![Art School: how to post engaging content [content idea list]](http://onlineyougrow.com/cdn/shop/articles/cov-marketing-plan-5_e6c14546-a091-466d-8bfd-334bf37f82fc.png?v=1715865647&width=1100)
Facebook and Instagram are not just for likes and fun—they're powerful tools that the best art schools in the world use strategically to attract students.
We know you're busy running your art school and the thought of managing social media might feel like another burden.
But here's the deal: you don't need to be a marketing expert or spend a fortune to make it work. Just a few minutes a day can bring a couple of new students to your classes.
To help you out we have built a free list of content ideas - also, for a full action plan, please check our strategy pack for art school owners.
Get the content idea list made for art school owners
A lot of art schools manage to post engaging content on social media. Here is a free tool to to get you started.
Content that always work well for an art school
We have studied dozens of art schools’ social media accounts when building strategy pack for art schools - here is what seems to always work.
| Content Type | Why It Works to Attract New Students to Your Art School |
|---|---|
| High-Quality Artwork Photos | Visually stunning images of student and instructor artwork can inspire potential students and showcase the quality of instruction. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Videos | Showcasing the studio environment, classes in action, and the creative process builds trust and creates a connection with the audience. |
| Student Testimonials | Positive reviews and testimonials from current and former students provide social proof and encourage others to enroll. |
| Workshops and Class Announcements | Announcing upcoming workshops, classes, and special sessions can attract new students looking for specific learning opportunities. |
| User-Generated Content | Sharing artwork and feedback created by students engages the community and adds authenticity. |
| Local Collaborations | Partnering with local artists, galleries, or businesses can introduce the art school to a broader, local audience. |
| Event Announcements | Promoting upcoming exhibitions, open houses, or art fairs can attract new visitors interested in unique experiences. |
| Seasonal and Holiday Posts | Highlighting seasonal art projects or holiday-themed classes can attract students looking for special activities during those times. |
| Interactive Content | Polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions engage followers and create a sense of community, encouraging them to participate in classes. |
| Art Tutorials | Sharing tutorials of popular art techniques can intrigue art enthusiasts and motivate them to join classes for more in-depth learning. |
| Daily Class Updates | Regularly updating followers with daily class schedules keeps the art school top-of-mind and encourages spontaneous enrollments. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Instructor Stories | Featuring stories about the instructors creates a personal connection and humanizes the brand. |
| Art Tips and Tricks | Sharing tips and tricks from experienced artists can engage followers who are art enthusiasts and aspiring artists. |
| Sustainability Initiatives | Highlighting sustainable art practices or eco-friendly materials appeals to environmentally conscious students. |
| Student Spotlights | Featuring regular students creates a sense of community and makes others want to be part of that group. |
| Contests and Giveaways | Running art contests and giveaways can increase engagement and attract new followers, many of whom may convert into students. |
Some art schools make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best art schools in the world. Replicate them now!
How can art school owners make great content on social media?
What to Prioritise
You probably know it already, but high-quality photos and videos of your artwork and classes are essential.
People are drawn to visuals first. Make sure the lighting is good, the artwork looks vibrant, and the presentation is inspiring.
Also, post regularly to keep your audience engaged. It doesn’t have to be daily, but find a schedule that works for you and stick to it. We have prepared a free social media planner for you.
Of course, respond to comments and messages quickly. People appreciate interaction and it makes them feel valued. Don’t just be another “bland” account.
Show the real side of your art school. Behind-the-scenes photos, instructor stories, and student shoutouts can create a personal connection with your audience.
If you want to keep your potential students excited, highlight any special workshops, events, or seasonal classes. Make sure your followers know what’s new and exciting.
Finally, share positive reviews and testimonials. Social proof is powerful and can help attract new students.
An example of our marketing pack for art school owners
What Doesn’t Matter as Much
Overly polished content does not really matter. Your posts don’t need to be perfect. Authenticity can be more engaging than highly produced content.
Also, don’t feel pressured to jump on every social media trend. Focus on what fits your art school’s “image” and what your audience likes.
If you have a low budget to conduct marketing for your art school, don’t immediately go for paid Ads. Organic reach can still be effective with good content and engagement. You will find tons of tactics and strategies in our strategy pack for art school owners.
How to Do It Fast and Efficient
First, spend a few hours once a week taking photos, recording videos, and drafting posts. This way, you’re not scrambling daily.
Use Scheduling Tools - tools like Buffer or Hootsuite can schedule posts in advance, saving you time.
Repurpose and use the same content across different platforms. A photo on Instagram can be a post on Facebook or a tweet on Twitter.
