Facebook and Instagram are not just for likes and fun—they're powerful tools that the best day cares in the world use strategically to attract parents and guardians.
We know you're busy running your day care 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 families to your day care.
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 day care owners.
Get the content idea list made for day care owners
A lot of day cares manage to post engaging content on social media. Here is a free tool to to get you started.
Content that always work well for a day care
We have studied dozens of day care centers' social media accounts when building our strategy pack for day cares - here is what seems to always work.
Content Type | Why It Works to Attract New Families to Your Day Care |
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Engaging Activity Photos | Visually appealing images of children participating in fun and educational activities can make parents excited about enrolling their kids. |
Behind-the-Scenes Videos | Showcasing the day care environment, staff, and daily routines builds trust and creates a connection with parents. |
Parent Testimonials | Positive reviews and testimonials from current parents provide social proof and encourage others to consider your day care. |
Special Programs and Events | Announcing special programs, events, and seasonal activities can attract new families looking for enriching experiences for their children. |
User-Generated Content | Sharing content created by parents (photos, reviews) engages the community and adds authenticity. |
Local Collaborations | Partnering with local businesses or community organizations can introduce the day care to a broader, local audience. |
Event Announcements | Promoting upcoming events, open houses, or parent workshops can attract new families interested in learning more about your day care. |
Seasonal and Holiday Posts | Highlighting seasonal activities or holiday celebrations can attract parents looking for special experiences for their children during those times. |
Interactive Content | Polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions engage parents and create a sense of community, encouraging them to consider your day care. |
Educational Tips | Sharing tips and advice on child development and parenting can engage parents and position your day care as a trusted resource. |
Daily Updates | Regularly updating followers with daily activities and highlights keeps your day care top-of-mind and encourages spontaneous visits. |
Staff Spotlights | Featuring stories about the staff members creates a personal connection and humanizes the brand. |
Child Development Insights | Sharing insights and research on child development can engage parents who are keen on providing the best for their children. |
Sustainability Initiatives | Highlighting sustainable practices or eco-friendly activities appeals to environmentally conscious parents. |
Family Spotlights | Featuring regular families creates a sense of community and makes others want to be part of that group. |
Contests and Giveaways | Running contests and giveaways can increase engagement and attract new followers, many of whom may convert into enrolled families. |
Some day cares make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best day cares in the world. Replicate them now!
How can day care owners make great content on social media?
What to Prioritize
You probably know it already, but high-quality photos and videos of your daycare are essential.
Parents want to see where their children will be spending their time. Make sure the lighting is good, the environment looks clean and safe, and the activities are engaging.
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. Parents appreciate interaction and it makes them feel valued. Don’t just be another “bland” account.
Show the real side of your daycare. Behind-the-scenes photos, staff stories, and parent testimonials can create a personal connection with your audience.
If you want to keep your potential clients excited, highlight any special programs, events, or seasonal activities. 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 families.
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 daycare’s “image” and what your audience likes.
If you have a low budget to conduct marketing for your daycare, 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 daycare 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 parents to share their own photos and tag your daycare. 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 day cares on social media
Our team has curated a list of highly specific, low-budget content ideas tailored for day cares, 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 day care.
Content Type | Tips to Make It More Affordable |
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Smartphone Activity Photos | Use natural light by positioning children near windows during playtime. Enhance photos with free apps like Snapseed or VSCO. |
Parent Testimonials | Ask satisfied parents to leave a quick video testimonial on their phone. Offer a small thank-you gift like a handmade card from their child. |
User-Generated Content | Encourage parents to share photos of their children’s artwork or activities by offering a monthly raffle for those who tag your day care on Instagram. |
DIY Craft Videos | Film short, simple craft tutorials 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 activities or introduce the staff during quiet hours. |
Daily Activity Posts | Design simple, eye-catching graphics for daily activities using free tools like Canva. Include a brief description and a fun photo. |
Staff Spotlights | Feature staff members with a casual photo and fun facts about them. Use your smartphone and a natural setting in the day care. |
Simple Polls and Questions | Engage followers with free Instagram or Facebook polls about their favorite activities or suggestions for new programs. |
Local Event Promotions | Collaborate with local 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 charity events or partnerships with community organizations. |
Parent Spotlights | Highlight loyal parents with their favorite activities for their children. Take a quick photo and share a short story about their experience at your day care. |
Homemade Craft Photos | Create attractive craft settings using inexpensive items like colored paper, markers, and props from dollar stores. |
Sustainability Tips | Share eco-friendly practices such as recycling or using natural materials for crafts. Create simple infographics with free tools like Canva. |
Behind-the-Scenes Prep | Record short clips of the preparation for activities, such as setting up play areas or organizing materials. 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 day of care. Use prizes that are cost-effective like a free craft kit. |
Seasonal Activity Posts | Highlight seasonal crafts and activities using natural light and your smartphone camera. Share the story behind the activity to add interest. |
Copy the tactics of the best day cares in the world!
