By Blessing Okoro

Social Media vs. Google Ads: Two Ways to Reach Families, But Which is Right for You?

Imagine you’re trying to tell everyone about your amazing child care center. You have two megaphones: Social Media and Google Ads. They both help you get the word out, but they do it in different ways.

Social Media: Making Friends and Building Trust

Think of social media like a big neighborhood party. You’re chatting with folks, sharing pictures of the kids having fun, and showing everyone what makes your center special. Over time, people get to know you, like you, and trust you. They might not need child care right this minute, but when they do, they’ll remember your friendly face and the great things they saw online.

• Show your personality: Post photos of happy kids, silly moments, and behind-the-scenes peeks into your center.
• Share your values: Talk about what makes your center unique. Maybe it’s your focus on nature, your amazing teachers, or your commitment to healthy meals.
• Build a community: Respond to comments, ask questions, and make people feel like they’re part of something special.

Google Ads: Reaching Families Who Are Looking Right Now

Google Ads are like a giant billboard on a busy highway. They pop up when people are actively searching for things like “child care near me” or “best preschool in town.” It’s a way to grab their attention right when they’re looking for what you offer.

• Get in front of the right people: You can target your ads to specific areas, so only parents near your center will see them.
• Get them to take action: Your ads can include a link to your website or a button to call you, making it easy for interested families to take the next step.

Which One is Right for You?

The best approach often involves both!

• Use social media to build relationships and create a warm, inviting online presence.
• Use Google Ads to reach families who are actively searching for child care and ready to enroll.

Remember:

• It takes time to build trust and relationships on social media. Be patient and consistent.
• Google Ads can be a great way to get quick results, but they can also be more expensive.
• Track your results to see what’s working and adjust your strategy as needed.

No matter which approach you choose, the most important thing is to be genuine and show families what makes your child care center special.

If you’d like help with your Google Ads or Social Media Marketing, click here to schedule a chat to explore how Child Care Genius Marketing can help.