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Source: https://www.truthtree.com/feed/

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11. <title>Truth Tree</title>
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30. <item>
31. <title>Think Your Private School Ads Aren’t Working? You’re Watching the Wrong Metric</title>
32. <link>https://www.truthtree.com/think-your-private-school-ads-arent-working-youre-watching-the-wrong-metric/</link>
34. <dc:creator><![CDATA[missy]]></dc:creator>
35. <pubDate>Wed, 23 Apr 2025 01:27:49 +0000</pubDate>
36. <category><![CDATA[Advice]]></category>
37. <category><![CDATA[digital advertising for schools]]></category>
38. <category><![CDATA[digital marketing]]></category>
39. <category><![CDATA[google ads]]></category>
40. <category><![CDATA[private school marketing]]></category>
41. <category><![CDATA[school marketing]]></category>
42. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.truthtree.com/?p=26872</guid>
43.  
44. <description><![CDATA[<p>Your ad clicks are up, but where are the conversions? Where are the enrollments? Before you call it a failed campaign, learn what school ads actually do well and how to build a strategy that works.</p>
45. <p>The post <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/think-your-private-school-ads-arent-working-youre-watching-the-wrong-metric/">Think Your Private School Ads Aren’t Working? You’re Watching the Wrong Metric</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.truthtree.com">Truth Tree</a>.</p>
46. ]]></description>
47. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
48. <p>ROI. Conversions. ROAS.&nbsp;</p>
49.  
50.  
51.  
52. <p>When I first started in independent school marketing, the above words and acronyms were taboo.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
53.  
54.  
55.  
56. <p>Oh, how the pendulum swings.&nbsp;</p>
57.  
58.  
59.  
60. <p>These days, a lot of school marketing and communications directors come from traditional marketing roles, which is, honestly, a huge win for schools. But with that experience often comes a common assumption: if the ad campaign is strong, the clicks will follow… and so will the inquiries.</p>
61.  
62.  
63.  
64. <p>It’s a logical assumption. Advertising works for retailers, restaurants, and even higher education. So why not private K–12 schools?</p>
65.  
66.  
67.  
68. <p>Because ads don’t convert <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/the-5-intentions-of-a-parent-searching-for-a-school-online/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">discerning independent school searchers</a> the way you think they do.</p>
69.  
70.  
71.  
72. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ads-are-great-at-one-thing-and-it-s-not-enrollments"><strong>Ads Are Great at One Thing (and It’s Not Enrollments)</strong></h2>
73.  
74.  
75.  
76. <p>Digital ads on Google, Meta, and beyond are excellent at building awareness. If done right, they get your school in front of the right families with the right message at the right time. But if you expect that an ad will directly cause a family to fill out an inquiry form or schedule a tour on the spot, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.</p>
77.  
78.  
79.  
80. <p>Families don’t make private school decisions the way they buy sneakers or sushi. Enrollment <a href="https://www.enrollment.org/articles/2023-2024-the-ride-to-independent-schools-report-3-000-families-tell-us-about-their-journey-s3-e5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">is a long game</a>, driven by trust, research, emotion, and financial consideration. Even if an ad sparks initial interest, the conversion, if it happens, will likely come weeks, months, or even years after the family has consumed your website content, read reviews, <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/organic-vs-paid-social-media-marketing-for-schools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scoured your social channels</a>, and talked to friends and coworkers.</p>
81.  
82.  
83.  
84. <p>In marketing speak, ads are a first-touch tactic, not a last-click driver.</p>
85.  
86.  
87.  
88. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-problem-with-performance-metrics-in-a-mission-driven-world"><strong>The Problem with “Performance Metrics” in a Mission-Driven World</strong></h2>
89.  
90.  
91.  
92. <p>Many school leaders look at ads through a narrow lens: “How many inquiries did we get?” or “What’s our cost per lead?” These are numbers, but they’re not the whole picture.</p>
93.  
94.  
95.  
96. <p>Here’s a better question: “Did we make a compelling argument as to why they should inquire now?” or “How many more families know we exist this month than last month?”</p>
97.  
98.  
99.  
100. <p>Or even better: “How many people Googled our school name directly after seeing one of our ads?”</p>
101.  
102.  
103.  
104. <p>These are signs of a <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/the-long-funnel-to-school-enrollment-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">growing awareness funnel</a>. And over time, awareness leads to consideration. And consideration, when supported by strong follow-up, <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/is-your-independent-schools-website-built-to-sell/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">an engaging website</a>, and an authentic parent experience, can lead to enrollment.</p>
105.  
106.  
107.  
108. <p>So… Are Ads Worth It?</p>
109.  
110.  
111.  
112. <p>Absolutely. But only if you use them for what they’re designed to do and have realistic expectations.&nbsp;</p>
113.  
114.  
115.  
116. <p>Private schools should treat ads like the digital equivalent of a billboard, but one that changes it message with each passing car. Some of those cars are absolutely on their way to consider a school like yours, but most of them are only looking and will not pull over, make a U-turn, and immediately convert.&nbsp;</p>
117.  
118.  
119.  
120.  
121.  
122. <figure><img decoding="async" style="width: 486px; height: auto;" src="https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/the-rock-trying-to-enroll-in-a-school-based-on-billboard-truth-tree-provides-digital-marketing-strategies-solutions-for-schools-1.jpeg" alt="Three-panel meme: The Rock says, “Hopefully, we’ll see a private school billboard or lawn sign and enroll there.” A woman replies, “Or we can search online,” and The Rock gives her a baffled look. The image illustrates how school ads build awareness but aren’t the final step in a family’s decision—choosing a school takes time, research, and trust. | Truth Tree provides digital marketing strategies and solutions for schools. | Truth Tree knows school marketing." /></figure>
123.  
124.  
125.  
126.  
127.  
128. <p>Spoiler: if you really want <a href="https://support.google.com/google-ads/answer/1722022?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conversions</a>, put your school on sale. BOGO. Half off tuition if you inquire by tomorrow.&nbsp;</p>
129.  
130.  
131.  
132. <p>But if they see your billboard enough times—especially at the right moment in their life—they <em>might</em> just type your name into Google later.</p>
133.  
134.  
135.  
136. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-if-you-re-serious-about-using-ads-effectively-shift-your-mindset"><strong>If you’re serious about using ads effectively, shift your mindset</strong>:</h2>
137.  
138.  
139.  
140. <ul class="wp-block-list">
141. <li>Use ads to drive top-of-funnel awareness.</li>
142.  
143.  
144.  
145. <li>Pair ads with compelling <a href="https://youtu.be/a375UrKCp7o?si=ahdUNjxJK31wU0XR" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">landing pages</a> and stories, not generic “Request More Info” forms.</li>
146.  
147.  
148.  
149. <li>Invest in organic marketing strategies (<a href="https://www.truthtree.com/tips-for-successful-school-blogging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blog content</a>, <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/top-5-search-engine-optimization-seo-tips-for-school-websites/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SEO</a>, <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/social-media-for-enrollment-marketing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social media</a>, <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/email-marketing-for-schools-a-step-by-step-guide-to-a-successful-drip-campaign/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">email nurture</a>) that carry the family from interest to decision.<br><br></li>
150. </ul>
151.  
152.  
153.  
154. <p><h2>Final Word: Don’t Blame the Ads</h2></p>
155.  
156.  
157.  
158. <p>If your ads aren’t “working,” it’s probably not the ads. It’s your expectations.</p>
159.  
160.  
161.  
162. <p>Enrollment is still about relationships, values, and reputation. Ads don’t change that. But when used wisely, they can get the right families to take that very first step.</p>
163.  
164.  
165.  
166. <p>And in the world of independent schools, <em>that first step is everything.</em></p>
167.  
168.  
169.  
170. <div style="height:40px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>
171.  
172.  
173.  
174. <div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:43% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="600" height="480" src="https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/trevor-waddington-Truth-Tree-founder.png" alt="Trevor Waddington, Founder of Truth Tree | Truth Tree Digital Marketing for Schools | Truth Tree provides digital marketing strategies and solutions for schools" class="wp-image-26592 size-full" srcset="https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/trevor-waddington-Truth-Tree-founder.png 600w, https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/trevor-waddington-Truth-Tree-founder-300x240.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
175. <p style="font-size:15px"><em>Trevor Waddington is the founder and CEO of Truth Tree. He leads a blended team of digital marketing experts and former school admissions and marketing personnel to support schools all over the world on their marketing efforts. After years educating a marketing firm on the nuances of his school, Trevor decided schools deserved a marketing agency that understood them AND their audience.</em> And thus, Truth Tree was born.</p>
176.  
177.  
178.  
179. <ul class="wp-block-social-links is-layout-flex wp-block-social-links-is-layout-flex"><li class="wp-social-link wp-social-link-linkedin  wp-block-social-link"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-waddington/" class="wp-block-social-link-anchor"><svg width="24" height="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M19.7,3H4.3C3.582,3,3,3.582,3,4.3v15.4C3,20.418,3.582,21,4.3,21h15.4c0.718,0,1.3-0.582,1.3-1.3V4.3 C21,3.582,20.418,3,19.7,3z M8.339,18.338H5.667v-8.59h2.672V18.338z M7.004,8.574c-0.857,0-1.549-0.694-1.549-1.548 c0-0.855,0.691-1.548,1.549-1.548c0.854,0,1.547,0.694,1.547,1.548C8.551,7.881,7.858,8.574,7.004,8.574z M18.339,18.338h-2.669 v-4.177c0-0.996-0.017-2.278-1.387-2.278c-1.389,0-1.601,1.086-1.601,2.206v4.249h-2.667v-8.59h2.559v1.174h0.037 c0.356-0.675,1.227-1.387,2.526-1.387c2.703,0,3.203,1.779,3.203,4.092V18.338z"></path></svg><span class="wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text">Connect with Me</span></a></li></ul>
180. </div></div>
181.  
182.  
183.  
184. <div style="height:40px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>
185.  
186.  
187.  
188. <div class="wp-block-essential-blocks-infobox  root-eb-infobox-ej3bi"><div class="eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-infobox-ej3bi "><div class="eb-infobox-ej3bi eb-infobox-wrapper"><div class="infobox-wrapper-inner"><div class="icon-img-wrapper"><div class="eb-icon number-or-icon"><i icon="fab fa-searchengin" class="fab fa-searchengin eb-infobox-icon-data-selector"></i></div></div><div class="contents-wrapper"><h2 class="title">Need a Strategic Marketing Strategy that Keeps Your School Top-of-Mind?</h2><p class="description">Families are searching 1, 2, even 3 years out from their enrollment.<br><br>Pair your ads with a multi-touch approach so you can continue nurturing prospective families.</p><div class="eb-button-inner-wrapper eb-infobox-btn-wrapper"><a class="eb-button-anchor infobox-btn   " href="https://www.truthtree.com/schedule-a-discovery-call/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Book a Discovery Call</a></div></div></div></div></div></div>
189. <p>The post <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/think-your-private-school-ads-arent-working-youre-watching-the-wrong-metric/">Think Your Private School Ads Aren’t Working? You’re Watching the Wrong Metric</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.truthtree.com">Truth Tree</a>.</p>
190. ]]></content:encoded>
194. </item>
195. <item>
196. <title>How to Get Reviews as a School: Building Trust &#038; Driving Enrollment</title>
197. <link>https://www.truthtree.com/reviews-build-trust-and-drive-enrollment-for-schools/</link>
199. <dc:creator><![CDATA[missy]]></dc:creator>
200. <pubDate>Fri, 11 Apr 2025 18:30:39 +0000</pubDate>
201. <category><![CDATA[Advice]]></category>
202. <category><![CDATA[branding]]></category>
203. <category><![CDATA[digital marketing]]></category>
204. <category><![CDATA[enrollment management]]></category>
205. <category><![CDATA[private school marketing]]></category>
206. <category><![CDATA[school marketing]]></category>
207. <category><![CDATA[seo]]></category>
208. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.truthtree.com/?p=26863</guid>
209.  
210. <description><![CDATA[<p>School reviews do more than offer feedback. They tell your story through real voices. Explore practical tips and tactics to gather authentic reviews from families, alumni, and faculty, and turn them into powerful enrollment drivers.</p>
211. <p>The post <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/reviews-build-trust-and-drive-enrollment-for-schools/">How to Get Reviews as a School: Building Trust &amp; Driving Enrollment</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.truthtree.com">Truth Tree</a>.</p>
212. ]]></description>
213. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
214. <p>For private and independent schools, reviews are more than just feedback. Reviews are a gateway to building trust and attracting prospective families to your school. As impactful as they are, reviews are not always the easiest to achieve. There’s no way around it: people are busy!&nbsp;</p>
215.  
216.  
217.  
218. <p>We’ve found that schools have the best results when asking at the ‘right time’ coupled with making the process as easy as possible. Here’s how to effectively gather reviews and create a foundation of credibility for your school.</p>
219.  
220.  
221.  
222. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-do-schools-need-reviews">Why do Schools Need Reviews?</h2>
223.  
224.  
225.  
226. <p>Schools already have so many things telling their story: websites, social media, magazines, admissions events, and so on. But reviews support and reinforce it all!</p>
227.  
228.  
229.  
230. <p>When evaluating school options, parents are looking for the right fit: academically, socially, athletically, religiously, and a series of other “important” factors. At the root of their research, they want to know whether or not their child and family will thrive or have a lackluster experience. Not every family’s “thrive” or “lackluster” looks the same, so other experiences and perspectives come into play.&nbsp;</p>
231.  
232.  
233.  
234. <p>Of course, the school-produced collateral will tell the highlights, the best, and the brightest of the school experience. Prospective parents and guardians look to reviews for the lived version of the school story. Does it all align? Is there proof in the pudding?</p>
235.  
236.  
237.  
238. <p>Online reviews from current students, staff, alumni, and parents can provide that reassurance, confirming that a school is a trusted environment. For schools in the US, a thoughtful strategy to gather and highlight reviews is essential to maintaining a strong digital presence, especially as <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/your-schools-word-of-mouth-marketing-strategy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">traditional word-of-mouth increasingly shifts to the online realm.</a></p>
239.  
240.  
241.  
242. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-google-s-stance-on-school-reviews">Google&#8217;s Stance on School Reviews</h2>
243.  
244.  
245.  
246. <p>In 2019, Google restricted schools from getting reviews on Google My Business (GMB), categorizing them as “critical services” and, on April 30, 2025, they will delete all reviews from the preceding years.&nbsp;</p>
247.  
248.  
249.  
250. <p>There are pros and cons to this move by Google. On one hand, schools with negative reviews from 2018 likely celebrated the news that first impressions were no longer hinging on something they (hopefully) addressed and rectified. A program or teacher a parent was upset about in 2015 may no longer be at the school, yet those reviews were there for all to see. On the flip side, some feel this limits transparency and breaks trust since 94% of school searchers end up on Google at some point in their search journey.&nbsp;</p>
251.  
252.  
253.  
254. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" width="1239" height="816" src="https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/screenshots-of-school-reviews-to-accompay-a-truth-tree-blog-post-truth-tree-partners-with-schools-worldwide-to-champion-their-school-marketing.png" alt="Screenshots of Google Reviews for schools with the school names and reviewer names blurred out | The image accompanies a Truth Tree blog post on the value of reviews and where/how to get them | Truth Tree partners with schools worldwide to manage their school marketing" class="wp-image-26866" style="width:571px;height:auto" srcset="https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/screenshots-of-school-reviews-to-accompay-a-truth-tree-blog-post-truth-tree-partners-with-schools-worldwide-to-champion-their-school-marketing.png 1239w, https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/screenshots-of-school-reviews-to-accompay-a-truth-tree-blog-post-truth-tree-partners-with-schools-worldwide-to-champion-their-school-marketing-300x198.png 300w, https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/screenshots-of-school-reviews-to-accompay-a-truth-tree-blog-post-truth-tree-partners-with-schools-worldwide-to-champion-their-school-marketing-1024x674.png 1024w, https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/screenshots-of-school-reviews-to-accompay-a-truth-tree-blog-post-truth-tree-partners-with-schools-worldwide-to-champion-their-school-marketing-768x506.png 768w, https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/screenshots-of-school-reviews-to-accompay-a-truth-tree-blog-post-truth-tree-partners-with-schools-worldwide-to-champion-their-school-marketing-708x466.png 708w" sizes="(max-width: 1239px) 100vw, 1239px" /></figure>
255.  
256.  
257.  
