The back-to-school season is approaching fast, which means one thing: back-to-school shopping starts now. Whether your brand targets teachers stocking up on classroom supplies and décor, or parents and kids searching for the trendiest new backpack, now is a critical time to capture attention and drive engagement. In this guide, we will walk you through the key trends shaping the 2025 season, discuss the importance of omnichannel campaigns in back-to-school marketing, and share some subject lines to help your brand stand out.
Key consumer trends to keep in mind for 2025:
01
Value-driven shopping…
takes precedence over brand loyalty. Consumers are looking for deals and other promotional offers, making it important for brands to highlight savings and added value in their campaign messaging. In your back-to-school marketing efforts, remember that teachers are busy and budget-conscious, while parents are more likely to search for products that best serve their kids.
02
Mobile and online shopping dominate.
This means brands must ensure their campaigns are optimized for the digital experience, while also being fluid across channels. Clear, concise messaging that can be replicated on different platforms will keep customers engaged and reduce frustration while shopping.
03
Customers want tailored, customized content…
that makes them feel special. Maintaining a creative approach that centers educators and their potential pain points is key to engagement and brand loyalty.
“The average educator receive hundreds if not thousands of promotional messages during the busy back-to-school season. How do you stand out? Show how you can make their lives easier during this busy time—by providing resources, tools, and support to help educators build strong classroom communities and get to know their students during this critical time of year.”
Integrating Omnichannel Tactics in Back-to-School Marketing:
An omnichannel campaign is a marketing strategy that connects messaging, branding, and customer experience across both digital and physical channels. This allows your brand to maintain consistency in its back-to-school marketing efforts while reaching customers in different, engaging ways.
Email is one of the most powerful tools in an omnichannel strategy, especially during the back-to-school season. When aligned across channels, it becomes even more effective. Here’s how:
- Personalized subject lines drive open rates.
- Triggered emails based on user behaviour guide customers toward conversion.
- Well-timed emails act as a connector between channels.
- Consistent visuals and messaging reinforce brand identity and build trust.
16 Subject Lines With Proven Success
Here is a list of 16 subject lines that can be easily adapted across platforms. Each of these are actual We Are Teachers subject lines that have received open rates over 50% during the busy back-to-school season over the last few years. They are split into categories that show how email marketing and subject line strategy can align with all your brand’s different campaign goals, as well as how they can be easily mirrored across other channels for a cohesive omnichannel experience.
Classroom Tools and Teaching Resources
Highlight practical tools, lesson plans, and instructional content that support educators in the classroom. It’s a bonus if they’re free and easy for teachers to implement.
- Free reading tool for struggling readers at your school!
- Free posters, calendars, and lessons for BTS!
- 🤓 Teaching reading 101
- 📆 Planning your reading calendar
- Why we should honor ALL math strategies
- 80+ math websites you need for this year
- Teaching research has never been this fun 😍🤩
- 10,000+ teaching resources? Yes, please!
Incentives, Giveaways, and Promotions
Drive clicks and engagement through rewards, contests, or financial incentives.
- Don’t miss out on our $1,000 gift card grand prize!
- Check “figure out fundraising” off your back-to-school list.
- Get $10 in our technology survey!
- Free classroom greeting poster + teacher giveaway
Creative Inspiration and Classroom Culture
Tap into creativity, emotional connection, and current trends to resonate with educators.
- 🪣 Bucket fillers and bucket dippers
- TikTok math tricks? 🪄 Yes, please!
- Need classroom decorating inspo?
- 10 easy kindness activities for your students
Ready to Elevate Your Back-to-School Marketing Strategy?
The 2025 back-to-school season is full of opportunity. Do your back-to-school email messages or marketing campaigns need work? We love supporting brands trying to reach educators! Whether it’s email prospecting or SEO strategy, we have the tools and expertise to help you connect meaningfully with your audience through data-driven insights, creative content, and seamless execution. To learn more, reach out to us!