By Blessing Okoro

These days, just having a “Now Enrolling” sign and a Facebook page isn’t enough. Parents are doing their homework, there are tons of options out there, and earning trust takes more than ever. If you’re looking to truly grow your enrollment and become the go-to child care center in your area, you’ve got to go deeper, get creative, and most of all—be real.

Here are five heartfelt and effective ways to stand out and connect with families:

1.Give Them a Real Taste of Your World—Not Just a Tour A tour is nice, but an experience? That’s unforgettable. Instead of a basic walk-through, invite families in for something special. Set up a cubby with their child’s name, let their little one jump into a fun activity, and end with a cozy coffee chat with the teacher. When parents can picture their child thriving in your space, their decision becomes so much easier.

2.  Show Up Like a Neighbor on Social Media Stock photos and canned posts won’t cut it. What parents really want to see is the magic happening in your classrooms. Post the sweet little moments—that caterpillar turning into a butterfly, the proud smile after tying a shoe, the finger-painted masterpiece. And use local touches so your content feels like it could only come from your center. Make it warm, make it true, make it yours.

3.  Connect with the Everyday Influencers in Your Community You don’t need a big-name influencer. Find the trusted voices already around you—local moms with blogs, that pediatrician parents love, or the neighborhood photographer who captures all the baby milestones. Invite them in, collaborate on something fun, or support their work. These relationships open doors in the most genuine way.

4.  Be There for Parents Before They Need You Think beyond just child care. Host a baby sleep Q&A, a “starting solids” class, or a casual meet-up for new parents. When you offer support before enrollment is even on their radar, you become someone they turn to. That kind of trust? It’s priceless.

5.  Turn Your Families Into Your Loudest Cheerleaders No one speaks your praises better than your happy families. Create a referral program that feels like a celebration, not a transaction. Give shoutouts, host a Family Appreciation Day, and make it easy for them to share their love for your center online. When your families feel seen and valued, they’ll naturally spread the word.

From the Heart: Marketing isn’t just about filling spots—it’s about showing up with heart, building real connections, and helping families feel like they’ve found their village.

Ask yourself this: How can we help families feel like they already belong—before they even enroll?

That’s the kind of marketing that truly blesses your community—and helps your center grow with purpose.