258. <p>As of now, schools can still utilize the Google My Business “post” feature to keep profiles updated with events and news, keeping their online presence vibrant without direct reviews. Without Google reviews, schools have strategically turned to various sites to bolster their social proof (more on those later).</p>
259.  
260.  
261.  
262. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-get-reviews-practical-strategies">How to Get Reviews: Practical Strategies</h2>
263.  
264.  
265.  
266. <h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-create-engaging-flyers-with-qr-codes"><strong>1. Create Engaging Flyers with QR Codes</strong></h4>
267.  
268.  
269.  
270. <p>Make it easy for parents to leave reviews by setting up branded flyers <a href="https://youtube.com/shorts/UM1qEUhqGfY?si=wCfvvCe5AV4X1dl6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">with QR codes</a> that link directly to review platforms. Place these in high-traffic areas—like lobbies, welcome desks, and event spaces—and hand them out at major school events. This effortless access can encourage more parents to share their positive experiences.</p>
271.  
272.  
273.  
274. <h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-leverage-school-newsletters"><strong>2. Leverage School Newsletters</strong></h4>
275.  
276.  
277.  
278. <p>Your school newsletter reaches parents who are likely already engaged and invested in the school. Periodically include a reminder and a link encouraging families to leave a review.&nbsp;</p>
279.  
280.  
281.  
282. <p><strong>3. Capitalize on Warm, Fuzzy Feelings</strong></p>
283.  
284.  
285.  
286. <p>The easiest place to start is with your <strong>volunteer Parent Ambassadors</strong>. These parents are likely engrained and invested in your school, looking for ways to help. Ask them to rotate through your desired review websites over the course of the year. In the spring, just before your terminal grade’s graduation, <a href="https://youtu.be/ef_R8cb35Z0?si=5JVoa7hzRo8yKcI9&amp;t=61" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ask departing families to reflect on their experience</a>. At this point, they’re likely feeling the most satisfied and reflective about their child’s journey—so they should have plenty of positive feedback to share!</p>
287.  
288.  
289.  
290. <h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-diversify-your-reviewers-ask-faculty-alumni-and-parents"><strong>4. Diversify Your Reviewers: Ask Faculty, Alumni, and Parents</strong></h4>
291.  
292.  
293.  
294. <p>While parents are the primary group to ask for reviews, don’t overlook current students, faculty, alumni, and even board members. Their insights add diversity and depth to your reviews, making them more comprehensive and representative of the school community.&nbsp;</p>
295.  
296.  
297.  
298. <p>It’s more effective to invite people personally, or at the very least, in a segmented email group.</p>
299.  
300.  
301.  
302. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-to-get-reviews">Where to Get Reviews</h2>
303.  
304.  
305.  
306. <p>Here are some of the top platforms for reviews, along with tips for each:</p>
307.  
308.  
309.  
310. <ul class="wp-block-list">
311. <li><a href="http://greatschools.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>GreatSchools.org</strong></a>: This trusted site provides ratings for private, public, and charter schools. Encourage families to leave reviews on GreatSchools by including links in emails, newsletters, and on your website.</li>
312.  
313.  
314.  
315. <li><a href="http://niche.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Niche.com</strong></a>: Known for detailed profiles, Niche also ranks schools by multiple factors. Regularly share your Niche profile on social media, encouraging current parents to leave feedback.</li>
316.  
317.  
318.  
319. <li><a href="http://privateschoolreview.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>PrivateSchoolReview.com</strong></a>: This platform focuses specifically on private institutions. Encourage alumni and current families to share their experiences here, especially if they’re invested in your school’s success.</li>
320.  
321.  
322.  
323. <li><a href="http://winnie.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Winnie.com</strong></a>: Ideal for preschools and schools offering early childhood programs, Winnie connects parents to reviews of local options. Mention Winnie when talking to parents in these programs, especially if you’ve received positive feedback from them directly.</li>
324.  
325.  
326.  
327. <li><a href="https://www.boardingschoolreview.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>BoardingSchoolReview.com</strong></a>: If your school includes a boarding program, this platform is an essential place for reviews. Reach out to boarding families, as well as alumni who may have fond memories of their boarding experiences, and encourage them to share their stories here.</li>
328.  
329.  
330.  
331. <li><a href="https://www.schooldigger.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>SchoolDigger.com</strong></a>: SchoolDigger provides detailed profiles of over 136,000 public and private schools across the US, including test scores, enrollment data, and rankings. Share your SchoolDigger profile with families and encourage them to leave reviews, helping future parents make informed decisions about your school.</li>
332.  
333.  
334.  
335. <li><strong>Local Directories</strong>: Check local directories and parenting blogs for school review options. Claim your listings, update any missing information, and ensure all details are correct so parents feel encouraged to share their experiences.</li>
336.  
337.  
338.  
339. <li><strong>Social Media:</strong> Facebook is still a worthwhile place to capture reviews. It may have a different clout than it once did, but people still check out businesses on the platform.&nbsp;</li>
340. </ul>
341.  
342.  
343.  
344. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-to-do-once-you-have-reviews">What to Do Once You Have Reviews?</h2>
345.  
346.  
347.  
348. <p>Great job! You’ve got new, fresh reviews.&nbsp;</p>
349.  
350.  
351.  
352. <ul class="wp-block-list">
353. <li>Grab your favorite ones and pull them to your website as text (not an image/graphic).</li>
354.  
355.  
356.  
357. <li>Use them in your social content and PPC ads.</li>
358.  
359.  
360.  
361. <li>Incorporate them into your email nurture campaign.</li>
362. </ul>
363.  
364.  
365.  
366. <p>Adding a “testimonials” section to your website, e-mails, and social media feed reinforces, builds trust, and brings in different voices to tell your school’s story. With <a href="https://www.bigcommerce.com/blog/customer-testimonials/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>88% of consumers trusting online reviews as much as personal recommendations and 72% saying positive reviews and testimonials made them trust a business more</strong></a>, investing in reviews is worthwhile in more ways than one.</p>
367.  
368.  
369.  
370. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-final-thoughts-build-a-digital-word-of-mouth-strategy">Final Thoughts: Build a Digital Word-of-Mouth Strategy</h2>
371.  
372.  
373.  
374. <p>While traditional word-of-mouth is still powerful, schools must prioritize their <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/your-schools-word-of-mouth-marketing-strategy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digital word-of-mouth</a> to support their digital footprint. This caters to searching families plus the AI chatbots/LLMs (Large Language Models) that scrape the internet to determine school rankings for their results. Aim to diversify reviews by asking current students, parents, faculty, and alumni. In the ask, make it as effortless as possible by linking to the ideal site(s) and providing helpful instructions. With the right approach, your school’s online presence can be a powerful resource for prospective families.</p>
375.  
376.  
377.  
378. <div style="height:50px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>
379.  
380.  
381.  
382. <div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:43% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img decoding="async" width="600" height="480" src="https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Moira-Anderson-Assistant-Production-Manager-Truth-Tree-school-marketing-experts.png" alt="Moira Anderson is the Assistant Production Manager at Truth Tree | Truth Tree handles school marketing for schools around the world" class="wp-image-26868 size-full" srcset="https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Moira-Anderson-Assistant-Production-Manager-Truth-Tree-school-marketing-experts.png 600w, https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Moira-Anderson-Assistant-Production-Manager-Truth-Tree-school-marketing-experts-300x240.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
383. <p style="font-size:15px">​Moira Anderson is the Assistant Production Manager at Truth Tree, where she collaborates closely with the Director of Technology &amp; Innovation to develop and implement comprehensive digital marketing strategies that drive results. Her expertise in project management ensures smooth execution of initiatives, while her passion for connecting schools with their audiences helps tell each institution&#8217;s unique story effectively.</p>
384.  
385.  
386.  
387. <ul class="wp-block-social-links is-layout-flex wp-block-social-links-is-layout-flex"><li class="wp-social-link wp-social-link-linkedin  wp-block-social-link"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/anderson-moira/" class="wp-block-social-link-anchor"><svg width="24" height="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M19.7,3H4.3C3.582,3,3,3.582,3,4.3v15.4C3,20.418,3.582,21,4.3,21h15.4c0.718,0,1.3-0.582,1.3-1.3V4.3 C21,3.582,20.418,3,19.7,3z M8.339,18.338H5.667v-8.59h2.672V18.338z M7.004,8.574c-0.857,0-1.549-0.694-1.549-1.548 c0-0.855,0.691-1.548,1.549-1.548c0.854,0,1.547,0.694,1.547,1.548C8.551,7.881,7.858,8.574,7.004,8.574z M18.339,18.338h-2.669 v-4.177c0-0.996-0.017-2.278-1.387-2.278c-1.389,0-1.601,1.086-1.601,2.206v4.249h-2.667v-8.59h2.559v1.174h0.037 c0.356-0.675,1.227-1.387,2.526-1.387c2.703,0,3.203,1.779,3.203,4.092V18.338z"></path></svg><span class="wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text">Connect with Me</span></a></li></ul>
388. </div></div>
389.  
390.  
391.  
392. <div style="height:50px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>
393.  
394.  
395.  
396. <div class="wp-block-essential-blocks-infobox  root-eb-infobox-ej3bi"><div class="eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-infobox-ej3bi "><div class="eb-infobox-ej3bi eb-infobox-wrapper"><div class="infobox-wrapper-inner"><div class="icon-img-wrapper"><div class="eb-icon number-or-icon"><i icon="fas fa-fire-flame-curved" class="fas fa-fire-flame-curved eb-infobox-icon-data-selector"></i></div></div><div class="contents-wrapper"><h2 class="title">Ready to Take Your Marketing to the Next Level?</h2><p class="description">Truth Tree provides digital marketing strategies and solutions for schools looking to elevate their digital visibility with searching families.<br><br>Reach out to see what our two teams could dream up for you and your school</p><div class="eb-button-inner-wrapper eb-infobox-btn-wrapper"><a class="eb-button-anchor infobox-btn   " href="https://www.truthtree.com/schedule-a-discovery-call/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Book a Discovery Call</a></div></div></div></div></div></div>
397. <p>The post <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/reviews-build-trust-and-drive-enrollment-for-schools/">How to Get Reviews as a School: Building Trust &amp; Driving Enrollment</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.truthtree.com">Truth Tree</a>.</p>
398. ]]></content:encoded>
402. </item>
403. <item>
404. <title>Website Redesign or Advertising: Which Comes First for Schools?</title>
405. <link>https://www.truthtree.com/website-redesign-or-advertising-which-comes-first-for-schools/</link>
407. <dc:creator><![CDATA[missy]]></dc:creator>
408. <pubDate>Wed, 26 Mar 2025 00:29:41 +0000</pubDate>
409. <category><![CDATA[Advice]]></category>
410. <category><![CDATA[digital advertising for schools]]></category>
411. <category><![CDATA[digital marketing]]></category>
412. <category><![CDATA[google ads]]></category>
413. <category><![CDATA[private school marketing]]></category>
414. <category><![CDATA[school marketing]]></category>
415. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.truthtree.com/?p=26844</guid>
416.  
417. <description><![CDATA[<p>Should you wait for a website redesign before investing in digital ads? Short answer: No. Parents search year-round, and visibility is key to enrollment success.</p>
418. <p>The post <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/website-redesign-or-advertising-which-comes-first-for-schools/">Website Redesign or Advertising: Which Comes First for Schools?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.truthtree.com">Truth Tree</a>.</p>
419. ]]></description>
420. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
421. <p>I’ve been hearing this question lately: &#8220;Should we redesign our school’s website and messaging before we dive into digital advertising?&#8221; It’s that chicken and egg paradigm. And on paper, I get it: schools are unhappy with the look and feel of their website, the messaging isn’t *quite right* or the navigation has been Frankenstein-ed over the years and needs a major overhaul.&nbsp;</p>
422.  
423.  
424.  
425. <p>These are all valid concerns, but for many schools struggling with enrollment, here’s the truth: an overhaul of your website doesn’t solve your board’s budget goals, your <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/why-some-schools-remain-hidden-gems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“hidden gem” syndrome</a>, or your enrollment decline. In many cases, your school doesn’t have a website problem; you have a brand visibility problem.  </p>
426.  
427.  
428.  
429. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
430. <p>According to the Enrollment Management Association&#8217;s 2024 report, <a href="https://www.enrollment.org/reports/the-ride-to-independent-schools-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ride to Independent Schools</a>, “On average, families have considered the possibility of an independent school for 18 months to two years, though this varied widely, with 10% considering it for less than six months and 30% for more than five years.”</p>
431. </blockquote>
432.  
433.  
434.  
435. <p>With this in mind, schools should advertise year-round.</p>
436.  
437.  
438.  
439. <div class="wp-block-essential-blocks-image-comparison  root-eb-image-comparison-b4fxg"><div class="eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-image-comparison-b4fxg "><div class="eb-image-comparison-wrapper eb-image-comparison-b4fxg eb-image-comparison-align-center eb-label-horizontal-center" data-left-image="https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/truth-tree-digital-marketing-for-schools-website-redesign-vs-school-marketing-example-blog-post-on-school-marketing-1.png" data-right-image="https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/truth-tree-school-marketing-google-search-ads-phone-mockup.png" data-vertical-mode="false" data-hover="false" data-show-label="false" data-left-label="Before" data-right-label="After" data-slider-position="30" data-line-width="4" data-handle="false"><div data-testid="container"><img decoding="async" alt="Left Image" src="https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/truth-tree-digital-marketing-for-schools-website-redesign-vs-school-marketing-example-blog-post-on-school-marketing-1.png" data-testid="left-image"/><img decoding="async" alt="Right Image" src="https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/truth-tree-school-marketing-google-search-ads-phone-mockup.png" data-testid="right-image"/></div></div></div></div>
440.  
441.  
442.  
443. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"></blockquote>
444.  
445.  
446.  
447. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-your-school-should-prioritize-digital-advertising"><strong>Why Your School Should Prioritize Digital Advertising</strong></h2>
448.  
449.  
450.  
451. <p>We know how important it is for schools to have an <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/is-your-independent-schools-website-built-to-sell/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">engaging, user-friendly website</a>. However, unless you’re undergoing a major change—such as shifting from coed to an all-girls school or expanding the grades you serve—the timing of your website redesign should not hold up your marketing efforts. Here&#8217;s why:</p>
452.  
453.  
454.  
455. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-admissions-cycles-are-time-sensitive"><strong>Admissions Cycles Are Time-Sensitive</strong></h3>
456.  
457.  
458.  
459. <p>Parents begin searching for schools well in advance of application deadlines. And <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/top-5-reasons-to-market-your-school-year-round/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">they are searching year-round</a>. You risk missing this crucial window if you wait until your website is redesigned before launching your digital advertising campaign. And we all know that web redesigns take months (if not years!) to complete. Waiting could be detrimental to your admissions process, resulting in fewer opportunities to capture the interest of prospective families. </p>
460.  
461.  
462.  
463. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-visibility-is-key"><strong>Visibility is Key</strong></h3>
464.  
465.  
466.  
467. <p>To build awareness and drive traffic, digital advertising is essential. Ads give your school visibility where parents are actively looking for educational options. Whether through <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/services/sem-ppc-marketing-for-schools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">search engine marketing</a> (SEM), <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/services/social-media-marketing-for-schools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social media ads</a>, or other digital channels, the goal is to reach potential families right when they need you most. When they head to Google and type “private school near me,” it’s paramount that your school is there to answer that question. </p>
468.  
469.  
470.  
471. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="708" height="466" src="https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/truth-tree-digital-marketing-ad-examples-school-marketing-blog-post-on-school-marketing.png" alt="" class="wp-image-26847" srcset="https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/truth-tree-digital-marketing-ad-examples-school-marketing-blog-post-on-school-marketing.png 708w, https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/truth-tree-digital-marketing-ad-examples-school-marketing-blog-post-on-school-marketing-300x197.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 708px) 100vw, 708px" /></figure>
472.  
473.  
474.  
475. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-website-improvements-can-happen-alongside-advertising"><strong>Website Improvements Can Happen Alongside Advertising</strong></h3>
476.  
477.  
478.  
479. <p>If your website needs major updates, don’t let that stop you from advertising. We have seen schools create custom landing pages that are simple, informative, and conversion-focused, taking some of the pressure off schools that need a major website overhaul. A <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/success-story/paradise-valley-christian-preparatory-school/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">custom landing page will provide a solid entry point</a> for prospective families while you work on your website redesign. </p>
480.  
481.  
482.  
483. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-continuous-optimization-leads-to-better-impact"><strong>Continuous Optimization Leads to Better Impact</strong></h3>
484.  
