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Stop Losing Families: 9 Follow-Up Mistakes to Eliminate Today
- rick.newberry@enrollmentcatalyst.com
- Blog
Every time a prospective family inquires about your school, they’re essentially raising their hand and saying, “We’re interested.” But here’s what I see too often. Schools work hard to generate inquiries, then drop the ball on what happens next. It’s not usually intentional. It’s just that follow-up doesn’t feel urgent until your enrollment numbers stall. […]
Why Every School Needs a New Parent Survey
- rick.newberry@enrollmentcatalyst.com
- Blog
When new families enroll in your school, they bring with them a fresh perspective. They’ve just completed their admissions journey, evaluated other schools, and chosen yours. That moment of decision and the first weeks of school represent a golden opportunity to learn what motivated them, how they found you, and how well your onboarding experience […]
AI Search Optimization – 7 Strategies to Boost Your School’s Visibility in AI Search
- rick.newberry@enrollmentcatalyst.com
- Blog
In Part 1 of this series, I explored how prospective parents are shifting from Google searches to AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google Gemini to research schools. Instead of scrolling through pages of search results, they’re asking direct questions and receiving instant, summarized answers. This shift is both a challenge and an opportunity. It […]
Part 1 – From Google to ChatGPT: How AI Is Changing the Way Parents Search for Private Schools
- rick.newberry@enrollmentcatalyst.com
- Blog
For years, when parents began the journey of looking for a private school, their first stop was almost always Google. They’d type in phrases like: The results would lead them to a list of schools, Google Maps listings, review sites, and perhaps a few ads. Your goal as a school marketer was clear: rank high […]
What School Leaders Can Learn from “The Parody Principal” Going Viral
- rick.newberry@enrollmentcatalyst.com
- Blog
This week, the national spotlight found its way to a small but mighty corner of Indiana. Mike Allen—Superintendent of Evansville Christian School and self-described “Parody Principal”—has gone viral for his school-themed music video spoofs that bring laughter, levity, and leadership to a Christ-centered school community. From CNN to YouTube, Mike’s joyful approach is resonating far […]
6 First Impressions that Matter Most in Enrollment Marketing
- rick.newberry@enrollmentcatalyst.com
- Blog
You never get a second chance to make a first impression—and in private school enrollment marketing, that first impression can make or break a family’s decision to take the next step with your school. From the very first click on your website to the moment a student walks through your doors on the first day, […]
Top 8 Priorities Every Admissions and Marketing Director Should Tackle This Summer
- rick.newberry@enrollmentcatalyst.com
- Blog
Recently, I shared 10 always‑on strategies every private school admissions and marketing director should build into their systems—year-round habits that drive consistency. This post isn’t about those long-term routines. Instead, it’s about summer action, taking advantage of a quieter season to wrap up this year well and prepare for a strong fall launch. 1—Review and […]
10 Always-On Strategies Every School Needs in Admissions and Marketing
- rick.newberry@enrollmentcatalyst.com
- Blog
In my work with schools across the country, I often see a pattern: when things get busy or uncertain, marketing and admissions efforts shift into reaction mode. That’s understandable—but not sustainable. That’s why Andy Lynch and I dedicated a recent Show & Tell Show to sharing 10 “always-on” strategies. These are practices that don’t depend on the season […]
If You’re Not Asking, You’re Assuming: Why Every School Needs Surveys
- rick.newberry@enrollmentcatalyst.com
- Blog
In today’s competitive market, private schools can’t afford to guess how their families and staff are feeling. Yet far too often, school leaders operate on assumptions rather than insights. The most successful schools don’t just lead—they listen. And one of the most powerful ways to listen is through intentional, well-executed satisfaction surveys for both parents […]
No Magic Wand: The Key to Enrollment Marketing Success
- rick.newberry@enrollmentcatalyst.com
- Blog
Many school leaders searching for enrollment growth and marketing success hope for a quick fix—a single, magical solution that will transform their numbers overnight. Whether launching a new ad campaign, redesigning the website, or hosting a special event, it’s tempting to believe that one initiative alone can drive sustained success. But the truth is, there […]
