PROLOGUE
Summer Planning for Fall Results: The July 1 Marketing Checklist
July 1st hits differently when you work at a school. New fiscal year, fresh budget, and that brief moment of calm before the fall admission cycle storm. While everyone else is on vacation, you have a golden opportunity to get ahead of the game.
Here's your July action plan to set up fall success (yes, you can actually do this):
Week 1: Foundation Check
☐ Audit last year's admission funnel - Where did families drop off? What messaging worked?
☐ Update your inquiry forms - Remove barriers, test mobile experience
☐ Refresh your elevator pitch - Can you explain your school's value in 30 seconds or less?
☐ Check Google Business listing - Are hours, photos, and contact info all current?
Week 2: Content Prep
☐ Update admission landing pages - New stats, student work, testimonials
☐ Create August social content - Back-to-school excitement, new faculty features
☐ Record quick video tours - Even phone videos work. Fresh faces, updated classrooms
Week 3: Systems Setup
☐ Review CRM/email sequences - Are inquiry follow-ups still relevant?
☐ Plan September events - Open houses, info sessions, campus tours
☐ Coordinate with the admission team - Who's doing what when school starts?
Week 4: Strategic Moves
☐ Propose fall advertising budget - Google Ads for local searches, Facebook for events
☐ Schedule Q3 measurement meeting - How will you track success?
Bonus (If You Have a Budget):
Professional photos of updated spaces
SEO audit and optimization
The Reality Check: You won't be able to do everything. Select 3-5 items that have the most significant impact on YOUR school. The goal isn't perfection—it's getting ahead of the August scramble.
Your July 1st advantage? While competitors are winging it come August, you'll be executing a plan. That's the difference between reactive and strategic marketing.
What's your #1 priority from this list?
Thanks,
Brendan
P.S. If you're reading this and thinking, "I don't have time for any of this," start by updating your Google Business listing. Sometimes the smallest wins create the biggest momentum.
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SPONSOR
Summer Planning Made Simple
While you're soaking up some summer sun, why not soak up some marketing wisdom too? School Marketing The Right Way is the perfect companion for your summer planning sessions—188 pages of practical strategies to transform your enrollment efforts before the new school year kicks off. Whether you're reading by the pool or listening during your morning walks, Brendan Schneider's proven approach will help your school stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace. Buy now on Amazon in paperback, Kindle, or audiobook format and turn your summer downtime into a competitive advantage for your school!
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