Many schools have websites that provide the histories of the schools, names of staff members, classes and activities offered and other pertinent information. Parents use these details to make decisions; schools use these sites to make their institutions look better than their competitors’.  But how can you really set your school apart from the rest? A blog.

Blogs allow you to share what’s happening at the school in a conversational tone. And because they are updated often, your school could be more easily found on search engines. Following are five more reasons why schools should have blogs.

1. Your blog is your media space

There are so many good stories about schools that are never told, and the public would never learn of them relying on mainstream media. A blog allows you to create and control your school’s media messages. Use multimedia tools like audio, video and photos to share what staff, students and parents are doing.

2. Give students a voice

One of the most common complaints among young people is that adults don’t listen to them. Allow them to express their thoughts and feelings on what’s happening in school, in the community, in the world, and with them on the site.

3. Hold community conversations

Next to home and places of worship, school is the third most important institution in the community. Therefore, a school blog is a good place to begin and continue community conversations. Use it to address questions and issues that parents and the community have about the school, school board policies or the educational system in general.

4. Promote school programs and activities

Use your blog to share your school’s events, programs and activities. Announce all accomplishments, no matter how big or small. Be sure not to make your site a big huge press release. And encourage feedback on all aspects of the school on the site.

5. Educate the public

Really make your site stand apart from other sites by providing online instruction. Choose subjects that could benefit students and the community. They can be topics that are taught at school or courses that are needed but not taught in schools, like etiquette and civics. You can also educate your audience on what a blog is and how it can help them and the community.

6. Recruit Volunteers

Ask parents and community members to volunteer at the school. They probably won’t offer to help, but they may do so if you ask. Also, encourage them to contribute stories and articles to the blog. A variety of voices will reduce the workload for staff members and make the site more appealing to readers.

Although there are only five reasons why should blog listed above, the whys far exceed the why nots. With a little creativity and support from staff, parents and the community, your site will definitely stand apart from the rest.

Images: digitallabz