249: Strategy drives story. Meaning before message.
From smj: school marketing journal by imageseven
June 11, 2026 · 18 min · Season 1 · Episode 249
About this episode
The episode discusses the importance of strategy in school communication, emphasizing that meaning should precede messaging.
School Marketing Journal with Brad Entwistle, Andrew Sculthorpe and Belinda McCubbin In this episode, Brad, Bel and Scully examine why strong school communication begins before the wording stage. Combining the principles of strategy drives story and meaning before message, they explain why schools can sound articulate while still leaving parents unsure about what matters most. The trio discuss how weak strategy turns communication into a list, why more content rarely builds confidence, and how clearer intent gives story direction and message weight. They challenge heads to settle purpose and meaning before asking marketing teams to write. Episode link: Reflection and Leadership Guide: Strategy drives story and meaning before message Get in touch at smj@imageseven.com.au
People in this episode
Hosts: Brad Entwistle, Andrew Sculthorpe, Belinda McCubbin
Topics covered
- school communication
- strategy
- storytelling
- marketing
- education
Keywords
- school marketing
- communication strategy
- story direction
- message weight
- parent engagement
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: imageseven
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