485.  
486.  
487. <p>With a <a href="https://mailchimp.com/resources/high-converting-landing-page/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">custom landing page</a> in place, you can gather valuable insights from your digital ads immediately. Bonus: this feedback will inform the design and messaging of your new website! You’ll know what works, what doesn’t, and how parents engage with your brand.</p>
488.  
489.  
490.  
491. <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>
492.  
493.  
494.  
495. <p>Is your website important? <strong>Absolutely</strong>.</p>
496.  
497.  
498.  
499. <p><br>Do website redesigns take time? <strong>Yes</strong>.</p>
500.  
501.  
502.  
503. <p><br><strong>Don’t wait for the perfect website to launch ads.</strong> Even if your new website is still under construction, you can make sure your school is discovered when parents are searching.</p>
504.  
505.  
506.  
507. <div style="height:30px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>
508.  
509.  
510.  
511. <p></p>
512.  
513.  
514.  
515. <div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="480" src="https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/liz-zweigle-Truth-Tree-COO-1.png" alt="Liz Zweigle, COO at Truth Tree | Liz has 15 years of school marketing and now leads the team at Truth Tree to provide digital marketing strategies and solutions for schools" class="wp-image-26845 size-full" srcset="https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/liz-zweigle-Truth-Tree-COO-1.png 600w, https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/liz-zweigle-Truth-Tree-COO-1-300x240.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
516. <p style="font-style:italic;font-weight:400"><a href="https://www.truthtree.com/team/liz-zweigle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Liz Zweigle</a> serves as the COO at Truth Tree, leading a diverse team of digital marketing experts and former school admissions, marketing, and leadership professionals. With 15 years of experience in school operations, Liz seamlessly integrates her wealth of knowledge into daily conversations and collaborations with both the team and school partners.</p>
517.  
518.  
519.  
520. <p style="font-style:italic;font-weight:400">Passionate about supporting schools and enhancing their digital reach, Liz is always brainstorming innovative solutions and serving as a trusted advisor for strategic initiatives.</p>
521.  
522.  
523.  
524. <p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerra-todd/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a></p>
525.  
526.  
527.  
528. <ul class="wp-block-social-links is-layout-flex wp-block-social-links-is-layout-flex"><li class="wp-social-link wp-social-link-linkedin  wp-block-social-link"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerra-todd/" class="wp-block-social-link-anchor"><svg width="24" height="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M19.7,3H4.3C3.582,3,3,3.582,3,4.3v15.4C3,20.418,3.582,21,4.3,21h15.4c0.718,0,1.3-0.582,1.3-1.3V4.3 C21,3.582,20.418,3,19.7,3z M8.339,18.338H5.667v-8.59h2.672V18.338z M7.004,8.574c-0.857,0-1.549-0.694-1.549-1.548 c0-0.855,0.691-1.548,1.549-1.548c0.854,0,1.547,0.694,1.547,1.548C8.551,7.881,7.858,8.574,7.004,8.574z M18.339,18.338h-2.669 v-4.177c0-0.996-0.017-2.278-1.387-2.278c-1.389,0-1.601,1.086-1.601,2.206v4.249h-2.667v-8.59h2.559v1.174h0.037 c0.356-0.675,1.227-1.387,2.526-1.387c2.703,0,3.203,1.779,3.203,4.092V18.338z"></path></svg><span class="wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text">LinkedIn</span></a></li></ul>
529. </div></div>
530. <p>The post <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/website-redesign-or-advertising-which-comes-first-for-schools/">Website Redesign or Advertising: Which Comes First for Schools?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.truthtree.com">Truth Tree</a>.</p>
531. ]]></content:encoded>
535. </item>
536. <item>
537. <title>What Your School Gains From a Student-Centered Marketing Strategy</title>
538. <link>https://www.truthtree.com/what-your-school-gains-from-a-student-centered-marketing-strategy/</link>
540. <dc:creator><![CDATA[missy]]></dc:creator>
541. <pubDate>Tue, 18 Mar 2025 18:31:54 +0000</pubDate>
542. <category><![CDATA[Advice]]></category>
543. <category><![CDATA[content marketing]]></category>
544. <category><![CDATA[digital advertising for schools]]></category>
545. <category><![CDATA[digital marketing]]></category>
546. <category><![CDATA[enrollment management]]></category>
547. <category><![CDATA[private school marketing]]></category>
548. <category><![CDATA[school marketing]]></category>
549. <category><![CDATA[social media]]></category>
550. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.truthtree.com/?p=26828</guid>
551.  
552. <description><![CDATA[<p>Want to make your school stand out in a crowded market? A student-centered marketing strategy leverages authentic student voices and powerful storytelling to connect with prospective families and drive enrollment.</p>
553. <p>The post <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/what-your-school-gains-from-a-student-centered-marketing-strategy/">What Your School Gains From a Student-Centered Marketing Strategy</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.truthtree.com">Truth Tree</a>.</p>
554. ]]></description>
555. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
556. <p><em>By Maggie Twaroski,&nbsp;</em><a href="https://maggietwaroski.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Truth Tree Contributor</em></a></p>
557.  
558.  
559.  
560. <p>Online searches and artificial intelligence have made it easier than ever for prospective parents and<em> </em>students to research and compare schools. With so many options on the market, schools are looking for ways to stand out and engage new families. A student-centered marketing strategy can be a highly effective way to differentiate yourself from other schools and appeal to your most important stakeholders.&nbsp;</p>
561.  
562.  
563.  
564. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://nikolaroza.com/gen-alpha-social-media-usage-statistics-facts-trends/" target="_blank" rel=" noreferrer noopener"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="708" height="466" src="https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/truth-tree-blog-post-on-student-driven-content-for-marketing-to-student-population-generation-alpha-social-media-use-source-nikolaroza.com_.png" alt="social media trends for generation alpha | graphic accompanies a post by Truth Tree on the value of student-driven content to engage generation alpha and students who are having more of a say in their school enrollment than generations prior | graphic is sourced from https://nikolaroza.com/gen-alpha-social-media-usage-statistics-facts-trends/ | Truth Tree provides digital marketing strategies and solutions for schools" class="wp-image-26829" srcset="https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/truth-tree-blog-post-on-student-driven-content-for-marketing-to-student-population-generation-alpha-social-media-use-source-nikolaroza.com_.png 708w, https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/truth-tree-blog-post-on-student-driven-content-for-marketing-to-student-population-generation-alpha-social-media-use-source-nikolaroza.com_-300x197.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 708px) 100vw, 708px" /></a></figure>
565.  
566.  
567.  
568. <p>With generation alpha consisting of those born between 2010 and 2025, the elders of this cohort are entering their teen years and spending ample time in the digital space. According to an article by <a href="https://basis.com/blog/generation-alpha-online-habits-and-media-preferences-by-the-numbers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Basis Technologies</a>, &#8220;Gen Alphas are not passive online users. They actively engage, create, and influence digital content, and prefer personalized, immersive, and interactive online experiences.&#8221;</p>
569.  
570.  
571.  
572. <p>What better way to provide content that will resonate than letting students speak authentically to their own cohort?</p>
573.  
574.  
575.  
576. <p>“Your students are your product AND your customer, so prospective families want to meet them. Put them in front of the camera, in front of the tiny mic, or, heck, just give them the phone and let them record what they think is special about their school experience. It might be a little rough around the edges, but it will be authentic, real and therefore will resonate with parents because they will be able to picture their child in that photo or video,” said <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/team/heather-burchfield/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heather Burchfield</a>, Director of Partner Success.</p>
577.  
578.  
579.  
580. <p>Students have an important role in deciding which school they enroll in, so <a href="https://basis.com/blog/generation-alpha-online-habits-and-media-preferences-by-the-numbers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">delivering messages and content that appeals to them</a><em> </em>can provide the nudge they need to progress in the enrollment process. Plus, incorporating student voices in your marketing messages makes it easier for parents to envision their children thriving at your school.</p>
581.  
582.  
583.  
584. <p>What does a student-centered marketing strategy look like? Let’s break it down.</p>
585.  
586.  
587.  
588. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-storytelling">Storytelling</h2>
589.  
590.  
591.  
592. <p>A student’s school experience is an emotional one–from first-day jitters, to gameday spirit, to pride on graduation day. Just as emotions help drive the student experience, they also drive the way parents and students engage with your school’s marketing. Storytelling is one of the most effective ways of sparking emotion in your marketing and is sure to leave a lasting impression–even more than your most impressive data points.&nbsp;</p>
593.  
594.  
595.  
596. <p>Powerful stories come from the students and the teachers, staff, and parents who support them. Stories about a student’s academic, social, and extracurricular journey go a long way in building lasting relationships with current and prospective families. Check out these awesome examples of schools incorporating stories in their digital marketing:</p>
597.  
598.  
599.  
600. <p><a href="https://www.framlinghamcollege.co.uk/college-life/life-at-framlingham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Framlingham College</a>: A “Life at Framlingham” page on the school’s website tells the stories of two students and their everyday experiences in class, with friends, and in the community. Readers learn about their daily routine through student-told stories accompanied by images.&nbsp;</p>
601.  
602.  
603.  
604. <p><a href="https://kingsinterhigh.co.uk/our-school/our-community/?selectedContentType=storyOrInterview&amp;selectedPersonTag=83" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">King’s InterHigh</a>: The school’s blog publishes stories directly from parents, teachers, students, and alumni. Parents can read stories from other parents about topics they care about, from bullying to flexible scheduling to family life. Students can read about their peers’ experiences in athletics, with friends, and confidence in the classroom.&nbsp;</p>
605.  
606.  
607.  
608. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-student-driven-content">Student-driven content</h2>
609.  
610.  
611.  
612. <p>While it may seem unusual (even risky) to put students in charge of content creation, they offer a unique perspective of your school’s brand that might otherwise fly under the radar. A well-produced video, social media post, or blog article from a group of students can help uncover the reasons why they love your school–and why others will, too. Not only does student-driven content engage prospective students and their parents, it also encourages your current students to take a more active role in your school’s mission.</p>
613.  
614.  
615.  
616. <p>Delegating some of your <a href="https://www.leadteampartners.com/blog-articles/the-huddle-recap-how-emma-willard-school-is-leveraging-social-media-to-drive-enrollment" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social media content to students</a> is a great way to incorporate student voices in the platforms they’re most accustomed to. A simple TikTok video, like <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@mcallenisd/video/6785206597439327494?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">this one from Mcallen ISD</a> has over 4,500 views and encourages families to register for classes.</p>
617.  
618.  
619.  
620. <p>And don’t worry–all final content pieces can go through staff approval.&nbsp;</p>
621.  
622.  
623.  
624. <ul class="wp-block-list">
625. <li>Some schools have developed policies that student leaders and staff sign together to build a foundation of guiding principles and boundaries.&nbsp;</li>
626.  
627.  
628.  
629. <li>In some cases, a <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@ascensionsmp/video/7362184499754487083?_r=1&amp;_t=ZT-8umyykn8u58" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">student-focused account</a> is created and managed by students, with staff overseeing and always having login credentials in case of an emergency.</li>
630. </ul>
631.  
632.  
633.  
634. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="708" height="466" src="https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/truth-tree-blog-post-focused-on-the-impact-of-student-driven-content-for-school-marketing-screenshots-of-school-social-content-on-instagram-youtube-tiktok.png" alt="3 screenshots of social media accounts amplifying student voices and creativity on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok | This compilation of screenshots accompanies a blog post on the value and power of student-driven content to reach fellow students who have a say in their school enrollment | Truth Tree provides digital marketing strategies and solutions for schools" class="wp-image-26830" srcset="https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/truth-tree-blog-post-focused-on-the-impact-of-student-driven-content-for-school-marketing-screenshots-of-school-social-content-on-instagram-youtube-tiktok.png 708w, https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/truth-tree-blog-post-focused-on-the-impact-of-student-driven-content-for-school-marketing-screenshots-of-school-social-content-on-instagram-youtube-tiktok-300x197.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 708px) 100vw, 708px" /></figure>
635.  
636.  
637.  
638. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-student-feedback">Student feedback</h2>
639.  
640.  
641.  
642. <p>Inviting students into your marketing plans in a guided, strategic manner can reveal opportunity gaps and help your school appeal to a younger audience. Consider presenting marketing plans to students in a focus group or student advisory committee to see how your current plans and goals resonate across different age groups, and where they might be falling short.&nbsp;</p>
643.  
644.  
645.  
646. <p>Or, set up a student-led marketing workshop where ambassadors can present ideas on how to improve school marketing and outreach. This is an opportunity to hear from students who represent different groups and programs in your school, so try to diversify the attendees as much as possible. For example, a well-rounded workshop would include students from different grades, academic programs, athletic tracks, and extracurriculars.&nbsp;</p>
647.  
648.  
649.  
650. <p>Regardless of the format in which you choose to receive feedback, the goal is to listen to what students perceive in your school’s marketing efforts, and where there are opportunities for improvement. Where do students find themselves interacting with your school brand? What kind of content do they like to see? How do they prefer to communicate with your school? In what ways have they experienced a sense of belonging? Answers to these questions can help drive student-centered marketing initiatives that empower current students to support future students.&nbsp;</p>
651.  
652.  
653.  
654. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-students-where-they-are">Meet students where they are</h2>
655.  
656.  
657.  
658. <p>A lot has changed in digital marketing in recent years, especially on social media. As students become more active online, it’s important to stay informed on the trends and platforms that are driving engagement. Check out our detailed <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/marketing-to-prospective-students-to-increase-enrollment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blog post on student-centered social media marketing</a>, with tips on how to attract and retain tech-savvy students across top platforms.&nbsp;</p>
659.  
660.  
661.  
662. <div class="wp-block-essential-blocks-infobox  root-eb-infobox-ej3bi"><div class="eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-infobox-ej3bi "><div class="eb-infobox-ej3bi eb-infobox-wrapper"><div class="infobox-wrapper-inner"><div class="icon-img-wrapper"><div class="eb-icon number-or-icon"><i icon="fas fa-mobile-screen-button" class="fas fa-mobile-screen-button eb-infobox-icon-data-selector"></i></div></div><div class="contents-wrapper"><h2 class="title">How strong is your digital marketing strategy?</h2><p class="description">Digital marketing is a moving target with new trends and techniques emerging around every corner.<br><br>Does your strategy (or bandwidth) allow for experimenting with them?<br><br>Our team partners with schools around the world to handle the main pillars of a digital marketing strategy allowing the MarCom team to focus on the day-to-day.</p><div class="eb-button-inner-wrapper eb-infobox-btn-wrapper"><a class="eb-button-anchor infobox-btn   " href="https://www.truthtree.com/schedule-a-discovery-call/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Talk with Our Team</a></div></div></div></div></div></div>
663. <p>The post <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/what-your-school-gains-from-a-student-centered-marketing-strategy/">What Your School Gains From a Student-Centered Marketing Strategy</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.truthtree.com">Truth Tree</a>.</p>
664. ]]></content:encoded>
668. </item>
669. <item>
670. <title>How Advanced Communication Differentiates Schools in a Competitive Market</title>
671. <link>https://www.truthtree.com/how-communication-differentiates-schools-in-a-competitive-market/</link>
673. <dc:creator><![CDATA[missy]]></dc:creator>
674. <pubDate>Tue, 11 Mar 2025 18:45:43 +0000</pubDate>
675. <category><![CDATA[Advice]]></category>
676. <category><![CDATA[branding]]></category>
677. <category><![CDATA[digital advertising for schools]]></category>
678. <category><![CDATA[digital marketing]]></category>
679. <category><![CDATA[enrollment management]]></category>
680. <category><![CDATA[private school marketing]]></category>
681. <category><![CDATA[school marketing]]></category>
682. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.truthtree.com/?p=26821</guid>
683.  
684. <description><![CDATA[<p>Effective school communication is no longer optional—it's a key differentiator. Discover how AI and automation can help your school attract and retain more families.</p>
685. <p>The post <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/how-communication-differentiates-schools-in-a-competitive-market/">How Advanced Communication Differentiates Schools in a Competitive Market</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.truthtree.com">Truth Tree</a>.</p>
686. ]]></description>
687. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
688. <p><em>By Maggie Twaroski,&nbsp;</em><a href="https://maggietwaroski.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Truth Tree Contributor</em></a></p>
689.  
690.  
691.  
