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It once was a truth universally acknowledged that “No one ever got fired for buying IBM.” Be safe, the reasoning went. Then along came Apple with its motto “Think Different,” to counter IBM’s “Think.” And we all know how that has worked out.

Independent schools are not computers, but when it comes to marketing pieces, it’s still okay to be different. Just remain true to who you are—your brand.

When I write for schools, I ask clients to describe their culture, their students, what makes the place tick. They may say, “We’re a little quirky” or “We have a great sense of humor.” But when it comes to describing the school to external audiences—especially when a piece goes through committee—showing that sense of quirkiness or humor meets with resistance. Might being witty convey a lack of academic seriousness? Could appearing a little unconventional turn some people off? Schools talk about encouraging their students to “think outside the box,” but in marketing pieces, adults are afraid to. Messaging reverts to the tried and true—“educating the whole child,” “providing a lifelong love of learning,” and yes, “encouraging students to think outside the box”—rendered unmemorable by overuse.

Instead, make your pieces stand out from others crowding our mailboxes and inboxes. Know what your school is and whom it serves, and trumpet it. With alumni, authenticity trumps generalities. In admissions pieces, don’t try to appeal to everyone, just to right-fit parents and students, who are increasingly involved in the decision.

I love this series of bump faux travel postcards that my daughter received from Macalester College. (My apologies that it’s from higher ed.) Takeaway: A place for activists and world-changers. This college has a pretty clear point of view, and it’s not afraid to show it, even if it’s not right for everyone. Takeaway: Rather than sidestep its Minnesota location, the college hits the cold, snowy climate head on—and shows it can be a positive, if you’re open to the possibilities. Takeaway: Who doesn’t love a camel? He (she?) certainly gets your attention, and the playfulness doesn’t undermine the college’s academic chops. Beyond the typical “we have study abroad” fare, there’s subtext here: 1) Clever people—people who appreciate some fun while doing serious learning—come here. 2) You can go anywhere, even Tajikistan, which we assume you’ve heard of because you’re smart (if you’re the kind of student who’d like Macalester). We also assume you might be interested in studying somewhere exotic because you’re adventurous and have a global outlook (if you’re the kind of student who’d like Macalester).

Though my daughter didn’t have this college on her list previously, she considered it BECAUSE OF THESE POSTCARDS.

If this “wisdom” sounds familiar, it should. It’s what independent schools regularly impart to their students—so well, in fact, that each bit of advice has an associated cliché that school marketers (myself included) are guilty of overusing.

Be different. Be memorable. Be yourself. Your marketing efforts will be the better for it. Andrea Lehman

Marketing Strategist, Writer & Editor The Changing Role of Private School Viewbooks Posting Print Viewbooks Online Defeats the Purpose School Admissions: Generational Marketing and How to Market to Millennials How To Know What Your Audience Wants: Survey Them Creating Successful Admissions Materials: A Shift in Perspective Marketing Your Superpower How to Use Google Cardboard in Your School Marketing Mix The Science of Persuasion in Private School Admissions Attracting Homeschool Students to Your Brick-and-Mortar School Small Shop Savvy: Parents as Marketers Why Parents Choose Private Schools and Implications on School Marketing Be Different. Be Memorable. Above All, Be Yourself.