15 Proven Daycare Advertising Ideas to Onboard 5X Parents

As a daycare or childcare centre owner, are you struggling to increase your enrolments without overspending? How do you ensure your centre stands out? In the ever-evolving landscape of child care, staying ahead in the game is not just about providing excellent services but also mastering the art of marketing them.

From crafting a high-impact childcare centre website to leveraging social media platforms like Facebook, we’ve curated 15 budget-friendly tips that have been game-changers for early childhood centres.

In this blog, we’re dishing out 15 proven tips that have helped early childhood centres just like yours boost their enrolments. And the best part? These strategies are budget-friendly! So, get ready to attract more parents to your centre without breaking the bank.

Let’s dive in and start growing those enrollment numbers!

1. Creating a high-impact childcare centre website

A well-crafted website serves as your virtual front door, offering a first impression that can significantly influence a parent’s decision. By providing clear, comprehensive, and engaging content, your website can be a powerful tool to attract new families and communicate your values and offerings. Here’s what you can include on your daycare website so that it stands out:

Introduction

Your philosophy and mission statement
Core values and educational approach
Commitment to child development and a nurturing environment

Your Centres Key Benefits

Professional Photographs: Vibrant classrooms and activities captured in high-quality images
Detailed Curriculum: Age-specific activities, learning outcomes, and developmental milestones
Reviews and Testimonials: Positive feedback from parents and impact stories

Practical Information

Operational Details:

Hours of operation, holiday schedules, and special events.
Enrolment, withdrawal, and waitlist policies
Process for joining, waitlists, and policy on withdrawals.
Health and Safety Protocols
Safety measures, sanitation practices, and emergency procedures.
Supplies and Meals Protocol
Guidelines on what parents need to provide and what is offered.

Daily Schedule:

Sample daily schedule
Overview of a typical day for children
Drop-off and pick-up procedures
Safe and efficient transition processes

Your Team and Credentials

Staff and Licensing:

Staff information
Professional bios, qualifications, and personal anecdotes.
Licensing and certification
Display of credentials and adherence to national standards

2. Essential Blog Topics for Preschool Marketing

Blogs are fantastic tools for improving your website’s SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Regularly posting relevant content that parents might be looking for online, especially using keywords related to preschool and childcare, can significantly increase your website’s visibility on search engines. Make sure that you’re including the right keywords for preschools or daycare centres – this will help search engines share your content with parents looking for your services.

Sharing expert advice and insights helps position your preschool as a knowledgeable and trustworthy authority in early childhood education. This, in turn, builds confidence among parents who are seeking the best educational environment for their children

Practical Tips for Running a Daycare Blog

Running a blog requires strategic planning and consistency. Here’s how you can effectively manage your preschool’s blog:

Content Calendar: Create a monthly or quarterly content calendar. Plan topics in advance to ensure a steady stream of posts and align them with seasonal events or educational trends.
Delegate Responsibilities: If possible, distribute the blogging responsibilities among your staff. For example, a teacher could share classroom experiences or activities, while the administrative staff could post about enrolment procedures or upcoming events.
Involve the Community: Encourage parents to contribute guest posts or share their experiences. This diversifies the content and increases engagement within your preschool community.

Blog Post Ideas to Kickstart Your Journey

To get you started, here are some blog post ideas that can resonate well with your audience:

Pros and Cons of Educational Toys for Children: Offer insights on how educational toys can impact child development, aiding parents in making informed choices.
Navigating Difficult Conversations with Children: Guide parents on how to approach sensitive topics with their young ones.
Preparing Your Child for a New Sibling: Share tips and strategies to help families ease this transition for their child.
Quick and Healthy Snack Ideas for Toddlers: Share nutritious and easy-to-make snack recipes for young children.
Innovative Outdoor Activities for Preschoolers: Explore creative and engaging outdoor activities that promote physical and cognitive development in preschoolers.
Effective Parent-Teacher Communication Strategies: Discuss the importance of building strong relationships between parents and teachers, and how to effectively communicate for the child’s benefit.

7. The Importance of Routine for Early Childhood Development: Explain how establishing a routine can positively impact a child’s emotional and cognitive growth.

8. Integrating Technology in Early Childhood Education: Delve into the benefits and challenges of using technology as a tool for learning in early childhood settings.

