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Author: Missy Speyrer

School Mentions in AI Search: Give the Bots What They Love for AEO/GEO

Robots interacting on LinkedIn platform with hearts and thumbs up. LLMs favor LinkedIn content and presence, creating an opportunity for school mentions in AI search when schools utilize LinkedIn strategically.

AI-powered search is changing how families discover and evaluate schools. Learn why LinkedIn activity from school leaders and faculty plays a growing role in increasing school mentions in AI search results and how consistent, authentic content can help your school be part of the conversation.

The Art of Feeder School Marketing at Private and Independent Schools

Students and teacher enjoying a foosball game together. | Accompanies a blog post by Truth Tree on feeder school marketing.

Whether it’s a primary school paving the way to a prestigious high school or a community college funneling students into a renowned university, feeder schools play a vital role in shaping educational trajectories. Behind the scenes, “feeder school marketing” involves establishing a seamless connection between two educational institutions, fostering a sense of trust and reliability […]

3 Ways to Build School Marketing and Admissions Alignment

Marketing and admissions team members meeting together to share insights from tours, conversations, and enrollment communications.

When Admissions and Marketing see different parts of the same family journey, misalignment is inevitable but not permanent. Schools that treat collaboration as a continuous story, not separate functions, reduce confusion and create stronger enrollment outcomes.

School Marketing Qualified Leads are Missing from the Funnel

Parent researching school options at café.

Families often explore schools months (or years) before taking any admissions action, which means many early-stage signals go unseen by school teams. Discover how nurturing school marketing qualified leads strengthens your funnel and improves inquiry quality.

My Hair, Your School’s Retention

A barbershop chair sits against a red background with the text "school retention" sitting on the right. lower half of the image | image accompanies a blog post by Trevor Waddington, founder and principal of Truth Tree, the digital marketing team supporting schools with data-driven marketing

What do a haircut and school retention have in common? More than you think. Read Trevor’s latest thoughts on why families who feel merely content are the ones to worry about.

Social Media KPIs: Why They Matter & Which Ones Schools Should Track

Example of a school Instagram profile to illustrate tracking social media KPIs like followers, engagement, and post activity.

Social media is a powerful tool for connecting with prospective and current school families when you tell your school’s story authentically and tap into what your audience engages with most. Learn which metrics matter most for schools, why they’re important, and how to track them to drive deeper engagement and greater enrollment success.

Is Your School Marketing the Right Features?

Megaphone sitting atop a bright cyan background with black text that reads "market the right school features" | image accompanies a blog post by Truth Tree | Truth Tree provides digital marketing strategies and solutions for schools

Are you marketing the right features? Your school’s classic selling points still matter, but they need a fresh message. Learn how to position them in your school marketing for today’s platforms and parents.

School Reviews Build Trust and Drive Enrollment

A graphic showing "school reviews" in white text above options to select 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1 star. A hand is selected 5 stars. | This image accompanies a blog post by Truth Tree on the value of school reviews and how best to get them. | Truth Tree partners with schools worldwide to champion the digital side of their school marketing efforts.

School reviews do more than offer feedback. They reinforce your story through real voices and lived experience. Explore practical tips and tactics to gather authentic reviews from families, alumni, and faculty, turning them into powerful enrollment drivers.

A School’s Guide to Budgeting for External Partners

A school marketing team maps out their budget for the upcoming school year. This image accompanies a blog post about defining priorities and goals for school marketing and communications.

As school marketing and communications roles expand, finding the right balance between in-house efforts and external partnerships is key. This guide explores how schools can strategically budget for external partners to enhance brand reputation, increase enrollment, and maximize impact.

What Schools Stand to Learn from A/B Testing Their Marketing

person holding a tablet that reads "A/B Test" in white letters on a red background with "start" sitting just beneath it | image accompanies a blog post published by Truth Tree | Truth Tree provides digital marketing strategies and solutions for schools

Schools can use A/B testing to refine their marketing strategies by comparing different elements like subject lines, CTAs, and landing page layouts. This data-driven approach helps optimize engagement, increase conversions, and eliminate guesswork in decision-making.

School Marketing Predictions for 2025

a crystal ball reading 'school marketing in 2025' surrounded by icons and graphs representing elements of the education sector | image accompanies a blog post by Truth Tree sharing predictions from education and school experts on what's to come in 2025 | Truth Tree provides digital marketing strategies and solutions for schools

Things move quickly in the world of marketing and schools don’t always have the bandwidth to keep pace. See what industry experts predict for the coming year for school marketing, admissions, and more.

Why Schools Outsource Their Digital Marketing

Caucasian woman overwhelmed by tasks holds hand up to ears and grimaces as people attempt to hand her various items: a chart, a phone, a clock, a megaphone. Each symbolizes a task or appointment. | Truth Tree partners with schools as their digital marketing partner. | Truth Tree provides digital marketing strategies and solutions for schools.