692. <p>School communications have undergone significant advances in recent years, especially through automation and artificial intelligence. Still, not all schools have fully invested in advanced communication practices that appeal to increasingly digitally-driven audiences. Schools that <em>do </em>are therefore more likely to stand out amongst school shoppers and will have an easier time retaining current families who expect fast, personalized communication.&nbsp;</p>
693.  
694.  
695.  
696. <p><a href="https://www.truthtree.com/team/trevor-waddington/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trevor Waddington</a>, Principal of Truth Tree had this to say about advanced communication as a value driver:&nbsp;</p>
697.  
698.  
699.  
700. <p><em>“Advanced communication from home to school is a fast-rising value driver. Therefore, expect a surge in schools prioritizing advanced, AI-powered communication platforms for the current community and enrollment marketing purposes. For example, admission tours can be scheduled through conversational AI, parents will be able to order lunch via text, and student counselors will be alerted in real-time when a student has fallen behind across classes.”</em></p>
701.  
702.  
703.  
704. <p>As advanced communication becomes a key differentiator in a competitive market, schools should find opportunities to take current school-home communication practices up a notch. Let’s unpack the benefits of modernizing communication, suggestions for tracking communication, and helpful tools.&nbsp;</p>
705.  
706.  
707.  
708. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-should-schools-modernize-school-home-communication">Why should schools modernize school-home communication?</h2>
709.  
710.  
711.  
712. <p>Effective school-home communication is a major priority for families, especially as the everyday platforms we use to communicate become smarter and easier to use. Fast, personalized communication is the norm now, and families expect that same user experience within their schools.&nbsp;</p>
713.  
714.  
715.  
716. <p>A recent <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-survey-reveals-less-than-40-of-k-12-families-receive-regular-communication-from-schools-on-how-to-support-their-childs-success-302096629.html#:~:text=Notably%2C%20the%20survey%20found%20that,support%20their%20child's%20academic%20success." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survey of K-12 families</a> found that their dissatisfaction with school-home communication largely stemmed from infrequent, irrelevant, and unclear communication. To help resolve this, over 70% of families reported a desire for tailored communication that is specific, relevant, and actionable. Schools should resolve to meet these preferences by regularly assessing communication metrics and keeping strategies agile.&nbsp;</p>
717.  
718.  
719.  
720. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-track-communication-patterns">Track communication patterns</h2>
721.  
722.  
723.  
724. <p>As your families’ communication patterns evolve, it’s important to conduct regular evaluations to see where families are the most engaged, and where communication is lacking. Fortunately, tracking communication patterns is easy with most of your current systems, including Google Analytics, email, and social media. With built-in tracking tools, these platforms allow you to view important engagement metrics on your messages–from time-sensitive alerts to routine school news.&nbsp;</p>
725.  
726.  
727.  
728. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-google-analytics">Google Analytics</h3>
729.  
730.  
731.  
732. <p>Your website is typically the first point of contact for families seeking information, so tracking your website analytics can shed powerful insights into the type of information families need or may be lacking. Use your website analytics to identify which pages generate the most traffic, how long users remain on pages, and which terms they search when they visit your site. Use these findings to create additional or easier communication around these areas–whether it’s <a href="https://youtu.be/a375UrKCp7o" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">better website navigation</a> or more targeted emails.&nbsp;</p>
733.  
734.  
735.  
736. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-email">Email</h3>
737.  
738.  
739.  
740. <p>Email still remains the most-used marketing and communication platform, with most users checking their email at least once a day. Despite email’s potential to reach and engage families, a startling number of emails are still considered irrelevant or unhelpful. <a href="https://www.slideshare.net/adobe/2019-adobe-email-usage-study#5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Research from Adobe</a> found that only 57% of personal emails are opened, and only 37% of emails were found useful.&nbsp;</p>
741.  
742.  
743.  
744. <p>School communication offices should see this concerning data as an exciting opportunity to be one of the schools that actually delivers engaging, relevant emails users want to open. Use your built-in email analytics to track open rates, click-through rates, and bounce rates (among others) to make strategic adjustments to your email communication plan.&nbsp;</p>
745.  
746.  
747.  
748. <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Text Message</h3>
749.  
750.  
751.  
752. <p>Many schools utilize SMS for campus-wide messaging in an emergency, like school closure notices or an electricity outage. These messages often direct students and parents to “check your email for more information”. SMS marketing holds a 98% open rate, making it a growing opportunity to weave SMS as a communication tool beyond emergency messaging. While <a href="https://www.truedialog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Davidson-County-Community-College-Case-Study-TrueDialog.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Higher Ed has tapped into this extensively</a> for admissions and financial aid, more and more K-12 schools are seeing the advantages of higher engagement and segmented nurturing.</p>
753.  
754.  
755.  
756. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-media">Social media</h3>
757.  
758.  
759.  
760. <p>Your social media presence reveals a lot about the health of your school communications broadly. For instance, a growing number of social followers and positive post impressions indicate that your messaging is strong and able to effectively reach and engage your school’s demographics. If your <a href="https://sproutsocial.com/insights/social-media-metrics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social media metrics</a> still leave something to be desired, it could be a sign your messaging needs a refresh, or you need to take a more focused approach to social outreach. Either way, you can assess the health of your social media communications with a mini <a href="https://sproutsocial.com/insights/social-media-audit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social media audit</a> on your top platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube.&nbsp;</p>
761.  
762.  
763.  
764. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-provide-accessible-communication">Provide accessible communication</h2>
765.  
766.  
767.  
768. <p>Communicating with non-English speaking families continues to be a challenge for many schools, with <a href="https://www.parentsquare.com/blog/the-state-of-school-home-communications-what-works-to-engage-all-families/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">only half of districts</a> reporting they can communicate effectively with non-English speaking families. Insufficient bilingual communication can potentially leave huge numbers of your families out of touch with important information on their children’s education. Equipping your website, portal, app, or other communication platforms with translation capabilities ensures every family receives the information they need in a timely, personalized manner.&nbsp;</p>
769.  
770.  
771.  
772. <p>Aside from advancing language capabilities, providing accessible communication also entails opening up the pathways for families to communicate with your school. Look for opportunities to encourage two-way communication between parents and staff to foster deeper engagement and support, including surveys and feedback forms.</p>
773.  
774.  
775.  
776. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-utilize-artificial-intelligence-for-efficient-communication-nbsp">Utilize artificial intelligence for efficient communication&nbsp;</h2>
777.  
778.  
779.  
780. <p>Integrating artificial intelligence into your communication tools poses big benefits to your staff and families. Aside from reducing the manual tasks associated with crafting and delivering messages, AI can help make your school more competitive among digital-focused families. Predictive analytics, automatic scheduling, and student progress alerts are only some of the benefits AI can bring to the table. Its value extends throughout the entire enrollment lifecycle and helps to retain current families with ongoing support at scale.&nbsp;</p>
781.  
782.  
783.  
784. <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://www.virtualspirits.com/chatbot-for-university-top-challenges-and-solutions.aspx" target="_blank" rel=" noreferrer noopener"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="506" src="https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/chatbot-for-universities-1024x506.png" alt="Examples of a chatbot in use on a university / higher education website." class="wp-image-26823" srcset="https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/chatbot-for-universities-1024x506.png 1024w, https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/chatbot-for-universities-300x148.png 300w, https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/chatbot-for-universities-768x379.png 768w, https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/chatbot-for-universities.png 1091w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
785.  
786.  
787.  
788. <p><a href="https://insights.digistorm.com/en-us/chatbots-in-schools" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Website chatbots</a>, for instance, support families 24/7 with immediate, personalized, multilingual information. Additionally, the increasing need for engaging emails may necessitate assistance from AI tools that automatically predict the most effective emails for each user–whether it’s subject lines, email frequency, or delivery time.&nbsp;</p>
789.  
790.  
791.  
792. <p>Here are three AI tools that can enhance your communication channels:&nbsp;</p>
793.  
794.  
795.  
796. <p><a href="https://www.chatbot.com/solutions/chatbot-for-education/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ChatBot</a></p>
797.  
798.  
799.  
800. <p>With easy setup and pre-made school templates, ChatBot is a helpful AI tool for your website visitors and internal communications team. ChatBot can integrate with both your website and Facebook Messenger, extending your reach and advancing communication on one of your most important social platforms. Plus, the tool automatically saves user details to your database and organizes users into current students and new applicants, so you can keep your segments up to date.</p>
801.  
802.  
803.  
804. <p><a href="https://juji.io/education-chatbot/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Juji</a></p>
805.  
806.  
807.  
808. <p>Families interacting with Juji’s cognitive AI chatbots will receive empathetic, human-like responses to queries throughout the entire student lifecycle, from recruitment through alumni engagement. Chatbots provide comprehensive information to FAQs like admissions procedures and financial aid, and ask open-ended questions to nurture student interest and engagement.&nbsp;</p>
809.  
810.  
811.  
812. <p><a href="https://www.comm100.com/solutions/industries/higher-education/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COMM100</a></p>
813.  
814.  
815.  
816. <p>Comm100’s single AI bot extends to numerous communication channels, from your website, to email, to WhatsApp and more. It provides timely, multilingual support to families throughout the entire enrollment lifecycle, helping to bridge the gaps between initial queries, to live chats, to direct interactions with staff.&nbsp;</p>
817.  
818.  
819.  
820. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-let-advanced-communication-be-a-key-value-driver">Let advanced communication be a key value driver</h2>
821.  
822.  
823.  
824. <p>Communication is a driving force in families’ search for schools. A school that delivers relevant, personalized, and engaging messages on all its platforms is well-positioned to attract and retain its ideal students. Assess the current health of your communication plan to see how well families engage with your messages, then elevate your platforms with artificial intelligence.&nbsp;</p>
825.  
826.  
827.  
828. <div class="wp-block-essential-blocks-infobox  root-eb-infobox-ej3bi"><div class="eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-infobox-ej3bi "><div class="eb-infobox-ej3bi eb-infobox-wrapper"><div class="infobox-wrapper-inner"><div class="icon-img-wrapper"><div class="eb-icon number-or-icon"><i icon="fas fa-handshake-angle" class="fas fa-handshake-angle eb-infobox-icon-data-selector"></i></div></div><div class="contents-wrapper"><h2 class="title">Is Partnering with Truth Tree Right for Your School?</h2><p class="description">Our team has supported schools of all sizes and types as they aim to grow their enrollment, strengthen their retention, and solidify their digital footprint.<br><br>How could our skills impact your school?</p><div class="eb-button-inner-wrapper eb-infobox-btn-wrapper"><a class="eb-button-anchor infobox-btn   " href="https://www.truthtree.com/schedule-a-discovery-call/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Book a Discovery Call</a></div></div></div></div></div></div>
829. <p>The post <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/how-communication-differentiates-schools-in-a-competitive-market/">How Advanced Communication Differentiates Schools in a Competitive Market</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.truthtree.com">Truth Tree</a>.</p>
830. ]]></content:encoded>
834. </item>
835. <item>
836. <title>A School’s Guide to Budgeting for External Partners</title>
837. <link>https://www.truthtree.com/a-schools-guide-to-budgeting-for-external-partners/</link>
839. <dc:creator><![CDATA[missy]]></dc:creator>
840. <pubDate>Wed, 12 Feb 2025 00:58:07 +0000</pubDate>
841. <category><![CDATA[Advice]]></category>
842. <category><![CDATA[branding]]></category>
843. <category><![CDATA[digital advertising for schools]]></category>
844. <category><![CDATA[digital marketing]]></category>
845. <category><![CDATA[enrollment management]]></category>
846. <category><![CDATA[private school marketing]]></category>
847. <category><![CDATA[school budget]]></category>
848. <category><![CDATA[school budgeting]]></category>
849. <category><![CDATA[school marketing]]></category>
850. <category><![CDATA[seo]]></category>
851. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.truthtree.com/?p=26784</guid>
852.  
853. <description><![CDATA[<p>As school marketing and communications roles expand, finding the right balance between in-house efforts and external partnerships is key. This guide explores how schools can strategically budget for external partners to enhance brand reputation, increase enrollment, and maximize impact.</p>
854. <p>The post <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/a-schools-guide-to-budgeting-for-external-partners/">A School’s Guide to Budgeting for External Partners</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.truthtree.com">Truth Tree</a>.</p>
855. ]]></description>
856. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
857. <p>The 2025-26 school budgeting season is here, allowing schools to align their spending with their strategic goals. For schools actively implementing <a href="https://www.nais.org/magazine/independent-school/winter-2023/how-vision-and-real-strategy-can-help-schools-shape-the-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strategic plans</a>, this process becomes even more crucial in breaking down ambitious, time-sensitive objectives into actionable steps.</p>
858.  
859.  
860.  
861. <div style="height:20px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>
862.  
863.  
864.  
865. <div class="wp-block-essential-blocks-testimonial  root-eb-testimonial-8gho3"><div class="eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-testimonial-8gho3 "><div class="eb-testimonial-wrapper eb-testimonial-8gho3 layout-preset-2" data-id="eb-testimonial-8gho3"><div class="eb-testimonial-container"><div class="eb-avatar-container avatar-inline "><div class="image-container"><div class="eb-avatar-style"></div></div><div class="eb-userinfo-container"><p class="eb-testimonial-username"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayesha-flaherty-8aaa481/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Ayesha Flaherty</strong></a></p><p class="eb-testimonial-company"><em>Founder + Lead Consultant</em>, <a href="http://www.akfconsult.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AKF Consulting</a></p></div></div><div class="eb-description-container"><p class="eb-testimonial-description">Across my 20+ years as a Marketing and Communications specialist, I’ve seen how marcomm work has shifted over time. Initially, marketing and communication departments did most of their work in house, hiring talented writers and PR experts. As new channels proliferated, particularly digital ones, the requirements for specialization grew and leaders recognized the need for external resources to deliver higher level work.</p></div></div></div></div></div>
866.  
867.  
868.  
869. <div style="height:20px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>
870.  
871.  
872.  
873. <p>In the corporate world, consumer brands have long partnered with creative agencies, digital agencies, media planners, and social media experts. These brands rely on their marcomm teams to act as strategic architects, leveraging external vendors to deliver precise, results-oriented campaigns. <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/why-schools-outsource-their-digital-marketing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Schools, too, can benefit from this approach</a>, especially when managing brand reputation or increasing enrollment.</p>
874.  
875.  
876.  
877. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strategic-budgeting-with-digital-marketing"><strong>Strategic Budgeting with Digital Marketing</strong></h2>
878.  
879.  
880.  
881. <p>Schools with strong enrollment and high selectivity face the ongoing task of safeguarding their <a href="https://www.finalsite.com/blog/p/~board/b/post/why-a-good-brand-is-so-important-to-your-schools-marketing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brand reputations</a> among current families, alumni, and potential applicants. Conversely, schools looking to grow enrollment must explore innovative strategies to build demand. In both scenarios, digital marketing can play an essential role.</p>
882.  
883.  
884.  
885. <p>With the right strategy in place, schools can solidify and maintain a <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/school-seo-tips-for-the-new-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strong organic ranking</a> with search engines, nurture current and prospective families with <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/organic-vs-paid-social-media-marketing-for-schools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">paid social media campaigns</a>, and <a href="https://youtu.be/qaHoxErBBHI?si=91x8byzRVNlau-Hk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">launch search ads</a> that capture the attention of prospective families in precise, measurable ways.&nbsp;</p>
886.  
887.  
888.  
889. <p>Running effective digital marketing in-house can be done, but it’s rare for school marketing personnel to be focused on that alone. Many lack the bandwidth to analyze their data, making weekly adjustments while staying up-to-date with best practices. In some cases, schools have adapted to emerging trends by spreading marcomm responsibilities across faculty, administrators, and even parents. This model can lead to inconsistent messaging, <a href="https://www.smashbrand.com/articles/brand-dilution-examples/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diluted branding</a>, and missed opportunities over time.</p>
890.  
891.  
892.  
893. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prioritizing-for-impact"><strong>Prioritizing for Impact</strong></h2>
894.  
895.  
896.  
897. <p>Given tight budgets and small teams, how can schools realistically achieve their goals? Precision is key. Schools should focus on prioritizing initiatives, asking vendors for ROI-driven recommendations, and assessing which expenses are recurring versus one-time investments. For instance, a school may outsource high-skill tasks like SEO and <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/services/sem-ppc-marketing-for-schools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">paid search campaigns</a> while keeping email communication or basic design work in-house.</p>
898.  
899.  
900.  
901. <div style="height:20px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>
902.  
903.  
904.  
