One of the most common complaints from school communicators is that their website just sits there, static. Sure, the events and calendar pages get traffic, but how do you make your website more interactive and boost engagement with families? How can your website help meet your school communications and academic goals?

Two words: Landing Pages.

Landing pages are dedicated web pages designed to capture visitor information through targeted messaging and forms. Used widely in the commercial world for email sign-ups, webinar registrations, or demo requests, they are a powerful tool to pull visitors closer to your school community. When integrated into your school’s communication strategy, landing pages can help promote events, build enrollment, gather data, and more.

Your Website is More Than a Directory

School websites have traditionally been used as a place to list basic information—staff directories, event calendars, athletics schedules, and lunch menus. While this core content remains essential, school communicators need to evolve their websites into dynamic, interactive platforms. Even the most perfectly designed site with excellent navigation can benefit from the focused messaging and action-driven content that landing pages provide.

For more tips on optimizing school communication, read our blog on School Website Design Best Practices.

Why Landing Pages Matter

Landing pages prompt your website visitors to take action—whether it’s registering for an event, RSVPing for a school function, or purchasing tickets to a school play. By directing them to a clear, purpose-driven form, you create opportunities to engage with parents, students, and staff in a meaningful way.

Whether you’re encouraging a prospective parent to request more information, having an existing parent sign up for a parent-teacher conference, or asking a student to register for a field trip, landing pages are designed to meet communication objectives by turning visits into actions.

The Anatomy of a School Website Landing Page

A well-designed landing page follows some key best practices. But before we dive into that, it’s important to understand how visitors arrive on a landing page. Their journey could start from various sources—social media posts, email campaigns, blog articles, or another page on your website. Each of these sources should be paired with a clear call-to-action (CTA) that directs them to the landing page.

Here’s what every school landing page should include:

1. Headline

Your headline needs to grab attention quickly and summarize the page’s purpose. Be concise and direct, ensuring visitors know what they’ll get if they take action.

2. Brief Copy

The body of your landing page should be short and to the point. Your visitors are already interested—they’ve clicked through to this page—so keep the copy focused on explaining what they’ll gain by completing the form.

3. Relevant Image

Including an image that reinforces the content helps increase engagement. This could be a picture of the event, a cover image for a study guide, or a visual of a teacher leading an activity. People respond better to visuals, and they make the page more appealing.

4. Form

The form is where conversions happen. Keep it simple—ask only for the information you truly need (such as name and email). Many forms fail because they ask for too much. You’ll have future opportunities to collect more data through follow-up communications.

Why Google Analytics is Essential

Before diving into landing page creation, you need a solid understanding of how visitors currently use your website. Tools like Google Analytics are invaluable for gaining insights into user behavior. You can track where visitors come from, how they navigate your site, and what actions they take. This data is essential for refining your landing pages and measuring their success.

For more on this, check out Google’s Guide to Using Analytics for Education Websites.

Google Analytics, part of the free Google Apps for Education suite, enables schools to track everything from mobile usage to the most popular pages on your website. By leveraging this data, you can design landing pages that resonate with your community and align with your school’s communications metrics.

Shift Your Thinking: Landing Pages Are the Future

Incorporating landing pages into your online communications strategy may require a shift in thinking. But think of them as an opportunity to engage your school community using methods most people now prefer—fast, direct, and actionable interactions.

With attention spans shrinking and the majority of users browsing on mobile devices, schools need to adapt to the way people engage with information. Landing pages offer a straightforward solution for making that engagement happen.

Start Small, Think Big

Begin by integrating landing pages into your most time-sensitive campaigns—such as event promotions. Landing pages are perfect for gathering RSVPs, selling tickets, or sharing details about school events. As you see the benefits, you can expand their use to other areas of your school’s communication strategy.

For more guidance on leveraging landing pages, explore this HubSpot Guide to Creating Effective Landing Pages.

If your current website team isn’t familiar with landing pages, consult your school website provider. They should offer tools or support to help you incorporate landing pages into your broader communications plan.

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Landing pages are an underused but highly effective tool to increase family engagement and improve how your school communicates. By implementing them strategically, you can transform your website from a static directory into an interactive, goal-driven platform that meets the needs of your entire school community.

Ready to take your website to the next level? Contact SchoolStatus to learn how landing pages can enhance your school communication strategy.

Have you ever wondered what people think about your school? One quick way to find out is to simply Google your school’s name and see what pops up. Whether you’re aware of it or not, people are leaving reviews online, and those reviews can shape public perception. In this article, we’ll explore how you can start building positive online reviews for your school and why it’s crucial to your school’s reputation.

When you think of online reviews, you may picture searching for restaurant recommendations or researching the latest kitchen appliance. Increasingly, though, families are using review platforms like Google, Yelp, and even educational sites to research schools before making enrollment decisions. As the landscape of school choice grows, so does the importance of positive online reviews.

Why Reviews Matter: Digital Word-of-Mouth with Clout

In the past, families had limited school choices, but today, options like open enrollment, voucher programs, charter schools, and private schools mean that parents are actively shopping for the best educational fit for their children. Word of mouth—a personal endorsement from a trusted source—remains one of the most powerful influences on school choice. But with the rise of digital platforms, online reviews have become a critical extension of word-of-mouth recommendations.

In addition to traditional reviews, families often visit school websites and base decisions on the quality of the site’s design, navigation, and content. A poorly maintained website can leave a bad impression, just as much as a negative review. To keep your school’s website in top shape, check out our guide to effective school website design.

Popular School Review Sites

If you’ve Googled your school’s name, you may have noticed a “Reviews from the web” section, which pulls reviews from multiple sources like Google, Facebook, and educational platforms. Here are four popular review platforms that you should be aware of, and tips for improving your presence on each.

1. Google Reviews

Google Reviews is one of the most widely used review platforms. Anyone with a Google account can leave a review, which will appear alongside search results and Google Maps.

How to Get More Google Reviews: Ask families, staff, and even students (where appropriate) to leave a review. Encourage them to rate your school on a scale of 1-5 stars and share a few comments about their experience.

Start building positive Google reviews today.

2. Facebook Reviews (Recommendations)

Facebook recently transitioned from a traditional review system to “recommendations,” but the platform still provides a 5-point rating based on user feedback.

How to Boost Your Facebook Recommendations: Encourage your followers to recommend your school page and share their positive experiences. Be sure to regularly update your Facebook page to keep your content fresh and engaging.

3. GreatSchools Reviews

GreatSchools.org is one of the most popular review platforms for schools, with a 10-point rating system that includes reviews and data from state and national education agencies.

How to Get More GreatSchools Reviews: Direct parents to leave a review on GreatSchools by searching for your school by name, state, or zip code, and clicking “Review.” Families can rate your school and provide comments about their experiences.

Start building your presence on GreatSchools.

4. Niche Reviews

Niche.com is another platform that ranks schools based on a 5-star system. Niche takes into account reviews, test scores, teacher quality, and other key data such as clubs, sports, and diversity.

How to Improve Your Niche Reviews: Encourage parents and students to leave a review on Niche by finding your school and selecting the “Write a Review” option. These reviews can help elevate your school’s profile, especially for prospective families comparing schools.

Visit Niche.com to see how your school is rated.

Steps to Build Positive Online Reviews

Building a positive online reputation starts with taking control of the review process. Here’s how to begin:

1. Rate and Review Your Own School: Go to Google, Facebook, GreatSchools, and Niche and leave a positive review about your own school. This helps familiarize yourself with the process, so you can guide others.
2. Encourage Staff and Families to Leave Reviews: After reviewing your own school, ask select staff and parents to do the same. A strong collection of reviews will improve your overall rating and influence others to participate.
3. Survey Your School Community: Consider conducting a family survey to gather insights about their experiences. Once they’ve provided feedback, kindly request that they share their thoughts on one or more review platforms. If you’re not sure where to start, check out this article on creating effective family surveys.
4. Don’t Fear Negative Feedback: Occasionally, you might receive a less-than-stellar review. While it may seem daunting, negative feedback can provide valuable insights into areas that may need improvement. Authentic and constructive feedback—positive or negative—can add credibility to your reviews.

By encouraging positive reviews, you can strengthen your school’s digital footprint and reputation. The more reviews and ratings your school gathers, the more influence you’ll have in guiding potential families’ perceptions.

Conclusion

Online reviews are here to stay, and they play an increasingly significant role in how families choose schools. By actively managing your school’s presence on review platforms like Google, Facebook, GreatSchools, and Niche, you can build a positive online reputation that attracts new families and strengthens community trust.

Curious to know what people think of your school? Start building positive online reviews today and take charge of your school’s digital reputation.

In today’s competitive school landscape, your marketing efforts are essential. From investing in your school’s website to producing a four-color newsletter and running email campaigns, schools are trying multiple strategies to reach their audiences. But what about using Facebook advertising?