Encourage students to share their own photos and tag your art school. This is what we call “User-Generated Content”. Reposting these can save you time and build community.
Use apps like Canva for quick and easy graphic design, or Lightroom for photo editing. These tools can make your content look professional with minimal effort.
Low-budget content ideas for art schools on social media
Our team has curated a list of highly specific, low-budget content ideas tailored for art schools, complete with practical tips to keep costs down and effectively use social media.
You might want to incorporate some of these ideas in the marketing plan of your art school.
| Content Type | Tips to Make It More Affordable |
|---|---|
| Smartphone Art Photos | Use natural light by positioning artworks near windows during daytime. Enhance photos with free apps like Snapseed or VSCO. |
| Student Testimonials | Ask satisfied students to leave a quick video testimonial on their phone. Offer a free art supply or class as a thank-you. |
| User-Generated Content | Encourage students to share their artwork by offering a monthly raffle for those who tag your art school on Instagram. |
| DIY Art Tutorial Videos | Film short, simple tutorials of popular art techniques using a smartphone and a basic tripod. Use free editing software like iMovie or OpenShot. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Stories | Use Instagram Stories or Facebook Live to give a real-time look at your daily classes or introduce the instructors during slow hours. |
| Class Highlight Posts | Design simple, eye-catching graphics for upcoming classes using free tools like Canva. Include a brief description and a captivating photo. |
| Instructor Spotlights | Feature instructors with a casual photo and fun facts about them. Use your smartphone and a natural setting in the studio. |
| Simple Polls and Questions | Engage followers with free Instagram or Facebook polls about their favorite art styles or suggestions for new classes. |
| Local Event Promotions | Collaborate with local art events by offering a small discount or coupon. Cross-promote each other's content to reach a wider audience. |
| Community Involvement Posts | Post photos and short stories about your participation in local art fairs or partnerships with community organizations. |
| Student Spotlights | Highlight talented students with their favorite artworks. Take a quick photo and share a short story about their experience at your art school. |
| Homemade Art Photos | Create attractive settings using inexpensive items like easels, canvases, and props from dollar stores. |
| Sustainability Tips | Share eco-friendly practices such as using recycled materials or non-toxic paints. Create simple infographics with free tools like Canva. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Prep | Record short clips of the studio prep work, such as setting up easels or mixing paints. Compile them into a quick video using free tools. |
| Simple Contests and Giveaways | Run social media contests where participants like, share, or tag friends to win a free art class. Use prizes that are cost-effective like a free art supply kit. |
| Seasonal Art Posts | Highlight seasonal themes and artworks using natural light and your smartphone camera. Share the story behind the piece to add interest. |
Copy the tactics of the best art schools in the world!
There are art schools that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!
Exceptionally creative and innovative content ideas specifically for art schools
Investing in top-notch social media content for your art school might be worth it because many other institutions won't bother, giving you a chance to really stand out, grab people's attention, and build a loyal community of art enthusiasts.
| Content Type | Why It Could Bring a LOT of Students |
|---|---|
| Virtual Art Classes | Hosting live or recorded virtual art classes where your instructors teach viewers various techniques can create a sense of community and attract a global audience. |
| Interactive 360° Studio Tours | Offering virtual 360° tours of your art studios, including classrooms and galleries, can provide a unique behind-the-scenes experience and entice people to enroll in person. |
| Limited Edition Workshops | Creating buzz with limited edition or seasonal workshops available for a short time can generate excitement and urgency, attracting new and repeat students. |
| Masterclass Sessions | Offering exclusive masterclass sessions where students can interact with renowned artists can create a memorable experience and word-of-mouth. |
| AR Art Exhibitions | Implementing augmented reality (AR) technology in your exhibitions where students can see 3D representations of artworks can enhance the learning experience and attract tech-savvy students. |
| Themed Art Events | Hosting themed art events, such as a live painting night or an art history trivia evening, can provide a unique and immersive experience, attracting groups and special occasions. |
| Art Challenge Contests | Organizing art challenge contests (e.g., creating a piece within a time limit) can create viral moments, attracting competitive artists and spectators. |
| Collaborative Art Pop-Ups | Partnering with other local artists or art schools to host pop-up events can introduce your school to new audiences and create a buzz in the community. |
| Story-Driven Social Media Posts | Sharing in-depth stories about the origins of your art programs, the artists you collaborate with, or the personal journey of your instructors can create an emotional connection with students. |
| Interactive Art Projects | Allowing students to choose themes or elements for a collaborative art project via social media polls can make them feel involved and eager to see the final creation they helped design. |
| Eco-Friendly Art Initiatives | Launching and promoting eco-friendly art initiatives, such as using sustainable materials or zero-waste art projects, can attract environmentally conscious students and media attention. |
| Mobile Art Exhibitions | Operating a mobile art gallery in different locations or at local events can expand your reach and attract new students who may visit your main school later. |
| Art Kit Subscription Service | Offering a subscription service where students receive monthly art kits and tutorials to create projects at home can create a loyal student base. |
| Immersive Art Workshops | Hosting workshops where students can learn advanced art techniques from your instructors can attract art enthusiasts and create a sense of exclusivity. |
| Flash Mob Art Events | Organizing flash mob art events in unexpected locations can create viral content and attract adventurous artists looking for unique experiences. |
Content that never works well for art schools on social media
Don't waste your time and resources on these ideas. We've seen many art schools make these mistakes, and they won't help you stand out from the crowd or attract new students to your programs.