905. <div class="wp-block-essential-blocks-testimonial  root-eb-testimonial-sy2mp"><div class="eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-testimonial-sy2mp "><div class="eb-testimonial-wrapper eb-testimonial-sy2mp layout-preset-2" data-id="eb-testimonial-sy2mp"><div class="eb-testimonial-container"><div class="eb-avatar-container avatar-inline "><div class="image-container"><div class="eb-avatar-style"></div></div><div class="eb-userinfo-container"><p class="eb-testimonial-username"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/missyspeyrer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Missy Speyrer</strong></a></p><p class="eb-testimonial-company"><em>Director of Marketing Innovation</em>, <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Truth Tree</a></p></div></div><div class="eb-description-container"><p class="eb-testimonial-description">School MarComm teams are often comprised of passionate, multi-tasking powerhouses used to handling everything under the sun. As their roles continually expand and become more demanding, there&#8217;s an opportunity to grow the team or bring in the right external partner.</p></div></div></div></div></div>
906.  
907.  
908.  
909. <div style="height:20px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>
910.  
911.  
912.  
913. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marketing-amp-communications-investment-priorities"><strong>Marketing &amp; Communications Investment Priorities</strong></h3>
914.  
915.  
916.  
917. <p>Here’s a simple tool to help guide your school’s marketing and communications budgeting decisions:</p>
918.  
919.  
920.  
921. <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td colspan="6"><strong>Marketing &amp; Communications Investment Priorities&nbsp;</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td><strong>Priority*&nbsp;</strong></td><td><strong>In-House: MarComm Team</strong></td><td><strong>In-House: Collaboration</strong></td><td><strong>Outsource</strong></td><td><strong>Stop or Reduce</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Brand Strategy</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Message Creation</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Web / Technology&nbsp;</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Social Media&nbsp;</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>SEO</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Email Campaigns</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Video / Photography</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Print / Direct Mail</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Digital Advertising</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Non-digital Advertising</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Hospitality</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>And more…</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
922.  
923.  
924.  
925. <p>Source: <a href="https://www.akfconsult.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AKF Consulting, LLC</a></p>
926.  
927.  
928.  
929. <p><em>* Allocate 100 pennies across each to force trade-offs. More pennies means higher priority. Total=100.</em></p>
930.  
931.  
932.  
933. <p></p>
934.  
935.  
936.  
937. <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Role of Strategic MarComm Leadership</strong></h2>
938.  
939.  
940.  
941. <p>An encouraging trend in the education industry is the rise of more strategic Marketing and Communications directors. These leaders bring the expertise needed to prioritize effectively, direct vendors strategically, and maintain control of their school’s brand. Digital marketing complements these efforts by providing data-driven tools to optimize campaigns and measure their success.</p>
942.  
943.  
944.  
945. <p>By finding the right mix of in-house efforts and vendor partnerships, schools can run multiple initiatives simultaneously and significantly amplify their impact each year.</p>
946.  
947.  
948.  
949. <p>As you assess your budget for the upcoming school year, try identifying the best ways to invest in strategies that align with your school&#8217;s goals.&nbsp;</p>
950.  
951.  
952.  
953. <div style="height:50px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>
954.  
955.  
956.  
957. <div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:43% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="480" src="https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ayesha-flaherty-akf-consulting-school-marketing-school-communications.png" alt="" class="wp-image-26787 size-full" srcset="https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ayesha-flaherty-akf-consulting-school-marketing-school-communications.png 600w, https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ayesha-flaherty-akf-consulting-school-marketing-school-communications-300x240.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
958. <p style="font-size:15px">Ayesha&nbsp;Flaherty is the founder and lead consultant at AKF Consulting, a firm helping independent schools grow and thrive through strategic marketing and communications.&nbsp;She combines 20+ years of related experience from her time in independent school administration, corporate marketing and change management consulting. Her approach is to be crystal clear on priorities and goals, and to have a deep understanding of audience&nbsp;needs and motivations, so the work of her clients is strategic and long-lasting.</p>
959.  
960.  
961.  
962. <ul class="wp-block-social-links is-layout-flex wp-block-social-links-is-layout-flex"><li class="wp-social-link wp-social-link-linkedin  wp-block-social-link"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayesha-flaherty-8aaa481/" class="wp-block-social-link-anchor"><svg width="24" height="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M19.7,3H4.3C3.582,3,3,3.582,3,4.3v15.4C3,20.418,3.582,21,4.3,21h15.4c0.718,0,1.3-0.582,1.3-1.3V4.3 C21,3.582,20.418,3,19.7,3z M8.339,18.338H5.667v-8.59h2.672V18.338z M7.004,8.574c-0.857,0-1.549-0.694-1.549-1.548 c0-0.855,0.691-1.548,1.549-1.548c0.854,0,1.547,0.694,1.547,1.548C8.551,7.881,7.858,8.574,7.004,8.574z M18.339,18.338h-2.669 v-4.177c0-0.996-0.017-2.278-1.387-2.278c-1.389,0-1.601,1.086-1.601,2.206v4.249h-2.667v-8.59h2.559v1.174h0.037 c0.356-0.675,1.227-1.387,2.526-1.387c2.703,0,3.203,1.779,3.203,4.092V18.338z"></path></svg><span class="wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text">Connect with Me</span></a></li></ul>
963. </div></div>
964.  
965.  
966.  
967. <div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:43% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="480" src="https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Missy-Speyrer-Truth-Tree-director-marketing-innovation-digital-marketing-schools.png" alt="Missy Speyrer | Truth Tree | Digital Marketing for Schools" class="wp-image-26788 size-full" srcset="https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Missy-Speyrer-Truth-Tree-director-marketing-innovation-digital-marketing-schools.png 600w, https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Missy-Speyrer-Truth-Tree-director-marketing-innovation-digital-marketing-schools-300x240.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
968. <p style="font-size:15px">Missy Speyrer came to Truth Tree after 8 years at an independent school in South Louisiana. From branding and marketing to social media and auxiliary programs, she is no stranger to working alongside a lean team to get too much done in too little time. </p>
969.  
970.  
971.  
972. <ul class="wp-block-social-links is-layout-flex wp-block-social-links-is-layout-flex"><li class="wp-social-link wp-social-link-linkedin  wp-block-social-link"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/missyspeyrer/" class="wp-block-social-link-anchor"><svg width="24" height="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M19.7,3H4.3C3.582,3,3,3.582,3,4.3v15.4C3,20.418,3.582,21,4.3,21h15.4c0.718,0,1.3-0.582,1.3-1.3V4.3 C21,3.582,20.418,3,19.7,3z M8.339,18.338H5.667v-8.59h2.672V18.338z M7.004,8.574c-0.857,0-1.549-0.694-1.549-1.548 c0-0.855,0.691-1.548,1.549-1.548c0.854,0,1.547,0.694,1.547,1.548C8.551,7.881,7.858,8.574,7.004,8.574z M18.339,18.338h-2.669 v-4.177c0-0.996-0.017-2.278-1.387-2.278c-1.389,0-1.601,1.086-1.601,2.206v4.249h-2.667v-8.59h2.559v1.174h0.037 c0.356-0.675,1.227-1.387,2.526-1.387c2.703,0,3.203,1.779,3.203,4.092V18.338z"></path></svg><span class="wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text">Connect with Me</span></a></li></ul>
973. </div></div>
974.  
975.  
976.  
977. <div style="height:93px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>
978.  
979.  
980.  
981. <div class="wp-block-essential-blocks-infobox  root-eb-infobox-ej3bi"><div class="eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-infobox-ej3bi "><div class="eb-infobox-ej3bi eb-infobox-wrapper"><div class="infobox-wrapper-inner"><div class="icon-img-wrapper"><div class="eb-icon number-or-icon"><i icon="fas fa-fire-flame-curved" class="fas fa-fire-flame-curved eb-infobox-icon-data-selector"></i></div></div><div class="contents-wrapper"><h2 class="title">Ready to Take Your Marketing to the Next Level?</h2><p class="description">AKF Consulting offers a tailored and attentive experience, along with a model for marketing and communications that helps schools connect their strategy, brand, team and execution.<br><br>Truth Tree provides digital marketing strategies and solutions for schools looking to elevate their digital visibility with searching families.<br><br>Reach out to see what our two teams could dream up for you and your school.</p><div class="eb-button-inner-wrapper eb-infobox-btn-wrapper"><a class="eb-button-anchor infobox-btn   " href="https://www.truthtree.com/schedule-a-discovery-call/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Book a Discovery Call</a></div></div></div></div></div></div>
982. <p>The post <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/a-schools-guide-to-budgeting-for-external-partners/">A School’s Guide to Budgeting for External Partners</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.truthtree.com">Truth Tree</a>.</p>
983. ]]></content:encoded>
987. </item>
988. <item>
989. <title>Is Your Independent School&#8217;s Website Built to Sell?</title>
990. <link>https://www.truthtree.com/is-your-independent-schools-website-built-to-sell/</link>
992. <dc:creator><![CDATA[missy]]></dc:creator>
993. <pubDate>Wed, 05 Feb 2025 00:41:11 +0000</pubDate>
994. <category><![CDATA[Advice]]></category>
995. <category><![CDATA[branding]]></category>
996. <category><![CDATA[digital advertising for schools]]></category>
997. <category><![CDATA[digital marketing]]></category>
998. <category><![CDATA[enrollment management]]></category>
999. <category><![CDATA[private school marketing]]></category>
1000. <category><![CDATA[school marketing]]></category>
1001. <category><![CDATA[seo]]></category>
1002. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.truthtree.com/?p=26760</guid>
1003.  
1004. <description><![CDATA[<p>Your school’s website is more than a digital brochure—it’s your most powerful marketing tool. Learn how to optimize its design, messaging, and user experience to attract and convert the right families.</p>
1005. <p>The post <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/is-your-independent-schools-website-built-to-sell/">Is Your Independent School&#8217;s Website Built to Sell?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.truthtree.com">Truth Tree</a>.</p>
1006. ]]></description>
1007. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
1008. <p>You haven’t even gotten past the title, and you’re already grimacing.</p>
1009.  
1010.  
1011.  
1012. <p><em>Sell?! We don’t use that word in the independent school world!</em></p>
1013.  
1014.  
1015.  
1016. <p>Well, we are today because your school’s website is the most powerful marketing tool you fully control. Its function is to emote, inform, and persuade potential clients to ultimately buy your services.</p>
1017.  
1018.  
1019.  
1020. <p><em>That last paragraph had a lot of dirty words!!</em></p>
1021.  
1022.  
1023.  
1024. <p>So, what can you do to ensure your <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/how-to-generate-more-inquiries-from-your-private-school/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">school’s website is built to sell</a> and not repel?</p>
1025.  
1026.  
1027.  
1028. <p><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/1f447.png" alt="👇" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> </p>
1029.  
1030.  
1031.  
1032. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-the-very-first-page">1- The Very First Page</h2>
1033.  
1034.  
1035.  
1036. <p><strong>0.05 seconds.</strong></p>
1037.  
1038.  
1039.  
1040. <p><a href="https://www.springfieldbusinessjournal.com/articles/your-website-has-less-than-a-second-to-make-a-first-impression-15375297#:~:text=Forbes%20Advisor%20published%20its%20top,for%20in%20about%20five%20seconds." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">That’s how long you have</a> to make a worthy first impression. If the visuals are confusing, jarring, or unattractive, site visitors may unconsciously decide one or two things:</p>
1041.  
1042.  
1043.  
1044. <ul class="wp-block-list">
1045. <li>The site is not trustworthy</li>
1046.  
1047.  
1048.  
1049. <li>The school is not a valuable service</li>
1050. </ul>
1051.  
1052.  
1053.  
1054. <p></p>
1055.  
1056.  
1057.  
1058. <p>After an unconscious evaluation, the conscious mind will make an emotional decision about your school based on what they see. This includes visual imagery, font, colors, and words (not full sentences or paragraphs…yet).</p>
1059.  
1060.  
1061.  
1062. <p>Seconds later, they will begin to read what’s <a href="https://www.semrush.com/blog/above-the-fold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">above the fold</a> while forming a valuation of your school’s worth as it pertains to their wants and needs.</p>
1063.  
1064.  
1065.  
1066. <p>For example, a parent with a rising kindergarten student who values rigorous academics will likely have a higher immediate valuation if she sees that as the first image, compared to a middle school parent who prioritizes foreign language learning.</p>
1067.  
1068.  
1069.  
1070. <p><strong>Ask yourself: </strong>Who do we want “buying” our school the most right now?</p>
1071.  
1072.  
1073.  
1074. <p><strong>Action: </strong>If it’s high school, the visuals on your homepage above the fold should lean in that direction. When the need changes, update the imagery.</p>
1075.  
1076.  
1077.  
1078. <p><strong>Very important:</strong> The mobile and tablet experience must be as polished as your desktop website.</p>
1079.  
1080.  
1081.  
1082. <p><strong>Quick tip:</strong> Review your analytics to identify other web pages beyond the homepage and landing pages that bring first-time visitors to your site. Once identified, apply the above exercise to those pages.</p>
1083.  
1084.  
1085.  
1086. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-what-are-you-selling">2- What Are You Selling?</h2>
1087.  
1088.  
1089.  
1090. <p>An in-your-face call to action is great for companies selling $25 widgets (e.g., buy two with this code and free shipping).</p>
1091.  
1092.  
1093.  
1094. <p>Not so much for schools.</p>
1095.  
1096.  
1097.  
1098. <p><a href="https://webdesignerdepot.com/perfect-cta-placement-above-the-fold-vs-below-the-fold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">According to Marketing Experiments powered by MECLABS</a>, customers may not have a lot of time to scroll. However, they still need the right information to decide what to do next. Below-the-fold CTA buttons can result in a 20% increase in conversions—<strong>if</strong> you provide valuable, engaging, and persuasive content beforehand.</p>
1099.  
1100.  
1101.  
1102. <p><strong>Ask yourself:</strong> Is there enough information 2-3 scrolls down to entice a prospective client to consider starting the purchase process?</p>
1103.  
1104.  
1105.  
1106. <p><strong>Action:</strong> On any page (and this should apply to every page you want a prospective client to visit), ensure enough value is provided before including a direct ask for information, such as a form fill.</p>
1107.  
1108.  
1109.  
1110. <p><strong>Very important:</strong> A school’s mission statement is an internal compass, not a sales statement. Lead with a value proposition designed to speak to the person reading it. Make it about them, not the school.</p>
1111.  
1112.  
1113.  
1114. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-your-best-salesperson-isn-t-you">3 &#8211; Your Best Salesperson Isn’t You</h2>
1115.  
1116.  
1117.  
1118. <p>No offense, but you work for the school. It’s your job to recruit clients and secure their investment.</p>
1119.  
1120.  
1121.  
1122. <p><em>There he goes again. Someone should wash his mouth out with soap!</em></p>
1123.  
1124.  
1125.  
1126. <p>The voice of your community—those who have experienced your school—is <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/your-schools-word-of-mouth-marketing-strategy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">your best salesperson</a>. So, activate them!</p>
1127.  
1128.  
1129.  
1130. <p><strong>Ask yourself:</strong> Without cluttering this important sales webpage, how can I better showcase our general and/or specific services?</p>
1131.  
1132.  
1133.  
1134. <p><strong>Action:</strong> Include a <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/private-school-reviews-to-increase-enrollment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">testimonial on the top new site visitor pages.</a> The testimonial should support the page’s content and help alleviate potential bounce points.</p>
1135.  
1136.  
1137.  
1138. <p><strong>Examples:</strong></p>
1139.  
1140.  
1141.  
1142. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="708" height="466" src="https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/school-marketing-website-built-to-sell-truth-tree-school-marketing-for-independent-schools-private-schools2.png" alt="Examples of testimonials on two different site pages: athletics and tuition. The testimonial example for the athletics page reads: &quot;Our daughter wanted to play volleyball but was just starting out. At Truth Tree Academy, we love that she didn’t have to be a star to learn. Now, she’s on varsity and loving it!&quot;. The testimonial example for the tuition page reads: &quot;We thought Truth Tree Academy was way out of our league financially. Once we understood what an incredible investment it was, based on talking to parent and student alums, we knew making lifestyle sacrifices was a no-brainer. And we have no regrets!&quot;" class="wp-image-26770" style="width:800px;height:auto" srcset="https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/school-marketing-website-built-to-sell-truth-tree-school-marketing-for-independent-schools-private-schools2.png 708w, https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/school-marketing-website-built-to-sell-truth-tree-school-marketing-for-independent-schools-private-schools2-300x197.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 708px) 100vw, 708px" /></figure>
1143.  
