If I were getting started today with a new martial arts studio, there a few things I would make sure I had from a marketing perspective.
These items, to me, are a must, not just a wish list.
Five Marketing Tools for New Martial Arts School Owners
- Logo – I would make sure I had a great name and accompanying logo. Something distinctive that helps me standout from everyone else in my area.
- USP - I would spend the time and develop a rock solid unique selling proposition then use it as my tagline.
- Website – I would make sure to secure an easy to spell (and say) domain name that points to a website that was search engine ready, focused on benefits, made an offer, used effective calls to action, and made it easy for people to take me up on my offer. Start this as soon as you have a name registered.
- Business Cards – This not only establishes you as a professional, it also makes it easy for people to have all you contact info, including your website, in one place. Cover the basics including your name, title, your school name, address, phone number, email, domain name, and USP/tagline. Then, start handing them out like your life depended on it.
- Flyer – Craft a flyerthat helps communicate your differences and gets peoples attention and interested. You can use this to hang up in grocery stores, on car windows, or hand out when someone comes in. Be sure to include an offer, a deadline, and a simple way to redeem it. When done right, it can be a very versatile and cheap marketing tool.
Sure you should get a sign, be in the yellow pages, and send out a press release. But you should also make sure you have these five items in place and use them to your full advantage.
Agree or disagree? Let me know in the form of a comment below!
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I'm Ryan Wheaton and I work with martial arts school owners to help them attract more students. Many martial arts school owners are confused at how to best market their business and feel awkward in selling situations. I help them overcome those challenges to become confident and competent in marketing and selling their services - helping them become more profitable so they can live the lifestyle they want to live. 
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I’ve used 4 of the 5 tips in you mention above, and must say they are quite beneficial. My website is probably the one thing that I feel can sell my services when I am not in the school and find this critical for any business. Especially a start-up!
The one thing I find difficult is finding a USP or slogan. I don’t want it to sound corny like some small businesses we see on TV, but want it to also be relevant. I’m about 6 weeks away from opening and this is still a struggling point. I may have found one, but don’t know how if it would mesh with my schools name.
Either way, great advise. By the way, I like the new look of this Blog!
Javier
The Dojo of Karate
Javier,
Thanks for the comment and for the compliment on the new design. Both are much appreciated.
Definitely spend some time crafting your USP. Take a look at your competitors, see what they’re saying (or not saying) and make a long list then go from there. Be sure to also read my post on developing a rock solid USP.
Regarding your comment about not coming across as cheesy, remember a USP doesn’t haven’t have to be clever. It can just be a statement. It’s easy to get over board with it. so just keep it simple then integrate it into your marketing materials, including your “elevator pitch.”
I also agree with your thought on having a website. One other thought – it sells for me while I sleep. Talk about being efficient!
Ryan