How to approach preschool advertising?

I am looking to open a preschool in the fall here in North Carolina and I need some pointers and thoughts as to how I should approach advertising. The school will be a "cream of the crop" type school with only about 40 kids total. I'm a business major so I know the basics of marketing, but am really stuck in terms the specifics - which media outlets have the best rate of return? Cost effective? How to go about getting into T.V. commercials (are they worth it?)? Radio commercials? Web banner ads? Any thoughts and pointers are appreciated!

How to approach preschool advertising?
I am a mom of 4 from St. Louis. The way that I found pre-schools was local advertising in the form of road signs (like the real estate opening signs) and local journals, newspapers and flyers at places like The Little Gym and Karate classes. Also, word of mouth is great! I think tv and radio is pretty pricey and I think those other ways work just as well or better. Best wishes, gosh knows we deserve quality pre-schools :)
Reply:Good question. I've found that the simplest forms are usually the most effective. Craigslist is the first place I would suggest. It's free and if you have some writing skill you will stand out from the crowd. It's also hyper-local so you can focus on families close to your preschool.





Starting a website that allows parents to freely communicate with you or the school would also be a big attraction. I build websites for companies, schools, etc and I have found that creating and promoting an atmosphere of communication is sometimes your best marketing tool.
Reply:As you know from your marketing skills you want to identify your target audience. In your case, "cream of the crop" is a very specific target. Since, timewise, you can't go door-to-door, how about direct mail?





Contact a "mailing house" in your area. They buy lists based on data from the US Census to advertising agencies. (You can also purchase them through infousa.com) Perhaps, for you, you would want a certain income level, or home value level and most definately a home with young children. Then the mailing house would show you an economical and effective mailing and how to go about it.





Congrats on your business venture!
Reply:well the main media that u can use for preadvertising can be the cable tv network in ur local area becuase ur question never describe ur target market so i would sugest that u should follow print media i mean news paper where u can put ur planned pamphlet where u mension ur bussines mission and other benefits that u r going to offer (competitive advantage) u can also use banners' advertising (bill boards) at the local market according to ur environment
Reply:If you are going for the "cream of the crop" then the expression "who you know..." comes in handy. Get yourself invited to social events that will get you introduced to high profile people in your location. If I am going to leave my preschooler in the hands of a stranger I have to at least meet the person in charge. Get to know your would be parents and their kids will follow suit. Just an idea!
Reply:I'm not sure if this could help you or not, but you may try this site. Affiliates all over the world promote advertisements from this and you only pay for the results you get
Reply:Contact Maria at Cromers (in SC)





She's been in advertising forever and will give you great pointers.





maria@cromers.com





www.cromers.com





They have GREAT, inexpensive promo products that will help you get the word out. I've worked with her alot!