1144.  
1145.  
1146. <p><strong>Very important:</strong> You’re busy. Don’t stress about updating on-site testimonials every year. If it’s new to a site visitor, it’s fresh for them.</p>
1147.  
1148.  
1149.  
1150. <p>Hey, you did it! You made it through all the dirty words we don’t use in school marketing, or at least didn’t a handful of years ago.</p>
1151.  
1152.  
1153.  
1154. <p>Before you go, here are a few bonus thoughts to help ensure your school’s website is built to sell.</p>
1155.  
1156.  
1157.  
1158. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bonus-thoughts">Bonus Thoughts:</h2>
1159.  
1160.  
1161.  
1162. <ol class="wp-block-list">
1163. <li>Check out high-end,<a href="https://www.justluxe.com/lifestyle/leisure/feature-1977043.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> service-specific companies’ websites</a>—especially those that cater to families—to see how they’ve built their websites to sell.</li>
1164.  
1165.  
1166.  
1167. <li>When getting feedback on your top sales pages, don’t hesitate to ask prospective clients.</li>
1168.  
1169.  
1170.  
1171. <li>Sign up for a behavior analytics tool like Hotjar to see what site visitors are doing and identify what’s working and what isn’t.</li>
1172. </ol>
1173.  
1174.  
1175.  
1176. <div style="height:55px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>
1177.  
1178.  
1179.  
1180. <div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:43% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="600" height="480" src="https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/trevor-waddington-Truth-Tree-founder.png" alt="Trevor Waddington, Founder of Truth Tree | Truth Tree Digital Marketing for Schools | Truth Tree provides digital marketing strategies and solutions for schools" class="wp-image-26592 size-full" srcset="https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/trevor-waddington-Truth-Tree-founder.png 600w, https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/trevor-waddington-Truth-Tree-founder-300x240.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
1181. <p style="font-size:15px"><em>Trevor Waddington is the founder and CEO of Truth Tree. He leads a blended team of digital marketing experts and former school admissions and marketing personnel to support schools all over the world on their marketing efforts. After years educating a marketing firm on the nuances of his school, Trevor decided schools deserved a marketing agency that understood them AND their audience.</em> And thus, Truth Tree was born.</p>
1182.  
1183.  
1184.  
1185. <ul class="wp-block-social-links is-layout-flex wp-block-social-links-is-layout-flex"><li class="wp-social-link wp-social-link-linkedin  wp-block-social-link"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-waddington/" class="wp-block-social-link-anchor"><svg width="24" height="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M19.7,3H4.3C3.582,3,3,3.582,3,4.3v15.4C3,20.418,3.582,21,4.3,21h15.4c0.718,0,1.3-0.582,1.3-1.3V4.3 C21,3.582,20.418,3,19.7,3z M8.339,18.338H5.667v-8.59h2.672V18.338z M7.004,8.574c-0.857,0-1.549-0.694-1.549-1.548 c0-0.855,0.691-1.548,1.549-1.548c0.854,0,1.547,0.694,1.547,1.548C8.551,7.881,7.858,8.574,7.004,8.574z M18.339,18.338h-2.669 v-4.177c0-0.996-0.017-2.278-1.387-2.278c-1.389,0-1.601,1.086-1.601,2.206v4.249h-2.667v-8.59h2.559v1.174h0.037 c0.356-0.675,1.227-1.387,2.526-1.387c2.703,0,3.203,1.779,3.203,4.092V18.338z"></path></svg><span class="wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text">Connect with Me</span></a></li></ul>
1186. </div></div>
1187.  
1188.  
1189.  
1190. <div style="height:38px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>
1191.  
1192.  
1193.  
1194. <div class="wp-block-essential-blocks-infobox  root-eb-infobox-ej3bi"><div class="eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-infobox-ej3bi "><div class="eb-infobox-ej3bi eb-infobox-wrapper"><div class="infobox-wrapper-inner"><div class="icon-img-wrapper"><div class="eb-icon number-or-icon"><i icon="fab fa-searchengin" class="fab fa-searchengin eb-infobox-icon-data-selector"></i></div></div><div class="contents-wrapper"><h2 class="title">Is Your Website Ready to Convert?</h2><p class="description">Maybe you just finished a website redesign but aren&#8217;t seeing traffic and inquiries from your right-fit audience. <br><br>Could Truth Tree&#8217;s strategic approach to digital marketing drive healthy traffic to your site?</p><div class="eb-button-inner-wrapper eb-infobox-btn-wrapper"><a class="eb-button-anchor infobox-btn   " href="https://www.truthtree.com/schedule-a-discovery-call/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Book a Discovery Call</a></div></div></div></div></div></div>
1195. <p>The post <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/is-your-independent-schools-website-built-to-sell/">Is Your Independent School&#8217;s Website Built to Sell?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.truthtree.com">Truth Tree</a>.</p>
1196. ]]></content:encoded>
1200. </item>
1201. <item>
1202. <title>What Schools Stand to Learn from A/B Testing Their Marketing</title>
1203. <link>https://www.truthtree.com/what-schools-stand-to-learn-from-a-b-testing-their-marketing/</link>
1205. <dc:creator><![CDATA[missy]]></dc:creator>
1206. <pubDate>Wed, 29 Jan 2025 02:38:48 +0000</pubDate>
1207. <category><![CDATA[Advice]]></category>
1208. <category><![CDATA[digital advertising for schools]]></category>
1209. <category><![CDATA[digital marketing]]></category>
1210. <category><![CDATA[private school marketing]]></category>
1211. <category><![CDATA[school marketing]]></category>
1212. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.truthtree.com/?p=26726</guid>
1213.  
1214. <description><![CDATA[<p>Schools can use A/B testing to refine their marketing strategies by comparing different elements like subject lines, CTAs, and landing page layouts. This data-driven approach helps optimize engagement, increase conversions, and eliminate guesswork in decision-making.</p>
1215. <p>The post <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/what-schools-stand-to-learn-from-a-b-testing-their-marketing/">What Schools Stand to Learn from A/B Testing Their Marketing</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.truthtree.com">Truth Tree</a>.</p>
1216. ]]></description>
1217. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
1218. <p><em>By Maggie Twaroski, </em><a href="https://maggietwaroski.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Truth Tree Contributor</em></a></p>
1219.  
1220.  
1221.  
1222. <p>Sometimes, the smallest change to a marketing asset can have the biggest impact. Refining a call to action, email subject, or <a href="https://youtu.be/a375UrKCp7o?si=0SgsHQsQ6k2q843r" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">landing page layout</a> can be exactly what you need to resonate better with your audience and meet your marketing goals–whether it’s higher website traffic, more email opens, or more sign-ups. You might already have some thoughts on how you can improve your marketing materials, but how do you know these changes will actually work with your audience? To test the efficacy of your ideas before launching a full-scale change, consider running an A/B test. </p>
1223.  
1224.  
1225.  
1226. <p>An A/B test is a simple, effective marketing strategy that involves distributing two versions of the same marketing element (a subject line, web page colors, email copy, etc.) to see which version performs best with your audience. A/B testing is so useful that it’s the <a href="https://financesonline.com/a-b-testing-statistics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">second-most used</a> technique in conversion optimization, second to analytics. Every industry, from e-commerce to hospitality to education, can benefit from A/B testing to further understand their audience and make informed, data-driven marketing decisions. </p>
1227.  
1228.  
1229.  
1230. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-schools-can-conduct-an-a-b-test">How Schools can Conduct an A/B Test</h2>
1231.  
1232.  
1233.  
1234. <p>Start by identifying which marketing material you want to test and which variable you will change. Then, create your <a href="https://www.optimizely.com/sample-size-calculator/#/?conversion=3&amp;effect=20&amp;significance=95" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sample size</a> by splitting a percentage of your audience into two groups. For example, you might distribute two versions of a landing page–the first as it currently is and the second with a singular change, such as a new call to action (CTA). After keeping the test active for a set period of time, you’ll have enough data to determine which version performed better with your sample group. </p>
1235.  
1236.  
1237.  
1238. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-of-schools-performing-a-b-testing">Benefits of Schools Performing A/B Testing</h2>
1239.  
1240.  
1241.  
1242. <p>School marketers devote significant time to knowing their audience and the types of marketing elements that appeal to them. While these insights help influence many of their decisions, some marketing choices don’t always have a clear winner at the outset, particularly when it comes to smaller elements. Whether your audience will prefer the red CTA button or the blue one is anybody’s guess. Still, there’s no need for a coin toss–with A/B testing, you can eliminate much of the guesswork by determining what your prospects prefer and which option leads to more conversions.&nbsp;</p>
1243.  
1244.  
1245.  
1246. <p><a href="https://partner.booking.com/en-us/click-magazine/industry-perspectives/role-experimentation-bookingcom" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lukas Vermeer</a>, Director of Experimentation at Booking.com, stresses the importance of testing over guessing: “If we make changes based purely on assumptions, we risk making unnecessary adjustments to our products. It’s crucial to check whether our changes actually have the desired effect on peoples’ behavior. The worst thing we could do is constantly make all these updates to our products, potentially confusing users if the changes don’t actually work how we intended.”</p>
1247.  
1248.  
1249.  
1250. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learn-more-about-your-audience">Learn more about your audience</h3>
1251.  
1252.  
1253.  
1254. <p>The more you know about your prospective families and students, the greater likelihood they’ll progress through the enrollment funnel. One way to gain detailed insights into the type of language, design, and communication your audience prefers is with A/B testing. It’s worth repeating that even a slight change to your messaging, page design, or email greeting can significantly affect the number of leads you convert.&nbsp;</p>
1255.  
1256.  
1257.  
1258. <p>One of the most popular examples of this appeared during President <a href="https://www.optimizely.com/insights/blog/how-obama-raised-60-million-by-running-a-simple-experiment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign</a>, when his marketing staff conducted a multivariate test (a more elaborate form of A/B testing involving multiple variables) on a landing page. They tested four CTA buttons and six photos. The calls to action were: “join us now,” “sign up now,” “sign up,” and “learn more.” </p>
1259.  
1260.  
1261.  
1262. <p>The test revealed the “learn more” CTA, coupled with an Obama family photo generated 40.6% more signups, and 60 million dollars in donations. Aside from the obvious monetary benefit, the campaign also gained a deeper understanding into their audience, which preferred family-oriented media and an <em>invitation </em>CTA over a command.&nbsp;</p>
1263.  
1264.  
1265.  
1266. <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-know-which-elements-drive-results">Know which elements drive results</h3>
1267.  
1268.  
1269.  
1270. <p>If you launch a large-scale remodel to one of your marketing assets, it can be difficult to know <em>which </em>of those elements contributed to higher conversions. That’s why school marketers often choose A/B testing to determine the most effective changes. </p>
1271.  
1272.  
1273.  
1274. <div class="wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:auto 66%"><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
1275. <p>By testing one variable at a time, you can take out the guesswork and determine exactly<em> </em>which elements drive the best results. While it’s possible to conduct a <a href="https://mixpanel.com/blog/ab-tests-vs-multivariate-tests/#:~:text=A%2FB%20tests%20and%20multivariate%20tests%20are%20similar%20in%20how,testing%20multiple%20variables%20at%20once." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multivariate</a> test, these typically require more resources and are best reserved for high-traffic pages. </p>
1276. </div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="674" src="https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/truth-tree-blog-post-digital-marketing-strategies-and-solutions-for-schools-a-b-testing-for-school-marketing-unbounce-image-showcasing-a-b-testing-1-1024x674.png" alt="This image shows two landing pages in an A/B testing scenario in which the A-side performed at 20% while the B-side performed at 80% showing a preference for that design. | This image is from an Unbounce.com article on landing page designs and comparisons. | This image accompanies a blog post on the value of schools A/B testing their marketing. | Truth Tree provides digital digital marketing strategies and solutions for schools." class="wp-image-26728 size-full" srcset="https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/truth-tree-blog-post-digital-marketing-strategies-and-solutions-for-schools-a-b-testing-for-school-marketing-unbounce-image-showcasing-a-b-testing-1-1024x674.png 1024w, https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/truth-tree-blog-post-digital-marketing-strategies-and-solutions-for-schools-a-b-testing-for-school-marketing-unbounce-image-showcasing-a-b-testing-1-300x197.png 300w, https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/truth-tree-blog-post-digital-marketing-strategies-and-solutions-for-schools-a-b-testing-for-school-marketing-unbounce-image-showcasing-a-b-testing-1-768x505.png 768w, https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/truth-tree-blog-post-digital-marketing-strategies-and-solutions-for-schools-a-b-testing-for-school-marketing-unbounce-image-showcasing-a-b-testing-1-708x466.png 708w, https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/truth-tree-blog-post-digital-marketing-strategies-and-solutions-for-schools-a-b-testing-for-school-marketing-unbounce-image-showcasing-a-b-testing-1.png 1416w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>
1277.  
1278.  
1279.  
1280. <p></p>
1281.  
1282.  
1283.  
1284. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-signs-your-school-needs-to-a-b-test">Signs Your School Needs to A/B Test</h2>
1285.  
1286.  
1287.  
1288. <p>If you have underperforming marketing materials, you might want to consider running an A/B test to see which elements can improve conversions. Maybe you have an email that didn’t generate good open or click-through rates. Perhaps your landing page isn’t bringing in as many sign-ups as you’d planned. Or maybe a large number of website visitors are abandoning one of your online forms. These are signs that you need to adjust some elements to make your materials more appealing to your visitors.&nbsp;</p>
1289.  
1290.  
1291.  
1292. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-schools-can-a-b-test">What Schools can A/B Test</h2>
1293.  
1294.  
1295.  
1296. <p>You can run an A/B test on nearly every marketing material you have–from emails to web pages. Most of your marketing tools will have built-in A/B testing software, while others require third-party integration. To run an <a href="https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/13468470?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A/B test in GA4</a> for example, you’ll need to integrate with a third-party testing tool, but you’ll still be able to track test results within GA4. </p>
1297.  
1298.  
1299.  
1300. <p>Here’s a list of the elements you might consider testing:</p>
1301.  
1302.  
1303.  
1304. <ul class="wp-block-list">
1305. <li>Calls to action: Placement, color, text, shape</li>
1306.  
1307.  
1308.  
1309. <li>Online forms: Number of questions, layout</li>
1310.  
1311.  
1312.  
1313. <li>Email subject lines: Tone, emojis, personalization</li>
1314.  
1315.  
1316.  
1317. <li>Ad copy: Tone, length, color</li>
1318.  
1319.  
1320.  
1321. <li>Media: Video vs. images, number of images, placement</li>
1322.  
1323.  
1324.  
1325. <li>Landing pages: Layout, design, color, font size</li>
1326.  
1327.  
1328.  
1329. <li>Social proof: Testimonial placement, font size, color</li>
1330.  
1331.  
1332.  
1333. <li>Pop-ups: Placement, duration</li>
1334. </ul>
1335.  
1336.  
1337.  
1338. <p></p>
1339.  
1340.  
1341.  
1342. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-common-a-b-test-mistakes">Common A/B Test Mistakes </h2>
1343.  
1344.  
1345.  
1346. <p>To ensure reliable results, it’s important to adhere to certain guidelines in your A/B test. Some common mistakes that can skew results are:</p>
1347.  
1348.  
1349.  
1350. <p><strong>Including external variables</strong>: Even though you may only be testing one marketing variable, make sure to consider any external variables that may be affecting your <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/5-ways-to-use-data-in-enrollment-marketing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conversion metrics</a>. For example, if the goal of your A/B test is to determine which version yields higher website traffic, you might want to avoid running the test during peak enrollment season, when traffic will naturally be up. </p>
1351.  
1352.  
1353.  
1354. <p><strong>Insufficient test length and sample size:</strong> Failing to run the test long enough, and not having a big enough sample size can lead to inaccurate results. Choosing the right test length and sample size depends on the specific test you’re running, as well as which metrics you’re tracking. <a href="https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/email-a-b-test-sample-size-testing-time?hubs_content=blog.hubspot.com/marketing/how-to-do-a-b-testing&amp;hubs_content-cta=Read%20this%20blog%20post%20to%20learn%20more%20about%20sample%20size%20and%20timing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Check here</a> for a detailed guide on sample size and test timing.</p>
1355.  
1356.  
1357.  
1358. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eliminate-guesswork-in-your-school-s-next-marketing-decision-with-a-b-testing">Eliminate Guesswork in Your School&#8217;s Next Marketing Decision with A/B Testing</h2>
1359.  
