SMC: School Marketing and Communications

In this episode, Charlie, Rita and Jose get excited for the InspirED 2020 Brilliance Awards and run through their favourite categories. In the Deep Dive segment, the team then debate how school marketers can be brave with their school brand and make steady growth and changes without fear of breaking it. In a new podcast segment Top Tips, the team share some easy and actionable steps to help improve your school marketing. This week, Charlie shares his tips on copywriting narratives to maximise engagement with prospective parents. Finally, in the Rants and Raves segment, the hosts rave (and debate) the top private school website design trends as predicted by Blackbaud. Episode Links: InspirED - 2020 Brilliance Awards https://www.inspiredsm.com/2020-brilliance-awards Marketing Mag - How to be brave without breaking your brand https://www.marketingmag.com.au/hubs-c/opinion-how-to-be-brave-without-breaking-your-brand Wylie Communications – To reach readers, avoid writing in the first person https://www.wyliecomm.com/2019/08/writing-in-first-person/ Blackbaud – What are the Top Private School Website Design Trends for 2020? https://k12hub.blackbaud.com/blog/what-are-the-top-private-school-website-design-trends-for-2020

In this episode, Charlie and Rita discuss the 2020 Social Media Statistics produced by #SMPerth. In the Deep Dive segment, the team address how schools should be addressing building their brand through a pandemic and whether they should be advertising. Finally, in the Rants and Raves segment, the hosts rave about Swinburne University of Technology’s creative solution to remote open days with their immersive virtual open day — ‘Swintopia’.   Episode links: SMPerth – 2020 Social Media Statistics The Drum - ‘Don’t go dark’: Ex Apple and Pepsi exec John Sculley offers pandemic brand building tips Marketing Mag – University gets creative with virtual open day Social Media Survey 2020 and results from 2019 and 2018

In this episode, Charlie, Rita and Jose discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in creative solutions and content from school marketers. In the Deep Dive segment, the team are joined by imageseven team member Cas as they discuss why school marketers should get involved with the planning of their school’s arts events and how they can ultimately nurture leads through the process. Finally, in the Rants and Raves segment the hosts rave about the fantastic Instagram resources currently available from friend of the show — SchneiderB. Episode links: Shanghai American School — Class of 2020 Meet the Class of 1949 SchneiderB — Instagram aesthetic trend for school marketers series School Marketing and Social Media Survey 2020 and results from the 2019 and 2018 School Marketing and Social Media Surveys  

In this episode, Charlie, Rita and Jose discuss the censorship battles that the major social media networks are currently fighting. In the Deep Dive segment, they talk about Pinterest, whether school marketers should be using it and if so, how it could feature in their school’s marketing. In the Rants and Raves segment, the hosts discuss the recent closure of many community newspapers in Australia.

In this episode, Charlie, Rita and Jose discuss how best to navigate the testing times facing school marketers during the current COVID-19 pandemic. In the Deep Dive segment, they discuss virtual tours and how to execute them effectively, while in the Rants and Raves segment the hosts share some fun and easy to produce lockdown content.

In this episode, Charlie, Rita and Jose discuss how to communicate information about COVID-19 to stakeholders, and how important it is to build trust in times like these. In the Deep Dive segment, they talk about communicating with your target audience. In the Rants and Raves segment, the hosts have some fun talking about the challenges of working from home.  Children interrupt BBC News interview – BBC News https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mh4f9AYRCZY 8 tips for crushing your job while working from home, from 6 leaders who have worked remotely for years https://www.businessinsider.com.au/coronavirus-how-to-work-from-home-remote-office-be-productive-2020-3

In this episode, Charlie, Rita and Jose talk about their favourite and least favourite ads from the US Super Bowl. In the Deep Dive segment, the hosts discuss how school marketers can use the Olympic Games to support their own content. The Question of the Week focuses on what the optimum enewsletter subject line length is to maximise opens. In the Rants and Raves segment, the hosts rave about Wesley College’s back to school video. It’s that time of year, sports funs – here’s MarketingMag’s Super Bowl 2020 ad wrap https://www.marketingmag.com.au/news-c/news-super-bowl-ads-2020/ How brands can get the most out of social at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics https://www.thedrum.com/opinion/2020/01/24/how-brands-can-get-the-most-out-social-the-tokyo-2020-olympics What’s the best email subject line length? https://www.wyliecomm.com/2020/01/email-subject-line-length/ Wesley College teachers perform All By Myself in brilliant back to school video https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/offbeat/wesley-college-teachers-perform-all-by-myself-in-brilliant-back-to-school-video-ng-b881440987z

