It was a whirlwind year for districts! From enrollment trends and social media tips to accessibility and communication strategies, staying ahead of the curve was no easy feat. We covered a lot this year, publishing more than 150 blogs and racking up over 720K page views in the last 12 months!

Now, you may have missed a few (we forgive you), so to help you stay informed, we've compiled a list of our top blog posts for school districts in 2024, covering everything from website design to crisis communications and cybersecurity.

And if you're not subscribed to the Finalsite Blog, sign up for free and get the latest strategies, tips, insights, and more sent straight to your inbox every week. 

Here’s a look back at the top blogs on Finalsite.com, as well as some of our can’t-miss favorites!

Our Top Motivational Posts:

Can Better District Communications Retain Burned-Out Staff?

Say what now? Effective communication is one of the most powerful ways for a district to reduce burnout and keep staff on board to continue the work they love.

The Future-Forward Benefits of School Website Accessibility

School website accessibility can sometimes feel like a chore, but there’s an overlooked benefit!  As SEO and AI change how families use the web, accessibility prepares your site for the future.

​7 Stats for Districts to Rethink Public School Enrollment

The numbers don't lie. Public schools will have to get creative and think strategically about how they can bring more students back to public schools and retain them.

Mentoring the Next Generation of School Communicators

Whether you're a a school PR veteran or mid-career professional, mentorship is key to the sustainability and future of school public relations professionals. In this blog series with NSPRA, read how district leaders can empower the next generation of school pros.

The Dual Roles of Superintendents: Navigating Success & Struggles

With all the roles a district leader plays, learn how superintendents can enhance their online presence to lead in times of difficulty and act as cheerleaders in moments of success.

Our Top AI Posts:

How to Use AI Responsibly at Your School

AI is a powerful tool for schools, but it needs to be used wisely before it has the full power to save your team time in a meaningful and responsible way.

How to Boost Your School's Visibility in AI-Powered Searches

Is your school at the top of Google’s AI Overviews? As AI becomes more and more integrated into your families’ searches, here are the key strategies to optimize your school's website for AI-powered searches.​

Our Top Website Posts:

School Website Design & The Science of First Impressions

Learn how to improve your school website's design and user experience by tapping into the brain chemistry behind first impressions.

9 Tricks to Keep Users on Your School's Website Longer

With so many pop-ups, notifications, and distractions just a click away, here's how you can create a user-friendly experience that keeps visitors on your school's website even longer.

The Need for Empathy in Your School Website User Experience

Visitors come to your website with needs, desires, and questions, but the one thing every user has in common is the expectation of your site to provide answers. Have some pity!

Our Top Social Media Posts:

Social Media Power Hour: Manage Your School’s Instagram in 60 Mins

We know you’re busy, but spending a few minutes each day on your school's account can ensure you're using Instagram in the best way possible.

5 Ways to Get Traffic to Your School Website From Social Media

One purpose of social media is to direct traffic back to your school's website, but it's not always easy. Here are five tips to get users back to your site.

How Do I Increase My School's YouTube Subscribers?

Above all, a well-executed YouTube strategy relies on understanding your audience and creating content that resonates and drives subscriptions.

Our Top “How-to” Posts

30 Tips for Better Emails, Newsletters, & District Communications

Whether it’s the timing of a newsletter or the format of a mobile alert, small tweaks in your district's communications can lead to BIG improvements.

How Effective is Your District’s Communications Plan? 7 Questions to Ask

Is your district's communications plan working as planned? Here are key questions to refine a plan that supports parent engagement and student success.

Inbox to Instant: School Communications for Today's Parents

Parents expect more, and it’s time for school districts to meet those expectations with a fresh, unified communications strategy. Here’s how…

And Don't Miss These Honorable Mentions!

School Branding: Does BIG and LOUD Mean Good?

When the dust settles, and the promotions fade, what truly makes a school's brand resonate in the hearts and minds of its community? 

6 Automated Email Workflow Examples for Districts

Like a set of dominoes, once your district sets up these automated email workflows, each communication falls into place at just the right time.

How Schools Can Communicate with "These" 5 Types of Parents

The best way for your school to reach families is to approach each parent as an individual. Turn any communication challenge into an opportunity.

ADA Title II Update: Countdown to K-12 School Website Accessibility

The countdown is on! Many public K-12 schools’ online platforms must meet specific ADA website accessibility standards or face the possibility of a violation.

The Rising Costs of Ransomware: How Cyberattacks Drain District Budgets

Ransomware attacks are hitting districts where it hurts—right in the purse. Read how cyber threats are straining budgets before, during, and after an attack.

Thanks for reading — can't wait to see what next year brings!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Connor has spent the last decade within the field of marketing and communications, working with independent schools and colleges throughout New England. As Finalsite’s Senior Content Marketing Manager, Connor plans and executes marketing strategies and digital content across the web. A former photojournalist, he has a passion for digital media, storytelling, coffee, and creating content that connects.