Twitter vs School Websites

How to use social media to benefit your school website.

In today’s digital age, social media platforms like Twitter have become an integral part of our lives. From personal to professional, social media has transformed the way we communicate and interact with the world around us. For schools, Twitter has emerged as a powerful tool to connect with parents, students, and other stakeholders. However, simply putting a Twitter feed on your schools website homepage might not be the most effective strategy.

Instead of providing free advertising for Twitter, let’s start using Twitter to our advantage.

When stakeholders see the Twitter feed, they are likely to click on it and get lost in the sea of tweets and information, forgetting the reason they came to the school’s website in the first place. This results in a missed opportunity to showcase the school’s unique offerings and engage with stakeholders in a meaningful way.

So, what’s the solution? Instead of displaying the Twitter feed on the homepage, schools should produce articles on their website and create short tweets that direct users to the full article on the school website. This approach has several benefits that can enhance a school’s online presence and engagement with stakeholders.

A website helps schools to showcase their voice, branding, and values. Unlike Twitter, which has its own branding and voice, a website is a blank canvas that schools can use to create a unique identity. Schools can use their website to highlight their voice, mission and values. Moreover, a website provides an opportunity for schools to engage with their stakeholders on a deeper level. By creating high-quality content and providing value to their visitors, schools can build trust, loyalty, and a sense of community.

Does this mean schools should stop using Twitter?

Absolutely not! Showing up during a parent’s daily school is a great, non-intrusive, way to keep parent’s engaged. Additionally, it’s one of the few social media platforms that balances keeping user’s engaged, whilst still professional.

Ok, so does this mean we should get rid of homepage Twitter feeds?

Again, not necessarily. As long as they are not showcased front and centre, a homepage Twitter feed is still a great way of ensuring that school websites stay fresh with new content, and a Twitter account can signal to parents and other stakeholders that the school is modern. But… lets definitely give it less importance.

So what are we suggesting?

Put simply, a mindset change. Let’s start using our marketing tools effectively and together in an organised way, by using Twitter as a way of directing traffic to where we want them to go, rather than a separate entity.

How we can help you

Feel free to get in contact to see how we can work with you to synergise your website and Twitter marketing strategy. Perhaps managing both to ensure they stay in sync.