Feeling overwhelmed by school marketing? You’re not alone. Outsourcing digital marketing to a team of experts can be a game-changer for school enrollment. Discover how partnering with a team that understands both schools and marketing will grow enrollment, strengthen retention, and allow you to focus on personal interactions.

15 Effective marketing strategies for Canadian schools

Person typing on a laptop with digital icons positioned around | Image accompanies a blog post titled "15 Effective Marketing Strategies for Canadian Schools" | Truth Tree provides digital marketing strategies and solutions for schools

Want to give your Canadian school a marketing boost? This blog post is for you! We’ll dive into 15 effective strategies to help your school stand out, attract top students, and build a strong reputation. From Google Ads to social media, we’ve got you covered.

Creating and Communicating Your School’s Cybersecurity Plan

Cybersecurity threats are on the rise, particularly in education. Learn how to protect your school from cyberattacks by implementing robust security measures, educating your community, and developing a comprehensive response plan. Safeguard your school’s sensitive data and maintain trust with your families.

How to Modernize Your School’s Word-of-Mouth Marketing Strategy

A purple paper torn back with "spread the word" in black text on white paper showing from underneath. Schools need to adapt their word-of-mouth reputation and standing for the digital age. Reviews and social proof are key players for gen z and millennial parents looking for the right school. Discover ways to modernize word-of-mouth marketing in Truth Tree's latest blog on enrollment marketing.

Word-of-mouth marketing for schools is changing. Online reviews are becoming more important as gen z and millennial parents rely on them heavily. To keep up, schools should encourage reviews, partner with influencers, and leverage social media to build trust and attract new families.

Your School’s Meta Ad Visual Strategy

Ready to level up your school’s marketing game? Learn how to choose the right Meta ad format to captivate your audience. From single images to engaging videos, we’ll guide you through the pros and cons of each format and provide actionable tips to maximize your results.

8 Key Elements on Marketing, Enrollment, and Data in Independent Schools

Empty School Hallway | This Image Accompanies a Blog Post on 8 Key Insights on School Marketing, Admissions, and Enrollment | Truth Tree Blog Post

A Substack Post by Evan Harris 1. Schools Need a Predictable Marketing ModelHistorically, many independent schools haven’t needed to focus on marketing—families showed up, and classes were full. Today, the landscape has changed, and Waddington emphasizes the need for schools to adopt a consistent, predictable marketing model. “Schools really are realizing how important having a […]

School Retention Strategies for a New Academic Year

a child on his first day of kindergarten and then on his graduation day | this image accompanies a blog post on school retention strategies | Truth Tree school resource for enrollment marketing

Schools need to focus on building strong relationships and providing a positive experience from the beginning. By implementing effective communication strategies, offering helpful resources, and fostering a welcoming community, schools can significantly improve retention rates and ensure student success.

How Schools Can Stand Out in Canadian Market

scattered game pawns standing upright with 1 red pawn | image used as a featured image for a blog post covering ways schools can stand out in a competitive, Canadian market | Truth Tree knows school marketing

For private schools to thrive in Canada’s educational sector, effective marketing is essential. Highlight your school’s unique strengths, leverage digital tools, and build strong community relationships.

Enrollment Success: Unifying the Advancement Team

International team of coworkers putting colorful puzzles together | Image represents unique team members coming together with diverse skills to grow a school's enrollment

Creating a unified and efficient advancement team is crucial for any school’s success. While individual strengths and personalities are important, a team’s collective effort and shared vision are what truly drive results. By investing time in understanding team members, setting clear expectations, and cultivating a positive work culture, you can ensure your advancement team thrives.

Top Marketing Trends for Canadian Private Schools

Marketing team at stand up meeting around a table with a collaborative poster showing digital marketing tactics specific to school marketing | Truth Tree is award-winning digital marketing solutions and strategies for schools

Canadian school marketing is evolving. With the rise of AI, changes in advertising regulations, and a growing demand for private education, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest trends. This blog post explores key strategies to help your school thrive, including optimizing Google Ads, leveraging AI tools, and building strong community relationships.

A Shift in the Admissions Funnel: Inquiries Down, Applications Up

parent filling in application form with computer, pen and paper | school admissions is changing as parents do ample research ahead of time | Truth Tree is a leading digital marketing agency working exclusively with school and education companies

Missy Speyrer, Associate Director of Marketing, Truth Tree  The admissions funnel for private and independent schools seems to be changing. Gone are the days when families relied solely on brochures and open houses to learn about a school. Today’s tech-savvy parents are diving headfirst into online research more than ever. Some will even apply to a school […]

Summer Scramble: How to Enroll More Students

Light blue background with pink office supplies scattered beneath an open notebook with "School's Out for Summer" in whimsical, pink letters. There is a pink background across the bottom of the image with "but not marketing*" in white letters. This image accompanies a blog post outlining ways schools can maintain enrollment efforts throughout the summer. Truth Tree knows school marketing.

