As a dance studio owner, you’re creative and passionate. These skills transfer readily to getting the word out about your studio with marketing. Even better, today there are many fun and authentic ways to do this while staying within a minimal budget. They range from solutions for tech-savvy studios to those who want to focus on community-level engagement. Here are ten dance studio marketing ideas that are easy, effective, and affordable. All they need is your own creative touch!
1. Host An Open House
Let potential students see what your studio is all about, free of charge. An open house allows people to meet your teachers, see the space, and get answers to all of their important questions.
Hold several different types of shortened dance classes throughout the event so people can see each one. Let them join in on the fun and try a few moves! Consider offering special perks or discounts for students who sign up for classes before they leave the event.
You can advertise ahead of your open house by posting in the newspaper, adding the event on social media, and sending out postcards to neighborhoods around your studio. Ask other related businesses to spread the word for you as well.
2. Find Bulletin Boards
Once you’re looking for them, you’ll see there are bulletin boards everywhere. Check your local coffee shops, lunch spots, schools, gyms, and daycares for a free communal place to hang your flyer to find your students.
This can be a generic advertisement for your dance studio or perhaps an advertisement for an upcoming event. You never know who may be looking!
3. Use Social Media
Social media can be an incredible marketing tool. It doesn’t cost anything to create a profile and begin sharing content. Use tools like Facebook Live and Instagram Stories to give your followers a “sneak peek” into your classes. You can also create videos for each of your teachers. Let them introduce themselves and discuss what a typical day in their class looks like.
Willing to spend a little cash for a boost? Ads on Instagram and Facebook can go a long way towards reaching new students in your area, but you don’t have to spend a lot. As little as $25 per week could make a difference in getting your page in front of the right audience.
4. Get Creative With Special Events
Hosting unique events will help your studio get the attention it deserves.
Consider a ballet show under the stars during the warm summer months, holiday-themed shows, or routines to contemporary favorites. Shows like these will attract people from all over your community, which can boost visibility and bring in new students.
5. Target Specific Audiences
There are several specific groups of children and adults who are looking for classes that are tailored to them. For example, consider hosting classes for individuals with special needs, those with limited mobility or chronic health conditions, pregnant women, and babies or toddlers (think mommy and me classes).
Open your studio up to a whole new group of people by putting on classes like these, even if it’s just once a month. This offers an outlet that is so rewarding for the individuals who take your classes, their families, and the community.
6. Partner With Other Local Businesses
Build your network within the community by partnering with other local businesses. Dance supply stores and costume shops are often a natural fit, but don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Wellness spas, healthy local grocery stores, music stores, or your local symphony may all be a good fit.
Help each other by placing postcards or flyers at your checkout areas or offering “free class” specials for customers.
You can also find businesses that are interested in teaming up for special events. Outdoor shopping centers or large breweries for example are great for this type of marketing. Offer to hold a free dance class in a large communal area of the center. You’ll benefit from advertisements for the event and they capitalize on people spending time (and potentially money) there.
7. Volunteer In Your Community
Increasing visibility in your community is one of the best ways to get your name out there. Is there a family-friendly event coming up at your local park? Perhaps the farmer’s market needs volunteers to help set up?
Get out there and volunteer wherever you can. Wear clothing with your dance studio logo and bring plenty of business cards with you! People love to see business owners who care about being involved around town.
8. Build A Solid Email List
Be sure to create a targeted email list comprised of current, past, and potential students.
Try not to overdo it with your messages (no one likes repetitive spam from a business). Weekly or monthly emails generally work best.
Keep your contacts in the loop about exciting changes to your lineup of classes or upcoming events. Consider including special deals or discounts from time to time. This will keep people interested in opening the emails you send.
9. Ask For Online Reviews
If you’re running a successful studio, you clearly have some happy dancers! Don’t be afraid to ask them to review your business online.
Yelp and Google are two of the most popular places people go to research local businesses and see what other people are saying. This will help you continue to grow and improve your studio as people hear how great your studio is!
10. Automate Your Tasks With Dance Studio Software
Determining how much, whether, and when to invest in marketing campaigns can be challenging. Fortunately, the right dance studio software can automate marketing tasks for you, so you can focus on running your studio.
Let The Studio Director do the heavy lifting when it comes to your marketing efforts. Efficiently schedule emails crafted for new students, special promotions, and even birthday greetings. You’ll also have access to new dance studio marketing ideas like email templates. See which ones are working each month with communication reports, such as send and open data from your campaigns.
Beyond dance studio marketing ideas, The Studio Director can help you keep track of enrollment, billing, and much more. Contact us to learn more or start your free trial today!
