Summer schools function as educational tools that enable students to broaden their knowledge base while enhancing their academic abilities and learning progression. Students experience educational benefits through summer schools alongside opportunities to participate in enjoyable activities.

The success of a summer school depends heavily on its ability to attract students to participate in its activities. The program requires effective marketing to generate a substantial number of students who will register for its courses. This article will present several innovative marketing strategies that your summer school can use to boost student enrollment and maximize classroom capacity.

Summer School Is More Than Catching Up

Summer school operates as an academic initiative that runs throughout the summer vacation time. The program delivers educational content combined with supplementary elements. Students have access to different programs through which they can advance their knowledge and enhance their abilities while getting ready for future educational terms.

The programs do not limit their functions to education but they include a range of activities to establish a distinctive experience from regular days. Summer schools serve as educational facilities that enable students to repeat courses they previously failed to pass.

Furthermore, they provide students with lots of options to try out subjects and courses they might be interested in. Artists, scientists, computers, or even creative writing — by mastering these subjects, the student is just getting started.

This leaves students with a chance to cultivate other subjects they are fond of. They push themselves and are ready for higher-level classes.

Summer school can actually be beneficial to kids, no matter if they don’t require any academic assistance. Most programs have theme-related group tasks, getting them on field trips to mind-blowing locations and methods for encountering new pals. It allows kids to build self-confidence, as well as learn better time management and be more independent.

Ultimately, at the end of the day, it’s all about creating possibilities for many in summer school. The advantages are found throughout, from simply improving at a foreign tongue or delving into a completely different way of living to being ahead of next year’s classes.

Top 5 Marketing Ideas for Summer Schools

Looking to pick up as many seats as possible at your summer school? You will need to build up some buzz. All that is needed is something unique like sports, science, arts, or academics. It is important to reach out and make your voice heard. 

It is preferable to have your marketing plan already and begin it in late winter or the start of spring to be able to catch up with the majority of families who at that time have started looking for summer camps. Your approach should be such that it can easily let you connect with the target crowd. Come up with a plan that will help to attract people to your summer school.

Leverage Social Media

If you’re reading this right now, you’re undeniably in the “age of online advertising” for your summer school.

Social media is full of ways to interact with students and parents, so engage with people by taking advantage of platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to showcase your school’s unique selling features.

Upload photos and videos from your previous summers that are compelling. Ask your students to share their stories. Tell your audience what you are going to teach them. And don’t forget to take advantage of your target ads for reaching the individuals who will actually want to purchase your services.

And are you on top of the search lists? This is why SEO strategy is so important! Using the relevant keyword words on your website that are relevant to the interests of parents, you may get noticed as a potential summer school candidate.

Get Found on Local Searches

Remember that it is helpful to think of your summer camp at the top of the list when families are looking for it. To start with, look at some of the online search directories designed for parents. You would like to be the first result they find when local moms and dads are looking for camps.  

The answer is easy: Google Business Profile. Your camp’s digital identity is equal to a business card. Here is a checklist on how to make it a useful resource for your camp: 

Check your information twice

You should match 100% of your information to the name, address, and phone number of the camp.

Be upfront about your hours

Inform users of your hours or list if you are not open on certain dates or times.  

Share the Fun

Upload images of kids in the midst of all the fun your camp has to offer. 

Build Partnerships with Local Schools and Educational Entities 

Building partnerships with local schools can make a big difference in your summer program. It is about relationship building and creating organic marketing. 

Here are some of the ways to make it happen: 

Speak to schools in the area about doing a presentation. Suggest that you can go into the school and have interaction with the students and their parents about your summer program. This is the best way to eliminate any doubt and demonstrate what your program provides.

Try and make friends with teachers. They are the ones who have firsthand information on which children may need extra support in learning through the summer period. Build a strong relationship with these teachers. When they trust you, the chances are high they will be willing to refer students your way.

Also, ask if you can be included in the school newsletter and on various school websites. Many families will know about your program as soon as possible before they finalize a decision.

summer school
Get more students signed up this summer! Source: Freepik

Offer Early Bird Discounts

Since money is a big deal for families, offering attractive discounts can really make a difference.

Stepped Pricing Plan

Consider setting up a stepped pricing plan. It’s a way to reward those who commit early. Here’s a simple breakdown:

  • Book way ahead? Snag the lowest price.
  • Sign up a little later? Still safe, but not as much.
  • Join at the last second? Pay the full amount.

Friend Bonuses

Let’s talk about friend bonuses. Kids love hanging out with their pals, right? So why not make it worth their while to bring friends along? You could offer something like, “Sign up with a friend and get 10% off.

Advertise Your Offers

Make sure to highlight these offers clearly on your website and in your emails. You might even send out a special “Early Bird Notice” to alert people when the best deals are available.

