You don’t have to be a technology whiz to effectively use the internet to promote your child care business and to keep parents informed.
The internet can be a fabulous tool for marketing your program, and websites don’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, many valuable sites, known as social media sites, are free! They are also easy to set up, and can be updated regularly to keep families informed about what their children do each day at child care.
Facebook is more than a way to keep in touch with friends. You can also create a profile for your child care program. Just create a new account, and invite families to become “friends” of your program. Families who choose to can receive updates you post as often as you like.
Share notes about upcoming events or daily activities. You can post photos of children in action throughout the day, and you can even upload videos if you choose (be sure you have a signed photo/video release from families before posting any images).
If you are concerned about privacy, never fear! You have the final say about who can see anything you post on Facebook. Under the “Account” button, click on “privacy settings” and make sure only “friends” can see your profile, pictures, and updates.
A great way to post more detailed updates regularly is through a blog. You can create a free blog site for your program using Blogger. Just click on “Create a blog” and follow the steps to choose a title, select from pre-made layouts, and get started creating your first post. (This blog uses Blogger, and our layouts are free templates from Leelou Blogs.)
Blogs are easy to update, and you can write longer, more detailed descriptions than on Facebook or Twitter. You can also post as many photos as you’d like so that families can feel in touch with their children all day long. Families who “follow” your blog can comment on posts and let you know their thoughts. Your blog can also be set so that only people approved by you can see what you post. Under “settings,” click on “permissions” to make the blog private.
You can also choose to include general information about your program on your blog’s home page, and consider the blog site your business website.
Twitter is another way to keep families informed about your program, and this site is also free. Twitter limits posts to 140 characters, so you’ll have to be brief! But one advantage is that parents can receive Twitter updates on their cell phones, and they’ll know instantly if their child is finger painting or digging in the sandbox today.
Find UCM Workshop on Wheels Child Care Resource and Referral online:
Website: www.ucmo.edu/workshop
Blog: http://workshoponwheels.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/UCMWOW
Written by Janet Robison, Training Coordinator
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