~ by Shawna Kisell, Print Sales Consultant, Vancouver/Vancouver Island
Now that you have submitted your yearbook, it is time to strategize, celebrate, and build excitement for next year. Here’s how:
COMMUNICATE
Reflect, plan, and share recommendations
- Take a moment to recap the group’s experience. What systems worked for gathering photos, securing write-ups, and attending events? Identify challenges and highlight areas where additional training or resources could help future teams.
- Compile notes and refine systems for next year.
- Create a “Yearbook How-To” guide for next year’s team, incorporating all the elements like “Things We Learned from Yearbook 2024–2025.” Get creative!
Spread the word
Encourage students to join the Yearbook team
- Promote joining the yearbook team by word of mouth (recruit your talented friends) with visuals throughout school halls, and on all school social media.
- Develop a “Top Ten Reasons to Join Yearbook” list, featuring team pictures and quotes about why students loved the experience and share them through a social media campaign.
CREATE
Market and grow the yearbook culture
- Brainstorm ways to maintain momentum. Create social media videos and messages promoting Yearbook arrival/handout day. Share hints or sneak peeks of content in the book.
- Design posters counting down the days until Yearbook distribution.
- Craft messages for parents encouraging early registration for next year’s Yearbook. Ensure the office includes these messages in end-of-year communications and post a registration link on the school website.
- Prepare and share ideas for next year’s Yearbook theme/design to help spark creativity for the next year.
CELEBRATE
Honour the hard work of your Yearbook crew
- Host a pizza party, team gathering, or another celebratory event to show appreciation.
- Boost visibility and enthusiasm for the yearbook within your school.
- Make Yearbook Distribution Day a memorable event (Include a Yearbook “pick up” celebration and signing area to an existing school event or create your own) with decorations, music, and a food truck or BBQ. Coordinate with administrators to generate excitement and build school spirit.
YEARBOOK CULTURE STARTS WITH YOU!
Remember, students will not connect to the yearbook if they never see anything or hear anything about the yearbook. Be visible, be creative, and most importantly have fun!
The yearbook chronicles the year, captures school spirits, and highlights events, clubs, sports, and snapshots of student life. The more the yearbook is visible and known, the stronger it becomes. This boosts its popularity, increases sales, enhances student engagement, and embeds it as a cherished part of school spirit.
Shawna Kisell is Friesens’ Vancouver & Vancouver Island Print Sales Consultant. She has a passion for marketing and creativity, communication, connectivity, and customer service. She thrives on working with yearbook teams and seeing their excitement as their book evolves! In her personal time, she loves all that the West Coast has to offer, from running and hiking to snowboarding and more.