If you’re thinking, “We keep our Facebook feed updated, isn’t that enough?”—you might want to reconsider. Many schools already use Facebook to engage families, but to amplify your reach and impact, the platform’s paid advertising offers an opportunity you shouldn’t overlook.

Why Facebook Ads for Schools?

Facebook advertising has become more effective than traditional media like television in some sectors, according to AdAge. This shift in audience behavior means that schools can now tap into these same strategies to reach parents, students, and communities more efficiently.

If you want to stand out and attract more families, Facebook ads can help promote your school’s key messages and improve engagement.

Boosting Enrollment with Facebook Ads

For public schools, Facebook ads can support school choice campaigns and help win open enrollment battles. For private and charter schools, they can help meet enrollment goals by reaching families directly. Whether it’s promoting events, gaining support for tax levies, or sharing success stories, Facebook offers schools the ability to deliver targeted messages to their community in a highly efficient manner.

How Facebook Ads Work for Schools

Facebook ads target specific audiences based on users’ interests and demographics. You can customize your ads to reach parents, students, or even community members within a specific geographic area. Ads can be shown at key moments, appearing between posts or as users scroll through their feeds, ensuring they remain part of the user experience.

Types of Facebook Ads

Facebook offers various ad formats that schools can leverage. Whether you’re promoting an event, selling tickets, or sharing important updates, Facebook’s tools allow you to create targeted campaigns that drive engagement.

Each ad consists of:

• Call to Action (CTA): A button guiding users to take the next step—whether that’s visiting your website, registering for an event, or completing a survey.f the ad: someone reads more information on your website, someone registers for an event, buys some spirit wear or some other fundraising goal, etc.

• Title: A compelling headline that grabs attention.

• Body Text: A message that explains the offer or information.

• Image: A visual that catches the user’s eye.

Ad Display Areas

As mentioned before, Facebook ads will be displayed on different areas of Facebook’s site. This provides more opportunities for a families, students, teachers, or community members to click the ad.

On a mobile device—and we know that’s how more and more families are engaging your school’s communications—there are even multi-image carousels where you can place multiple images and messages that are swiped by the user for a more engaging experience. This also provides ways for you to show more information and even target each image in the carousel to a different URL landing page somewhere else.

Benefits of Facebook Ads for Schools

• Cost-Effective: Creating a school Facebook page costs nothing, and you can start running ads on a limited budget with highly targeted campaigns.
• Targeted Audience: Ads allow you to zero in on users by location, interests, demographics, and behaviors.
• Increased Reach: Facebook ads can extend beyond the limited reach of organic posts, ensuring your message is seen by more people.
• Improved Engagement: Ads with images and clear CTAs encourage clicks, conversions, and further interactions with your school’s content.

A Low-Risk, High-Reward Strategy

If your school already has a strong social media presence, Facebook advertising is a natural next step. With its highly targeted approach and ability to track performance, Facebook ads offer schools a low-cost, high-impact way to reach more families and grow engagement.

Final Thoughts

Schools of all types are finding success by incorporating Facebook ads into their marketing strategies. By understanding how these ads work and tailoring them to your school’s needs, you can amplify your message, increase enrollment, and build stronger connections with your community.

If your school’s social media presence feels a bit neglected, it’s time to revitalize your Facebook page to maximize its impact. Whether you’re a private school looking to boost enrollment or a public district seeking to engage your community, maintaining an updated and engaging Facebook page is essential for showcasing your school’s achievements and offerings.

Social media platforms, especially Facebook, are powerful tools that can transform school communications. Think of social media as digital networking—it’s not just about what you share, but how you connect. Presenting a polished, clear, and current image is key to making the most of your online presence.

Here are some quick and easy improvements for any school’s Facebook page. These tips will help enhance your social media presence, attract more followers, and keep your community engaged. A well-maintained Facebook page will increase your school’s reach, meaning more parents, students, and staff will be exposed to the valuable content you share. Additionally, fresh content isn’t just loved by your audience—Google prioritizes updated content, improving your school’s visibility in search results.

Ready to give your school’s Facebook page a boost? Here are a few tips to make your school’s page more engaging, relevant, and effective.

1. Change Your Cover Image Monthly

Let’s start with the cover image. With the short-attention-span world we live in these days, keep your Facebook homepage fresh and intriguing by changing your cover page photo at least once a month. Look around, there’s a new pic as closer as your smartphone. Pick a horizontal view and one that’s inviting. Give credit where credit is due on the photo and drop in your school logo on the cover or profile picture while you’re at it. Each time you change the photo it is shows up on all of your fans newsfeed. What better way to share something nice that is also inviting to you community.

