Our second Hot Topic meeting was all about Marketing Your Microschool while staying true to your core mission. This fabulous Webinar was led by our California Field Coordinator, and Ellemercito Microschool Founder: Lizette Valles and Creator of EDU Grow Pro, and Wild West Business: Carlos Gonzalez. Here are some of the key takeaways and resources provided on the call.
Effectively Communicate Your Mission & Values
In the bustling world of education, where choices are abundant, your microschool's success hinges on how well you communicate your mission and values. Your school is not just a physical space; it's an idea, a philosophy, a community. Therefore, every marketing effort should emanate the essence of what your microschool stands for.
Define Your Core Message:
- Start by crystallizing your mission and values into a concise message. What sets your microschool apart? What values do you hold dear? This message should be clear, compelling, and easy to remember. Whether it's fostering creativity, embracing diversity, or promoting experiential learning, make sure your core message is woven into every piece of marketing material.
Tell Your Story:
- Humans are wired to connect through stories. Share the journey of your microschool – the challenges, triumphs, and the vision that propels you forward. Use your website, social media, and any other platforms to narrate stories that resonate with your mission. By doing so, you create an emotional connection, making it easier for families to see your true mission.
Consistent Branding:
- Consistency is key. Ensure your visual identity, including your logo, colors, and overall aesthetic, aligns with your mission and values. A cohesive brand not only enhances recognition but also reinforces the narrative you're trying to convey. Consistency builds trust and familiarity within your community.
Edupreneur Marketing Advantages
As edupreneurs, you possess a unique set of skills that can propel your microschool into the spotlight. Let's explore the advantages and how to leverage them:
Passion-Driven Innovation:
- Edupreneurs are fueled by passion, and this passion is infectious. Use it to your advantage by showcasing your enthusiasm in your marketing efforts. Whether it's through video content, social media posts, or personal blogs, let your passion shine through. Families are drawn to educators who are genuinely excited about the learning journey.
Flexibility and Adaptability:
- Edupreneurs thrive in the dynamic landscape of education. Highlight your microschool's adaptability and flexibility in your marketing materials. Emphasize your ability to tailor the learning experience to each student's needs, creating a personalized and effective educational environment.
Strategic Marketing Action Steps
Now that we've covered the foundations, let's delve into some actionable steps to supercharge your marketing strategy:
Optimize Your Online Presence in a Variety of Ways:
- In the digital age, your online presence is paramount. Ensure your website is not just a static page but a dynamic, engaging platform. Utilize social media platforms to connect with your community, sharing updates, success stories, and relevant educational content. Make sure you have separate accounts for Business and Personal use. Think back to when we discussed branding and update your social media to reflect this consistently. Another great tip: create a Google Business Profile (free)!* Also be mindful of the language you use to properly and legally convey what you do.
Introduce Yourself on Live Streams:
- In a world that has become increasingly digital, virtual open houses provide an excellent opportunity for prospective families to get a glimpse of your microschool. Use webinars, virtual tours, and live Q&A sessions to interact with parents and students directly. Bonus: see the end of this blog post for a 30-day of live streaming topic ideas!
Create Daily and Relevant Content:
- Tap into your brand, who you are as a microschooling leader and what your microschool’s mission is, then use that to drive your posts and content. Consistency is key and now more than ever you don’t have to worry about coming up with content on your own. Harness the power of AI to help create posts and content for your social media. ChatGPT is a great resource that allows you to craft your message in mere seconds.
Growth Mindset Reflection
In the world of microschooling and edupreneurship, adopting a growth mindset is not just a philosophy; it's a way of life. Reflect on these principles to foster continuous improvement and innovation:
Embrace Challenges:
- See challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. Every setback is a chance to learn and refine your approach. Embracing challenges with a growth mindset will not only make you a better leader but also inspire confidence in your community.
Seek Feedback:
- Actively seek feedback from parents, students, and staff. A growth mindset involves a willingness to listen, learn, and adapt. Constructive feedback is a valuable tool for refining your microschool's offerings and addressing areas that may need improvement.
Celebrate Successes:
- Acknowledge and celebrate both small and significant successes. This positive reinforcement not only boosts morale but also instills a sense of accomplishment within your community. Share success stories through various channels to showcase the tangible impact of your microschool.
In conclusion, effective marketing for your microschool is not just about selling a product; it's about conveying a vision and building a community. Embrace your role as an edupreneur, leverage your unique advantages, and approach marketing with a growth mindset. By doing so, you're not just marketing a microschool; you're cultivating an educational movement that leaves a lasting impact on students and families.
Here's to the journey of marketing with purpose and passion!
*It is imperative that you thoroughly understand all your state and local framework before marketing your microschool and participating in any directories or listings of your microschool to avoid legal issues. Unsure? The Center is here to help email kathryn@microschoolingcenter.org
Links mentioned in the webinar:
Lizette Valles
https://compasseducators.com/
lvalles@compasseducators.com
Carlos Gonzalez
https://edugrowpro.com/
carlos@carlosgonzalez.pro