1360.  
1361.  
1362. <p>School marketers are constantly looking at analytics to make strategic decisions about future marketing plans. From the smallest adjustment in an email subject to a large-scale website remodel, every change ultimately circles back to what’s most effective with your audience. Next time you need to adjust one of your marketing materials, consider running an A/B test to learn which elements perform best and, most importantly–take out any unnecessary guesswork.&nbsp;</p>
1363.  
1364.  
1365.  
1366. <div style="height:153px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>
1367.  
1368.  
1369.  
1370. <div class="wp-block-essential-blocks-infobox  root-eb-infobox-ej3bi"><div class="eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-infobox-ej3bi "><div class="eb-infobox-ej3bi eb-infobox-wrapper"><div class="infobox-wrapper-inner"><div class="icon-img-wrapper"><div class="eb-icon number-or-icon"><i icon="fas fa-handshake-angle" class="fas fa-handshake-angle eb-infobox-icon-data-selector"></i></div></div><div class="contents-wrapper"><h2 class="title">Is Partnering with Truth Tree Right for Your School?</h2><p class="description">Our team has supported schools of all sizes and types as they aim to grow their enrollment, strengthen their retention, and solidify their digital footprint.<br><br>How could our skills impact your school?</p><div class="eb-button-inner-wrapper eb-infobox-btn-wrapper"><a class="eb-button-anchor infobox-btn   " href="https://www.truthtree.com/schedule-a-discovery-call/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Book a Discovery Call</a></div></div></div></div></div></div>
1371. <p>The post <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/what-schools-stand-to-learn-from-a-b-testing-their-marketing/">What Schools Stand to Learn from A/B Testing Their Marketing</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.truthtree.com">Truth Tree</a>.</p>
1372. ]]></content:encoded>
1376. </item>
1377. <item>
1378. <title>5 Ways to Improve Your SEO at the Start of the Year</title>
1379. <link>https://www.truthtree.com/school-seo-tips-for-the-new-year/</link>
1381. <dc:creator><![CDATA[missy]]></dc:creator>
1382. <pubDate>Fri, 17 Jan 2025 22:25:42 +0000</pubDate>
1383. <category><![CDATA[Advice]]></category>
1384. <category><![CDATA[digital advertising for schools]]></category>
1385. <category><![CDATA[digital marketing]]></category>
1386. <category><![CDATA[private school marketing]]></category>
1387. <category><![CDATA[school marketing]]></category>
1388. <category><![CDATA[seo]]></category>
1389. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.truthtree.com/?p=26713</guid>
1390.  
1391. <description><![CDATA[<p>Start the new year by improving your school’s SEO with simple, impactful updates. Focus on crawlability, site speed, links, page structure, and image optimization.</p>
1392. <p>The post <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/school-seo-tips-for-the-new-year/">5 Ways to Improve Your SEO at the Start of the Year</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.truthtree.com">Truth Tree</a>.</p>
1393. ]]></description>
1394. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
1395. <p><em>By Maggie Twaroski, </em><a href="https://maggietwaroski.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Truth Tree Contributor</em></a></p>
1396.  
1397.  
1398.  
1399. <p>The start of a new year is the perfect time to lay the groundwork for an impactful semester of high-performing content that enhances your school search engine optimization (SEO) strategy. As your team steps into the new calendar year with fresh energy, it’s the ideal moment to refine your school&#8217;s SEO efforts, set clear priorities, and elevate your school’s digital presence to connect with prospective families more effectively.</p>
1400.  
1401.  
1402.  
1403. <p>Strengthening your school search engine optimization at the start of the year ensures your content ranks well and continues to reach the right audience for months to come.</p>
1404.  
1405.  
1406.  
1407. <p>Here are five things to focus on in the coming weeks to optimize your current content and set the stage for stronger SEO this year:</p>
1408.  
1409.  
1410.  
1411. <ol class="wp-block-list">
1412. <li>Crawlability</li>
1413.  
1414.  
1415.  
1416. <li>Loading speed</li>
1417.  
1418.  
1419.  
1420. <li>Links</li>
1421.  
1422.  
1423.  
1424. <li>Page structure</li>
1425.  
1426.  
1427.  
1428. <li>Image optimization</li>
1429. </ol>
1430.  
1431.  
1432.  
1433. <p></p>
1434.  
1435.  
1436.  
1437. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crawlability">Crawlability</h2>
1438.  
1439.  
1440.  
1441. <p>Search engines crawl<em> </em>the internet when they look for pages to store in their indexes and display in search results. When search engines crawl your website, they’re looking for signs that tell them what each web page, image and video is about. Then, they work that information into the search engine’s algorithm to provide rankings.&nbsp;</p>
1442.  
1443.  
1444.  
1445. <p>When we talk about <strong><em>crawlability</em></strong>, we’re referring to the ease at which search engines can crawl your website. Crawlability is a key prerequisite to all other SEO tactics, because it ensures that search engines are able to effectively find your content. This <a href="https://moz.com/beginners-guide-to-seo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SEO hierarchy by Moz</a> illustrates the foundational importance of crawlability, placing it even before content quality and keyword optimization. </p>
1446.  
1447.  
1448.  
1449. <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="759" src="https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/seo-hierarchy-by-moz-for-truth-tree-blog-post-on-seo-tips-for-school-marketing-1024x759.png" alt="Diagram of Mozlow's Hierarchy of SEO Needs, a pyramid starting with 'Crawl Accessibility' at the base, followed by 'Compelling Content,' 'Keyword Optimized,' 'Great User Experience,' 'Share-worthy Content,' 'Title, URL, &amp; Description,' and 'Snippet/Schema Markup' at the top. The left side notes 'essential to rankings,' and the right side highlights 'improves competitiveness.' | Diagram is used within a Truth Tree blog post on school SEO tips | Truth Tree provides digital marketing strategies and solutions for schools." class="wp-image-26714" srcset="https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/seo-hierarchy-by-moz-for-truth-tree-blog-post-on-seo-tips-for-school-marketing-1024x759.png 1024w, https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/seo-hierarchy-by-moz-for-truth-tree-blog-post-on-seo-tips-for-school-marketing-300x222.png 300w, https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/seo-hierarchy-by-moz-for-truth-tree-blog-post-on-seo-tips-for-school-marketing-768x569.png 768w, https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/seo-hierarchy-by-moz-for-truth-tree-blog-post-on-seo-tips-for-school-marketing-1536x1139.png 1536w, https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/seo-hierarchy-by-moz-for-truth-tree-blog-post-on-seo-tips-for-school-marketing.png 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
1450.  
1451.  
1452.  
1453. <div style="height:35px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>
1454.  
1455.  
1456.  
1457. <p>Your site speed, linking procedures, page structure, and image optimization all influence crawlability, so make sure to identify any barriers in these areas that might keep search engines away (more on that later).&nbsp;</p>
1458.  
1459.  
1460.  
1461. <p>Here are three more quick fixes you can do to instantly improve your site’s crawlability:</p>
1462.  
1463.  
1464.  
1465. <p><strong>Fix broken links:</strong> It’s a good idea to periodically look through your web pages to find and replace any broken links, as these are big red flags for search engines trying to crawl your site.</p>
1466.  
1467.  
1468.  
1469. <p><strong>Optimize pages for mobile devices: </strong><a href="https://explodingtopics.com/blog/mobile-internet-traffic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sixty three percent</a> of online searches take place on mobile devices, which means a mobile-friendly website is an absolute must for maintaining crawlability. Without adaptable web pages, it will be much harder for search engines to crawl and index your website. </p>
1470.  
1471.  
1472.  
1473. <p><strong>Update meta descriptions: </strong>Search engines use meta descriptions to help deliver relevant results to users. Improve your SEO by rewriting any dull meta descriptions with more relevant keywords, enticing language, or by changing the length to make them either more detailed or concise.&nbsp;</p>
1474.  
1475.  
1476.  
1477. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Page load speed</h2>
1478.  
1479.  
1480.  
1481. <p>It’s no secret that online users have extremely short attention spans–<a href="https://marketingessentialslab.com/%E2%80%A8the-three-second-social-media-rule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">three seconds</a> to be exact. If your web pages take longer than three seconds to load, that’s a big red flag for search engines trying to crawl your site. Keep in mind that loading speed doesn’t just refer to the site it takes for a page to load. It also refers to the loading speed of various elements on that page, whether it’s an image, video, form submission, or button clicks. To make sure all pages and elements are running quickly, conduct a <a href="https://pagespeed.web.dev/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">page speed audit</a> to get instant insights on loading times. </p>
1482.  
1483.  
1484.  
1485. <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="681" src="https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/PageSpeed-Insights-pagespeed.web_.dev-example-of-truth-tree-academy-for-truth-tree-blog-post-on-seo-tips-truth-tree-school-marketing-1-1024x681.png" alt="PageSpeed Insights example of Truth Tree Academy. This is purely an example of pageload speed and performance for truthtreeacademy.org for use by Truth Tree for a blog post on tips for school seo | Truth Tree provides digital marketing strategies and solutions for schools." class="wp-image-26715" srcset="https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/PageSpeed-Insights-pagespeed.web_.dev-example-of-truth-tree-academy-for-truth-tree-blog-post-on-seo-tips-truth-tree-school-marketing-1-1024x681.png 1024w, https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/PageSpeed-Insights-pagespeed.web_.dev-example-of-truth-tree-academy-for-truth-tree-blog-post-on-seo-tips-truth-tree-school-marketing-1-300x200.png 300w, https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/PageSpeed-Insights-pagespeed.web_.dev-example-of-truth-tree-academy-for-truth-tree-blog-post-on-seo-tips-truth-tree-school-marketing-1-768x511.png 768w, https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/PageSpeed-Insights-pagespeed.web_.dev-example-of-truth-tree-academy-for-truth-tree-blog-post-on-seo-tips-truth-tree-school-marketing-1-1536x1022.png 1536w, https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/PageSpeed-Insights-pagespeed.web_.dev-example-of-truth-tree-academy-for-truth-tree-blog-post-on-seo-tips-truth-tree-school-marketing-1.png 1545w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
1486.  
1487.  
1488.  
1489. <p></p>
1490.  
1491.  
1492.  
1493. <p>Once you know how your pages pass the speed test, you can make strategic adjustments. Here are some quick fixes for improving page loading times:</p>
1494.  
1495.  
1496.  
1497. <p><strong>Compress images: </strong>Large images and videos can easily disrupt loading times. If you find some of your media loads too slowly, simply compress them to a smaller size for a better user experience.&nbsp;</p>
1498.  
1499.  
1500.  
1501. <p><strong>Minimize redirect chains: </strong>A redirect chain occurs when an initial URL request goes through numerous URL changes to arrive at the final destination. Redirect chains that are too long can hurt your loading time and user experience, so it’s important to minimize these as much as possible. Tools like <a href="https://www.screamingfrog.co.uk/seo-spider/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ScreamingFrog</a> can help resolve chain issues. </p>
1502.  
1503.  
1504.  
1505. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Links</h2>
1506.  
1507.  
1508.  
1509. <p>Three types of links can majorly boost your SEO–internal, inbound, and outbound. Weaving these into your website content increases the visibility of your pages, making it easier for searching engines to crawl, index, and rank your website. Plus, links provide value and support for your visitors. Here’s what you need to know about SEO links:</p>
1510.  
1511.  
1512.  
1513. <p>Internal links:</p>
1514.  
1515.  
1516.  
1517. <ul class="wp-block-list">
1518. <li>Come from other pages on your website</li>
1519.  
1520.  
1521.  
1522. <li>Signal that you have a robust digital library to draw internal links from</li>
1523.  
1524.  
1525.  
1526. <li>Can be used on your blog or any other page where internal references are useful</li>
1527. </ul>
1528.  
1529.  
1530.  
1531. <p></p>
1532.  
1533.  
1534.  
1535. <p>Inbound links:</p>
1536.  
1537.  
1538.  
1539. <ul class="wp-block-list">
1540. <li>Come from other websites that link to yours</li>
1541.  
1542.  
1543.  
1544. <li>Signal that your school brand is respected by other high-quality websites</li>
1545.  
1546.  
1547.  
1548. <li><a href="https://outreachmonks.com/link-building-for-educational-websites/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Can be earned</a> through guest posting, resource pages, local link building, and other tactics</li>
1549. </ul>
1550.  
1551.  
1552.  
1553. <p></p>
1554.  
1555.  
1556.  
1557. <p>Outbound links:</p>
1558.  
1559.  
1560.  
1561. <ul class="wp-block-list">
1562. <li>Direct readers to other helpful, reputable websites</li>
1563.  
1564.  
1565.  
1566. <li>Signal that you want to provide value to your readers by sourcing other high-quality sites</li>
1567.  
1568.  
1569.  
1570. <li>Common outbound links may be to news articles, associations, accreditation entities, or scholarship providers</li>
1571. </ul>
1572.  
1573.  
1574.  
1575. <p></p>
1576.  
1577.  
1578.  
1579. <p>Spend the next few weeks combing through your website and updating pages with internal and external links, making sure they’re relevant to the page topic and provide value to readers. Then, start doubling down on your current inbound link strategy, or try some new <a href="https://www.searchlogistics.com/learn/seo/link-building/edu-backlinks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">link-building tactics</a> that can help get your website circulating on other reputable websites. </p>
1580.  
1581.  
1582.  
1583. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Page structure</h2>
1584.  
1585.  
1586.  
1587. <p>You may have some of the most well-written, compelling content out there, but if it’s dumped onto the page in a big text block, no one will read it. The way we structure pages is just as important as the content itself because it’s the leading factor in enticing people to read.&nbsp;</p>
1588.  
1589.  
1590.  
1591. <p>A page that is visually appealing will significantly improve the user experience, which ultimately improves your SEO. Plus, these elements also help search engines understand what your page topic is about, helping them relate your page to certain search queries.&nbsp;</p>
1592.  
1593.  
1594.  
1595. <p>Look through your existing content pages and spruce them up with some of these structural elements:</p>
1596.  
1597.  
1598.  
1599. <ul class="wp-block-list">
1600. <li>More or better visuals</li>
1601.  
1602.  
1603.  
1604. <li>Headings and subheadings</li>
1605.  
1606.  
1607.  
1608. <li>Bullet points</li>
1609.  
1610.  
1611.  
1612. <li>White space</li>
1613. </ul>
1614.  
1615.  
1616.  
1617. <p></p>
1618.  
1619.  
1620.  
1621. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Image optimization</h2>
1622.  
1623.  
1624.  
1625. <p>When search engines crawl your content, the images you have on your page can be just as informative as the written content itself. When you optimize images with descriptive file names and alt text, you’re providing additional signals to search engines on what your content is about, and how it relates to specific search queries.&nbsp;</p>
1626.  
1627.  
1628.  
1629. <p>Make sure all of your image file names start with a description and end with your school name and city. Let’s take a picture of your school’s lacrosse team as an example:</p>
1630.  
1631.  
1632.  
1633. <p><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/2705.png" alt="✅" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" />  <strong>Good: </strong>Lacrosse-team-moundsview-academy-pa.jpg </p>
1634.  
1635.  
1636.  
1637. <p><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/274c.png" alt="❌" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" />  <strong>Bad: </strong>LAX-2024-PA.jpg</p>
1638.  
1639.  
1640.  
1641. <p>While the latter indicates an image of lacrosse, it doesn’t incorporate any of the relevant keywords in common web searches. Search engines prefer the former, because it incorporates descriptive keywords that relate to a specific query like “private schools in PA with lacrosse.”&nbsp;</p>
1642.  
1643.  
1644.  
1645. <p>Adding alt text to images is another big SEO boost because it’s another description that helps search engines crawl, index, and rank your content. Alt text also makes images more accessible to your website visitors with visual handicaps. Whether you’re adding alt text to new images or updating old ones, make sure it’s concise and descriptive.&nbsp;</p>
1646.  
1647.  
1648.  
1649. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Shore up your 2025 SEO plans</h2>
1650.  
1651.  
1652.  
1653. <p>As SEO continues to evolve, it’s important for school marketers to stay sharp and freshen up content to align with current SEO best practices. Start the new year off strong by spending the next few weeks improving your website crawlability, loading speed, links, page structure, and image optimization. With a few quick fixes, you’ll have the framework you need to meet next year’s SEO goals.&nbsp;</p>
1654.  
1655.  
1656.  
