Unlock Your School’s Powerful Story
Stories have an extensive history. They’ve been part of human culture ever since the beginning of time. From oral traditions to cave paintings, humankind has always been drawn to a good story - it’s how we learn, how we connect with others, and how we leave behind a lasting legacy. And precisely this translates into telling the story of your school. Every school has a unique story worthy of shouting about, and at Interactive Schools it is our purpose to inspire you to tell yours.
What is Storytelling?
Storytelling is the act of sharing what goes on at your school on a day-to-day basis. It’s a way to amplify your brand and present your mission, vision and values. Through storytelling you prove how you live into these beliefs, rather than them being empty words listed on your website or pinned to your walls.
Why Tell Your School’s Story?
The key purpose of storytelling is to reach your target audiences effectively. In today's fast-paced digital world, storytelling is more important than ever as a means of standing out and creating a lasting impression. Communities love stories - they’re how brands build personal associations with their audiences, leading to loyalty. This in turn increases engagement, creates relationships and (eventually) drives conversions.
Consider the fashion industry, for example: every company sells clothes, but they each tell a unique story through their collections and marketing. This is exactly why consumers may choose one brand over another. It’s about building an emotional connection with your customer base, and as a result generating loyalty.
It’s the same for schools. All schools make the same promises to prospective families: they have experienced staff and offer a range of extracurricular opportunities with the aim to educate and nurture young people.
But all schools are not the same. Yes, they are all composed of similar elements - they all have buildings, students, staff and provide education and pastoral care - but the people, the individuals in the community, make each school different. There are a unique group of students who learn there, passionate teachers who are dedicated to educating them, a fantastic community which is fostered, and unique traditions everyone engages in. This is what needs and deserves to be shared. People believing in what your school can deliver can even lead to advocacy, meaning others will help to tell your story for you.
Specific stakeholder groups benefit in a variety of different ways from storytelling:
Marketing offices can easily promote the school, providing candid lenses into daily life.
Prospective families can see where their child will belong.
Prospective teachers are able to judge whether this is the right place for them.
Current parents enjoy seeing what their children are up to through regular updates.
Current teachers can celebrate their community, and the difference they make.
We call it storytelling, but what you should be doing is showing what’s going on at your school. As with any good story, the narrative should be consistent, reinforcing values you build your community on to support brand messaging. Above all, keep it authentic: share what goes on in your school straight from the scene of action - nothing has to be polished.
Overall, by sharing your school's story, you not only showcase what sets your school apart from others but also share the unique atmosphere of your community. Your story engages with your current stakeholders and connects with an audience of prospective stakeholders. Ultimately, storytelling is about creating an emotional association with your brand, leaving a memorable impression. So, whether it's through blogging, social media, or videos, start telling your unique story today to unlock your school’s powerful messaging.
What Now?
At Interactive Schools we’re #InspiringSchools to tell their story. Ensuring your school’s story is being shared effectively may require transforming your approach, but we’re here to help with that.
Please get in contact - we’d love to empower you to unlock the magic of your school, one story at a time.
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