Riding the waves: how to boost your teaching income during quieter months
Riding the waves of yoga teaching: how to boost your income during quieter winter months
Many years of running yoga businesses has taught us that demand - and therefore income - comes in peaks and troughs. After the quieter summer months, September and October typically arrive with a new wave of bookings before demand again drops away in the pre-Christmas period. Despite this familiar ebb and flow, the quieter times almost always still catch us by surprise and can be accompanied by anxiety and the question: where has everyone gone? Here are several strategies you could adopt to boost class attendance and maintain a steady income through the yearly highs and lows.
1. Use a booking system to manage class sizes
One of the easiest ways to boost class sizes is by using a booking system like reserVie. Well we would say this, wouldn’t we? Bear with us! This way you can easily manage class sizes without being overbooked and also see when spaces need to be filled. At the same time your clients can view real-time availability. Video on demand platforms - such as the one offered by reserVie - enables clients to access your classes even if they can't attend in person - especially useful in December.
2. Promote special offers and themed classes
December is a great time to introduce special offers and festive-themed classes to attract new and returning clients. Consider offering festive-themed classes, such as "Christmas Calm" or "Winter Wellness," which can appeal to those looking to de-stress amidst the holiday hustle. You could provide incentives for block bookings. Clients may be more inclined to sign up for a package of classes if it’s clear they’ll save money.
3. Leverage social media
Love it or hate it, an active social media can make all the difference to your business. In the lead-up to December, consider ramping up your social media presence. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are invaluable for keeping your yoga community engaged. Share tips on staying mindful during the holidays, offer sneak peeks of your festive classes, or provide mini-guided meditations. In addition, use Facebook and Instagram ads to target new clients in your local area or expand your reach. These platforms allow you to create highly targeted ads based on location, interests, and demographics - invaluable stuff. It can take a while to hit the nail on the head - start small with paid-for boosts of Facebook posts and regularly track how your promotion is doing.
4. Email marketing with tools such as Mailchimp
Email marketing is a powerful tool to keep students informed and engaged. Services like Mailchimp allow you to send targeted, professional emails to your mailing list, reminding them about upcoming classes, new offers, or festive promotions. Consider creating a holiday-themed email campaign that encourages clients to book early for December classes or purchase gift vouchers for friends and family. Sending out a monthly newsletter is a great way to keep clients updated with your schedule and any special holiday offerings.
5. Offer gift vouchers and private classes
Offer gift vouchers for classes, workshops, or private sessions. Many people struggle to find meaningful gifts, and a yoga class package could be the perfect solution for the health-conscious person in their life. Ensure your vouchers are easily accessible via your booking system. Private or bespoke small group classes could be included in your gift voucher offering.
6. Collaborate with local businesses
The festive season presents an excellent opportunity to collaborate with local businesses. You could partner with local health food stores, wellness centres, or gyms to cross-promote services. For example, a yoga teacher could team up with a local café to offer a “yoga and brunch” event or host a pop-up yoga class at a boutique during a festive shopping night. Offering workshops or events in collaboration with other businesses not only helps boost your visibility but also brings in new clients who may not have discovered your classes otherwise.
7. Use client testimonials
The best recommendation is always word of mouth: don’t underestimate the power of client testimonials and referrals. Encourage your current students to refer friends or family members by offering them a discount on their next class for each successful referral. You can also share testimonials on your website, social media, and email campaigns to build trust and credibility with potential new clients.
Conclusion
November and December may be slower times for yoga teachers but with some right strategies in place, you can keep your classes reasonably full and your income steady. Using a booking system to manage class sizes and offer on-demand options is key to keeping things running smoothly. Combine this with savvy marketing strategies and you’ll be well on your way to a solid festive season.
Taking the next step
Book a friendly, completely obligation-free chat with us at reserVie here! Remember: we’re yoga teachers and yoga studio owners so entirely understand your needs!