In this episode, Charlie is joined in the studio by Sebastian Wattam, Marketing and Communications Manager at Kambala School, Sydney. Charlie and Seb start by discussing the dangers of misinformation in schools in light of the Australian bushfire crisis and the role school marketers play. In the Deep Dive segment, they discuss the struggles school marketers face, and simple tips that can make school marketing more efficient and simplified. The Question of the Week looks at social media scheduling tools, and how they can be incorporated while in the Rants and Raves segment, the pair dissect Burger King’s latest media stunt, using the new film Joker to poke fun at a certain rival. Episode links:  Superstar Burnout Burger King Joker

In this episode, Charlie, Rita and Jenni discuss the recent devastating bushfires hitting Australia’s east coast and the role that school marketers play. In the Deep Dive segment, the hosts talk about how school marketers can best prepare for the start of a new year. The Question of the Week focuses on how school marketers can obtain responses from unresponsive teachers. In the Rants and Raves segment, the hosts discuss the 2019 inspirED Brilliance Awards and pick out their favourites. Episode links: Back to school — NSW Education Minister says 140 bushfire-hit sites will be safe for students https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-16/nsw-fire-affected-schools-will-be-safe-for-returning-students/11870494 Australia bushfires: towns devastated and lives lost as blazes turn the sky red https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/dec/31/australia-bushfires-towns-devastated-and-lives-lost-as-blazes-turn-the-sky-red After the inferno https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-19/australia-bushfire-carnage-from-above/11879534 Looking ahead: Your school marketing plan for the new year https://www.imageseven.com.au/school-marketing-looking-ahead-your-school-marketing-plan-for-the-new-year/ Congratulations to the 2019 InspirED Brilliance Awards winners https://www.inspiredsm.com/2019-brilliance-award-winners

In the final episode of the year, Charlie and Rita talk about the top marketing trends for 2020 – from shoppable posts, virtual and augmented reality, Google Ads and everything in-between. Stay tuned for episode 172 which will be released on 22 January 2020. Episode links: Top Marketing Trends for 2020 https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesagencycouncil/2019/10/03/top-marketing-trends-for-2020/#482d163d13d5

In this episode, Charlie, Rita and Jose talk about the perceptions of private school advertising,  internally and externally. In the Deep Dive segment, the hosts discuss the importance of creating and giving your school a soul. The Question of the Week focuses on how school marketers can overcome the challenges of the crazy end of year period. In the Rants and Raves segment, the hosts have some fun with the 2019 Social Media Dictionary, discussing new useful online terms, slang and acronyms. Episode links: Private schools splash out on advertising to lure students https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/schools-splash-out-on-advertising-to-lure-private-students-20190903-p52nkq.html Brands need more than a strategy. They need a soul https://musebycl.io/musings/brands-need-more-strategy-they-need-soul The Social Media Dictionary: 2019 Online Terms, Slang and Acronyms https://www.smperth.com/resources/the-social-media-dictionary-2019-online-terms-slang-and-acronyms/

In this episode, Charlie, Rita and Jose talk about Facebook’s new corporate rebrand for their products and services. In the Deep Dive segment, the theme of rebranding continues as the hosts explore, ‘How do you know when you need a rebrand?’ The Question of the Week focuses on the type of content school marketers should post on Instagram. In the Rants and Raves segment, the hosts discuss BrewDog’s recent controversial billboard placement in the UK and what your school can learn from it. Episode links: Facebook changes product branding to FACEBOOK https://www.bbc.com/news/business-50300142 12 signs it’s time to rebrand your business http://www.ignytebrands.com/12-signs-its-time-to-rebrand-your-business/ ASA investigates BrewDog 'Motherfu' campaign as it faces criticism for appearing near school https://www.thedrum.com/news/2019/11/05/asa-investigates-brewdog-motherfu-campaign-it-faces-criticism-appearing-near-school

In this episode, Charlie, Rita and Jose talk about diversity and unconscious stereotyping in photoshoots, and how to avoid unconscious biases. The hosts are joined by imageseven’s copywriting expert, Jenni, who discusses how to master creative writing for schools. The Question of the Week focuses on how to reach your target audience in an era of information overload. In the Rants and Raves segment, the hosts discuss how schools can leverage strong brand assets, using McDonald’s blurry billboard ads as an example. Episode links:  Fair-haired girls to the fore in 'colour-coded school marketing https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/fair-haired-girls-to-the-fore-in-colour-coded-school-marketing-20191001-p52wo7.html McDonald's proves its brand strength with blurry ads https://www.creativebloq.com/news/mcdonalds-proves-its-brand-strength-with-blurry-ads  

