One of the most powerful tools to achieve this is Google My Business. Google My Business is a free tool that lets your school manage how it appears on Google Search and Maps. It helps parents find your school online by showing your location, contact info, hours, photos, and reviews. A complete and optimized GMB profile increases visibility, builds credibility, and connects your school with families actively searching for Christ-centered education. Why Google My Business (GMB) Matters for Your School Discover how local search visibility can connect you with families seeking Christ-centered education. Increase Visibility in Local Searches Parents searching for “Christian school near me” or “private school in CITY NAME” can find your school at the top of Google search and Google Maps. Showcase Your School’s Mission and Values Your GMB profile allows you to highlight your Christian mission, programs, and unique qualities—helping families connect with your school’s heart. Drive More Website Traffic A complete GMB profile includes a link to your website, driving prospective families directly to your site for more information. Boost Enrollment Opportunities Higher visibility and engagement can lead to more inquiries, tours, and ultimately, more student enrollment. Share Photos and Videos of Your Campus Visual content helps parents see your school environment, staff, and programs—creating trust and credibility. Collect and Display Reviews Positive parent and alumni reviews build your school’s reputation and influence decisions for prospective families. Engage with Your Community GMB allows you to post updates, events, and announcements—keeping current families informed and attracting new ones. Gain Insights on Prospective Families Google provides analytics on how people find your school, what search terms they use, and how they interact with your listing. Stand Out From Competitors Many schools overlook GMB—having an optimized listing gives your school a competitive advantage in local searches. Enhance Trust and Credibility A complete, active, and verified profile signals to parents that your school is professional, transparent, and engaged in the community.
Seeing Through Parents’ Eyes: Communicating What Truly Matters
