Three ways to increase prospective parent enquiries for your school

Why private schools are missing a trick through digital marketing 

By Alex Vinall, Founder of NetMaxRes

“Private schools are missing a trick right here, right now. As a mother with children currently in independent schools, I’ve seen first-hand how many educational institutions are falling short in marketing just how amazing they are. After running my digital marketing agency for 15 years, it dawned on me that schools across Surrey and beyond aren’t promoting themselves as effectively as they could be. I’ve seen the gaps, and I know exactly how to fill them.

With the upcoming changes to the tax exemption, it’s never been more important that schools take note and sharpen their digital marketing strategies. Let me share with you how to get ahead of the problem now by implementing a digital strategy that will drive inquiries and increase registrations…

An updated website

A sleek, visually appealing website is a must-have for independent schools. It’s often the first thing prospective parents see, so it should really showcase what your school is all about. Think stunning photos and engaging videos from around the school, along with all the key information parents need, like details about admissions and open days. The site should be super easy to navigate, especially for busy parents, and it needs to look great on any device, whether it’s a laptop, mobile, or tablet. Plus, the website needs to be optimised for search engines, so it ranks high and becomes the go-to spot for parents searching for local private schools.

Social Media Presence

Having an active presence on social media is crucial for getting your school noticed and connecting with both current and prospective parents. Social media is a fantastic way to show off your school’s culture, highlight events, and give people a glimpse into daily life at your school. You can build trust and strengthen relationships with your audience by sharing snapshots of classroom activities, extracurricular programmes and any community involvement. Plus, social media allows for real-time interaction, so you can answer questions, share important updates and get feedback, helping to create a more connected and engaged school community.

Digital Advertising Strategy

Digital advertising is a powerful tool for getting the word out and delivering your message to the right people online. It’s especially effective for reaching parents who are actively looking into independent schools, as well as those who might still be weighing up their options. By using platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook, you can target potential parents based on factors like age, location, and occupation. Whether you’re aiming to build awareness or drive registrations for an open day, digital advertising ensures your school is front and centre with the audience that matters most.

If you’re a school and want to explore digital advertising, enhance your social media presence or even undertake a website revamp, my team can help!”