In this episode, Charlie, Rita and Jose talk about Facebook’s decision to hide ‘likes’ and the science and reasoning behind it. In the Deep Dive segment, the hosts discuss TikTok and what school marketers need to know about this growing platform. The Question of the Week focuses on the difference between search volume and search traffic. In the Rants and Raves segment, the hosts discuss the recent battle between Vegemite and Marmite. Episode links: Facebook says it is testing removing the number of likes on posts so the platform doesn't 'feel like a competition' https://www.businessinsider.com.au/facebook-likes-remove-competition-2019-9 Headspace survey reveals social media the driving factor that leads to poor mental health in our children https://www.thecourier.com.au/story/6426309/social-media-leading-to-more-mental-ill-health-in-our-kids-headspace/ The science behind hiding likes on Facebook https://www.adnews.com.au/news/the-science-behind-hiding-likes-on-facebook#V8dttSsKKVe6VoOj.99 Mental Health Month shines light on student wellbeing https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/mental-health-month-shines-light-on-student-wellbeing/267114 Irreverent video-sharing app TikTok is quietly ramping up in Australia https://www.adnews.com.au/news/irreverent-video-sharing-app-tiktok-is-quietly-ramping-up-in-australia#RAiQXjp2p3CGeljY.99 What’s making TikTok tick? https://wearesocial.com/au/blog/2019/06/whats-making-tiktok-tick TikTok revenue and usage Statistics (2019) https://www.businessofapps.com/data/tik-tok-statistics/ Is TikTok safe for kids? https://thecybersafetylady.com.au/2019/02/is-tiktok-safe-for-kids/ The battle between Vegemite and Marmite thickens https://www.adnews.com.au/news/the-battle-between-vegemite-and-marmite-thickens#b3Jk2ifykkmstT1S.99

In this episode, Charlie, Rita and Jose talk about the impact of UK travel brand Thomas Cook entering administration, reminding school marketers of the importance of keeping a brand identity. In the Deep Dive, the hosts have a conversation about cybersecurity and how to appropriately navigate this new digital world. In the Question of the Week, they discuss the key factors to consider when choosing a CMS for your school’s new website as well as the pros and cons of each platform. In the Rants and Raves segment, the trio explore the importance of cultural sensitivity when it comes to marketing overseas. Episode links: Thomas Cook enters compulsory liquidation as 11th-hour rescue talks fail https://www.thedrum.com/news/2019/09/23/thomas-cook-enters-compulsory-liquidation-11th-hour-rescue-talks-fail Melbourne Catholic girls school Presentation College Windsor to close in 2020 https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-07-30/presentation-college-windsor-catholic-girls-school-to-close/11364188 The Great Hack | Official Trailer | Netflix https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iX8GxLP1FHo TikTok: Record fine for video sharing app over children's data https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-47396767 FTC ruling sees Musical.ly (TikTok) fined $5.7M for violating children’s privacy law, app updated with age gate https://techcrunch.com/2019/02/27/musical-ly-tiktok-fined-5-7m-by-ftc-for-violating-childrens-privacy-laws-will-update-app-with-age-gate/ The Hunting review – an electrically uncomfortable sexual minefield navigated with nuance https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/aug/01/the-hunting-review-an-electrically-uncomfortable-sexual-minefield-navigated-with-nuance Importance of social media policies [podcast] https://www.imageseven.com.au/school-marketing-importance-of-social-media-policies-podcast/ Best CMS of 2019 https://www.techradar.com/au/news/best-cms-of-2018 Cultural sensitivity: How to market your brand to other cultures https://www.translatemedia.com/translation-blog/cultural-sensitivity-market-brand-cultures/

In this episode, Charlie, Rita and Jose talk about R U OK? Day and the role school marketers play in promoting mental health conversations in schools. In the Deep Dive segment, the hosts discuss effective use of shopalites and shopalives, and how to generate and execute creative ideas. In the Rants and Raves segment, the group have a conversation about generational marketing and why school marketers need to be in touch with their target demographic. Episode links: R U OK? Day https://www.ruok.org.au/education 10 brands using digital to create great in-store experiences https://www.cmo.com.au/article/600758/10-brands-using-tech-create-great-in-store-experiences/ oOh! unveils interactive retail screens with sensory features https://www.cmo.com.au/article/586174/ooh-unveils-interactive-retail-screens-sensory-features/ In Russia, 30 squats will get you a train ticket https://www.wired.com/2013/11/squats-train-ticket/ Gen Zers vs. Millennials: How and why brands must know the difference https://jingdaily.com/gen-zers-vs-millennials-how-and-why-brands-must-know-the-difference/ The ultimate guide to marketing to Gen Z https://www.campaignmonitor.com/resources/infographics/the-ultimate-guide-to-marketing-to-gen-z/  Ikea just made the most boring preroll ads, yet they’re totally mesmerizing https://www.adweek.com/creativity/ikea-just-made-the-most-boring-preroll-ads-yet-theyre-totally-mesmerizing/ Fight for territory (Steinlager and Guinness case) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeJwEp66Wno Episode 149 - Importance of social media policies [podcast] https://www.imageseven.com.au/school-marketing-importance-of-social-media-policies-podcast/

