Does Your Social Media Go on Holiday Too?
Why Schools Need a Plan to Keep the Momentum Rolling
Holidays are prime time for schools to hit pause and recharge—let’s face it, we’ve earned it. But here’s the kicker: your social media doesn’t get a vacation. While the hallways might be quiet, your audience is still out there watching, scrolling, and searching. So, does your marketing deserve a holiday? Nope. Hard to hear, because MarComms needs a break too!
Here’s why keeping your social game strong over the break is non-negotiable—and how to do it without lifting a finger (okay, maybe just one).
1. Your Audience Is More Active Than Ever
Parents have extra screen time, prospective families are diving into research mode, and alumni are reminiscing about their glory days. A radio silence on your socials might make you invisible at a time when eyeballs are everywhere. Don’t miss out.
2. Trust Is Built on Consistency
Social media is your school’s way of saying hello to the world and keeping them informed on your “life”. Now, imagine not saying hello for an entire month to your family, or sharing little updates on what you’ve been doing—awkward, right? Staying visible, especially when others go silent, shows you’re reliable, consistent, and always ready to connect.
3. The Holiday Vibe Is Pure Content Gold
Holidays are brimming with opportunities to flex your school’s personality. Think heartwarming festive traditions, “look what our students created” posts, or celebrating the unsung heroes behind the scenes. It’s storytelling season—don’t let it go to waste.
This is also your chance to walk the talk when it comes to inclusivity. By celebrating all holidays—whether it’s Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, Lunar New Year, or others—you’re showcasing the diversity and values your school stands for. Highlighting your community’s unique traditions reinforces the message that every culture, belief, and perspective is valued and celebrated at your school. It’s not just about marking dates on a calendar; it’s about showing what makes your school truly special.
4. Outshine the Competition
While your competitors might hit snooze on their socials, this is your chance to shine. Clever, well-timed content keeps you in the spotlight and leaves a lasting impression on prospective families and current community members alike.
5. Algorithms Don’t Take Days Off
Social media platforms love consistency, and going dark is a fast track to falling out of favor with the algorithm higher-beings. A quiet feed can mean fewer people see your posts when you’re back. Keep the engine running, even if it’s on autopilot.
So how, might you ask? Here are some ways you can crush holiday social media without stressing you’re not going to also get a break - it just takes a little bit of pre-planning to send socials into “autopilot mode”.
1. Get Prepped, Not Panicked
Plan your holiday content ahead of time. A simple content calendar can ensure your posts are scheduled and ready to roll without any last-minute scrambles.
2. Show Off Your People (and School!)
Ask students, parents, and alumni to share their holiday moments with a branded hashtag. Repurpose their snaps and stories—it’s real, it’s relatable, and it keeps your feed buzzing. #DuxTheHalls #HolidaysWithDux
3. Automate Like a Boss
Tools like Hootsuite can schedule posts for you, so your socials don’t miss a beat. You stay relaxed, your feed stays active—win-win.
4. Share Evergreen Gems
No new content? No problem. Tap into throwbacks, term highlights, or your “Top 10 Moments of the Year.” Nostalgia always gets the likes rolling.
5. Keep It Human
Even if most of your posts are automated, someone should still keep an eye on things. Responding to comments and messages keeps your community engaged and feels more personal. So in your “spare” time, tap out 15 minutes a day to keep your finger on the pulse (and maybe have your alerts switched on… just in case!)