Social media – Switch it up

When we are writing a social media strategy for our nursery clients we start off by considering the 3Ps for content:

• Positioning
• Problem solving
• Promotional.

We then divide our posts fairly equally between these sub-headings. So the kind of posts you’re looking for, for each sector are as follows:

• Positioning – these posts build trust in you as an expert. Showcase what you know about early years and the value being at your nursery brings. Why do you do certain activities? Share that it is to help children develop fine motor skills or their imagination. Flag how long you have what sets you apart.
• Problem solving – what problems can you solve for them? These posts need to solve a ‘pain point’ for a family. Maybe you are open longer hours, maybe you are located on a commute even if you’re not close to home, do you offer a more home-from-home environment that local families are struggling to find? Identify problems you have have solved for a family and use these as posts.
• Promotional – these are the more obvious posts, but promoting yourself can still be done subtly. Share testimonials – these can be from online reviews or thank you cards or perhaps a quick photo of a thoughtful gift that has been sent in. They show potential families how much your current ones appreciate you. You can also include upcoming news about open days or virtual tours. Encourage people to contact you with any questions, and assure them that no question is too silly. First time parents, especially, can sometimes be wary of asking what may seem obvious.

Varying your posts and encouraging interaction will help you reach a wider audience and allow you to position yourself as the must view nursery in your area.

Nicola Read is owner of social media management company Babbl, www.babbl.co.uk