PPC and Social Ads

Want to market your summer camp quickly? Paid advertising is a good option. Since it is not restricted to the local market, you can even target families outside of your local area. 

There are two main types of advertisements you need to make a choice about: PPC ads and social media.

PPC ads are similar to banners you see online. If a user types in a search such as “summer camps,” your ad will come up at the top. This is a very direct way to get their attention, but you had better have your website ready, too.

If you have a low budget, social media ads are the second-best alternative. The old standby social networks have many benefits for your business. 

For example, Facebook and Instagram allow the camp to have a look at people they believe may be interested. And it shows them the ads directly. Better yet, it can even find similar-looking people to your current participants. This is how family and friends can link you up with other families and friends.

Turn On Your Town’s Attractions

What interesting features do you have in your town? Try to incorporate them into your summer school program to make it shine and be exciting for your students. When you have the opportunity to showcase the fun side of your town and focus on the culture, it is more than a camp. Think about it – if your school is near a beach, why not have students try surfing or have a great escape on the beach with a picnic?  

After the stress of the pre-summer session, it is time to relax your students.   

Engage with possibilities about how to invite students to do more than just educational things. Something that fits the vibe of your city. You can plan fun scavenger hunts around downtown or historic sites.  

Think outside the box. Think of what is great about your city, and construct your camp around that. Create a video or content and show students why your city presents an ideal opportunity for an adventure pursuing fun and learning this summer.

Remember, you are not just running a camp! So go ahead and exhibit what makes your hometown cool.

Showcase Your Unique Selling Points

What sets your summer school apart from the rest? Let the people know loud and clear.

Start by looking at your curriculum. Does your school offer innovative ways to deliver class or use new technologies for a better user experience? People do get attracted to the latest and most advanced technologies. Are you offering any of these? If so, spread the word. Parents are eager to hear about exciting educational opportunities.

Also, highlight your staff’s hands-on expertise in technologies and backgrounds. Parents seek the best for their children, so highlighting your skilled teachers can be very effective.

Lastly, promote your school’s impressive amenities. Do you have state-of-the-art labs, top-notch sports areas, or other remarkable spaces? Display them! People enjoy seeing where their kids will spend their summer.

By sharing these distinctive aspects of your summer school, you can draw more students and make your program shine.

Show, Not Just Tell-Leverage Video 

Video is a new language that anyone can understand and connects businesses with their target audience. Leverage videos to market your summer school program. Let the people see, not just read brochures.

Stuck on where to start and what to record? Start by giving a nice and captivating tour of your campus. Spot and highlight main areas like classrooms, labs, and hangout spots. Also, record a preview of a summer adventure in which people might be interested in taking part.

But the best part comes here! Ask your former students to share their experiences on camera. It can impact and influence people’s decisions. Hearing from former students can really sway opinions.

Make videos that show a typical summer school day. Film students in action, enjoying meals, and having fun. This helps viewers imagine themselves joining in. It can get them pumped up to enroll and be part of the excitement.

Include Free Short Courses and Workshops 

We all get excited about free mini-classes or online courses. You can include them in your summer program to give students a feel for what they’re like.

Offering short, free workshops on popular topics is a great way to introduce your teaching style. This will help students learn from your amazing instructors.

If you can’t do in-person workshops, create short online classes or webinars. This is an excellent way to reach a larger audience and showcase your teaching skills. Allow students to experience the exciting and engaging learning environment you provide.

By giving students a sneak peek into your summer school, you’ll build excitement and encourage them to sign up.

Plan Ahead for Your Summer School 

To make your summer school a hit, focus on the strategies mentioned above. Walk through them and adopt the ones that resonate with your audience. Ensure that your program is well optimized and shows up in search results by using Google Business Profile. 

Reach out to more people by turning PPC and social ads on for your summer school. Hit social media with the best and most captivating content (video and text) and offer crisp deals to spark excitement among people. Don’t forget to show off the fun and learning opportunities to attract more people and fill up your summer camp.

For more similar blogs, visit EvolveDash today!

FAQs

  1. When is the best time to start marketing for summer school? 

Start promotions in late winter or early spring, as families begin looking for programs around that time.

  1. How can I make my summer school stand out from competitors? 

Highlight unique aspects like specialized courses, expert instructors, or hands-on learning experiences in ads and content.

  1. What budget should I set for digital advertising? 

Your budget depends on reach and goals. Start small with social media ads, then adjust based on engagement and conversions.

  1. How do I measure the success of my marketing efforts? 

Track enrollments, website traffic, social media engagement, and ad performance to see what works best.

  1. Can partnerships with local businesses help promote my summer school? 

Yes, collaborating with local businesses, libraries, and community centers can expand reach and attract more students.