Other ideas:

• Add the appropriate image related to the holidays. Think about how nice a Veteran’s Day ceremony picture at your school would look right around the patriotic holidays
• Add timely images related to current events at school (e.g., school festival, talent show, sporting event)
• Add images related to the seasons (e.g., your school back-dropped by fall foliage, snow, spring and summer images)
• Add images of a teacher or students receiving awards
• Images related to your mission
• Technology in the classroom

2. Improve Your Descriptions

Optimize Your School’s Page Description

Make sure to complete both the short and long descriptions for your school’s Facebook page. These descriptions are important not only for visitors to your page but also for how your school appears in search results.

Short Description:

• Go to the “Settings” section of your Facebook page
• Find and complete the “About/short description” field
• Be descriptive and highlight what makes your school unique
• Explain why people should follow your page
• Include your school’s website URL at the end (consider using a link shortener if the URL is too long)

Long Description:

• In “Settings,” scroll down to “Page Info”
• Locate and fill out the “Long Description” field
• Include keywords relevant to your school (e.g., “Chicago public school” if applicable)
• Provide more detailed information about your school’s features and image
• Be thorough but concise

Remember, both descriptions contribute to your school’s visibility on Facebook and in search engines, so use them effectively.

Short description example:

• LPSS is committed to helping children become better people and prepare for the real work. Stay connected to the latest updates as we prepare kids for the future and serve the community. www.lpssonline.com

Long Description example:

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• Mapledale Academy is a private school located in the northern suburb of Mapledale, Texas. Ranked 9th in the nation among both public and private high schools, Mapledale features a competitive environment that develops students intellectually and socially. A combined junior high and high school, Mapledale has approximately 800 in each grade 7 through 12, and over 55 faculty members.

• While academic excellence is the primary goal for each student, the Mapledale faculty and staff work to develop the whole student, making sure he or she strikes a balance between the rigors of one of the most demanding academic curriculum in the state, and all the extra-curricular activities Mapledale has to offer. 20% of our graduates in the past 10 years have been admitted to Ivy League universities, 90% received academic scholarships, 9% athletics scholarships, and we boast a 97% participation in clubs, sports and other extra-curricular activities.

• Admission to Mapledale is based on a comprehensive entrance exam consisting of math, English, and an essay writing section. All students must take the entrance exam. As of 2013, potential students must achieve an establish 8 junior high schools in the Mapledale High School District, with admissions for 25 students from each corresponding school. A minimum GPA must be maintained for all students, and if students fail to stay above the minimum for 2 semesters, they are dismissed from Mapledale and enrolled in their home district’s junior high or high school.

3. Properly Size Your Images

We recognize not everyone is a designer, but it is important to develop skills for image preparation for social media. With all the hard work you do managing these channels, you wouldn’t want to look inexperienced because you did not make an image the right size by taking some easy technical steps.

It is certainly okay to upload photos off your smart phone and camera when needed, however, if you have important images that are to be featured, such as the main header image, put the extra time in and make it look great. Facebook recently changed all of its dimensions and made everything larger, for the most part. It is also important to prepare the images for the pages from your website you are sharing, such as the superintendent’s blog, to ensure they look their best.

4. When Sharing Links, Engage the Audience

Let’s not forget why you are sharing links. When articles are being shared, provide a short, concise description and let your fans know why you are sharing it. They are going to see the title of the link and the description, so there is no need to repeat that. Also, don’t be afraid to ask a question.

Remember, long descriptions (see tip no. 2 above) on your post won’t even show up without the viewer clicking the “See More” to continue reading. Use a short description of your post along with the URL.

5. Be Timely When Scheduling Posts

Schedule your posts and news releases when they’ll do you the most good. There are several web analytic services (Stat Counter, Google Analytics, Clicky) that show you such valuable information as the amount of traffic per hour. Check the peaks and valleys of your traffic, then publish posts accordingly.

So, take these 5 tips on how to improve your school’s Facebook page, get your school’s web team up to speed on them, and then watch how the improvements change how your Facebook page is used. Then once you have these down, like the shampoo folks say: Lather. Rinse. Repeat. That is, re-visit these tips routinely to keep your school’s Facebook page fresh and working for your school.

The crisp air and colorful leaves signal more than just the arrival of fall — they also mark the season for private school open houses. In many neighborhoods, lawns are filled with “Open House” signs, outlasting even the political campaign signs.

