Enrolment Boost: Top Tips for Schools, Colleges, and Childcare Centres
Enrolment Boost: Top Tips for Schools, Colleges, and Childcare Centres
Whether you are a school, college, or childcare centre, there will always be an enrolment challenge.
This is because of two truths that remain no matter what is happening in the economy:
Natural attrition
Every year, students leave, and you need to replace them
Age spread
Even prestigious colleges with waiting lists still have gaps to fill in certain years
As marketers, there are a few ways we support our clients through these seasonal swings.
Here are our top 5:
1. Plan ahead
A successful campaign takes work. Whether you have an in-house marketing manager or you outsource to an agency, the better the lead time, the better the result. This allows for creative concepts to be developed, split testing to be set up, and a landing page to be created for tracking. Think in weeks ahead, not days.
2. Optimise your website for enrolments
Your website probably contains a lot of content for your existing community – as it should. But make sure the home page is kept clean and inviting. It should be immediately clear where a new enquiry should go – whether that’s to fill out a form, book a tour, or call directly. Keep housekeeping information on internal pages so new visitors don’t feel overwhelmed. Clear, simple navigation is crucial.
3. Add a digital campaign
A well-run digital campaign can put your school or centre in front of the right families at the right time. Paid search ads help you show up when parents are actively looking for enrolment options, while social media ads allow you to reach families in your local area and build awareness. Make sure your ads are targeted, your budget is realistic, and your messaging speaks to what makes your centre special.
4. Use social proof
Parents trust other parents. Showcase testimonials, reviews, and success stories from your current families. Share photos or videos of events, student achievements, and happy classroom moments. Authentic content builds trust and helps prospective families picture themselves as part of your community.
5. Keep following up
Not every enquiry will enrol right away. Make sure you have a simple follow-up process – whether that’s through email, SMS, or a friendly call. Staying in touch shows that you care and helps families through their decision-making journey.
Need help with enrolments?
We’ve helped dozens of schools, childcare centres, and colleges create effective, enrolment-boosting campaigns. Contact us today to find out how we can help you grow.
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