Kickstart Your Childcare Center's Growth
Welcome to your ultimate getting-started guide, built just for childcare center owners like you. Whether you're running a single location, managing multiple centers, or just opening your doors for the first time, this guide is designed to help you skip the guesswork and grow with confidence.
You'll learn how to:
- Show up first on Google when families search for childcare
- Instantly follow up with every inquiry (even while you sleep)
- Build a 5-star online reputation that attracts new families
- Launch simple ads that fill your enrollment slots without draining your budget
- Stay top-of-mind on social media without posting every day
Think of this as your cheat sheet to running a smart, modern childcare center that thrives without burning you out. Each section is packed with tips, automation shortcuts, and real tools you can set up today.
Let's dive in and get your center dialed in—step by step!
Table of Contents
- Get Found on Google & Dominate Local Search
- Automate Follow-Ups & Capture Every Lead
- Automate Reviews & Build a 5-Star Reputation
- Launch a Simple, High-Converting Ad Campaign
- Stay Top of Mind with Social Media
1. Get Found on Google & Dominate Local Search
Why This Matters
When a parent types "daycare near me" or "preschool in [neighborhood]" into Google, they're ready to take action. But if your center isn't showing up—or worse, your listing looks outdated—you're losing enrollments before families even contact you. A polished, optimized Google presence makes you look trustworthy, active, and easy to reach.
What You Need to Do
Claim & Verify Your Google Business Profile: This gets your center listed on Google Maps and search results, so families can find you instantly.
Set Up Service Areas: Let Google know which neighborhoods or regions you serve—especially important if you offer transportation or serve multiple zip codes.
Add a Call Tracking Number: Track exactly where your calls are coming from so you know which marketing efforts are working.
Automate Google Review Requests: Trigger review requests after new enrollments, milestone celebrations, or parent-teacher conferences.
Post Weekly Updates: Keep your Google listing fresh with photos of classroom activities, enrollment openings, or special events.
Follow our Google Business Profile setup guide to get started.
2. Automate Follow-Ups & Capture Every Lead
Why This Matters
Prospective families are browsing your website, messaging you on Facebook, and calling after hours. Without fast, consistent follow-up, those families move on to the next center. Automation ensures every single inquiry gets a response—whether you're giving tours, managing staff, or home for the evening.
What You Need to Do
Install a Chat Widget: Greet visitors on your enrollment site and collect contact info instantly. Follow our chat widget setup instructions.
Enable Missed Call Text-Back: Automatically send a text when someone calls but you can't answer. Set up missed call text-back.
Add a Booking Calendar: Let families book tours, meet-and-greets, or enrollment consultations without the back-and-forth. Learn how to set up online booking.
Build Follow-Up Automations: Send automated messages that build trust over time—share photos from your classrooms, introduce your teachers, and answer common questions.
Use Enrollio AI: Let AI handle FAQs, tour scheduling, and initial questions 24/7, so no family waits for answers.
- How to build automated appointment follow-up surveys
- How to set up Voice AI agents
- How to set up Enrollio AI
3. Automate Reviews & Build a 5-Star Reputation
Why This Matters
Before a family enrolls their child, they're looking you up online. Your Google rating, number of reviews, and what parents say about you are often the deciding factor. Automating your review process helps ensure every happy family shares their story.
What You Need to Do
Set Up Automated Review Requests: Ask for reviews after enrollment milestones, graduation ceremonies, or positive parent conferences.
Use Email & Text Message Templates: Save time and keep your messaging on-brand and personal.
Showcase Reviews Publicly: Add social proof to your enrollment site, landing pages, and tour booking pages.
Reply to Every Review: Show appreciation and professionalism—prospective families read your responses as much as the reviews themselves.
Learn more about reputation management.
4. Launch a Simple, High-Converting Ad Campaign
Why This Matters
You don't need a massive marketing budget to fill your enrollment slots. A small, smart ad campaign can put your center in front of families who are actively looking for childcare—or ready to make a switch.
What You Need to Do
Create Facebook Ads in Enrollio: Promote open house events, enrollment discounts, or summer program signups with built-in tools. How to run Facebook ads via Enrollio.
Track Leads by Ad Source: See exactly which ads are bringing in tour bookings so you can double down on what works.
Target Local Parents: Use location targeting to reach families within your service area—especially neighborhoods where you already have happy families.
5. Stay Top of Mind with Social Media
Why This Matters
Your Facebook or Instagram page is often the first place parents check before they message you. If it looks outdated or inactive, they'll move on. But if it shows energy, happy children, and engaged families—it builds trust instantly.
What You Need to Do
Turn Reviews into Posts: Share real stories from real families. Guide to sharing reviews on social media.
Write a Blog: Share tips on child development, school readiness, and parenting advice that positions you as the expert.
Send Email Newsletters: Stay connected with current families, waitlisted families, and alumni who might refer you.
Schedule Content with the Social Planner: Batch your content creation so you stay consistent without scrambling for posts every day.
Learn how to optimize your social media strategy.
Want help setting any of this up? Sign up for a free trial!