Public Relations & Marketing with a School’s Web Site

GENERATING A PRESENCE

In order to be available to parents, students, and prospective families a school needs to be present to the community at large. The Internet provides the opportunity for a school to be present to a much larger community and share its mission, image and information. This type of presence attracts new families and keeps existing families well connected to the school.

PHOTO GALLERIES

A school’s web site enables families to remain connected to all the events that take place at school without having to be present. Viewing photos of the latest events allows parents and extended family members to feel as if they haven’t missed out on their child’s experience. The number one reason people log onto the school’s web site is to view photos. Photos can remain on the site so new visitors can view numerous events of a previous year. Prospective families and students can also view the photos in order to acquire a flavor of the school and its traditions.

INFORMATION HUB

A school’s web site enables families to view information about the school that is sometimes lost, not brought home, misplaced, or just not available when a parent needs it—like at work. The school’s handbook, calendar of events, weekly newsletters and PTG updates can be easily found. This type of information is very important for our families. Prospective families also like to explore the information because they too can become quickly familiar with the flow of the school. The web site improves communication between families because information is always present to them when they need it.

FORMS

A school’s web site allows the school to post downloadable forms for parents and prospective parents to download and print without having to come to school and pick one up. Application forms, agreement forms, and school brochures are great ways to bring the school right to the home or desktop of a parent or prospective parent.

RESEARCH LINKS

A school’s web site allows the school to extend its presence to the student’s home with its archive of event photos, listing of class projects and its ability to post research links for projects. Students struggle to find useful information in a timely fashion. When students know they can log into the school’s web site, click on research and get started that is very helpful. When parents can log into the school’s web site and click on research or class projects they feel more confident on what their child is doing in a particular class. Prospective families also see that the school is actively supporting their instruction and curriculum.

COMMUNICATION

A school’s web site allows parents, students visitors to find a particular teacher, administrator, or representative and e-mail them without having to use the phone for communication.