Chances are, like most studio owners, you see your student base shift with the seasons. People come and go throughout the year, whether it’s because of time constraints, being out of town, work conflicts or any of a host of other reasons that can make taking the time to for yoga a challenge. You’ve probably also seen how excited students are to come back to their mats. Fall is a perfect time for a fresh start to a yoga practice. Vacations are over, cooler air makes being indoors a refuge from the weather, and the start of school means many students (kids, parents and teachers alike) are in more need than ever of their yoga.
It’s also a great time to welcome new students to your studio. Naturally, starting anything new can be intimidating, so here are some tips on how to structure some autumn-appropriate beginner offers that make new students feel welcome and excited for their first day of (yoga) school.
Offer short series
Try offering a new student special for a four- or six-week series of beginners’ classes. That way, they can get used to your studio. Then, when the series is over, they can explore other offers on the schedule. And, a special introductory rate can make an appealing package.
Keep teachers and students in mind
Try reaching out to local schools. You might even consider adding a beginners’ class just for teachers if there is enough interest. Work on marketing strategies that appeal to teachers. You might, for example, want to focus on the stress-busting benefits of yoga.
If you want to target college students, budget-friendly specials can be a great tool. Try specials like discounted class cards for new students who sign up by a certain date.
Make getting ready for the holidays a draw
People want to look and feel their best before the chaos of the holidays starts. If you have an athletic student base, you could bill the offer as a chance to improve flexibility or strength before December 1st. If your students tend to enjoy more meditative practices, try a tagline like “Be Less Stressed this Holiday Season!”
These are just a few tips to boost your seasonal offers for new students. Don’t be afraid to try other approaches. Fall is also a great time to test drive new classes, events and workshops. These can be great ways to get beginners in the door.