Re: Advertising
Posted by maureen on 7/09/08
On 7/08/08, CC wrote:
> I was wondering if I please could get some advise. I am
> trying to generate some local interest in a home based
> Montessori program. What is the most effective method of
> marketing/advertising that has worked for you in the past?
> Either as a parent/potential client (where would you
> typically look for a program that meets your childs
> needs), or as a School Administrator or Montessori (home
> daycare) provider? I would be interested to hear from both
> sides if at all possible. Thanks in advance...
When I opened my first school, the local newspaper did a HUGE
half page article with three big pictures, an interview with
me and a general description of Montessori. There was not
another Montessori school in town so this was Big News back
then. LOL The lady who found out that I was opening it, was
the grandma of a future student and she pursued this article.
I have had this current school highlighted by having some of
our outstanding summer camps featured, whenever we hire a new
teacher, we send that in with a picture....whenever we have
something that can be covered that involves children and is
also a bit unusual we contact the local newspaper. These are
all free advertising. Paid ads are a waste of time! I have
also put out my extra children's books we get free from the
book clubs, put a sticker in it "Gift from your friends at
>>>>>>Montessori" and donate those at pediatrician and
dentist offices(OB GYN's would be a good one too). I also
give a book with the same to each visiting family that a
child comes along. I open my camps to the public so that has
gotten our name out. They might not enroll but often they
have referred the school to someone else.
The only paid advertising we have is in the yellow pages, our
web site and I put an ad with graphics in this little
newsletter that goes out to young parents each month. They
also send the newsletter to local doctor and dentist offices
and has back to school, summer camp and spring pre school
info addititions in it for free each year. The goal is to get
your name out and even if they don't enroll their own child,
they can often mention it to someone else or later on enroll
a later child.
We give free t shirts to our summer camp students which is
always a good investment. They love the bright colors and
wear them all the time.
I would say the majority of our initial calls come from the
phone book, internet, word of mouth referrals or by drive bys.
(we are located on a very busy road and our sign and flags
are right there, but you wouldn't have that in a home based
program.)
When I was a parent I sent my child to the Montessori school
that my friend's little boy was going to. I didn't know a
thing about Montessori and I didn't visit any other schools.
The convenience and the philosophy was all I needed.
You might speak at local clubs like Newcomers or the men's
service clubs about Montessori. If you can hook the Dad's you
will have quality enrollments! maureen
Posts on this thread, including this one
- Advertising, 7/08/08, by CC.
- Re: Advertising, 7/09/08, by Michelle.
- Re: Advertising, 7/09/08, by maureen.
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