How to Improve Your School’s Online Presence

Families are often researching schools the same way they research restaurants, hotels, and everything else in their lives: online.

Before a parent ever calls your front office, schedules a tour, or  clicked “Apply,” chances are they’ve at least already visited your school online through your digital presence. That means first impressions are happening long before you even know a family is looking.

That means if your digital presence isn’t current, consistent, and compelling, families may just keep on scrolling.

Good thing is, we can turn that around. Here is your quick checklist to make sure your school's online presence is strong and accurate reflection of your amazing community.

Website Check

Think of your website as your digital front office. It’s often the very first place families go to learn about your school and it should make a great first impression, just like you would greeting a family for a tour. 

• Is it mobile-friendly?
• Can families easily find what grades you serve, your location, and how to apply
• Is the content clear and welcoming?
• Do you include any testimonials?

• Are your photos recent and of your actual students? 

Social Media Check

If your website is your front door, your social media are your windows into your school culture. They give families a peek into the day-to-day atmosphere and let you highlight what makes your school special.

• Do your bios link to your application or website?
• Do your bios include important info about your school (grades, location, contact info)
• Are you posting regularly?
• Do your posts show off your school culture, student life, or fun events?

• Are your school’s accounts searchable by name and location?

Review Sites Check

When was the last time you went to a new restaurant without reading its reviews or getting a recommendation? Exactly. Online reviews can carry serious weight with prospective families. What people say about your school online helps shape your reputation (for better or for worse) even before you meet a parent in person.

• Have you claimed your school's Google Business Profile?
• Are you responding to reviews, both positive and negative?
• Do you encourage your happy families to leave a review?

Directory Listing Check

If families are searching for schools, you want to make sure you are showing up in the right places. Make sure your info is accurate on major directory sites where families are already searching. 

• Is your information accurate on sites like Schola (hint, we can help with that), Niche, and GreatSchools?
• Have you verified and updated your free profile on Schola? (You can do so here)
  

Video Check

Videos can bring your school to life. A quick tour or testimonial can help families feel more connected and confident before they even step on campus.

• Do you have a welcome video or school promo posted anywhere online? 
• Is there anything on YouTube or social media that shows your classrooms, staff, or students? 

Final Note

You don’t have to be a marketing expert to build a strong online presence. You just need to know what families are looking for and make it easy for them to find it. A few quick updates across your digital touch points can make a huge difference in helping families feel confident about your school.

Make Your School Stand Out with Schola

Make sure your school is verified on Schola so you can update it to make sure you are leaving the best impression on families. You can start matching with interested families, connecting with them, and schedule tours to fill your classrooms. And if you need help making your profile shine, our team is always here to help!