Hey there, school marketers and admissions folks.

Ready to turn your school’s open event from “just another school visit” to “Wow, when can we start?”

Let’s dive in and make your open event the secret weapon you need to win over those prospective pupils and their families.

These events offer a unique opportunity for families to experience your school’s culture and educational offerings first-hand.

For many (most actually), their experience at an open event will be the deciding factor in which school they go on to choose.

Here are our top 5 ways to take your open event to the next level

1. Put your school on the digital stage: Make sure your school is shining online

This is your big day, your opportunity to generate enquiries and ultimately enrollments, your chance to well and truly knock your prospective families’ socks off.

You need to build excitement on your social platforms.

One of the ways to do this is to tease your event with countdown posts to create that all-important sense of FOMO.

You want families to share in the excitement (and sense your pride) as you get ready to open the school gates.

And don’t forget to be explicit on socials and your website with your event specifics.

Don’t assume your prospective families will know or remember dates/times/how to register.

Be consistent with your message to ensure it sinks in.

2. Unleash The WOW Factor: Engage the senses through creative and interactive sessions

Transform your open event into a memorable experience and move away from the notion that these types of events are just something you have to do.

Get your thinking cap on and brainstorm what unique features you could showcase to reflect your school’s true culture and spirit.

Think what you’re known for and make sure it’s on display for all to see, hear and feel.

Open events aren’t simply about sharing the nuts and bolts of your school with prospective families.

The experience needs to be memorable for it to make a lasting impression.

3. Everyone plays a part: Show off your strong school community

Mix up how you deliver your school’s key messages and story at your open event by engaging your whole school family.

Involving pupils, teachers and wider staff, getting them to communicate what makes your school special is pure gold.

These real and seemingly unscripted interactions (we won’t tell if you don’t) will not only highlight the close-knit nature of your school family but will also serve as a powerful form of word-of-mouth marketing.

You’ll have everyone singing your praises.

4. Emphasise the personal touch: Show families you’ve listened

Offering a personalised experience is key if you want your school to stand out from the crowd (of other schools on your families hit list).

If you can, collect data in advance to use during the event itself and your follow-up.

The level of personalisation possible will obviously depend on the scale of your event but don’t let that stunt your creativity.

Think big and then work back until you land something achievable for your school.

5. Showcase the opportunities your school offers: Show them what the future looks like

Sure, families want to understand what your school has to offer to their child now but they also want to know where it will take them in the future.

Evidence the journey their child will go on by sharing all the opportunities that await them as they move through the school.

And there you have it, some top tips to put your school’s open event firmly on the map and at the top of your visiting families’ wish list.

Remember:

• Shine online
• Incorporate a WOW
• Include your community
• Make it personal
• Evidence the journey

Ready to start generating more enquiries for your next event? 

Our 6-week online school marketing course not only helps you to do this but will also develop your skills and knowledge and contribute to your ongoing professional development.

You are sooo worth the investment.

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