In today’s competitive business environment, it can be difficult to know where to begin when it comes to growing your dance studio. Effective marketing techniques, effective website strategies, and an excellent customer service experience are just a few of the essentials businesses must have in place these days in order to thrive and grow.
Fortunately, several leading industry influencers have offered their advice on how you can successfully grow your studio. Here are some helpful insights into ways you can expand your studio’s reach and scope—while also aiding its bottom line.
“The problem is not making up the steps, but deciding which ones to keep.” – Mikhail Baryshnikov
Refresh Your Studio’s Website and Revamp Your Marketing Strategy
Your website is your virtual storefront, so it’s important to keep it up-to-date and on-brand. Wherever possible, be sure to integrate a blog into your website so that you can regularly post updates about your business and the latest news in the dance industry. According to Creatively Disruptive co-founder and COO, Russell Masters, “Showing your audience the real people behind the studio and the real passion behind what you do will give you a leg up on other studios trying to attract students at the same time.”
Your website should also showcase your dance company’s full schedule of classes and events so that potential students can see what they’re getting into before they sign up. Adding an online payment system to your website is also a great way to allow students to pay for classes and events conveniently and securely. And be sure to add a link to your social media accounts, as well as a calendar that keeps people up to date on studio events and classes.
“There’s nothing wrong with fear; the only mistake is to let it stop you in your tracks.” – Twyla Tharp
Diversify Your Business and Invest in Digital Marketing
Digital marketing is often overlooked, but it really is an incredibly effective way of promoting your dance studio business. We often hear business owners say, “We have a marketing team of one, and that is me.” If you don’t have time to dedicate to digital marketing, it is important to reach out to an agency or contracted professional to help you get the job done.
If you’re running a dance studio, you need to be present on the most popular social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. And, you’ll want to keep your posts short and sweet—no one wants to read a lengthy essay when viewing your feed.
Be creative, keep your posts brief and interesting, and be sure to add a call-to-action to encourage your followers to sign up for your email list, follow your page, or visit your website.
“I don’t want people who want to dance, I want people who have to dance.” — George Balanchine
Hold Regular Auditions for Your Dance Company
Most dance studios feature a dance company that performs at local events and on the weekends. But, what many people don’t know is that a dance company at a studio can also be a great way to attract new students.
Parents love to see what their children are capable of, and this is a great way to bring in new students. If you have a dance company at your studio, be sure to advertise it at every event you host–and regularly on social media–so that parents and potential students can get a glimpse of what they’re missing out on. And, if you don’t have a dance company yet, consider creating one so that you can start bringing in new students right away.
“Dance is for everybody. I believe that the dance came from the people and that it should always be delivered back to the people.” – Alvin Ailey
Make Mobile App Development a Priority
Many students today prefer to learn via mobile apps or online. If your students are mostly mobile-based, you need to be prepared with a mobile app to help them keep up with their progress. While it may not be necessary to create an app for every single one of your classes, depending on the type of course you’re offering, it could be a good idea to invest in mobile app development for your studio, particularly for lessons that are online-based.
If you’re not sure where to begin when it comes to developing a mobile app for your studio, you can seek the help of an app development company. An app company can help you decide which type of app would be most beneficial for your students and help you create it from scratch. Once you have your app, you can market it via social media and on your website so that your students are able to stay up to date on their progress even when they aren’t at the studio.
Growing Your Dance Business Never Stops
If your dance studio is currently struggling and in need of an influx of new students, the tips outlined above may provide the spark you need to get back on track. By refreshing your website, diversifying your business, investing in digital marketing, holding regular auditions for your dance company, and making mobile app development a priority, you can help your studio improve its image and reputation in the community, reach more clients, and generate more revenue.
Seem a little overwhelming? We’re here to help! Book a call with us today for a free consultation, and let’s figure out how to get your dance studio on the map.
