Creating videos for your school is not only the best way to bring your campus to life, it’s the best way to reach your target audience.
Young people love watching videos. In fact, millennials watch online videos over two times more than traditional TV. In addition, “video ads generate far more emotional cues than a photo can, with the ability to tell an extensive story and appeal to a wider range of senses.”
Creating videos for your school or university is a no-brainer.
“But,” you ask, “what kind of video should I create?” Have no fear, Lemonlight is here to guide you!
1. The Campus Tour Video
The best way to show off your school is to show it off in video. Prospective students will get an accurate lay of the land and a feel for what it’s like to really be there.
This video from Harvard Westlake uses first person POV, creating a sense of warmth and comfort while at the same time letting the viewer get familiar with the grounds and current students:
2. The Day In The Life Video
Think of this video as a Part 2 to the Campus Tour video. You’ve shown the facilities, now show what a day in the life of a student at your school looks like.
Make sure it’s from the student’s perspective, like this video from Madeira School:
3. The Brand Video
Is your school extra focused on sports or studies? Do you have a large number of international students? Do your students and staff lean Republican or Democrat? Create a brand video to share your school’s personality, so prospective students can be sure you’re a good fit for them. Be sure to include student and staff testimonials!
Check out this video from Lotus School. Their messaging brings attention to their STEAM-based curriculum:
4. The Testimonial Video
Your school is awesome! The testimonial video is the proof of that. Record students, teachers, and parents talking about how much they love it.
Looking for extra credit? Also show proof of success, like Towson State University did in this video. Not only do the students express their satisfaction, they are showing that they have indeed learned English!
5. The Big Event Video
Sharing events that are unique to your school can help differentiate you from others. Like the testimonial video – you need proof. You might say your event is the best/most fun/most rewarding, but you need to show it.
This video from Knewton clearly shows happy campers at Hack Day:
6. The Special Program Videos
Another way to differentiate yourself is to put your special programs on display. Not every school has a specialty language program, successful sports team, or unique equipment.
The Madeira School created a video specifically for the Equestrian program, which shows the students enjoying the horses, while at the same time explaining to parents why their daughter’s participation in the program will be beneficial:
7. Thank You Video
Wracking your brain for a way to let your donors know you appreciate them? Look no further than the thank you video!
Note how this video from Harvard Westlake goes above and beyond to show how much the students – not the development staff – appreciates the donation. Donors are looking for an emotional connection to the work they are supporting, and want to see where their money is going. Showcasing students in your thank you video is key!
8. The Commercial
Last but not least, a commercial is a great way to get people interested in your school. A good commercial will include elements from the other videos we’ve mentioned, including sharing your school’s personality, the grounds, testimonials, what a student can expect from attending, and what makes your school different.
Here’s a great example from LAUSD’s Central High School:
—
Need a tutor? Reach out to us for help creating your school’s video!