Here are 8 simple marketing ideas and strategies that you can start implementing today so you can share your high quality service with the world.
1. Invest in Merchandise
Personalized merchandise is a sure way to promote your brand and centre. Invest in the typical things such as pens and totes for your new families, but also consider creative materials like children’s shirts, hats, and even simple play materials.
If your centre prides itself on having a “home away home” feel you may think that this option won’t fit with your philosophy, and has too much of a commercial feel. However, you could be overlooking an important marketing strategy. For instance, investing in t-shirts and hats for the children to wear while at the park or on a field trip will give you extra advertising exposure, and illustrates to parents that you are serious about safety. Its a win-win!
2. Host An Event
Whether a new or established centre, what better way to illustrate your quality services and knowledge of early childhood education than to host an event? The ultimate goal is to make people aware of your presence. Invite families to attend a casual BBQ or open house so you can show your facility and share information about your program.
If your centre has already been open, then the primary goal for your event should be to demonstrate you knowledge of early childhood education and how it is displayed within your programming.
During the event make sure to have take aways such as flyers, brochures, and registration packages. Be sure to also collect emails so you can keep in contact in the future.
3. Educate Others
A quality child care service is knowledgeable about the child care trends, child development, and early childhood curriculum. Showing that you are a child care expert will differentiate your program from others. Also, the more you share your knowledge, the more people you can reach.
If you don’t already have a blog on your website, its time to create one. Post content that covers a variety of topics like:
- Parenting tips
- Child care trends
- Best practices
- Family entertainment
- Local issues
Once you start demonstrating that your a passionate expert in child care, parents will be eager to enrol in your services.
4. Leverage Social Media
Social media is this generation’s power house for marketing. If your not on social media you are doing your business a disservice. For instance, Facebook is a must have for all child care services (whether centre or home based), because you can be easily recommended through a “like”.
Set up accounts on all the major media outlets: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Snapchat. Remember to post regularly. So it is best you start with one and implement the other slowly. It will hurt your marketing strategy more if you create all the accounts at once and randomly post, if at all on few. Create a consistent schedule that you can manage, or put someone else in charge.
Social media can be overwhelming but it is one of the most powerful tools to create a brand and a voice. If you are easing into the use of social media, and are unsure of how to start, simply use it to share important dates and events happening in your child care. By doing so, you maintain an online presence in which you can be found by potential clients, and be recommended by existing clients.
5. Referrals
Social media is powerful, but word of mouth through referrals is still a tried, tested, and true marketing strategy for child care centres.
Choosing the best child care can be one of the most overwhelming experiences for parents. Because of this, owners and directors should never underestimate the power of referrals.
Develop lasting relationships with your existing families and they will more than likely you refer you to their friends and families. But building raving fans in families may be harder than you think. The best way to turn satisfied parents into advocates for your centre is to make their experience with you a memorable one. That includes doing things like:
- Random acts of kindness
- Above and beyond services and responses
- Strong communication
- An impressive and meaningful event (graduation, thanksgiving, parents night, spring concert etc.)
Engaging in memorable events will create topics of conversation that could possibly lead to a referral to your centre.
Remember to respond to all online reviews (whether good or bad) and always keep the testimonial section on your website updated.
6. Special Discounts
By implementing some of the other strategies you are showing that you are willing to engage with your community, but you can also provide special discounts to show that you are aware of their needs.
This is a good way to get your foot in the door, and your name and presence out in the community. For example, you can offer earlier drop off times, later pick ups times, or special discounts for referrals and occasions.
Take the time to assess the needs of you community and decide what the best discount or perk would be and how it would truly benefit your future customers. This is an important step in turning satisfied parents into advocates of your centre. Offering special discounts and perks could really set you apart from the rest. Because who doesn’t love a good deal??
7. Free Parent Workshops
The amount of parenting tips, hacks, strategies, and theories increase everyday. No wonder parents feel so overwhelmed sometimes! Position your services as an invaluable asset in their busy lives.
Just like you have done with your blog or newsletter, one of your most important goals is establishing yourself as an authority. Providing free workshops or lectures for parents who are trying to navigate through an abundance of information.
Workshop topics could include:
- Toilet training
- Meal ideas for picky eaters
- Dealing with tantrums
- Setting appropriate limits
- Building confidence
- Establishing routines
And there are many more.
Successfully implemented parent workshops and lectures also fall under the category of memorable events. Don’t forget to have light refreshments, take aways, printable resources, and encourage them to bring others.
8. Network, Network, Network!
The best way to establish your presence within the sector is to get out within the community and let people know you are there!
Get out in the community and promote your centre by attending mother-to-be workshops, parenting classes, and anywhere there are early childhood educational conversations. Establish yourself as an expert and authority, and don’t forget to bring flyers, and business cards.
Final Thoughts
Marketing doesn’t always come easy to child care owners and directors. You are often more concerned with creating lasting relationships with children and families, and implementing quality service. You understand that your role as a quality provider is essential to the development of children. These 8 simple marketing ideas and strategies will ensure that you have parents enrolling all year long so that you can continue making a difference in the lives of children.
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