Struggling with low enrolment numbers? It’s a tough spot to be in, with reduced staffing, tight budgets, and mounting pressure. Traditional methods like leaflets and banners may not be delivering the results you need. It’s time to think differently.
Enter Facebook Ads. With over 2.91 billion active users globally, Facebook offers a highly targeted way to reach prospective parents in your local area or even further afield. Here’s how to get started with a simple, cost-effective strategy.
Step 1: Open Your School Page and Select Promote
First things first: ensure your school has a Facebook Business Page. If you don’t have one, set it up—it’s essential for running ads.
Once your page is ready, click the blue “Promote” button on the left-hand side. On the next page, select “Create New Ad.”
Step 2: Set Your Goal
Define what you want to achieve with your ad. Facebook lets you choose from several objectives. For schools, common goals include:
•Get more website visitors: Perfect if you want to drive traffic to your admissions page.
•Get more leads: Ideal for collecting contact information to follow up with potential families.
•Get more page likes: Useful for building your school’s online presence and brand awareness.
Step 3: Add Images, Text, and a Call to Action
Next, it’s time to design your ad. Choose a strong image—something vibrant and relevant, like a snapshot of your nursery play area or a happy classroom.
Pair the image with compelling text and a clear call to action (CTA). For example:
•Open Day: Use “Interested” as your CTA.
•Website Visits: Opt for “Learn More” or “Visit.”
Your text and image should align with your chosen goal for maximum impact.
Step 4: Create Your Audience
This is where Facebook Ads shine. You can target your audience based on location, age, interests, gender, and more.
For example, if you’re hosting an Open Day for early years admissions, you might target:
•Parents with pre-school children.
•A 14-mile radius around your school.
This precision ensures your ads are seen by the right people, making your budget stretch further.
Step 5: Set Your Budget
Budgeting is simple and flexible with Facebook Ads. Decide how much you want to spend and set a daily or campaign budget. You can also specify how long your ad will run.
Once your ad is live, monitor its performance and follow up on interactions promptly. Whether it’s a comment on your post or a sign-up form submission, every interaction is a potential opportunity to engage with a new family.
Why Facebook Ads Work for Schools
Facebook’s detailed targeting capabilities and wide reach make it a cost-effective option for schools looking to boost enrolments or build their brand. It’s especially useful when traditional methods fall short.
So, take the leap. With just a few simple steps, you can create an ad that connects with your community and helps your school thrive. Start today—your next prospective family is just a click away.
Get in touch to discover how we can help market your school and boost enrolment numbers.
