Free Ways For Activity Providers To Market Online

Online marketing for activity providers and childcare operators can feel difficult to handle. With so many tools out there—apps, blogs, social media platforms, and even AI bots, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially when you’re already juggling busy schedules and tight budgets.

But don’t worry! We’ve rounded up a few simple, free, and effective strategies to help you boost your online presence without spending a cent. Here we go!

1. Gather Reviews and Testimonials

If you’re not actively collecting reviews, now’s the time to start. According to the NAEYC’s 2023 Work-Life Balance Survey, 90% of parents reported reading online reviews before choosing a child care centre. Why? Because recommendations from other parents are seen as authentic and trustworthy, making them a powerful tool for building credibility and attracting new families.

Here’s how to get started:

• Ask at the right moment: After a successful activity or positive interaction, take the opportunity to request a review.
• Use your platforms: Encourage parents to leave reviews on Google, Facebook, Feedback Link or any booking platform you’re using as it builds credibility between the parent and provider.
• Make it simple: Share a direct link to your review page via email, WhatsApp, or social media ensuring parents can leave feedback effortlessly.
• Plugin an integration on your website- Feefo makes it easy for parents to leave reviews and helps strengthen customer connection and make smarter decisions.

Then, reshare these positive testimonials on your social media pages and website. A few kind words can go a long way in building your credibility!

2. Keep Your Social Media and Website Updated

Families depend on having easy access to information. Whether it’s activity schedules, last-minute cancellations, or event highlights, maintaining up-to-date online platforms is essential.

• Update regularly: Post weekly updates on your website and social media to keep parents informed.
• Pin key info: Use platforms such as Facebook, and Instagram to pin posts making important details easily accessible.
• Use tools for automation: Apps like Later, Buffer, Hootsuite or StoryChief allow you to schedule posts in advance, saving time while keeping your content consistent

A well-maintained online presence doesn’t just keep families informed; it positions you as a reliable and professional provider, giving you a competitive marketing edge.

3. Post Stories Photos and Videos

Visual content is a powerful way to engage parents and highlight your program's unique charm. Capture memorable moments during activities (with parental consent, of course) and use free tools like Canva or CapCut to edit your photos and videos.

Platforms like Instagram, and TikTok which focus on visuals, are ideal for sharing highlights, behind-the-scenes snippets, or fun reels. These posts resonate emotionally, increase your reach, and help parents connect efficiently with your program while attracting new audiences effortlessly.

4. Micro-Influencer Collaborations

You don’t need to hire a celebrity! Micro-influencers (people with 10,000–100,000 followers) can help you reach a niche audience, like local parents or families. This will strengthen the trust as parents trust recommendations from other parents more than traditional ads. Plus, micro-influencers are often more affordable (or even free) to collaborate with compared to big names.

How to start:

• Identify local parent bloggers or social media enthusiasts in your area.
• Offer them a free session or invite them to review your activity programme.
• Ask them to share their experience with their network in exchange for promoting your programme to their audience.

5. Collaborate with Other Local Businesses

Partnering with local cafes, schools, or sports clubs is a great way to expand your reach and tap into new audiences. These collaborations allow you to cross-promote your services and leverage their established connections with your target demographic, all without spending extra on marketing.

Here are some suggestions:

• Offer a “Kids Eat Free” voucher with your programme sign-ups (if the café agrees).
• Ask local schools to mention your activities in their newsletters.

Mutual shoutouts on social media with other businesses can also introduce your brand to a new audience without spending a cent.

6. Interactive Content

Interactive posts are a great way to boost engagement and create buzz around your business. By encouraging participation, you can spark conversations and connect with parents in a fun, meaningful way. Quizzes, polls, and challenges help promote your services while keeping your community engaged and increasing your online visibility.

Ideas for activity providers:

• Quizzes: “Which activity is perfect for your child?” or “Find out your child’s hidden talent.”
• Polls: Ask parents about activity preferences, like “What’s your favourite holiday activity: Sports or Arts?”
• Challenges: Launch a fun hashtag challenge, such as kids showing off their creations or accomplishments from your activities.

Tip: Tools like Typeform, Polls on Instagram Stories, and Qzzr make it easy to create interactive content.

7. Local SEO with Google My Business

Many activity providers focus on social media but overlook Google My Business (GMB), a key tool for improving local SEO. Optimizing your GMB listing helps increase your visibility in local searches and Google Maps, making it easier for parents to find your services. It’s a free, effective way to boost your online presence and attract more local families.

How to optimise:

• First, Claim and verify your GMB listing.
• Post regular updates like events, offers, or announcements.
• Use high-quality photos and videos to showcase your activities.
• Respond to reviews to show parents you value their feedback.
• Use the "Questions & Answers" feature to answer common parent queries and expand your digital footprint.

By focusing on GMB, you’re not just improving your search rankings, you’re making it easier for local families to find and engage with your services. It’s a simple yet powerful way to increase your online visibility and drive more local traffic to your business.

8. Email Marketing

Email marketing is a great way to stay connected with families, keep them updated, and encourage them to book more activities. Plus, it’s an easy way to build lasting relationships with your audience.

Here’s how to get started:

• Mailercloud is a simple, free tool for creating an email campaign and analysis.
• Start with a "Welcome Email" for new sign-ups to introduce your programme and offer a special deal.
• Send out a "Monthly Newsletter" that highlights upcoming activities, helpful parenting tips, and any special promotions like family discounts or early bird deals.
• Follow up with a "Reminder Email" to encourage parents to sign up for new activities before spots run out.

Using email marketing not only keeps your business top of mind for parents, but it also gives you a way to promote your services directly to them, without relying on social media algorithms. With the right approach, you can grow your sign-ups and keep parents engaged!

9. Run a Free Giveaway

People love freebies! Hosting a small contest or giveaway is a fantastic way to increase your reach and boost engagement.

Tip: Run a “Win a Free Class” contest on Instagram or Facebook. To enter, ask participants to like your page, tag a friend, and share the post.

This strategy not only generates excitement but also helps introduce your programme to new parents who may not have heard about you yet. It’s a simple, effective way to expand your audience and create buzz around your services.

In addition, offering discounts is a common practice in this industry. You can run promotions like family discounts or early bird specials, which can also attract new sign-ups while adding value for existing clients.

10. The Power of Pinterest

Did you know Pinterest is a search engine for parents looking for activity ideas? Pinterest can drive consistent traffic to your website.

How to leverage it:

• Create boards such as “Fun Kids Activities” or “Parenting Hacks” and pin your blog posts, videos, or photos. Add keyword-rich descriptions like “holiday activities for kids” or “after-school programs” to make your pins more discoverable.

Pinterest is a great, low-cost way to increase visibility and connect with parents who are actively seeking new ideas for their children.

Additionally, Stay Informed About Online Policies

When sharing photos or videos, it’s crucial to comply with privacy regulations and respect parental preferences. Here’s how to stay on the right side of the law:

• Use consent forms before posting any child-related content.
• Blur faces or opt for group shots if permissions are unclear.
• Familiarise yourself with laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or local child protection guidelines.

By following these steps, you ensure you're adhering to privacy regulations and maintain trust with parents, avoiding any potential issues related to their child's image or personal information.

Marketing your childcare or activity business doesn’t have to break the bank. By focusing on reviews, keeping your platforms updated, and sharing engaging quality visual content, you can grow your audience, build trust, and increase enrolments, all without spending a cent.

Let’s take your marketing game to the next level. Start implementing these tips today, and watch your business prosper!

Reach out if you need help managing your activity business – we're here to support you!