There are day cares that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!
Exceptionally creative and innovative content ideas specifically for day cares
Investing in high-quality social media content for your day care can be incredibly beneficial. Many other day cares might not take this step, giving you a unique opportunity to stand out, capture parents' attention, and build a loyal community.
Content Type | Why It Could Attract More Families |
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Virtual Parenting Workshops | Hosting live or recorded virtual workshops where experts discuss parenting tips and child development can create a sense of community and attract a global audience of parents. |
Interactive 360° Day Care Tours | Offering virtual 360° tours of your day care, including classrooms and play areas, can provide a unique behind-the-scenes experience and entice parents to visit in person. |
Seasonal Activity Kits | Creating buzz with limited edition or seasonal activity kits available for a short time can generate excitement and urgency, attracting new and repeat families. |
Exclusive Parent-Child Events | Offering exclusive events where parents can participate in activities with their children can create memorable experiences and foster word-of-mouth recommendations. |
AR Learning Tools | Implementing augmented reality (AR) technology in your learning tools where children can interact with 3D educational content can enhance the learning experience and attract tech-savvy parents. |
Themed Play Dates | Hosting themed play dates, such as a superhero day or a nature exploration day, can provide a unique and immersive experience, attracting groups and special occasions. |
Creative Art Contests | Organizing art contests (e.g., drawing or crafting) can create viral moments, attracting creative children and their families. |
Collaborative Community Events | Partnering with other local businesses or organizations to host community events can introduce your day care to new families and create a buzz in the community. |
Story-Driven Social Media Posts | Sharing in-depth stories about your day care's philosophy, the educators' backgrounds, or the personal journeys of the children can create an emotional connection with parents. |
Interactive Activity Planning | Allowing parents to vote on upcoming activities via social media polls can make them feel involved and eager to see their children participate in the activities they helped choose. |
Eco-Friendly Initiatives | Launching and promoting eco-friendly initiatives, such as recycling programs or sustainable play materials, can attract environmentally conscious families and media attention. |
Mobile Play Sessions | Operating a mobile play unit in different locations or at local events can expand your reach and attract new families who may visit your main day care later. |
Activity Subscription Service | Offering a subscription service where families receive monthly activity kits and educational materials can create a loyal customer base. |
Immersive Learning Workshops | Hosting workshops where parents and children can learn together can attract families looking for educational and bonding experiences. |
Surprise Play Events | Organizing surprise play events in unexpected locations can create viral content and attract adventurous families looking for unique experiences. |
Content that never works well for day cares on social media
Don't waste your time and resources on these ideas. We've seen many daycare owners make these mistakes, and they won't help you stand out from the crowd or bring in new enrollments for your daycare.
Content Type | Why It Never Works for Daycares | Do This Instead |
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Generic Stock Photos | They lack authenticity and can make the daycare appear unoriginal or untrustworthy. | Use real photos of your facilities, staff, and children (with parental consent) 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, parent testimonials, and interactive posts to keep your audience interested. |
Unrelated Content | Posting content that has nothing to do with childcare or your daycare confuses followers and dilutes your brand. | Keep your content focused on your daycare, activities, events, and related topics to maintain relevance and interest. |
Low-Quality Videos | Poorly shot or edited videos can reflect badly on your daycare's quality and professionalism. | Invest in basic video equipment or hire a local videographer to produce high-quality videos that showcase your daycare 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 childcare, community, and your daycare'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 parents looking for genuine interaction. | Respond personally to comments and messages to show that you care about your community 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 daycare can bore followers and reduce engagement. | Share user-generated content, collaborate with local businesses, and highlight community involvement to diversify your content. |
Negative or Defensive Responses | Responding poorly to criticism can damage your reputation and discourage potential clients. | Address negative feedback calmly and constructively, showing that you are willing to improve and value parent input. |
Ignoring Social Media Trends | Being out of touch with current trends can make your daycare 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 parents and deter participation. | Offer simple, clear, and straightforward promotions that are easy for parents 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 daycare. |
Make your day care more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best day cares in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
Why social media can be a big pay-off for your day care
We understand that as a daycare 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 a daycare 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 tailored for daycare 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 daycare. These documents are straightforward and easy to understand, cutting through the jargon and focusing on what really works for small daycares on social media.
We provide clear, actionable steps for creating engaging posts, building a loyal following, and boosting your daycare's visibility online.
With our marketing pack, you can invest in your daycare's growth without feeling overwhelmed or uncertain.
Your day care could make more money!
Most day care owners don't know how to grow their business. Let us teach you the right strategies.