Did you know that 58% of prospective students use social media to research schools? If your art school isn’t leveraging these platforms, you could be missing out on attracting the next generation of artists.
Social media isn’t just for influencers or big brands. It’s an incredibly powerful tool for art schools to connect with prospective students and their families. Whether you're looking to boost enrollments, expand your reach, or establish a stronger online presence, social media can help you achieve these goals.
According to a study by Higher Education Social Media Benchmarks, 58% of college students rely on social media to research schools. What's even more surprising? 41% of school officials attribute increased enrollment to their social media strategy.
With millions of students and parents spending hours on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, these channels provide a unique opportunity to showcase your school’s creative community and the incredible educational journey you offer.
So, how exactly can social media marketing work for your art school? Let’s break it down.
Creating engaging & authentic social media content for art school
Social media isn't about posting random pictures here and there. To attract the right audience for your school, you need a strategy in place. Plan ahead with a content calendar and make sure each post is designed to capture attention and build interest. Social media thrives on engagement, and for art schools, that means creating content that speaks to both students and parents.
1. Showcase Student Art and Campus Life
Art schools have a unique advantage they can visually showcase creativity. Share high-quality images and videos of student artwork, exhibitions, and everyday campus life. These visuals resonate with prospective students and give them a taste of your school's vibrant culture.
Visual Storytelling: Share photos of student art, ongoing batches, exhibitions, and campus activities to create an authentic connection.
Live Streams and Virtual Tours: Host Q&A sessions with faculty or virtual campus tours using Instagram or Facebook Live. This allows potential students to experience your school remotely.
2. Engage Through Interactive Content
Ensure that your followers don't just hit "like" but also share their thoughts in the comments, save, or share your posts, carousels, or reels. Social media is a two-way street, so actively engage your audience by encouraging their participation.
Polls and Art Challenges: Run polls or art challenges to spark interaction. Consider offering a prize for the best submission to incentivize participation.
Student Spotlights: Highlight student projects and success stories to build emotional connections with your audience.
Social Media Marketing for Art School via building trust and fostering connections
Show them what they’re seeking. Prospective students and parents are assessing whether your art school aligns with their creative aspirations. Social media can help build trust and deepen this connection, making it stronger than ever.
1. Highlight Success Stories and Alumni Achievements
Nothing demonstrates your school’s value better than the success of its alumni. Share stories of alumni who have gone on to achieve great things in the art world.
Alumni Features: Post interviews, success stories, or projects from successful alumni, showcasing their accomplishments in galleries, studios, or teaching.
Parent Testimonials: Share authentic stories from current students and their parents, highlighting how your school has made a positive impact on their lives.
2. Promote Your Unique Programs and Offerings
Both parents and students want to know what sets your school apart. Social media is the perfect platform to highlight your specialized programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Course Highlights: Focus on your unique offerings, such as digital art, ceramics, or photography programs.
Creative Campus Resources: Showcase your art studios, workshops, and galleries. Use virtual tours or videos to give prospective students a sense of the inspiring environment they’ll be immersed in.
Turning followers into students
When you inspire and motivate their creative spirit, you’re not just gaining their likes, you’re showcasing the journey, the results, and the roadmap they want to follow, both online and offline. This is where social media marketing works its magic, transforming engaged followers into enrolled students.
1. Clear Calls to Action (CTA)
Every post should include a clear CTA, guiding prospective students and parents to take the next step. Whether it’s scheduling a campus tour or filling out an application, your CTA should always lead them to the goal.
Application Links: Include direct links to your application page or scholarship opportunities in your bio or posts.
Event Reminders: Promote upcoming open houses, portfolio reviews, and campus tours. Create event pages on Facebook and share across platforms to remind your audience of important dates.
2. Retargeting and Follow-Ups
Social media offers precise targeting options. Use retargeting ads to reconnect with people who’ve interacted with your content before. Whether they’ve visited your website or liked a post, retargeted ads can remind them about deadlines or upcoming events, keeping your school top of mind.
Why MAS Digital?
Ready to harness the power of social media marketing for your art school?
MAS Digital specializes in creating tailored digital strategies for educational institutions. We combine compelling content creation with targeted outreach to help you connect with prospective students and their families.
Reach out to MAS Digital today for a 30-minute FREE consultation, and we’ll help you craft a social media strategy that brings your school’s unique artistic community to life online.