Schools should maintain enrollment efforts in summer by networking with professionals, promoting summer camps, and staying in touch with families through email and social media.

Changes in School Leadership: Highlighting Your Team’s Value

The words success, goal, strategy, teamwork, and analyze interconnected with items and images throughout. Image accompanies a blog post titled "New Leadership, New Chapter: Highlighting Your Team's Value" by Samantha Chaffin and Brian Smith. Both are Lead Partner Strategists at Truth Tree, the award-winning digital marketing agency for schools.

A new school leader can bring a fresh perspective, but it can also feel unsettling for marketing, admissions, and advancement teams. This guide provides actionable tips for effectively communicating your team’s value and expertise to new leadership.

Maximize Your School’s Digital Marketing on a Shoestring Budget

A piggy bank sits on top of a laptop computer. Blog post on ways schools can maximize digital marketing with a limited budget

“Every dollar mattered!” said a former school marketing director. Most families search for schools online, so budget-conscious schools should combine free strategies like content marketing and connecting with feeder schools with paid ads for best ROI. Even a small budget can be effective when combined with the right free methods.

Keywords: A Step-by-Step Guide for Schools

Keyword research is a crucial SEO strategy for schools. This guide covers what they are, the different types, and when to apply particular keyword types to your website and ads.

Are You Missing Out on Higher Enrollment In Preschool?

Preschool students sitting down and raising their hands with text overlay that reads: Want to increase preschool enrollment? Do this one thing! | Truth Tree knows schools. | Truth Tree knows digital marketing.

The starting age varies from school to school. Even if a school has a preschool, does that mean it starts at age 3 or 4? Or is it age 2? A survey confirmed the confusion and need for clear, concise website wording. This can help schools show up in the search process raising their chances of being candidates for consideration.

Meta Pixel for Schools: A Step-by-Step Guide

Facebook (META) Pixel and Your School

Unsure if your Meta ads are converting? Facebook (Meta) Pixel tracks website actions triggered by your ads, revealing what truly resonates with your audience. Optimize campaigns, target ideal prospects, and maximize ROI for your school. Using this step-by-step guide, set up your Pixel today!

Tips For Successful School Blogging

A School Marketer Updating the School Blog | Truth Tree Knows Digital Marketing for Schools | Truth Tree Knows School Marketing

School blogs are powerful! They can help your school get noticed, attract new students, and keep current families engaged. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to grow your school community. Start blogging today to strengthen your school’s digital footprint.

School Marketing in the Age of Voice Search: Strategies for SEO & Ads

A school marketer asks her smartphone, "How can my school use voice search for SEO and ads?"

Your school can reach more searching parents by including common voice search phrases in ad keywords and website content. By leveraging the entire search phrase, your school could secure more ad delivery and better placement in the search results. Could these shifts impact your school’s enrollment?

Organic vs. Paid Social Media Marketing: Why Your School Needs Both

Truth Tree Knows School Marketing | Social Media Marketing | Admissions Marketing | School Marketing | Enrollment Marketing

In the world of social media for schools, a balanced strategy is key. Organic content is a marathon of relationship-building that amplifies your school’s unique personality. Paid social media, on the other hand, opens doors to targeted audiences and boosts enrollment success. Discover the power of a ‘both/and’ approach, where nurturing relationships and expanding reach go hand in hand.

Google’s New SGE: How Schools Can Prepare For It In 2024

Google's New SGE: How Schools Can Prepare for It in 2024 -- Truth Tree Knows School Marketing

Google’s forthcoming Search Generative Experience (SGE) will reshape what parents see in Google searches. With AI becoming an integral part of the most common search platform, schools are faced with challenges and opportunities to keep up.

Is Reddit Marketing Right for Schools?

The Reddit app on a smartphone or tablet. This accompanies a blog post highlighting marketing opportunities for schools on the Reddit platform. Truth Tree partners with schools around the world to elevate their digital marketing.

With its unique culture and algorithm, Reddit offers a dynamic space for engaging a digital-savvy audience. Reddit’s advertising presents a cost-effective alternative to target a specific demographic. Is Reddit marketing worth it for your school?

5 Ways to Use Data in Enrollment Marketing

School marketer stands in front of bulletin board of marketing data. Text over the image reads: 5 Ways to Use Data in Enrollment Marketing.

Unlock the power of data in your enrollment marketing with the right strategy and tools. Maggie unpacks five ways to use data to direct your enrollment marketing efforts.

Identify your school’s next digital marketing move.

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