Say It Loud, Say It Proud
When you’re running a homeschool business—whether it’s a curriculum company, a cozy co-op, a microschool with big dreams, or a snazzy new resource hub—communication and marketing are your secret weapons. Or not-so-secret, depending on how loudly you shout about your printable unit studies on social media.
In a world full of emails, texts, group chats, flyers, and reels, your job is to make sure your message doesn’t just float out into the digital void—it lands, connects, and sticks. Preferably without autocorrect turning “phonics” into “phoenix.” (Although, we’d definitely subscribe to a program that teaches kids to read and also battle mythological firebirds.)
The Purpose of Communications in a Homeschool Business
Good communication builds trust, creates connection, and clarifies expectations. It’s how you keep your families in the loop, your team on the same page, and your brand consistent. Whether you’re sending a cheerful weekly update, calming a nervous parent, or explaining why tuition is going up (again, blame the cost of crayons), your communication style shapes how your community sees and feels about you.
Remember: Clarity is kind. Confusion is… well, the stuff of stressed-out voicemails and half-filled Google Forms.
Internal vs. External Communications
Let’s break it down like a morning calendar time circle:
Internal Communications:
These are the notes, updates, and coordination happening behind the scenes with your team, volunteers, or co-op members. Think Slack threads, email chains, or impromptu meetings where someone always brings banana bread.
- Use tools like Google Workspace, Trello, or Notion to keep everyone in sync.
- Set communication norms (e.g., “We reply to messages within 24 hours unless there’s a field trip to a goat farm.”)
- Create feedback loops so people feel heard—weekly check-ins, suggestion boxes, or “Tell Me Tuesday” emails.
External Communications:
This is what the world sees—emails to families, your website content, flyers for open houses, Instagram posts with perfectly filtered learning moments.
- Be consistent. Your tone, visuals, and message should match across platforms.
- Be informative. Don’t bury the key info under five paragraphs of educational philosophy. (We know, Charlotte Mason changed your life—but people need to know where to park.)
- Be you. Let your personality shine. If your co-op is quirky and creative, your copy should be too.
Marketing: More Than Just a Logo and a Canva Habit
Marketing isn’t about being pushy or salesy—it’s about storytelling. It’s how you help people understand why your homeschool business matters and how it fits into their lives.
Start With Your Audience
- Who are they? Homeschool moms juggling four kids and a sourdough starter? Dads new to unschooling? Microschool founders who live by their Trello boards?
- What do they care about? Flexible learning, high-quality secular curriculum, personalized attention?
- Where do they hang out? Facebook groups? Instagram? The library bulletin board?
Then Tell Your Story
- Why you? Share your “why.” Did you start your business because your kid needed something different? Because you were tired of printing 84 worksheets a week?
- What do you offer? Be specific—“hands-on science units with supply kits included” is more powerful than “educational materials.”
- What’s the transformation? Show the before and after—“from overwhelmed to confident,” “from chaos to curriculum clarity.”
Tools of the Trade (AKA The Marketing Toybox)
- Email newsletters (Mailchimp, ConvertKit, etc.) – Keep your audience informed and engaged.
- Social media – Pick one or two platforms and post consistently. It’s okay if your reels are a little chaotic—it adds charm.
- Website – Your digital home base. Clear navigation, warm visuals, and a strong call to action go a long way.
- Flyers and printables – Don’t underestimate the power of a well-designed flyer at the local library or coffee shop.
- Word of mouth – Happy families are your best marketers. Encourage reviews, testimonials, and good old-fashioned gushing.
A Word on Branding (It’s Not Just a Logo, Promise)
Branding is the vibe people get when they interact with you. Is it cozy and approachable? Bold and innovative? Earthy and whimsical?
Pick a voice and stick with it. If you’re playful on your social media but stiff on your website, people might get whiplash. Think of branding like a homeschool uniform—maybe not identical every day, but definitely coordinated.
Keep It Honest, Keep It Human
No one expects you to sound like a marketing agency. In fact, your audience would probably run for the hills if you did. Speak like a real person who genuinely cares about helping other families navigate homeschooling. That’s your superpower. Not flash. Not perfection. Just realness.
Be honest about what you offer. Be clear about what it costs. Be kind in how you explain things. And above all, be consistent—even when you’re answering the same FAQ for the 14th time in one day.
Marketing and communication don’t have to feel like a corporate suit in your comfy homeschool world. With a little planning, a lot of heart, and maybe a cute font or two, you can craft a message that resonates with your community—and grows your business.
Because at the end of the day, you’re not just running a homeschool business. You’re building something that helps families learn, grow, and thrive. And that’s worth shouting about (with proper punctuation, of course).
