What are some ways to advertise for a martial arts school?

Question

we have already tried mailers and door hangers but we have just opened 4 months ago and we need some more students. We are about to break even on our bills but were not there yet. We need about 7 or 8 more. And by the way commercials are too much money for us to spend right now.

okay for those of you who thought we are a taekwondo school i have noo idea why you thought that. we teach kenpo and goshin jitsu plus we have additional sombo classes that are on invite only. and thanks for all of the info

Answer 1

There are numerous, monetarily inexpensive ways to consider, but most do require time and effort on the insturctor/s and students part.

1) In the US a website called YELP is free to post on and attracts new clients quite well. Ask your existing students to post a review for you.
2) Create simple flyers and ask your students to post them on notice boards or leave them in places they frequent such as cafe's, school meeting rooms, pizza stores etc.
3) Host a FREE community self-defense seminar and let the local newspapers, and radio, and tv know through a press release. This is a great way to do something for the community and engender some good feeling for your studio.
4) Perform a demonstration as many have suggested, either at the local schools in your area, or at any festivals that may be scheduled.
5) Consider doing a "flyer handout." Get your students in uniform to hand out flyers at particular community focal points. This is a cheap and easy way to increase your visibility.
6) Consider hosting a FREE "check us out" night or "Friends and Family" night where you invite people to come by and train with you and your studnts for free (just make sure everyone signs the typical liability waiver and adjust your class accordingly.)

These are relatively simple and cost effective means to spread the word.

Good luck with your new studio.

Ken C
9th Dan HapMoosaKi-Do
8th Dan TaeKwon-Do
7th Dan YongChul-Do

Answer 2

Offer a free 3 day trial and a free uniform upon sign up.

Book as many people as it would take to fill up the class per week.

Getting their feet wet will give a better understanding of what you teach.

Put an ad on craigslist. It works really well. Also, find a neighborhood(not a martial arst forum) forum and post there. If there is no forum, create one.

Give flyers to your students and give them some private lessons for anyone they bring in.

Or just hang a big TKD sign over your real sign. For some reason, TKD schools are overflowing with students.

Answer 3

Have a tournament or something with the proceeds to charity, get the local newspaper to cover it and give you some free publicity.

Do Demos at local events, free of charge and have other students hand out flyers to the people who are watching you.

Always take photos and submit particularly good ones to your local newspaper, they're usually starving for interesting pics and will run a small story just to get the pic.

Answer 4

You could try putting on an exibition at youth groups and schools etc but the kids have to be over a certain age i think. offer the kids a reduction on there kit for joining?. good luck.

Answer 5

see about putting on events at the local schools the kids will see it love it just be sure to have some info handy they can take home

Answer 6

i'm guessing you are a tkd school, so you can do demonstrations with your high flashy kicks and board breaking. That seems to draw people in. Also, word of mouth if always good.

Answer 7

if you ask me flyers are nice have an event. Tell people to tell their friends put up signs. Like what I said there are loads of ways those are just some.

Answer 8

local newspaper, advertiser

Answer 9

why not put advert in local papers

Answer 10

posters, demos, ect.