Our data shows us that Council Funded Listings that are attractive and well-written attract more bookings. They also tend to have higher attendance. As you can keep your listing and re-use it for many deliveries, it's worth putting in some extra effort 💪
A perfect council-funded listing might look like this:
In a nutshell
When a parent first comes across your listing, they should be thinking:
"Oh my gosh! This looks wonderful! 🤩 Sammy will be so excited when I tell him about it. He will be counting down the days. I can't believe this is fully - funded by the council, this will be the highlight of the holidays!"
Think of the parent as a paying customer
Imagine that the payment for the session was coming directly from the parent and not the council.
What quality of information would the parent expect?
What is unique about your provision that would attract them to book?
What is so special and exciting that they would not forget to attend?
Read on to find out how improving your Eequ listing can help you achieve a fully booked club with high attendance 🥇
Listing Title
Grab a booker's attention!
A catchy title makes you stand out from the crowd.
Do
Stand out from the Crowd. Parents could have 10 or 20 options.
If you offer the same activity at different venues, add the venue in the title.
If you have a well-known business name, weave this into the title.
Don't
Avoid using the season (summer) in the title. You can add this in the block name above the dates.
Don't be boring!
Photos
Authentic photos have a huge impact on bookers.
Realistic photos of the experience will entice a booker to click through to your listing and give them the confidence to book.
Do
Use your mobile phones for best quality
Take pictures of hands, feet, equipment, food, the environment if you don't have permission to show children.
Use a minimum of 3 photos but 10 is better
Use free stock images (or create AI art with Dalle) if you're stuck
These image stock websites are great: Pexels.com, Unsplash.com
Use a different cover photo for each venue
Change your photos to freshen up for a new season
Don't
Do not put text in your image
Do not use logos within the image
Do not use blurred images
Listing Description
Make it rich and engaging to draw in your audience.
Imagine you meet a parent at a bus stop. They have never heard of you or taken part in this activity before. Tell this mum all about your sessions.
Imagine the mum telling the excited child all about the activity as they mark it on the calendar.
Your listing should stand out from other people's listings. It should highlight the high quality of your provision. You can use photos and words to answer all of these questions that will be going through the Mum's mind:
What will happen when we arrive?
What happens at the start, middle, and end of the session - is there a timetable?
What specific sports or games will you offer?
Give me some examples of the crafts.
What is the space like? (Inside and outside)
Will there be any choices for my child if they don't like something?
What size of groups will they be in?
What kind of food will they eat?
What kind of experience do the staff have? Can you tell me who will be there on the day?
Do you cater for SEND? Do you have specially trained staff?
Here is an example of a simple description. There are 3 optional sections so you can split the information up to make it easier to read:
WHAT WE'LL DO
Join us at Jumping Monkeys Holiday Club situated in Brooks Primary School. Each session is designed to provide options for every child and plenty of opportunities for imaginary play.
We will start the day outside, making the most of the school's play equipment which includes a pirate's ship, sandpit and outdoor mud kitchen. Children will be able to help the staff with some gardening or simply play with their friends.
At mid-morning we will come in for snack time. We offer fruit and rice crackers with herbal tea or water. Children can help to set the table and serve their friends. After snack, the children will be able to wash up with their own child-sized kitchen.
In the middle of each day, there will be an adult-led activity or game. Activities might include making kites or lanterns, sewing or knitting, painting face masks, clay modelling or a treasure hunt. Children who don't want to take part in the activity or those who finish early will be able to use a wide range of other play equipment such as dressing up clothes or den-making frames to continue with imaginary play.
At the end of the day, we have circle time which includes songs in different languages and a story of puppet show from a member of staff.
OUR STAFF
Every session is led by at least one member of staff with an education or child development background. The team lead will be supported by a team that includes university students and staff who are undergoing training to work in an education setting. Please read more about our core team and their backgrounds in this listing.
SUITABLE FOR
This club is suitable for children who do not need specialist SEND support.
If you are unsure of whether your child will have their needs met in a play setting with a staff ratio of one staff to eight children, please speak to us before you attend.
This wonderful club is fully funded for children who receive benefit-related free school meals.
Additional Text Section
As mentioned above, you don't need to add all your information in one box. Break it up into smaller chunks of information so that it is easier to read. Use this section for the most common questions you are asked. Think of all the emails and phone calls you have had about this activity. What comes up the most?
Here are a few examples:
Directions to the entrance
Where to park
Example menu
Example of the day’s schedule
Kit list
SEND support
Learning Aims
This is an optional section when setting up a Listing
Show off your professional approach and describe what your attendees may know, understand or be able to do if they attend your club.
Learning aims are the skills or knowledge you want your attendees to learn or develop during your activity.
Here are a few examples:
Tickets
You have the option to offer both free and paid tickets for council-funded listings. Offering a paid ticket helps parents recognise the value of the fully funded spot. It also promotes diverse social interactions among children from various backgrounds.
If you have more than one ticket you can add ticket limits so that you don't go overbook the places that have been council funded.
Do
Tell the booker who the ticket is for: Child ticket or Accompanying Adult Ticket
Use the 'Extra info' text box to help a booker choose the correct ticket:
"This ticket is for a child who receives benefit-related free school meals"
Don't
Don't create a ticket for a family. Each attendee must have a ticket
Don't create a free ticket from another funding source - all free tickets must be for the same funding council.
Dates
You can add new dates to your Eequ listing indefinitely and you don’t need to create a new listing for each term.
Blocks
Use extra blocks and the block name to give extra instructions:
Try to add dates as early as possible to get the most bookings
If your councils wants you to open for bookings on a particular day, you can schedule your bookings to open.
When your dates have finished you can leave your listing published. We will allow people to register their interest for the next dates.
Summary
Beautiful listings get more bookings and higher attendance 📈
Also, read our guide for marketing and promoting your listing.
Use the live chat in your menu by clicking MESSAGE SUPPORT if you want a member of the Eequ team to give to review your listing.
Book a support call with Eequ if you need any help or advice: