Schools across Australia are equipped with high-quality sports facilities that often sit under-utilised outside of school hours. These venues—whether it’s a gymnasium, sports oval, or basketball court—are valuable assets for local sports clubs, community events, and corporate groups. However, many schools miss out on the opportunity to generate additional income and support community engagement by not marketing their facilities effectively.

Here are five proven ways to market your school’s facilities and ensure they are being put to good use:

1. Website: Don’t Keep It a Secret

A school’s website is one of the most powerful tools for marketing its facilities. Yet, many school websites fail to clearly display available venues for public use, making their facilities the world’s best-kept secret. It’s crucial to update your website with dedicated pages or sections highlighting the venues, their features, and the types of events or clubs that can benefit from them. Make sure visitors can easily find your facilities' availability and booking information. With a well-optimised website, your school’s venues can become a go-to resource for community groups.

2. Social Media: Engage the Community

Social media is an excellent platform to showcase your school’s facilities to a broader audience. Posting photos, videos, and updates about your venues—especially when they’re being used for sports or community events—can spark interest among local clubs and organisations. Consider using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to engage with your local community and encourage followers to share your posts. The more visibility your facilities get online, the more likely people will think of your school when they need a space for their next event or sporting activity.

3. Paid Advertising: Boost Your Visibility

When it comes to online visibility, paid advertising can make a significant difference. Google Ads, for instance, is a great way to ensure your school’s facilities appear at the top of search results when people are looking for local venues. With only ten results on the first page of Google, paid ads can help position your school in a prime spot for greater exposure. By targeting relevant keywords and location-based searches, you can attract the right audience to your facilities and generate more inquiries.

4. Signage: Capture Road and Foot Traffic

While digital marketing is important, traditional marketing methods like signage can also play a pivotal role in increasing awareness. Install eye-catching signs near your school’s entrances or along busy roads to let passersby know that your school’s facilities are available for hire. Whether it’s a large banner, poster, or a series of directional signs, clear and visible signage can attract attention from both road and foot traffic, ultimately driving more people to inquire about your venues.

5. Facility Finder: Simplifying the Booking Process

One of the best ways to market and manage your school’s facilities is by listing them on platforms like Facility Finder. Facility Finder is an easy-to-use online marketplace that connects schools with local sports clubs and community groups. By listing your school’s venues on the platform, you make it easy for potential clients to find and book your facilities in minutes. Facility Finder simplifies the entire booking process—from checking availability and securing venues to handling payments and ensuring compliance with safety standards. With minimal effort, your school can maximize the use of its sports facilities and generate additional income while supporting community growth.

Conclusion

Marketing your school’s facilities doesn’t have to be complicated. By using a combination of a well-optimised website, engaging social media presence, targeted paid advertising, traditional signage, and an efficient platform like Facility Finder, your school can ensure its sports venues are being utilised to their full potential. Not only will this benefit your local community by providing accessible venues for youth sports, but it will also provide additional revenue to support school programs and maintenance. If your school has underused spaces, it’s time to get them working for you—and the community—today!