But here’s the question: Why are open houses and marketing efforts mainly associated with private schools? You might see an occasional public school open house, but it’s rare.

The answer is simple: open houses are a marketing tool, and many assume “marketing” doesn’t apply to public schools. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

In past decades, public schools didn’t feel the need to market themselves because communities were filled with families who inherently trusted their local schools. However, times have changed. As this Forbes article points out, many school districts are seeing fewer households with children, which means they now need marketing to stay relevant and demonstrate their value.

It’s time for public schools to embrace marketing, just as private schools and colleges have. Here’s how marketing can play a vital role in your school district’s communication strategy.

It’s time for public schools to embrace marketing, just as private schools and colleges have. Here’s how marketing can play a vital role in your school district’s communication strategy.

Why Public Schools Need Marketing

Marketing isn’t just for the private sector. Public schools face competition from private institutions, charter schools, and even other public schools through open enrollment and school choice programs. It’s time to shift the mindset: public schools need marketing just as much as private schools to highlight their strengths and attract students, staff, and community support.

Here’s how marketing can benefit your district:

Building Your School’s Brand

Marketing helps public schools develop a clear and cohesive brand. Your school’s brand isn’t limited to a logo; it encompasses everything from your website and social media presence to the way your buildings and staff present themselves. A consistent and well-communicated brand builds trust and recognition within the community. Hosting events like open houses plays a crucial role in solidifying that brand and engaging stakeholders.

Boosting Campaigns

Public schools are no strangers to campaigning when it comes to raising funds, whether it’s through tax levies or school-specific programs. Marketing techniques can enhance these efforts, helping to reach broader audiences, communicate more effectively, and encourage community support for fundraising initiatives.

Recruiting Students, Staff, and Volunteers

In an era of school choice, marketing helps public schools compete for students—and with state funding tied to enrollment numbers, every student counts. Effective marketing also extends beyond students. It can improve staff recruitment and attract dedicated volunteers by showcasing a modern, forward-thinking district.

Five Key Tips for Marketing Your School District

To successfully market your district, follow these five tips:

1. Identify Your Audience

You can’t market effectively without knowing who you’re targeting. Start by collecting demographic information on your district’s parents, families, and community members. Beyond basic data, survey your existing families to gather personal insights. Use this profile to guide your marketing efforts, ensuring you’re focusing on the right messages for your key audiences.

2. Organize Design Assets

Your design assets—logos, brochures, newsletters, videos, and more—are essential to your marketing efforts. These materials need to be visually consistent to reinforce your brand. If your district’s materials are outdated or lack uniformity, consider hiring a designer to create cohesive assets that represent your school’s image across all platforms.

3. Conduct a Brand Survey

Before moving forward with your marketing strategy, you need to understand where your brand stands. Conduct a brand survey to gauge how your community perceives your district compared to private or charter schools in the area. You can use services like SurveyMonkey to collect data, or hire a marketing firm for a more in-depth analysis. This feedback will help you address any weaknesses and adjust your brand accordingly.

4. Participate in Community Events

Establishing a presence at community events is an excellent way to increase visibility and connect with local families. Partner with local businesses, arts institutions, and civic organizations to tap into new networks. Hosting your own events, such as open houses, is equally important. Schedule open houses at least three times a year, avoiding conflicts with other community activities, to give people a chance to experience what your school has to offer firsthand.

5. Try New Marketing Strategies

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Traditional marketing outlets, such as newsletters and printed materials, still work, but you should also experiment with digital channels. Email newsletters, social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, and even targeted ads through tools like Facebook marketing can help expand your reach. Highlight your school’s achievements, profile standout staff, and showcase student success stories to humanize your marketing efforts.

It’s Time for Districts to Think Like Marketers

Public schools must start thinking like marketers. Healthy competition exists in education, and schools must actively inform their communities about the quality of education they provide. Communications directors can take the lead by developing a simple, effective marketing plan that includes identifying audiences, creating cohesive designs, conducting brand surveys, and hosting events.

A school district logo is more than just a symbol or a decorative element on building entrances—it embodies the values, principles, and aspirations that the district represents. A logo isn’t just something a district owns; it’s a reflection of how the community perceives it. Effective branding is about shaping that perception.

The history of branding dates back thousands of years, to a time when potters would etch marks into their work to distinguish their craft. Over time, these marks became associated with the quality of the product, evolving into the concept of branding as we know it today. For school districts, this represents an opportunity to create logos that accurately reflect their quality, values, and identity.

Unfortunately, many districts fall short in this area. While districts often excel in their achievements and vision, their logos can fail to communicate that excellence. High school logo contests, while educational, don’t always produce the professional, visually compelling logos that effectively represent a district.

A poorly designed logo can disconnect what the district stands for and how it’s perceived. A logo is an asset to the district and, when done right, has the potential to elevate its image and brand. Learn more about branding and communications for schools.

Why a School Logo Must Adapt to Multiple Platforms

In today’s digital age, it’s crucial for a logo to be versatile across various platforms. Whether it’s printed on newsletters, displayed on the district’s website, or used across social media, the logo must remain sharp, consistent, and recognizable. A well-designed logo ensures brand continuity, no matter where it appears. Discover how Smore helps schools maintain a consistent brand.

Educators don’t always have access to top designers, but understanding the principles of great logo design can help guide the process. Here are five key considerations for creating a great school district logo:

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1. Keep It Simple

Simplicity is critical for easy recognition and recall. A complex logo can confuse viewers and be difficult to remember. The more straightforward the logo, the easier it is to reproduce and scale—key factors for both branding and practical usage. For example, the Apple logo is a simple design that speaks volumes and is instantly recognizable.

A simple logo ensures versatility. Whether it’s displayed on your website or embroidered on staff uniforms, a clean design transfers seamlessly across all mediums. 

2. Make It Memorable

Your district’s name may be well-known, but your logo needs to be visually distinctive. It should stand out and be easily recognized amidst the clutter of information. To make your logo memorable, choose symbols and colors that reflect your district’s values. For example, green might symbolize growth, while yellow can represent academic excellence.

A harmonious blend of shapes, colors, and typefaces can create a lasting impression, allowing your audience to connect with your school at a glance.

3. Tell Your Story

A logo should visually communicate the story of your school district—whether it’s a commitment to academic excellence, community involvement, or student achievement. For instance, if your district prioritizes fostering development, a logo featuring hands holding one another can tell that story. If your focus is on success, a symbol like a star might resonate.

Start by establishing a clear goal for your logo design and gather feedback from stakeholders to ensure the design aligns with your district’s mission. 

Pro Tip: Conduct surveys to capture community input on what your logo should convey. 

4. Use Minimal Colors

When designing a logo, using 2-3 colors typically delivers the most impact while maintaining a professional appearance. However, some districts effectively use more colors to represent diversity or other values central to their mission.

Consider these factors when choosing colors:

• Simplicity: A logo with fewer colors is easier to recognize.
• Professionalism: Too many colors can clutter the design.
• Symbolism: Colors should reflect your district’s identity.
• Cost and Reproduction: Multiple colors can increase printing costs and complexity.
• Versatility: Ensure your logo works well in both color and black-and-white formats.

A thoughtful color scheme can enhance your logo’s message while ensuring practical use across various platforms.

5. Make It Timeless

Your district logo should stand the test of time. Avoid using trendy design elements that may become outdated. Instead, focus on creating a logo that communicates enduring values, such as education, growth, and community.

To achieve this:

• Avoid time-specific symbols, like buildings that may become outdated.
• Focus on universal themes that align with your district’s mission.
• Ensure the logo appeals to all demographics within your community.

If your district has an older logo, consider whether it needs a complete overhaul or just a subtle update. Many organizations refresh their logos to stay relevant without losing their core identity. For example, John Deere has modernized its logo over time while retaining its iconic elements. Read how modernizing your school’s brand can boost community engagement.

Conclusion

Designing an effective school logo is a delicate balance between creativity and practical design principles. It’s important to stay critical throughout the process—avoid overly elaborate designs that look flashy but fail to capture the essence of your school. A logo should be simple, timeless, and memorable, serving as an accurate reflection of your district’s values and story.

By investing in a logo that’s visually appealing and adaptable, your district can strengthen its brand identity and connect more effectively with students, families, and the community. Remember, a great logo communicates volumes about your institution at a glance and stands as a lasting symbol of your district’s mission and achievements.

Struggling to increase the reach of your school’s social media posts? Frustrated that only about 10% of your followers see your content? What are the key ingredients for crafting top-performing Facebook posts for schools?

Facebook’s ever-changing algorithm can be tricky to navigate. It prioritizes posts based on likes, comments, and shares—or overall “engagement.” While no one can predict exactly which post will generate the most engagement, we can learn a lot by analyzing high-performing posts from the past.

In this article, we’ll examine ten standout posts from various school districts. By reviewing the engagement statistics—or “scorecards”—of each post, we’ll break down why they were so successful. These examples will offer insights and inspiration for applying similar strategies to boost your own school district’s social media performance.

1. New Principal Selfie

https://on.fb.me/1W4dB5n
Reach: 9,920
Likes: 323
Comments: 67
Shares: 13

Magic Formula explained:

• The power of a #selfie. It really is magic! It’s up close and personal. Social media watchers relate well to these photos. Mr. Schmidt also made sure to capture the Cameron Middle School sign in the background. This is genius, considering his new role as middle school principal.
• A heartfelt letter cannot be beat. Usually, the shorter the written post, the better. But in this case, Mr. Schmidt opens himself up from the personal and professional side. He also explains his open door policy, which is a great extension of accessibility to the community.
• He’s a great teacher. He has obviously made a huge impression over the years, which is why he received so many comments like this one:

“Mr. Schmidt was my fourth grade teacher about 8 years ago. He was one of my favorites and was full of energy and passion. If we luck, he’d even do flips off of the desks. I’m sure he’ll be a wonderful addition. ”

Note: the statistics that can be viewed by the administrator of the page differ than those seen on the actual post by others. For instance, this post had 294 likes on the original post and another 29 on the post after it was shared. There were 59 comments on the original post, but another 8 on the shared posts.

2. Video to Support an Ill Student

https://on.fb.me/1QiKTdn
Reach: 7,488
Likes: 199
Comments: 36
Shares: 66

Magic Formula explained:

• Cancer has unfortunately touched so many of our lives. This issue is relatable on many levels so it was easy for people to hit the like and share button on this video tribute. Many fans also made comments like: “I’m so proud to be part of such an awesome community. My family is thinking of you, Carter!!”
• The Frederic school district put a lot of effort into creating this video for Carter. Absolutely everyone was involved, from the middle school football team to the janitors to the elementary students to the high school volleyball team. The quick-moving video scenes were entertaining to watch and made the viewer want to stay tuned to see what else these creative students put together.
• “Keep Your Head Up” by Andy Grammer, provides the perfect music to background this video. When you can find lyrics that relate well to the topic at hand, it is key. And you’ll notice that this video included sound bites, but the music continued as background throughout. This is a great way to involve the audience.

3. Bedtime Chart

http://on.fb.me/1W4esTM
Reach: 7,279
Likes: 82
Comments: 53
Shares: 56

Magic Formula explained:

• This informative post was shared on the school page right before school was to start. It has nothing to do with the school itself, but pertains to students everywhere, which is probably why it got 56 shares.
• The easy to follow chart is one that families can show their kids to justify bed times. Perfect! They are not the “bad guy” when it comes to putting their children to bed on time. This specific post did strike up some controversy, with some parents saying it was unrealistic to follow. It is up to your followers on whether they want to put information to use in their own home.

Quick Tip: The information and photos that you share on your school page don’t all need to be original content. Share an article that talks about homework advice for parents. Encourage followers to check out the latest video explaining how math is being taught the “new way.” Being a source of good information that relates to students and your school is a meaningful way to keep students and parents tuning in to your Facebook page.

4. Teacher’s 42nd First Day

http://on.fb.me/1Lj0M48
Reach: 6,221
Likes: 442
Comments: 47
Shares: 7

Magic Formula explained:

• Visual content is king and this photo tells the complete story because the teacher is holding the small sign. If the post creator would have just typed the 42 years in the post text, it would not have had the reach it did. The text here is typed and printed. This is one approach, but others can work. You can hold a handwritten note. There are also tons of apps out there like Word Swag and Phonto that allow you to put text on your photos after you’ve taken them. It allows you to be creative but only takes a few minutes to do right from your mobile device.
• This story just screams for people to interact and respond. The numerous comments helped get this in front of people all over the country. Whether past students had her for a teacher or someone was just shouting out “congrats,” it was a compelling reason to take the time to type a response.
• The text in the post was kept to just five words. Great advice for most posts. And one of those words they chose to use was the school hashtag #ColfaxPride. We hope you have already established one for your school, but if not, get some great inspiration from these 10 cool hashtags other schools are using.