9. Creating Inclusive Environments in Preschool: Offer insights on how to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all children, including those with special needs.

10. Tips for Choosing the Right Preschool: Provide valuable advice for parents on what factors to consider when selecting a preschool for their child.

By integrating these ideas into your blog, you’ll not only enrich your content but also actively engage with your audience, ultimately driving growth and success for your preschool.

3. Leveraging Facebook and Instagram for Daycare Promotion

Daycare and preschool marketing on Facebook and Instagram can yield great returns on investment. Social media platforms enhance your visibility and play a crucial role in connecting you with your target audience.

The Importance of Social Media for Discovery

Reach: Both Facebook and Instagram boast massive user bases, offering the potential to reach a wide array of parents actively looking for daycare services.

Visual Engagement: These platforms are highly visual, allowing you to showcase your daycare’s environment, activities, and happy children through photos and videos.

Targeted Advertising: Leverage their sophisticated advertising tools to target specific demographics, like parents in your local area.

Practical Tips for Effective Social Media Marketing

Creating a Strong Profile

Ensure that your contact information is accurate and easy to find.
Include a compelling description of your daycare, highlighting unique features and your educational philosophy.

Developing a Content Strategy

Regularly post engaging content that reflects the quality of your service. This can include:

Photos and Videos: Show real-life snapshots of children engaged in activities, celebrating events, or simply enjoying their day.
Testimonials and Reviews: Share positive feedback from parents to build trust and credibility.
Educational Content: Offer valuable insights or tips related to child development and parenting.
Use a mix of post types, including stories, reels, and traditional posts, to keep your content dynamic and engaging.

Creating Clear and Actionable Calls to Action (CTAs):

Every post should have a clear purpose, whether it’s encouraging enquiries, sign-ups for open days, or simply website visits.
Use direct and encouraging language, like “Book a Tour Today” or “Learn More About Our Programs.”

Leveraging Hashtags and Trends:

Research and use trending hashtags relevant to childcare and parenting to increase your posts’ visibility.
Engage with current trends or challenges creatively to capture the interest of your audience.

Building Engagement and Interaction:

Actively respond to comments and messages to build a community feel.
Encourage user-generated content, like parents sharing their children’s experiences at your daycare.

Analytics and Adaptation:

Utilise platform analytics to understand what content performs best and adapt your strategy accordingly.
Experiment with posting times and frequencies to see what works best for your audience.

By implementing these strategies, your daycare can effectively use Facebook and Instagram not just for promotion, but also for building a supportive and engaged community around your brand.

4. Pay Per Click (PPC) Campaigns: A Shortcut to Higher Enrolments

PPC campaigns, particularly in platforms like Google Ads and Facebook, offer a direct route to increased visibility and enrolments. There are plenty of ways to leverage Facebook advertising for childcare centres. By targeting specific audiences actively searching for childcare services, PPC can significantly boost your brand recognition and bring your preschool to the forefront of potential customer’s minds. Use this link to get started with the Google ad: Google ads signup link.

Here’s a checklist of activities to conduct for a PPC campaign

Set Up Your Campaign: Start by creating an account on platforms like Google Ads or Facebook Ads Manager. Utilise any free credits offered, especially for small businesses, to kickstart your campaign.
Define Your Audience: Identify the demographics of your target market, such as location, age group of parents, and interests.
Choose Relevant Keywords: Select keywords that parents are likely to use when searching for childcare services.
Craft Compelling Ad Copy: Create engaging and informative ads that clearly state what your preschool offers.
Set a Budget: Decide on a daily or monthly budget to control your spending.
Monitor and Adjust: Regularly review your campaign’s performance and make adjustments to improve results.

5. Effective Email Marketing Techniques for Childcare Centre's

Email marketing allows you to directly communicate with parents who may be interested but not yet committed to enrolling their child. It’s a personal and cost-effective way to provide detailed information, updates, and special offers that can sway their decision.

Here’s a checklist of activities to conduct for an email marketing campaign

Build Your Email List: Collect email addresses through your website, open days, or promotional events.
Segment Your Audience: Categorise your email list based on factors like interest level, child age, or engagement with previous emails.
Create Engaging Content: Design emails with a mix of informative content, updates about your centre, and special offers or discounts.
Personalise Your Emails: Use parents’ and children’s names to personalise the emails, making them more engaging.
Regular Communication: Maintain consistent communication without overwhelming the recipients.
Track and Optimise: Use email marketing tools to track open rates and engagement, and adjust your strategy accordingly.