| Content Type | Why It Never Works for Art Schools | Do This Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Generic Stock Photos | They lack authenticity and can make the art school appear unoriginal or untrustworthy. | Use real photos of your students' artwork, classes, and events to create a genuine connection with your audience. |
| Overly Promotional Posts | Constantly pushing promotions can feel spammy and turn off followers. | Mix in engaging content like behind-the-scenes stories, student testimonials, and interactive posts to keep your audience interested. |
| Unrelated Content | Posting content that has nothing to do with art or the school confuses followers and dilutes your brand. | Keep your content focused on your art programs, student work, events, and related topics to maintain relevance and interest. |
| Low-Quality Videos | Poorly shot or edited videos can reflect badly on your school's quality and professionalism. | Invest in basic video equipment or hire a local videographer to produce high-quality videos that showcase your school positively. |
| Political or Controversial Posts | These can alienate parts of your audience and lead to negative backlash. | Stick to neutral, positive content that focuses on art, community, and your school's unique offerings. |
| Too Many Hashtags | Overusing hashtags can look desperate and reduce engagement by making posts look cluttered. | Use a few relevant, targeted hashtags to increase visibility without overwhelming your audience. |
| Automated Replies and Messages | They can come off as impersonal and frustrate potential students looking for genuine interaction. | Respond personally to comments and messages to show that you care about your students and value their feedback. |
| Overly Staged Photos | Photos that look too perfect can seem inauthentic and less relatable. | Use natural lighting and casual settings to make your photos feel more genuine and inviting. |
| Constant Self-Promotion | Only talking about your school can bore followers and reduce engagement. | Share user-generated content, collaborate with local artists, and highlight community involvement to diversify your content. |
| Negative or Defensive Responses | Responding poorly to criticism can damage your reputation and discourage potential students. | Address negative feedback calmly and constructively, showing that you are willing to improve and value student input. |
| Ignoring Social Media Trends | Being out of touch with current trends can make your school seem outdated and unappealing. | Stay updated with social media trends and incorporate them creatively into your content strategy to keep your audience engaged and excited. |
| Excessive Posting | Posting too frequently can overwhelm your followers and lead to unfollows. | Maintain a consistent but moderate posting schedule, ensuring each post adds value and keeps your audience looking forward to your updates. |
| Complex or Confusing Promotions | Promotions that are hard to understand can frustrate potential students and deter participation. | Offer simple, clear, and straightforward promotions that are easy for students to grasp and engage with. |
| Ignoring Comments and Messages | Not engaging with your audience can make them feel undervalued and reduce their loyalty. | Regularly respond to comments and messages to build a strong, interactive community around your art school. |
Make your art school more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best art schools in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
Why social media can be a big pay-off for your art school
We understand that as an art school owner, you might feel hesitant about diving into social media marketing.
The world of social media can seem foreign and filled with confusing jargon. You might believe that it's more suited for big corporations rather than small businesses like yours.
The day-to-day demands of running an art school are already overwhelming, leaving little time for additional tasks like social media.
It's common to think that social media marketing is an expensive endeavor, one that your tight profit margins can't support. Plus, the sheer number of social media platforms can lead to indecision and skepticism, especially if previous efforts haven't yielded the results you hoped for.
That's why we've created a "marketing pack" specifically designed for art school owners like you.
Our pack addresses all the issues you might face, offering simple, cost-effective strategies that don't require a marketing expert or a big budget for your art school. These documents are straightforward and easy to understand, cutting through the jargon and focusing on what really works for small art schools on social media.
We provide clear, actionable steps for creating engaging posts, building a loyal following, and boosting your art school's visibility online.
With our marketing pack, you can invest in your art school's growth without feeling overwhelmed or uncertain.
Your art school could make more money!
Most art school owners don't know how to grow their business. Let us teach you the right strategies.
