Today I'm joined by Andrea Bateman, Director of Marketing & Enrollment at St. Philip Lutheran School, to discuss how she builds community and family interaction at her school.

In the past year, we've seen a complete shift in community-building strategies in schools. With safety regulations, social distancing, and having to switch to virtual events, schools have had to get creative to keep families engaged.

For Andrea, this is Simon Says: Car Edition, where families meet via...

Hey there,

It's the COVID era of admissions, and what that means for small independent schools is that you're likely working on overdrive right now.

As always, schools are communicating with current parents, alumni parents, and prospective parents. However, during this increase in enrollment and interest, schools might not necessarily be thinking about the admissions process from the parent's perspective.

So, I'm giving you 4 actionable steps to make your process smoother, and prevent...

Today we are joined by Mia Johnstone from Ready Set Enroll to discuss how building genuine connections should be at the core of your school's endeavors. We answer the fundamental questions: How do we build these lasting relationships amidst COVID-19? How do we nurture prospects and foster community?

Connection is key, and with 13+ years of experience in working with private schools, Mia Johnstone is a true connector. Her marketing career started with working in...

Hey there, 

Today we're discussing the key marketing principle of digital storytelling. You may think, does this apply to my school?

It absolutely does. Why? People make decisions based on emotion and back it up with logic. I can't stress this enough. What this means for your school is that your prospective families are looking at the story of your school.

How do you tell that story? Millennial parents are seeing that initial story through your website...

Hello today! 

I have a much-needed topic for you today: your school's newsletter!

Take a moment and ask yourself:

Are we consistent in our planning and sending of newsletters? Is it easy for parents to find the information they need in our newsletters? Does our newsletter include images or videos?

If you answered "no" to any of the above, this is perfect for you. Don't worry, I've boiled it down to 4 simple strategies:

Determine the schedule & function of...

Hey there,

Let's talk communications! Specifically, your school's email marketing.

Your school's email communications are crucial right now especially with unexpected changes that might be happening over the next few months. Parents want to be informed and feel connected to the community.

Now is also a prime opportunity to pique and sustain prospective families' interest in your school.

The good news is that BOTH of these communications can happen through email marketing,...

Hi there! 

We're in Spring 2021 and we're seeing record numbers from enrollment and more interest from prospective families in small and independent schools. 

While this is an incredible opportunity for growth and engagement, this also means that we need to put in twice the amount of effort than usual to keep up with communications to new parents and prospective families. 

So ask yourself, are your communications and relationship building with families falling off your...

Happy Black History Month!

I want to take this opportunity to discuss how authentic marketing is extremely important for your school, prospective families, and the larger community.

In 2020, many schools' diversity, equity, and inclusion statements were met with backlash from alumni and the schools' communities. Why? Their statements and messaging were out of alignment with student and alumni experience.

Now, what is authentic marketing, and why is it important?

Authentic marketing...

Hey there, 

Yes. You heard it. (I know it's the Nike slogan, but that doesn't mean it doesn't apply to schools!) 

Just do it. 

What do I mean by this? I challenge you to stop procrastinating and making excuses for not making progress.

Maybe you're putting off picking a referral program for your school, rebuilding your website, or outsourcing for a project. 

Whatever it may be, the time is now. Don't overthink it!

If you are overthinking it, don't...

Hello today! 

Are you a book lover? 

I hope so, because I definitely am. I was the kid in elementary school who maxed out my library card. And, I still do this today!

Books are like friends. Sometimes you want to be around the super energetic, positive friend, and other times you want to dive deep with the intellectual, analytical friend. 

These books are a great mix of uplifting and inspirational, research, wellness, and leadership-based. I know a lot of them will resonate...