6. Hosting Successful Online Workshops for Daycare Advertising

Online workshops are an excellent way to showcase your childcare centre expertise and engage with a wider audience. Plus, meet-and-greet sessions, whether virtual or in-person, provide an interactive platform to discuss relevant topics, demonstrate your childcare centre’s values, and directly connect with potential clients.

Consider hosting a variety of workshops that cater to different aspects of childcare and parenting. For example, you could offer a session on ‘Positive Behavior Management Techniques,’ where you discuss strategies for nurturing good behaviour in young children.

Another idea is a workshop titled ‘Early Childhood Nutrition,’ focusing on healthy eating habits for toddlers. ‘Creative Play at Home’ could be a session where you share ideas for educational and fun activities parents can do with their children.

Additionally, ‘Understanding Child Development Milestones’ would provide valuable insights for parents on what to expect at different stages of their child’s growth. Workshops like these provide practical value to parents, strengthening their connection with your childcare centre.

7. Optimizing Your Childcare Center with Google My Business

Because 97% of customers find local companies online, Google My Business (GMB) can take your daycare advertising game up a notch. It helps in attracting new clients and managing your company’s web profile and is an essential tool in your digital marketing arsenal.

Optimise Your Google My Business Listing

Make sure your GMB profile is as comprehensive as possible. Include your daycare’s name, address, phone number, operating hours, and website link. This basic information is crucial for parents searching online. Think of it as your digital business card.

Your profile description should be engaging and informative. Use this space to briefly outline what sets your daycare apart. Do you have unique educational programmes, special facilities, or a particular educational philosophy? Make it known here.

Post High-Quality Photographs

Use this opportunity to visually impress potential clients. Regularly update your GMB listing with high-quality images of your facility, classrooms, outdoor play areas, and any special equipment or amenities. Include photos of daily activities, special events, and celebrations. This not only gives a real-life glimpse into your environment but also showcases your centre’s vibrant community

Engage with Reviews

Actively respond to all reviews, both positive and negative. This shows that you value feedback and are committed to maintaining high standards. If there are any negative reviews, address them professionally and constructively. Offer to resolve issues offline if necessary. This demonstrates your dedication to parent satisfaction.

Utilise the Q&A Feature

Monitor and actively participate in the Q&A section of your GMB listing. This is an excellent opportunity to engage with potential clients by answering their queries promptly and thoroughly. You can also post and answer common questions yourself. This proactive approach can provide valuable information to parents even before they ask.

Keep Information Up to Date

Frequently review and update your listing to ensure all information is current. This includes any changes in operating hours, contact details, or services offered. If you’ve made any improvements or changes to your facilities or programmes, update your GMB listing to reflect these. This keeps your profile fresh and relevant.

8. Boosting Preschool Enrolment through Referral Programs

Referrals take advantage of strong social relationships and can assist parents in swiftly sorting among childcare choices. If a parent enrolls their child in your preschool as a result of a customer reference, they are far more likely to tell others in the industry about their excellent experience.

Steps to Implement Effective Referral Programs:

Develop a Referral Strategy: Create a structured referral program with clear incentives for both the referring parent and the new student. This could be a discount on tuition, special gifts, or exclusive privileges.
Promote the Program: Actively promote your referral program through newsletters, parent meetings, and on your website. Make sure parents are aware of the program and how they can participate.
Track and Analyze: Keep track of referrals to understand which incentives are most effective and to acknowledge the contributing parents.
Collect and Share Testimonials: With permission, gather and share stories from parents who have benefited from your services. These testimonials can be powerful endorsements on your website and social media platforms.

9. Creative Giveaways and Contests for Preschool Engagement

When families participate in activities like art contests or environmental projects, it helps them engage with your centre more meaningfully and enhances their eventual learning experience.

Ideas and Implementation for Contests and Giveaways:

Organise Themed Contests: Host themed contests like ‘Best Recycled Art’ or ‘Little Gardeners’ Potting Challenge’. These activities can encourage creativity and environmental awareness among children. E.g. you could also try this fun Marshmallow challenge!
Use Social Media for Wider Reach: Share the contest details and outcomes on social media platforms. This will draw more attention to your page, with tags and regular content.
Inclusivity in Recognition: Ensure every participant is acknowledged, perhaps with certificates or small gifts, to foster a sense of achievement and inclusivity.
Parental Involvement: Involve parents by encouraging them to share their child’s work or participate in family-based contests. This can strengthen the community around your preschool.

