advertising and special

[ObiRonKnbi]

Just wanted to see what kind of advertising and specials has worked for people because we do very little....

most of our new students come from word of mouth

what i've heard worked for other school owners:
- Pennysaver adds
- Demos (as long as you pass out flyers and info)
- Sitting at a table in a shopping center

for specials i've seen:
- $40 starter course (4 classes) and free uniform
- parents train free
- 15% off family members

[Club Kozak]

Myself, I don't give any types of specials. I used to, but I would just get people who don't stay long.

[elitecombatives]

WORD of mouth all the way

From my experience, I can say that specials don't help bring in loyal / long term students who in the long term is the valuable students bringing you recurring monthly revenue.

Low priced deals do a good job in bringing some students in historically (from my experience and other friends who own + operate their school) but they truly do not value your time, knowledge as much as some one who shops smart and not with the cost in mind. These students can goof off and not respect the seriousnous of training time with others that are serious in their training. ITs' like those people who pay and go to a gym only to sit around and chat with friends, trying to loook good in their new gym wear WHILE holding up the bench press machine from someone who wants to truly use it to work out on it.

Dont get me wrong, I believe in marketing on some level.....I believe in word of mouth. Nothing beats a free positive pitch of your teaching skills than from an objective source who had experience in your school. This totally beats having a "Greeting coordinator" meet you at the door to sell you on a contract BEFORE you even SEE THE INSTRUCTOR.