A social media platform is an online service and internet-based form of communication that is focused on facilitating the building of social networks or social relations among people who share interests, activities, backgrounds, or real-life connections. Social media platforms allow users to have conversations and share or find information.
With social media, parents have a way to keep track of their children's activities and whereabouts, as well as connect with other parents. Additionally, social media provides users with news and updates. It is no surprise that parents enjoy using social media.
Why should childcare centres consider social media presence?
Social media can help childcare centres keep their brand in front of potential customers. By posting updates, photos, and events on social media, childcare centres can remind parents of their existence and what they have to offer. Moreover, social media can help build trust with parents as they see the happy faces of the children that attend the centre.
Optimizing social media may just be the thing that sets childcare centres apart from the competition and helps them attract new families.
There are more than 4½ billion social media users around the world, and the top reason for using the internet is to find information.
Photo originally published at we are social
It is expected that most parents who are busy give time during their free time to explore and find information on their social media to find great centres for their little ones, and social media can help parents find childcare centres in different ways.
Some parents use social media to search for recommendations from friends or family. Other parents may consult online reviews before making a decision about which centre to choose. Some social media platforms, such as Facebook, even have groups dedicated to helping parents find childcare.
Some childcare centres also use social media as a way to connect with potential clients. By creating and maintaining an active social media presence, childcare centres can reach out to parents who might otherwise be unaware of their services.
Childcare centres that maintain an active social media presence are more likely to be found by parents who are searching for childcare options. In addition, those same centres are more likely to be perceived as being modern and up-to-date.
Steps to help parents find your childcare centre through your social media
1. Use Relevant Hashtags
Hashtags are like keywords on social media – they help users find the content they’re looking for. When it comes to childcare centres, some of the most popular hashtags include:
2. Use Location-based Hashtags
In addition to using general hashtags, it’s also a good idea to use location-based hashtags. This will help parents specifically looking for childcare options in your area find your centre.
Nido early learning school uses location-based hashtag
3. Post Regularly
It’s important to post regularly on social media if you want parents to keep seeing your content. If you only post once in a while, there’s a good chance that your posts will get buried beneath all the other content that’s being shared.
4. Share Useful Content
When it comes to social media, content is king. Parents are more likely to engage with social media posts that offer them value, such as tips for choosing the right childcare centre or information about early childhood education.
A helpful content for parents giving the 6 tips to help parents choose the right early learning centre, posted by good start early learning
5. Use Attractive Visuals
It’s no secret that people are more likely to pay attention to content that includes attractive visuals. When creating social media posts for your childcare centre, be sure to use high-quality images and videos.
Attracting visuals used by young academics on posting to their Instagram
The strategies mentioned above will assist you in ensuring that social media is useful for parents who are looking for a childcare centre.
Step to optimise your social media profiles
1. Keep Your Profiles updated
Make sure that all of your social media profiles are up-to-date and include accurate information about your centre. This includes things like your address, contact information, website, and opening hours.
2. Respond to Reviews and Messages Promptly
If you want to build trust with potential clients, it’s important to respond promptly to any reviews or messages that you receive on social media. This shows that you care about your reputation and are willing to address any parents' concerns.
3. Monitor Your Social Media Accounts Regularly
It’s not enough to simply post on social media – you also need to monitor your accounts regularly. This means checking for new reviews and messages and keeping an eye on what other people are saying about your centre.
Social media no-nos you must be aware of
By creating and maintaining an active social media presence, childcare centres can reach out to parents who might otherwise be unaware of their services. Childcare centres that maintain an active social media presence are more likely to be found by parents who are searching for childcare options. In addition, those same centres are more likely to be perceived as being modern and up-to-date.
However, there are a few things to remember when using social media for your childcare centre. Here are three mistakes to avoid:
1. Don’t Post Sensitive Information
When it comes to social media, it’s important to remember that anything you post can be seen by anyone – including parents and potential clients. For this reason, you should avoid posting any sensitive information about your childcare centre or the children in your care. This includes things like addresses, phone numbers, and photos of the children.
2. Avoid Posting Negative Comments
It can be tempting to post negative comments about other childcare centres on social media, but resist the urge! Not only is this unprofessional, but it can also damage your reputation and make parents less likely to choose your centre.
3. Don’t Use Automated Messages
When communicating with parents on social media, it’s important to come across as genuine and personal. This means avoiding automated messages or “canned” responses. Instead, take the time to craft unique responses that address the specific concerns of each parent.
What social media platform should childcare use to post their contents
When it comes to social media, childcare centres should use a platform that is popular with parents. This way, you can be sure that your content will be seen by those who are most likely to be interested in your services.
The graph indicates the number of social media users by age. The largest amount is in the 18-24 and 35-44 age groups, and it is mostly the age of parents with kids of school age.
The data below shows the percentage of social media platforms that people use most frequently as their favourites. Facebook got the highest percentage of 27.2%, followed by Instagram with 16.2%.
Therefore, it can be said that Facebook and Instagram are the most commonly used social media platforms by people, including parents.
Conclusion
By using social media platforms that are popular with parents, childcare centres can be sure that their content will be seen by those who are most likely to be interested in their services.
Facebook is not just a great social media platform, but it's also one of the best for childcare centres to use, as it allows them to post photos and videos of the children in their care. This is a great way to show potential clients what your centre has to offer, and it can also help build trust with parents considering using your services.
Instagram is also a great platform as it offers a few key features that make it an ideal platform for childcare centres. First, it’s a visual platform, which means that you can also share photos and videos of your centre and the children in your care. This is a great way to show potential clients what your centre has to offer.
Second, Instagram offers a “stories” feature, which allows you to share content that disappears after 24 hours. This is a great way to share short updates or announcements about your centre.
If you want parents and families to find your childcare centre, to learn more about your services and facilities, that will definitely make parents love to enrol their kids, optimize your social media now and build your online presence as your winning edge against your competitors. You will see the result in the parents’ positive feedback and their loyalty to your centre.
By Shammika Munugoda
Shammika is the founder of Sproutling Media. He is a software engineer by trade turned digital marketing consultant helping chilrcare, early learning centres and daycare centres get in front of more parents, book more tours and generate more enrolments.
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