I get it.
There’s always so much on the ‘to-do’ list and social media often seems like an optional extra.
But what if I told you that you could be missing out on a massive opportunity?
These days, most of your parents are using Instagram. And, when prospective parents start investigating the types of schools they want to send their kids to; a quick glimpse of the school’s Instagram page will give them an insight into what goes on behind the scenes.
Why Instagram?
A website is great for all the practical stuff, like setting out in comprehensive (and more formal) language who you are and explaining your values, but an Instagram account is a perfect way of connecting this language to real life.
Instagram is casual, friendly and approachable.
There are so many ways you can make it your own. Share real moments of what’s happening on the ground, celebrate student achievement, introduce dynamic teachers, create quote graphics that catch attention and highlight what ideas make you different, and showcase your stunning grounds.
What’s Involved?
It doesn’t have to take too long.
In fact, if you crowd-source the content, it can be even better. The goals are simple: showcase what makes your school different, give prospective parents a sense of who you are, and to increase belonging and ownership in your current community.
Do you have a kitchen garden? A chook shed? A passion for sustainability? Is there a drama production going on? Perhaps a school camp? An eye-catching photo or video, along with a quick sentence or two is all you need.
The Importance of Hashtags
By using hashtags (and creating your own), you can make it easy for people to find you.
Do you value STEM? Discovery learning? Growth mindset? Sustainability? Literacy? Add the relevant hashtag to your post. Having your own personalised hashtag (ie. #yourschoolname), parents can share their own photos that (upon seeking permission) could be reposted.
Need Help?
Instagram doesn’t have to be hard or frustrating. If you need a little help in creating your own account or reviving one that has gone dormant, reach out to me. I love helping schools get their message out in a dynamic and engaging way. I also really enjoy creating quote graphics in Canva that can be tailored to your school (perhaps even highlighting student quotes or voices).
Here’s an example of an account I’ve been working on recently:
