Real Stories, Real Impact: 6 Community Groups to Engage in Your International School Marketing Efforts

At IMPACT, we understand the heart of your school’s marketing lies within its vibrant community. This community is a treasure trove of stories and experiences that can powerfully impact your international school marketing efforts. To leverage this, we recommend engaging six key groups in your content creation process; this approach makes your marketing not just informative but also emotionally resonant and testimonial-based.

Community perspectives to include in content creation for international schools

The best promoters of your school are those within your existing community - so talk to them! Here are the six main groups that should be engaged in creating community-generated content for your international school marketing plan.

1. Teachers & Faculty

Your faculty is the cornerstone of your school’s educational offering. They bring a wealth of knowledge and a diverse range of experiences, both inside and outside the classroom. Encourage them to share their innovative teaching methods, research projects, and personal insights into the educational process. When they contribute content, it doesn’t just highlight their expertise - it demonstrates the supportive, engaging, and intellectually stimulating environment of your school. Faculty stories serve as a testament to your commitment to academic excellence and lifelong learning - so share their stories with pride! Not only can faculty stories drive Admissions goals, but they can also drive HR and faculty recruitment goals as well!

2. Parents

Parents play a crucial role in your school community. They are not just your audience for your marketing content but also your partners in the educational journey. Involving them in your content creation process offers a unique perspective that resonates with prospective families. By sharing their experiences and insights, from PTA meetings to family events hosted on campus, they provide an authentic glimpse into the community your school nurtures. This authentic representation of family engagement in school significantly enhances your digital marketing strategies, building trust and connection with prospective parents.

Read more about engaging your community as content creators here. 

3. Students

Students are more than just learners; they are the lifeblood of your school. Their daily experiences, from the classroom to extracurricular activities, are a wealth of stories just waiting to be shared. Encourage them to document their journey - whether it’s a science experiment, a music rehearsal, or a moment of discovery in the library. This adds authenticity and vibrancy to your international school marketing strategy and creates opportunities to celebrate their achievements and showcase your school’s dynamic community. Plus, you could inadvertently spark a student’s creative journey into photography or videography, leaving a lasting impression on their lives.

4. Alumni

Alumni are the living legacy of your school’s success. At IMPACT, we consistently see that the top-performing blog posts from our content marketing strategies for international schools are related to alumni content. Their journeys and achievements carry immense value, demonstrating the long-term impact of your educational environment. Stories from alumni, be it about their professional achievements, community involvement, or continuous learning pursuits, serve as powerful testimonials and provide current and prospective families with a window into the potential future afforded by an education from your school. Alumni stories bridge the past and present, showcasing the enduring values and success your school fosters, so share them wide and watch your engagement with prospective families grow!

5. City and local tourism offices

Collaborating with city and local tourism offices can significantly enhance your international school's digital presence. These offices can provide unique insights into the local culture, events, and amenities, enriching your community-generated content. By highlighting how your school is engaged with the local community, you can attract families looking for a holistic educational experience for their children that extends beyond the school gates. Partnerships with these offices can lead to collaborative events and activities, showcasing the school’s involvement and integration with the local culture, thereby bolstering your school's appeal to international families and your website’s engagement. Sounds like a win-win, right?

6. Event organizers and hospitality teams

Event organizers and hospitality teams play a vital role in showcasing the school’s commitment to community engagement and excellence. Featuring events, whether academic, cultural, or social, organized in collaboration with these teams can highlight the school's active role in creating a diverse and inclusive environment. This content not only showcases the vibrant life at the school but also demonstrates how the school goes beyond academics to offer a well-rounded experience. Highlighting these collaborations in your international school marketing content can further reinforce the school’s position as a community hub, attracting prospective families who value a rich, engaging educational environment.