The start of the calendar year and second semester is a perfect time to recalibrate your school’s marketing and communications strategy. Whether you’re leading a full team or balancing multiple roles as an administrator, a well-structured plan can help you achieve your goals with confidence.

To set yourself up for success, let’s divide your planning into two categories: high-level strategy and low-level logistics.

High-Level Strategy: Big-Picture Tasks to Drive Success

1. Audit Your Current Efforts
   • Review last semester’s performance—what worked and what didn’t?
   • Analyze key metrics like website traffic, email open rates, and social engagement.
2. Plan Enrollment Campaigns
   • Create campaigns that focus on your school’s unique value, especially as enrollment season approaches.
   • Include testimonials, videos, and family stories to connect with prospective families on an emotional level.
3. Align Yourself (and Your Team)
   • Clarify roles for your team or allocate specific times in your schedule for marketing priorities.
   • Use project management tools to track progress and stay organized.
4. Engage Your Community
   • Plan outreach efforts like parent coffee chats, service projects, or alumni events to foster deeper connections.
   • Highlight these events in your marketing materials and social media posts.
5. Prepare for Summer Initiatives
   • Think ahead to summer campaigns, programs, and events.
   • Start outlining strategies now to avoid last-minute rushes.

Low-Level Logistics: Tactical Items to Tackle Now

1. Refresh Your Website
   • Update your website with accurate event calendars, new testimonials, and engaging images.
   • Review key pages (like admissions and tuition) to ensure clarity and usability.
   • Pro Tip: If your website hasn’t been updated in 3–5 years, it may be time for a complete redesign. A fresh, custom-built website from Legacy Creative can transform your school’s online presence.
2. Update Visuals and Branding
   • Refresh brochures, signage, and social media graphics to align with your school’s mission and values.
   • Consider a design subscription like Legacy Design to streamline your branding updates.
3. Pre-Schedule Content
   • Draft and schedule emails, newsletters, and social posts for upcoming events.
   • Ensure messaging is consistent across all platforms.
4. Plan Open Houses and Tours
   • Create or update promotional materials for upcoming open houses.
   • Have a system in place to follow up with attendees immediately after events.
5. Optimize Communication Channels
   • Audit your email lists to ensure they are segmented and up-to-date.
   • Test new ways to engage your audience, like SMS reminders or interactive email content.

Looking Ahead: Big-Picture Projects to Consider This Summer

The summer months are a prime time to tackle transformative projects that require more time and focus. Consider these initiatives:

1. Branding Updates
   • If your school’s logo, colors, or messaging feel outdated, use the summer to refresh your branding.
2. New Website Launch
   • A modern, user-friendly website is critical for engaging current and prospective families. If your school’s website is over three years old or isn’t meeting your needs, it may be time for a custom redesign.
   • At Legacy Creative, we specialize in affordable, turnkey website solutions designed exclusively for Christian schools. Let us help you elevate your online presence.
3. Facility Enhancements
   • Update campus signage and displays to create a cohesive, professional environment.
4. Marketing and Enrollment Strategy Overhaul
   • Use the downtime to refine your long-term marketing strategy, setting yourself up for success in the fall.

Set the Stage for a Successful Year

By tackling high-level strategies and low-level logistics now, you’ll ensure your school is poised for growth in the second semester and beyond. And when summer arrives, you’ll be ready to take on those big-picture projects that make a lasting impact.

At Legacy Creative, we’re here to support you every step of the way—whether it’s designing a new website, refreshing your branding, or providing ongoing marketing support.

Let’s make this your school’s most impactful year yet.

Contact us today to get started!