By Sindye Alexander

In today’s digital world, what others say about your business carries more weight than what you say about yourself. In fact, studies show that a whopping 88% of people trust third-party endorsements more than self-promotion. Add to that the fact that 92% of consumers read online reviews before making a decision, and it becomes clear: social proof is your secret weapon.

Social proof is a powerful tool that can boost your child care center’s credibility, whether you’re looking to enroll new families or attract talented staff. When it comes to hiring, nothing speaks louder than a happy, enthusiastic team member sharing their experiences. So, why not let your teachers’ voices do the heavy lifting in your recruitment strategy?

Why Social Proof Works

Think of social proof as an endorsement—someone vouching for you because they’ve had a positive experience. When potential hires hear glowing reviews from your staff, it adds authenticity and trust to your message. Instead of just saying, “We’re a great place to work,” these testimonials prove it, with real people sharing real stories. This kind of validation is more impactful than any sales pitch you could write.
To bring in the best job applicants, make sure you’re showcasing social proof from your current or former employees who loved working with you. Happy teachers will attract more high-quality candidates, leading to a stronger team for your center.

Collecting Testimonials: Start Early and Stay Consistent

Want to gather those golden testimonials? Start by creating a plan that makes it easy and comfortable for your team to share their experiences. Here’s a pro tip: add a step to your onboarding or retention process where you ask for a testimonial after the first 60-90 days. By this time, teachers will have had meaningful experiences and will still be excited about their new role. This is also a great moment to gather authentic feedback before the initial honeymoon phase wears off.

Don’t stop there. Aim to refresh your testimonials annually. Just like everything else in your business, testimonials need to be kept current to stay relevant.

Making it Easy for Staff to Share

We’ve all been there—ready to write a glowing review but not sure where to start. Help your team out by providing them with a quick and easy process. If you want them to leave an online review, give them direct links to your preferred platforms, whether it’s Google, Facebook, or Yelp.

For those who might feel stuck, offering prompts or sample testimonials can be a game-changer. Encourage them to share their personal stories and let their personality shine through. Here are some sample questions that will inspire great testimonials:

• What led you to a career in early childhood education?
• What drew you to our center, and how have your expectations been met?
• What do you love most about working here? (Prompts: positive work environment, supportive team, state-of-the-art facilities, etc.)
• Can you share a story of how you’ve positively impacted a child’s life?
• Would you recommend our center to other educators? If so, why?

These prompts will guide them without putting words in their mouth, ensuring the testimonial is both authentic and specific.

Maximize Your Testimonials in the Hiring Process

Once you’ve collected these golden nuggets of social proof, don’t just stash them away—use them! Incorporate teacher testimonials in every aspect of your hiring process. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Website: Create a dedicated section on your careers page to showcase staff reviews.
• Job Fairs & Flyers: Use testimonials on promotional materials to attract talent.
• Follow-Up Emails: After an interview, include a few staff quotes in your follow-up to seal the deal.
• Social Media: Share them as part of your regular social content to build your reputation over time.
• Video Testimonials: Create short videos where teachers share their experiences. Feature these on your careers page or social media, adding a personal touch that written reviews can’t always convey.
• Orientation Packets: Include these testimonials in orientation or welcome packets for new hires. It reassures them they’ve made the right choice and sets a positive tone from day one.
• Staff Spotlight Features: Dedicate a monthly or biweekly spotlight to a staff member, sharing their story along with their testimonial in your newsletters or social media.
• Referral Incentive Programs: Use glowing teacher testimonials in materials encouraging current employees to refer qualified candidates.
• QR Codes on Brochures or Flyers: Include QR codes on physical promotional materials that direct potential hires to a page full of staff testimonials, making it easy for them to explore more stories.
• Digital Ads: Incorporate standout testimonials into paid ads on platforms like Facebook or Google Ads to attract top talent with real-life stories.

Teacher testimonials can act as your best advertisement for prospective hires—giving them a peek into what it’s like to work at your center.

Teacher Testimonials: Not Just for Hiring

Don’t limit the impact of these reviews to recruitment. Positive staff reviews can also be a powerful tool in your general marketing efforts. When parents see that your teachers are happy, it helps to build trust and assures them that their children will be in good hands. After all, happy teachers often mean happy students!
You can sprinkle these testimonials throughout your marketing calendar in creative ways. The more visibility these glowing reviews get, the stronger your brand will become in both the eyes of parents and potential employees.

Recognize and Reward Participation

Never underestimate the power of recognition. A simple “thank you” goes a long way, and public praise can motivate others to follow suit. At your next staff meeting, consider saying something like, “A big thank you to Amber and Nichole for leaving us amazing reviews on Google! These testimonials will help us attract new team members and families.”
Public shout-outs, thank-you cards, or even small tokens of appreciation can make a big difference. The more you celebrate the behavior, the more you’ll encourage it in the future.

Final Thoughts

If you want to attract the best talent to your child care center, let your team speak for you. By regularly collecting, showcasing, and celebrating employee testimonials, you’re building trust with potential hires and strengthening your brand. Social proof is a powerful tool—use it wisely and watch your team grow!