Posts Tagged ‘Adult Classes’

Getting The Most From Your Referrals

This month's martial arts marketing ads can be found in the member's download area.

Valentine’s Day means a lot of different things to different people. For some, it’s time to start looking for a date for the 14th; for others, it’s time to book reservations for dinner with the significant other or spouse…

But for martial art school owners, it’s time to market your programs using guest pass referral cards.

It’s no secret that kids have to give out Valentine’s Day cards to their friends on Valentine’s Day. They’re in the mood to give stuff away anyway – why not give them a gift to place in their cards as well?

If you’ll look in the member’s download section, you’ll find a professionally designed card template that’s perfect for this purpose. Print them on full color card stock along with your school info, and provide them to parents to use in lieu of buying cards for Valentine’s Day for their kids.

So, now you know how to use those cards to get leads and trials… But how do you convert them and keep them coming back?

Here are some vital tips and tricks to make sure you get the most from your guest pass referrals – and not just during February, but all year long. Read the rest of this entry »

The Holidays are Coming Up, So We’re Advertising… Fitness?

This month's martial arts marketing ads and fliers can be downloaded in the member's area.

There’s a good reason why we’re marketing fitness this month, and why this month’s ad is designed the way it is.

I know, I know – October to December is when everyone eats a lot of turkey and ham, watches a lot of sports on TV, eats a lot of junk food, is caught up with traveling to see relatives and attending parties, goes off their diet…

Hmmm… are you starting to see the wisdom of positioning your school as a fun place for people to get fit NOW before folks pack on those holiday pounds?

That’s right – by advertising fitness now, not only will you enroll some adults in your classes immediately, you’ll also be “priming the pump” for this January when everyone and their cousin is looking for cool, non-boring ways to keep their New Year resolutions to lose weight and get in shape. Read the rest of this entry »

FREE Lessons?

Members can download the Halloween party invitation and this months ads in the members' download area.

Okay, let’s talk about giving away free lessons for a moment…

I’m not a big fan of FREE lessons, except for adult classes (I always offer the first class free – it’s a great no-pressure way to get busy adults into your school). The thing is, if you give something away for free all the time, it cheapens the perceived value in the potential customer’s eyes.

That’s why I limit guest pass distribution to students and staff (think “scarcity”). This is just my own personal preference; however, time and experience have proven this to be a wise approach.

So why is this month’s ad giving away free lessons? Because, every so often I like to advertise “an offer they can’t refuse.” How many moms are sitting on the fence right now about starting their kids in martial arts, that a few weeks of free lessons won’t convince to take the plunge? A bunch, I’m sure.

And, how much do you think your students will want to tell their friends to come in and try classes, if they can tell them, “It’s free until October 31st?” Who doesn’t want to share a good deal with their friends?

Here’s the thing – free offers are good when they are used properly and in small doses. There’s a good reason why top marketers and copywriters say “free” is the most powerful word in marketing. As long as you don’t let “free” become the overall perception of value for your services, a little bit of “free” every now and again is a good thing.

Now, here’s a tip for how to handle people coming in for their free classes during October:
Read the rest of this entry »

Summer Programs For Adults

Can you sell summer programs to adults? Sure you can!

Any seasonal change or event can be a reason for adults to be open to new experiences and activities, and summer is no exception. Although many parents may find they are busier during summer since their children are out of school, don’t let that keep you from marketing your programs to adults as well.

In my experience, interest in my adult programs actually tends to increase as summer draws near. This is in part due to adults wanting to get in better shape for summer.

Remember, you should also co-advertise your kid’s classes in a starburst in the corner of this month’s ad. Speak with your ad exec at your local paper, or your printer about modifying the ad with this sort of custom information.

Current Month’s Marketing Plan: Adult Summer Martial Arts Classes!

Marketing Plan for the Months of May – June 2010 Read the rest of this entry »

Marketing Plan for the Months of February/March

1. Print Ads: If you’re running ads in print publications and they’re working, keep it up. Also, start considering hiring a door-to-door flier company to target area neighborhoods around your school with the fliers from this month.

Or, get your leadership team out on a Saturday morning and make an event out of it… offer a prize for the first team to distribute 100 fliers on doors (send them out by twos, make sure an adult is in each team). Take them all out for an inexpensive meal after.

2. Banner Sign: Put your 3 foot by 8 foot banner sign in front of your school… Read the rest of this entry »