Marketing Best Practices
Signage
Larger signage, like banners and yard signs, is a great way to grab attention and increase visibility for your programs. Whether displayed outside the school, in community spaces, or near high-traffic areas, effective signage can draw in families and spark interest in your program.
Before you put up your signs, be sure to check with your schools and in your community for permission. In most cases, school leaders and business owners will be happy to let you spread the word!
Banners
RAS Banners are typically 6 feet long and 3 feet tall. They’re our largest signage option, making them perfect for attracting attention in high-traffic areas.
Our banners are made from durable vinyl, so they should last a year outside. We also have the option to create mesh banners, so wind can pass through if that’s an issue in your community.
All of our banners now come with grommets to make hanging them easier. Consider hanging them:
- On a chain-link fence outside the school
- Outside tied to pillars near a school’s entryway
- Inside near the school’s entrance
Top Tip:
Some of our schools have facilities workers that are happy to hang banners for us to ensure they’re in a proper location. When in doubt, ask your school partner!
Yard Signs
Yard signs are a cost-effective and highly visible way to market your after school program in the community. Strategically placed, they can attract the attention of families who may not be actively searching for a program but will be intrigued by a convenient, local option.
Placement is key when it comes to yard signs. The more visible and strategic your sign, the more people will see it.
- Place signs close to your schools where parents and students are likely to pass by, such as near entrances, exits, or parking lots.
- Look for areas where families frequently visit, such as community centers, libraries, and local parks.
- Think about places with heavy foot or vehicle traffic, like busy intersections, near grocery stores, or local coffee shops. More exposure means more chances for people to take notice.
Top Tip:
Always ask for permission before placing a yard sign outside a school, business, or community center.
Door Magnets and Window Clings
Whether you aren’t permitted to use yard signs or you’re just looking for a little extra marketing sparkle at your schools, door magnets and window clings are a great option for marketing our programs when space is limited.
- Magnets are great for schools with metal doors. Place them at eye level of parents so they’ll see them as they come and go!
- Place window clings around the school, especially where families exit and enter.
Sandwich Boards
While the cost of a sandwich board is a little bit higher up-front than other signage options, it’s a worthy investment. For each new program, you’ll just have to purchase a new insert that’s a fraction of the cost of a banner.
You can order sandwich boards through Order.com under ‘Program Marketing Materials’.
Posters
Posters are a lot like flyers, but they’re larger (11” x 17”) and are designed to be posted in high-visibility areas.
They introduce people to our brand, often for the first time, so they shouldn’t include program-specific details (like pricing flyers).
- Hang up posters any place in your community where bulletin boards might exist:
In school and district locations: hallways, entry ways, front offices; ask the school office staff for permission to hang up posters on heavily trafficked doorways. - Grocery stores, coffee shops and restaurants
- Gyms, yoga centers, athletic fields, etc.
- Community centers, Parks & Rec buildings, government buildings, etc.
- Other popular local businesses, especially ones that attract families with young kids.
Top Tip:
We tend to look at things that are eye level – keep this in mind when hanging up your posters!
Get in touch if you need help!
Whether you have questions, need marketing or event support, or just want to chat through an idea, we’re here for you! Reach out to us through the form and a member of the team will be in touch.
— Josh Bailey, Yesenia Resendez, and Emily Yanchuck