5 Easy Ways to Get Parents to Read Your School Newsletter on Social Media

Kara Stern, Ph.D. | Director of Education Content | Smore -

☕️ Busy? Here's the TLDR:

  1. Share "read time"
  2. Quote a specific anecdote
  3. Embed a video
  4. Use bullet points
  5. Lead with the big news!

Although parents increasingly get school info via email, the average open rate for school emails is still 49%, which leaves a lot of parents in the dark. Since more than 70% of K-12 parents have smartphones, which they invariably check first thing when they wake up (and all other hours of the day!), social media can be an excellent way to ensure you reach all parents, no matter where they are.

But how you post on social is just as important as what you post.

Say goodbye to the opening phrase, “Check out." And say hello to five new strategies to hook your readers.

I've noticed almost everyone who posts their school newsletters on social media introduces it with, “Check out this week’s School News” this is fine, but it's a little vanilla. Like the opening sentence of an essay, an article, or a book, a tweet — or a post on any social media channel — has to catch the attention of its readers. Here are simple ways that you can get your newsletter the attention it deserves:

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Social media can be an excellent way to ensure you reach all parents, no matter where they are. But how you post on social is just as important as what you post.

1. Spell out the read time

Shari Dawson makes her “check this out” pop by spelling out the read time. It's an easy way to let folks know.

2.  Share an anecdote

The principal of Indian Landing Elementary hooks readers by sharing a specific anecdote from the newsletter. It's a great hook that will get folks to open your newsletter.

3. A video is worth 2,000 words

San Marcos not only gives the headlines, but embeds an eye-catching video. How can you not click that link? Go Rattlers!

4. Use Bullet Points!

Genesee Valley Central School shares a bulleted list of the important items.

5. Quote the One Big Thing

Fulton High School leads with the big news. If you read nothing else, you know what the headline news is.

The takeaway? You’re posting your newsletter on Twitter and Facebook to ensure it reaches a broader audience. Pick one of (or all!) the 5 tips we’ve shared and watch your click rates climb. 📈

Need a starter template? You can find one here. Have a Smore best practice or success story to share? Share it here. We'd love to hear from you.

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