10. Crafting an Effective Press Release for Your Preschool

A well-crafted press release can be a powerful tool for daycare centre owners, serving as a bridge to the wider community and potential clients. It’s an efficient way to spread the word about your centre’s achievements, events, or new initiatives. The exposure gained from a press release can enhance your centre’s reputation, increase its visibility in the local area, and attract new families.

A press release should have a factual tone and be succinct, providing the reader with the essential details of the story. If they require further information, they will contact your preschool. You give yourself a high chance of getting your preschool story through if you write in the publication’s style.

To effectively craft your preschool’s press release, start by spotlighting newsworthy achievements or events, like winning an award or launching a new program. Write clearly and professionally, detailing the ‘who, what, where, when, and why’ of your story.

Enrich your release with quotes from key figures, like the director or a teacher, and include vibrant images for added appeal. After creating your press release, send it to local newspapers, educational blogs, and community forums.

Don’t forget to follow up with these platforms to boost your chances of being featured. Lastly, keep track of where your press release is published and the reactions it garners. This feedback is invaluable for shaping your future press strategies. Keep it engaging and informative, and you’ll capture your audience’s attention!

Offline Daycare Advertising Strategies With Highest Conversion Rates

Here are 5 more daycare advertising practices to attract new families:

11. Planning Your Open House for Maximum Impact

Open house events are a terrific method to attract new families to your childcare facility or preschool. It is a powerful daycare advertising hack that allows you to meet possible new parents face to face, as well as offer information about your programme, lesson plans, and educational philosophy in a personalized manner.

12. Identifying Key Local Directories for Preschool Listings

Put yourself in the shoes of a potential parent and make a note of all the local directories that show up in the region. You can get your foot in the door using preschool marketing by becoming listed in as many directories as possible that are accessible and readily available to your target audience.

13. Designing Visually Appealing and Informative Flyers

Ensure your flyer covers a range of topics for parents, like:

Selecting the right preschool for the child: what makes you tick?
Early literacy practices
Help to pay for childcare (discounts/scholarships)
Choosing a preschool for a child with special needs

14. Creating Impactful Business Cards

Your preschool is represented through your business card. It conveys vital personal contact information and is also usually the first exposure to the childcare’s overall image. A key tool for daycare advertising, business cards will stay in vogue for the years to come if industry experts are to be believed. Make sure your card includes:

Name
Title
Email
Website
Address
Phone number

15. Strategic Placement of Banners for Your Centre

Banners are a conventional medium for daycare advertisement. You can highlight enticing price reductions using banners. Because small preschool owners want to save money on preschool marketing, banners are a preferred method of attracting the attention of parents.

Frequently Asked Questions for Childcare Centre Marketing

Q1. What do families look for in a preschool program?

Families typically seek a nurturing and safe environment for their children. Key factors include a strong curriculum that supports developmental milestones, qualified and caring staff, good communication with parents, and positive feedback from other families. Facilities that offer a blend of educational activities, play, and social development are highly valued.

Q2. How do I attract parents to my preschool?

To attract parents, ensure your preschool stands out with a strong online presence, including a well-maintained website and active social media profiles. Offer open house events, engage in community activities, and leverage word-of-mouth by current families. Showcase your unique programs, staff qualifications, and positive testimonials to build trust and interest.

Q3. What is the best way to transition to daycare?

A gradual and supportive approach works best for families that are transitioning to daycare. Start with short, increasingly longer visits to the daycare with the parent present, allowing the child to become familiar with the new environment and caregivers. Clear communication with parents about the process and progress helps ease the transition for both the child and the family.

With illumine, you can effortlessly manage your childcare centre’s administrative tasks, leaving you more time to focus on what truly matters – nurturing young minds. For centres just like yours, illumine offers an array of features including digital enrolment processes, efficient waitlist management, and much more, all tailored to make your centre’s operations seamless and effective.

Click here to book a demo of illumine today and explore how our tools can revolutionise the way you manage your centre.