As the school year winds down, many childcare centers are already looking ahead to the next one. To remain competitive and manage their business, providers need to find ways to fill their schools. Marketing techniques and strategies can help ECE leaders grow their enrollment and ensure a successful school year.
In addition to new programs, simpler applications, and more, technology can be a huge help when it comes to managing your enrollment process. Whether you’re looking to maintain enrollment or grow your center, these 9 tips can help you boost enrollment at your daycare or preschool.
1. Make Applications Easy
Make it easy for prospective families to contact your school. Start by placing a form, phone number, or email prominently on your website. Be sure to update all of your social media accounts, Google My Business listings, and Yelp listings with the proper contact information.
2. Offer New Programs
Expand your center offerings by setting up new programs. Common additional programs include after-school care, school age children, or summer camps.
3. Update Your Website
Keep your website up to date to attract new families and build a strong reputation. Be sure to have the correct business hours, contact information, latest offerings, and more.
4. Highlight Your Mission, Vision, and Values
Prospective families want to feel included in your center. Help them buy in to your brand by highlighting your center’s focus. Put your mission, vision, and core values on your website, social media, newsletters, and more. By showing what your business truly cares about, you’ll attract and retain the right staff and families.
5. Ask for Reviews
Did you know that 89% of users read online reviews before buying the product? (source: trustpilot.com) The same rings true for childcare services! Recent reviews show your families are engaged and have had a positive experience with your center. Ask current families and staff members to write Google Reviews in order to attract new business.
6. Showcase Your Software
Families love to be connected to their child throughout the day. By showcasing the childcare management system your center uses, you can attract more families. Highlight the software platform and the benefits it brings to parents like digital daily notes, photos, online payments, and more.
7. Start Paid Advertising
Paid advertising through Google, Facebook, or LinkedIn can help your center gain more exposure. Facebook especially can be a cost-effective option to reach a wide range of parents. Try setting up an enrollment campaign or boosting various posts to gain more leads.
8. Offer Discounts
Consider running a special or offering discounts to entice more families to join your center. This could be money off of tuition, a sibling discount, waived registration fee, etc.
9. Host an Event
Events are a great way to round out your marketing strategy and give new families a feel for your center. Host an open house, parent networking night, or meet the teachers event. This is a great way to connect with new parents and build a strong community at your center.