5. Addressing a Community Tragedy

https://on.fb.me/1LiWpG9
Reach: 5,322
Likes: 117
Comments: 15
Shares: 32

Magic Formula explained:

• Facing a tragedy like suicide in a school is not easy. It is not the kind of news we ever want to share on Facebook, but yet it needs to be addressed by the school. The professionalism in the post and the sincerity behind it reflect how deeply the school cares.
• Usually photos are needed with social media. At times like these, they are not. The short post was shared over 30 times, as people were moved get the word out. Wouldn’t it be great if all of the positive messages we put out there were shared as often?
• News like this calls for many to comment. The one noteworthy post was from a nearby small school, who posted: “The Clayton School District sends our sincere sympathy to the entire New Auburn community. You are in our thoughts and prayers!”

6. Elementary Homecoming Tunnel

https://on.fb.me/1FiJSBv
Reach: 5,100
Likes 200
Comments: 25
Shares: 19

Magic Formula explained:

• Many students were involved in the 21 photos that were used for this one post. That alone will get many of your fans to tap on the post to look for photos of kids they may know. In events where you have numerous photos, don’t be afraid to post a bunch!
• The excitement on the students’ faces says so much. I think each person browsing through Facebook smiled as they looked at this post, thinking of how cool this might have been for them when they were elementary school. Capturing true emotion with photos is a great way to earn likes.
• This was another event that attracted comments like this one: “What a great group of young men! This is such a huge deal for the kids.” And another, “We have such a great group of kids and teachers! I love this school and their school spirit!!!”

7. Middle School Dance Party

http://on.fb.me/1QIpxGX
Reach: 4,443
Likes: 121
Comments: 16
Shares: 11

Magic Formula explained:

• This video was uploaded directly to Facebook. While uploading to YouTube and sharing the link on other social media channels has been the traditional route, Facebook gives significant priority to videos that are native to its platform. When possible, I strongly encourage you to directly post videos to Facebook. You can always add them to your YouTube channel as well, but the direct post will garner a bigger reach.
• Nearly every student in the middle school was shown in this video. Including a large number of students helps encourage more people to watch to see if they, their child, their grandchild, their neighbor, or someone else they know is in the video.
• The music to which the students were dancing is the newest dance craze! How neat to be able to dance and go to school. I know I need to watch a few more times so that I can learn it, and then try to impress my girls when I show that Mom knows how to do it.

8. Special Announcement

http://on.fb.me/1NFAxXq
Reach: 2,917
Likes: 95
Comments: 14
Shares: 37

Magic Formula explained:

• The written post did not give away the message. People had to watch the video to find out what it was. Curiosity helps! Get creative with your short messages and video links.
• Great job to the principal f or choosing video content! He could have written a post announcing the same message, but instead he took the short 16 seconds of time to put it out as a video. As I stated above, if this school had directly uploaded it into Facebook instead of going through YouTube, they would have reached even more people.
• Good news travels fast! This is going to save a LOT of money for students (and by this I truly mean parents, of course). It also helps encourage team spirit. More students will attend the athletic events.

9. Football Angel Photo

http://on.fb.me/1QiJZNS

Reach: 2,313
Likes: 166
Comments: 17
Shares: 14

Magic Formula explained:

• If you’ve seen the movie Angels in the Outfield, you’ll so get this. This image is so cool! It truly does look like an angel over the football field. If you can photograph things in nature like this, the posts do well on social media. Make sure to watch what is spelled out in your cereal or what images show up on your toast as well; you never know when it could be your school mascot.
• A parent actually shared this image on their personal Facebook page and used the school hashtag #GoFrederic. You have hundreds of “reporters” out there with the ability to capture cool photos involving your school if you encourage the use of the hashtag.
• The simple and short description for the post helped, along with the statement, “Hope it’s a good sign.” These simple words welcome people to hit the like button. It’s as if they are saying, “me too!”

10. #ThrowbackThursday

http://on.fb.me/1KoC90N
Reach: 2,130
Likes: 40
Comments: 35
Shares: 3

Magic Formula explained:

• #TBT or #ThrowbackThursday is always a big one for the school districts I work with. Each Thursday morning at 6 a.m. we share a photo or two from one of the yearbooks. This gets the alumni involved and current students love to see them as well.
• We asked a question, “What year was it?” It’s easy to answer, and look how many people ended up commenting! Make sure you throw in questions on your posts. This helps encourage the participation from your followers.
• The photo here clearly shows so many faces! How many can you count? People are likely to comment when they recognize someone.

The Magic Formula for Facebook Posts

There you have it. Ten posts that have each reached thousands of people. Common threads among these posts are great visuals, short descriptions, native videos and a motivating reason to comment. Keep these ingredients in mind as you go out to tell the story of your school this week.

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For more information on planning and managing your school social media, check out the School Social Media Guide.