In this episode, Charlie and Rita are joined by imageseven’s multimedia specialist, Jose, as they talk about the 2019 Brilliance Awards, coordinated by InspirED School Marketers, and the qualities they’re looking for in this year’s submissions. In the Deep Dive segment, the group discuss how school marketers can create their own enewsletter and suggest best practices for communicating to their school community. In the Rants and Raves segment, they rave about the importance of collaboration between departments in an organisation. Episode links: 2019 Brilliance Awards https://www.inspiredsm.com/2019-brilliance-awards 52 mobile vs desktop usage statistics for 2019 https://techjury.net/stats-about/mobile-vs-desktop-usage/ Where is the mobile vs desktop story going? https://www.perficientdigital.com/insights/our-research/mobile-vs-desktop-usage-study Why silos are the enemy of effective marketing https://www.marketingweek.com/silos-enemy-effective-marketing/ School Marketing and Social Media Survey 2019 https://www.imageseven.com.au/survey/

In this special episode, Charlie and Rita are joined by former SMC host Scully and Brendan Schneider from SchneiderB Media as they discuss the findings of the 2019 School Marketing and Social Media Survey. With over 350 respondents from 19 countries around the world, the survey highlights the state of social media in the world of school marketing. The group discuss how Instagram is encroaching on Facebook’s dominance, the challenges school marketers face, the importance of video and social media predictions for 2020. Episode links: TikTok was bigger than Instagram last year after passing the 1 billion download mark https://www.businessinsider.com.au/tiktok-hit-1-billion-downloads-surpassing-instagram-in-2018-2019-2?r=US&IR=T

In this episode, Charlie and Rita talk about Facebook transparency tools and what this means for schools. In the Deep Dive, Charlie is joined by Brad Entwistle and Greg and Anthony Campitelli from Enquiry Tracker to discuss how schools can improve their lead nurturing. And in the Rants and Raves segment, Charlie and Rita discuss how fast-changing consumer environments can affect schools’ marketing planning.   Episode links:  Facebook expands transparency tools – who’s targeting you and what they know https://www.marketingmag.com.au/news-c/news-facebook-transparency-update/ EnquiryTracker http://enquirytracker.net/ Coles Little Shop is one of the greatest retail marketing campaigns of all time https://mumbrella.com.au/coles-little-shop-is-one-of-the-greatest-retail-marketing-campaigns-of-all-time-540100 Coles Little Shop campaign faces a plastic waste petition https://www.adnews.com.au/news/coles-little-shop-campaign-faces-a-plastic-waste-petition#S2VbtZ8V6q66TMKv.99

In this episode, Charlie and Rita are joined by Clare Ravasini from the imageseven team. Charlie and Rita discuss the news that Instagram is hiding likes and how this will affect school marketers. In the Deep Dive segment, they discuss leveraging and marketing your school’s extracurricular strengths to attract enrolments. In the Question of the Week, Charlie, Rita and Clare discuss experiential marketing and activations and how to leverage them for your school. In the Rants and Raves segment, the hosts share their thoughts on social media and mental health. Episode links: Instagram will soon begin hiding the number of likes on posts https://www.imageseven.com.au/how-to-choose-a-printing-supplier-podcast/ Instagram is now hiding the number of 'likes' on posts for all Australian users https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/instagram-hiding-likes/11318748?fbclid=IwAR3RmiqolI6qF89OK4W1MOIyFcJUAiPk_QuG__bT8rJDjYksjqSLcNxxTcw Good riddance to Instagram likes: Now brands can focus on real marketing https://mumbrella.com.au/good-riddance-to-instagram-likes-now-brands-can-focus-on-real-marketing-589727 Visit SCAD using virtual reality https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBCAbxbpTm4&feature=youtu.be Social media and mental health: 6 survival tips for social media managers https://blog.iconosquare.com/social-media-and-mental-health