1657. <div class="wp-block-essential-blocks-infobox  root-eb-infobox-ej3bi"><div class="eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-infobox-ej3bi "><div class="eb-infobox-ej3bi eb-infobox-wrapper"><div class="infobox-wrapper-inner"><div class="icon-img-wrapper"><div class="eb-icon number-or-icon"><i icon="fas fa-gears" class="fas fa-gears eb-infobox-icon-data-selector"></i></div></div><div class="contents-wrapper"><h2 class="title">Does your school need more SEO help than these 5 tips?</h2><p class="description">Strategic SEO work can land your school in the top placements of search engine results (think Google search results), and it can be a game-changer for prospective families in their initial searches.<br><br>What would it look like to have an SEO specialist guiding your team?</p><div class="eb-button-inner-wrapper eb-infobox-btn-wrapper"><a class="eb-button-anchor infobox-btn   " href="https://www.truthtree.com/schedule-a-discovery-call/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Book a Discovery Call</a></div></div></div></div></div></div>
1658.  
1659.  
1660.  
1661. <p></p>
1662. <p>The post <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/school-seo-tips-for-the-new-year/">5 Ways to Improve Your SEO at the Start of the Year</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.truthtree.com">Truth Tree</a>.</p>
1663. ]]></content:encoded>
1667. </item>
1668. <item>
1669. <title>School Marketing Predictions for 2025</title>
1670. <link>https://www.truthtree.com/school-marketing-predictions-for-2025/</link>
1672. <dc:creator><![CDATA[missy]]></dc:creator>
1673. <pubDate>Wed, 04 Dec 2024 22:01:43 +0000</pubDate>
1674. <category><![CDATA[Advice]]></category>
1675. <category><![CDATA[branding]]></category>
1676. <category><![CDATA[digital advertising for schools]]></category>
1677. <category><![CDATA[digital marketing]]></category>
1678. <category><![CDATA[enrollment management]]></category>
1679. <category><![CDATA[private school marketing]]></category>
1680. <category><![CDATA[school marketing]]></category>
1681. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.truthtree.com/?p=26672</guid>
1682.  
1683. <description><![CDATA[<p>Things move quickly in the world of marketing and schools don't always have the bandwidth to keep pace. See what industry experts predict for the coming year for school marketing, admissions, and more.</p>
1684. <p>The post <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/school-marketing-predictions-for-2025/">School Marketing Predictions for 2025</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.truthtree.com">Truth Tree</a>.</p>
1685. ]]></description>
1686. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
1687. <p>Organized by<strong>&nbsp;Trevor Waddington,</strong><em>&nbsp;Founder &amp; President</em><strong>, Truth Tree</strong></p>
1688.  
1689.  
1690.  
1691. <p>It&#8217;s that time of year again when school and education AdMarCommEn (Admission, Marketing, Communication, and Enrollment) pros analyze the tea leaves on what the next year has in store.</p>
1692.  
1693.  
1694.  
1695. <div style="height:30px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>
1696.  
1697.  
1698.  
1699. <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="208" src="https://www.truthtree.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image-asset.gif" alt="A GIF from Harry Potter, The Prisoner of Azkaban where Ronald Weasley reads tea leaves to Harry Potter in Divination Class. This GIF accompanies a blog post on school marketing predictions for 2025 organized by Truth Tree." class="wp-image-26673"/></figure>
1700.  
1701.  
1702.  
1703. <div style="height:30px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>
1704.  
1705.  
1706.  
1707. <p>And hopefully, they&#8217;re a bit more skilled than Ronald Weasley in Divination Class. </p>
1708.  
1709.  
1710.  
1711. <p>Without further ado, let&#8217;s get to it!</p>
1712.  
1713.  
1714.  
1715. <div style="height:20px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>
1716.  
1717.  
1718.  
1719. <div class="wp-block-essential-blocks-testimonial  root-eb-testimonial-a7bvw"><div class="eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-testimonial-a7bvw "><div class="eb-testimonial-wrapper eb-testimonial-a7bvw layout-preset-2" data-id="eb-testimonial-a7bvw"><div class="eb-testimonial-container"><div class="eb-avatar-container avatar-inline "><div class="image-container"><div class="eb-avatar-style"></div></div><div class="eb-userinfo-container"><p class="eb-testimonial-username"><strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanharrisai/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Evan Harris</a></strong>, <em>President</em></p><p class="eb-testimonial-company"><a href="https://pathosgroup.ai/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pathos Consulting Group</a></p></div></div><div class="eb-description-container"><p class="eb-testimonial-description">Today, few independent schools can point to an example of AI positively impacting their bottom line. 2025 is the year that changes. For MarCom, this means new and compelling narratives to share with major stakeholders like prospective families, donors, and alumni. For example, I&#8217;ve referred a number of my client schools to a company called&nbsp;<a href="http://timelyschools.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Timely</a>. They&#8217;re using the latest in scheduling optimization technology to save their district partners millions and cut registrar workloads in half. That&#8217;s the kind of story that can shift attitudes across a school community and generate momentum for further organizational change.</p></div></div></div></div></div>
1720.  
1721.  
1722.  
1723. <div class="wp-block-essential-blocks-testimonial  root-eb-testimonial-ml3m7"><div class="eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-testimonial-ml3m7 "><div class="eb-testimonial-wrapper eb-testimonial-ml3m7 layout-preset-2" data-id="eb-testimonial-ml3m7"><div class="eb-testimonial-container"><div class="eb-avatar-container avatar-inline "><div class="image-container"><div class="eb-avatar-style"></div></div><div class="eb-userinfo-container"><p class="eb-testimonial-username"><strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherburchfield/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heather Burchfield</a></strong>, <br><em>Director of Partner Success</em></p><p class="eb-testimonial-company"><a href="https://www.truthtree.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Truth Tree</a></p></div></div><div class="eb-description-container"><p class="eb-testimonial-description"> I think the need for authentic, organic, even gritty content will continue to be important. The generation of parents coming into our schools are digital natives and they can see through shiny, expensive marketing videos and content. Mar/Comm offices should lean into iPhone content and student-generated content. It&#8217;s real and parents LOVE that!</p></div></div></div></div></div>
1724.  
1725.  
1726.  
1727. <div class="wp-block-essential-blocks-testimonial  root-eb-testimonial-pu1un"><div class="eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-testimonial-pu1un "><div class="eb-testimonial-wrapper eb-testimonial-pu1un layout-preset-2" data-id="eb-testimonial-pu1un"><div class="eb-testimonial-container"><div class="eb-avatar-container avatar-inline "><div class="image-container"><div class="eb-avatar-style"></div></div><div class="eb-userinfo-container"><p class="eb-testimonial-username"><strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterbaron/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peter Baron</a></strong>, <em>Founder</em></p><p class="eb-testimonial-company"><a href="https://www.moonshotos.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MoonshotOS</a></p></div></div><div class="eb-description-container"><p class="eb-testimonial-description">In the coming year, I believe we&#8217;ll see schools really leaning into building structured systems to set priorities, track meaningful progress, and empower their teams to work more effectively. Running an independent school gets more complex every year, and many leaders are realizing that success takes more than just listing goals or relying on individual initiatives. Instead, we&#8217;re likely to see a deliberate shift toward building an organizational operating system—an internal framework that guides decisions, aligns teams, and ensures every effort moves the school closer to its long-term vision.</p></div></div></div></div></div>
1728.  
1729.  
1730.  
1731. <div class="wp-block-essential-blocks-testimonial  root-eb-testimonial-1xuuf"><div class="eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-testimonial-1xuuf "><div class="eb-testimonial-wrapper eb-testimonial-1xuuf layout-preset-2" data-id="eb-testimonial-1xuuf"><div class="eb-testimonial-container"><div class="eb-avatar-container avatar-inline "><div class="image-container"><div class="eb-avatar-style"></div></div><div class="eb-userinfo-container"><p class="eb-testimonial-username"><strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/malotke-meslin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rebecca Malotke-Meslin</a></strong>, <br><em>Women&#8217;s Leadership Coach</em></p><p class="eb-testimonial-company"><a href="https://www.pleasantlyaggressive.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pleasantly Aggressive</a></p></div></div><div class="eb-description-container"><p class="eb-testimonial-description">Data shows that retaining top talent is a significant concern for independent school leaders, yet more needs to be done to address it. I predict that Heads of Schools and administrators will collectively begin to discuss industry-wide solutions regarding reducing burnout for women, hiring Gen Z, creating more inclusion for staff representing marginalized groups, and succession planning. But I fear they won&#8217;t take noticeable action towards solutions for another year or two.</p></div></div></div></div></div>
1732.  
1733.  
1734.  
1735. <div class="wp-block-essential-blocks-testimonial  root-eb-testimonial-988n5"><div class="eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-testimonial-988n5 "><div class="eb-testimonial-wrapper eb-testimonial-988n5 layout-preset-2" data-id="eb-testimonial-988n5"><div class="eb-testimonial-container"><div class="eb-avatar-container avatar-inline "><div class="image-container"><div class="eb-avatar-style"></div></div><div class="eb-userinfo-container"><p class="eb-testimonial-username"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachaelland/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Rachael Land</strong></a>, <br><em>Marketing &amp; Communications Coordinato</em>r </p><p class="eb-testimonial-company"><a href="https://www.enrollment.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Enrollment Management Association (EMA)</a></p></div></div><div class="eb-description-container"><p class="eb-testimonial-description">In 2025, successful school marketing will blend cutting-edge technologies like AI with traditional approaches such as parent ambassadors, creating a multifaceted strategy that resonates across generations. While AI will enable schools to predict trends in enrollment, identify shifting family preferences, and anticipate potential challenges like attrition, parent ambassadors and similar experience-based programs with genuine, relatable insight are powerful advocates for schools, providing the authenticity that AI cannot replicate. By combining innovation with trusted practices, schools can build strong connections with families, foster trust, and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.</p></div></div></div></div></div>
1736.  
1737.  
1738.  
1739. <div class="wp-block-essential-blocks-testimonial  root-eb-testimonial-l7lsq"><div class="eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-testimonial-l7lsq "><div class="eb-testimonial-wrapper eb-testimonial-l7lsq layout-preset-2" data-id="eb-testimonial-l7lsq"><div class="eb-testimonial-container"><div class="eb-avatar-container avatar-inline "><div class="image-container"><div class="eb-avatar-style"></div></div><div class="eb-userinfo-container"><p class="eb-testimonial-username"><strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-vecere-seabury-65b72337/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dale Seabury</a></strong>, <br><em>Owner and Founder</em></p><p class="eb-testimonial-company"><a href="https://seabury-consulting.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seabury Consulting</a></p></div></div><div class="eb-description-container"><p class="eb-testimonial-description">For schools striving to meet enrollment goals, adopting a growth-oriented mindset and investing strategically in marketing will be essential. Research demonstrates that every dollar invested in student recruitment can yield an average of $7 in tuition revenue, underscoring the importance of viewing marketing as a strategic investment rather than an expense. Effective investment in marketing begins with fully resourced marketing and communications teams—through hiring, external partnerships, leveraging technological tools like AI, or, ideally, a combination. Schools equipped with professionals and tools to expertly manage campaigns, analyze data, and craft compelling, authentic narratives will be best positioned to foster retention and drive sustained enrollment growth in 2025.</p></div></div></div></div></div>
1740.  
1741.  
1742.  
1743. <div class="wp-block-essential-blocks-testimonial  root-eb-testimonial-vf3dk"><div class="eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-testimonial-vf3dk "><div class="eb-testimonial-wrapper eb-testimonial-vf3dk layout-preset-2" data-id="eb-testimonial-vf3dk"><div class="eb-testimonial-container"><div class="eb-avatar-container avatar-inline "><div class="image-container"><div class="eb-avatar-style"></div></div><div class="eb-userinfo-container"><p class="eb-testimonial-username"><strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitney-retzer-549a4b4/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Whitney Retzer</a></strong>, <br><em>Director of Engagement</em></p><p class="eb-testimonial-company"><a href="https://microschools.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Micro Schools Network</a></p></div></div><div class="eb-description-container"><p class="eb-testimonial-description">With an increasingly fractured media appetite, understanding the value proposition and unique identifiers of your school will be more important then ever. Families are primed for systemic innovation including learner-driven and customized education enabled by technology.</p></div></div></div></div></div>
1744.  
1745.  
1746.  
1747. <div class="wp-block-essential-blocks-testimonial  root-eb-testimonial-oz657"><div class="eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-testimonial-oz657 "><div class="eb-testimonial-wrapper eb-testimonial-oz657 layout-preset-2" data-id="eb-testimonial-oz657"><div class="eb-testimonial-container"><div class="eb-avatar-container avatar-inline "><div class="image-container"><div class="eb-avatar-style"></div></div><div class="eb-userinfo-container"><p class="eb-testimonial-username"><strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/madisoncarr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Madison Carr</a></strong>, <br><em>Creative Director</em></p><p class="eb-testimonial-company"><a href="https://www.creativechameleonstudio.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Creative Chameleon</a></p></div></div><div class="eb-description-container"><p class="eb-testimonial-description">As the market becomes more and more competitive in 2025, schools will be able to find an edge by giving care and thought to their entire brand. Families are facing more choices when it comes to where and how their children receive an education. The school that can talk about the pain points and solutions in a compelling way is the school that will emerge ahead. In 2025, I believe we’ll see an increased value for schools that give thought to their brand. Consistency in messaging and appearance will be vital. You need more than a snappy tagline or a punchy headline. Prospective families are doing deeper research and weighing more options. Having a consistent and winsome brand, from corner to corner, will be a key factor in winning over families.</p></div></div></div></div></div>
1748.  
1749.  
1750.  
1751. <div class="wp-block-essential-blocks-testimonial  root-eb-testimonial-akty9"><div class="eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-testimonial-akty9 "><div class="eb-testimonial-wrapper eb-testimonial-akty9 layout-preset-2" data-id="eb-testimonial-akty9"><div class="eb-testimonial-container"><div class="eb-avatar-container avatar-inline "><div class="image-container"><div class="eb-avatar-style"></div></div><div class="eb-userinfo-container"><p class="eb-testimonial-username"><strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-waddington/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trevor Waddington</a></strong>, <br><em>Founder</em></p><p class="eb-testimonial-company"><a href="https://www.truthtree.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Truth Tree</a></p></div></div><div class="eb-description-container"><p class="eb-testimonial-description">Advanced communication from home to school is a fast-rising value driver. Therefore, expect a surge in schools prioritizing advanced, AI-powered communication platforms for the current community and enrollment marketing purposes. For example, admission tours can be scheduled through conversational AI, parents will be able to order lunch via text, and student counselors will be alerted in real time when a student has fallen behind across classes.</p></div></div></div></div></div>
1752.  
1753.  
1754.  
1755. <div style="height:58px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>
1756.  
1757.  
1758.  
1759. <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-do-you-say">What do you say?</h2>
1760.  
1761.  
1762.  
1763. <p>Do you have a prediction for 2025 or beyond? <a href="https://share.hsforms.com/2j0YE7ThGTXebOAF6J3be6Qq99kq" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Drop us a line</a> and we&#8217;ll work to add it into this compilation.</p>
1764.  
1765.  
1766.  
1767. <p>Want to peruse the predictions for <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/school-marketing-predictions-for-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2023</a> and <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/school-marketing-predictions-for-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2024</a>? Hindsight is always 20/20.</p>
1768.  
1769.  
1770.  
1771. <div style="height:40px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>
1772.  
1773.  
1774.  
1775. <div class="wp-block-essential-blocks-infobox  root-eb-infobox-gf2mm"><div class="eb-parent-wrapper eb-parent-eb-infobox-gf2mm "><div class="eb-infobox-gf2mm eb-infobox-wrapper"><div class="infobox-wrapper-inner"><div class="icon-img-wrapper"><div class="eb-icon number-or-icon"><i icon="far fa-gem" class="far fa-gem eb-infobox-icon-data-selector"></i></div></div><div class="contents-wrapper"><h2 class="title">Not Sure Where to Focus Your Efforts?</h2><p class="description">What are you already doing? What is your goal? What are the most impactful approaches? </p><div class="eb-button-inner-wrapper eb-infobox-btn-wrapper"><a class="eb-button-anchor infobox-btn   " href="https://content.leadquizzes.com/lp/Vrgg1dzXjg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Take Our Free Assessment</a></div></div></div></div></div></div>
1776. <p>The post <a href="https://www.truthtree.com/school-marketing-predictions-for-2025/">School Marketing Predictions for 2025</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.truthtree.com">Truth Tree</a>.</p>
1777. ]]></content:encoded>
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1782. </channel>
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