REBRANDING: 8 TIPS FOR SCHOOLS

By Shola Okpodu

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According to research and a popular saying, it takes only seven (7) seconds to make a first impression, and trust me a second opinion cannot outweigh the first. It is important to make a first lasting positive impression on your potential clients, and best belief that good branding makes all the difference for a school.

As the saying goes “the only thing that is constant in life is change.” If you think that your school can still run and be as successful as it used to be when it first started I suggest you think again. Change is very important whether it is completely revamping or a few adjustments, every company can use a change.

Rebranding is simply putting a new spin or twist to something; it is changing your perception about the business without changing the idea of the business. Rebranding could be as simple as changing a logo or a name change.

Branding for schools is compulsory in this day and age. Schools need to recognize that good branding is essential for their success. Branding for a School is easier than you might think. Here are some tips to help with a school’s brand.

Think fresh

With branding so many steps are involved, but it is very important to take a moment and have a fresh approach to the entire process. It is an opportunity to give the school a fresh start, one that really envisages the aim of the school, to help give your staff, students and parents a sense of belonging and pride.

Have a plan

The process of rebranding a school should not be left unattended to; it is a very crucial step that can determine the success of the school. This process needs a step by step plan and should be followed religiously; every individual that is involved in the process must understand the vision and execute it.

Be ready for change

It is not just about dreaming it; it is about actually going through with it. The process can be a bit stressful and daunting especially if things are not working according to plan. An important step is to adjust the way you did business and be ready to let go of things you felt were perfect.

Research your competition

So many schools are springing up day by day, it is important to study your competition. Figure out their strengths and weakness and use that to your advantage. NEVER underestimate your competition.

Communicate clearly

If you’re thinking of revamping your school you need to tell the WHY story by reflecting the new brand to the staff, students and parents. Let every party on board know the reason for the change, get involved in the process and be ready for the change.

Website

With the recent growth in technology especially in Nigeria, every school needs an attractive, accessible and informative website. In some cases your website will be the first contact that a potential parent or student would have with your school. A good or bad website can make or break a schools branding.

Logo

A logo just like in business is an effective tool for marketing a school. Your current and potential parents and children will all associate your school with a logo which should be as appealing to the kids as well as to the parents and teachers. Bright colours, suitable font and images such as books, mascot, and school building all add to an effective school logo. You need a design that your school will be happy to use on uniforms, PE kits, stationary, school signage, and vehicle wraps.

Signage/billboards

Signage is one of the most important branding steps that a school should take. A schools signs is something that the local community, parents and children will see every day so it needs to be visible using the schools logo, colour scheme and motto which will also help give directions to visitors.

Effective Branding helps attract prospective parents and kids to schools. Notably branding helps the local community, students, parents and teachers to understand what the school is about and helps to give the school an identity.

Shola Okpodu popularly called “shola the school hunter” is the Group Managing Director of School Hunters Integrated Education Marketing Communications Agency.