In our increasingly digital world, schools and MATs really have their work cut out for them trying to stand out in a crowded online landscape. Gone are the days when newsletters, flyers, and word-of-mouth could cut it. Now we need to attract prospective families via our websites.
Now, schools need a lively and interactive online presence that not only highlights what makes them special but also draws in prospective families.
Reflecting on my own journey and experience of working with and in schools, I’ve seen firsthand the hurdles schools face in achieving this. It’s tough, but there are innovative solutions out there.
Bespoke websites and engaging open-day events can truly capture interest and turn it into enrolment.
So, if you’re looking for ways to elevate your school’s presence, consider these strategies that have worked for others. What’s your experience been like in this fast-paced digital environment?
Table of Contents
- An Overview of The Problem
- Capture Attention Instantly with Customisable Alerts
- Reach More Families with an SEO-Optimised Website Structure
- Ensure No Event Goes Unnoticed with Seamless Calendar Integration
- Convert Interest into Action with Register Interest Forms
- Keep Families Engaged with Tailored Subscription Options
An Overview of The Problem
Are you ready to unlock your school’s online potential, especially when it comes to attracting prospective families via your website and to your open days?
You need features that are designed to captivate and engage prospective families. Picture a website that not only looks amazing with its custom design but also showcases your students’ incredible work. With stunning videos, photos, and written content, families can get a feel for the vibrant learning environment your school provides, even before they step foot inside.
But that’s just the beginning! You’ll need a range of technical tools to make sure your open days are events nobody wants to miss.
In the rest of this blog, I’ll explain how each of our tools can solve specific challenges for your school and MAT.
Capture Attention Instantly with Customisable Alerts
In today’s busy online world, it’s easy for your school’s open days to get lost in the online noise. Without the right tools to make these important events stand out, families who might be interested could miss out, and that means missed chances for connection.
Just think about all the effort that goes into planning an open day—only for it to go unnoticed by the very families you want to reach! This not only affects how many people show up but can also make your school seem less appealing to potential students and their parents.
That’s where realsmart comes in! We offer a fantastic solution with customisable popups and alerts that can grab attention right on your website. You can highlight your upcoming open days in a way that matches your school’s brand colours, creating a memorable impression. This proactive approach makes sure your events get the visibility they deserve, driving both engagement and attendance.
Reach More Families with an SEO-Optimised Website Structure
It’s very common for families to kick off their school search online. But if your website isn’t optimised for search engines, it might be tough for them to find you among all the competition. Without good search rankings, your school could end up flying under the radar, missing out on families that would be a perfect match. This could lead to fewer inquiries and a smaller pool of interested families, remember our aim is to attract prospective families via your website.
That’s where realsmart comes in! Our SEO-optimised website structures help your school show up prominently in search results. By connecting with the right families at just the right moment, you make it easier for them to discover and reach out to your school. Let’s boost your online presence and make sure your school stands out, attracting more families eager to learn about what you have to offer!
Ensure No Event Goes Unnoticed with Seamless Calendar Integration
Coordinating school events and keeping families informed can be a complex task. Without a centralised system, important dates can slip through the cracks, leaving families in the dark about key opportunities to engage with your school.
When families miss out on events due to a lack of communication, it can lead to frustration and a disconnect between your school and the community. This can impact engagement and diminish trust in your ability to keep families informed.
realsmart offers seamless calendar integration to ensure no event goes unnoticed. By displaying all upcoming events directly on your website, you provide families with easy access to important information, boosting engagement and attendance. Keep your community informed and connected, reinforcing their trust in your school.
Convert Interest into Action with Register Interest Forms
Attracting interest from families is only the first step. Without a clear call to action, that interest can quickly dissipate, leaving potential connections unfulfilled.
Families may visit your website and like what they see, but without a way to express their interest, they could move on without ever making contact. This results in lost opportunities to nurture relationships and grow your school community.
realsmart’s register interest forms offer a simple yet effective way to convert interest into action. By allowing parents to express their interest and sign up for updates, you create a direct line of communication with prospective families. This engagement tool not only captures leads but also fosters ongoing interaction, helping to turn interest into enrollment.
Keep Families Engaged with Tailored Subscription Options
In the age of digital communication, families are bombarded with information. Without targeted communication options, important updates from your school may be overlooked or lost in the clutter.
When families miss out on relevant news or updates, they can feel disconnected from the school community. This lack of engagement can lead to a weakened relationship and a diminished sense of belonging.
realsmart provides tailored subscription functions that keep families in the loop, catering to their specific interests. By offering subscription options across your site, you ensure that families receive the information most relevant to them. This personalised approach enhances engagement, strengthens relationships, and fosters a vibrant, connected community.