How to Change your marketing strategy today!

Even though my studio is “full” I am always looking for new students for my waiting list. Continually Marketing your studio is Job Security; a family moves or quits suddenly and you’re left with a hole in your schedule and a chunk of your income has vanished.
I want every Independent Music Teacher (IMT) out there to try THIS strategy for finding new students!

“Cater To the Niche”

If you’re running facebook ads, know that millions of people are viewing your ad on a tablet or ipad, so why not cater to that market and adjust your ad to reflect that you use technology in your studio?

When I hang an ad in stores, I no longer make one generic ad for all businesses; instead I design each ad to market specifically to the demographic of that store.

For example:

When I found out my favorite donut chain, Hurts Donut was going to have a new location near my studio, I immediately started creating an ad because I know that each store has an awesome community bulletin board. I wanted to find a way to grab the attention of those passing by, so of course I looked for donut graphics to include in my ad.  If you aren’t making your own ads yet, check out fivver for some cheap help creating posters or canva.com which is what I use!

check out these really cute music note thumbtacks I just ordered from Amazon (affiliate link:)

When you go to a business to hang up an ad, don’t just pin and dash! Go into the business, show them your ad and ask permission (even if you know it’s fine) and build a relationship with that store owner. Tell them if you’re looking for new students and a bit about yourself or where your studio is located. If a customer asks about your sign then they can give an honest review of you; “Oh, yes, I remember her; that piano teacher was really nice!) Be SURE to make a small purchase as a token of your appreciation. As an introvert, I know this task can be daunting, but once completed, you’ll be set! If you are an introvert I highly recommend this book which is available here from amazon (affiliate link) or through your local public library!

I’m not much for crazy toppings on my donut (plain please!) but I did have a pumpkin spice latte donut and it was very delicious! Can you tell this was my favorite part of this blog post?!

Remember my PRO TIP for IMT advertising: Do not advertise your phone number (or address if your studio is in your home.)
As your studio grows, you’ll more and more time answering calls, listening/deciphering voicemails and returning calls. Instead direct traffic to your website where you can have a new students’ section which will answer the FAQ, and save you hours on the phone! Of course if you have a studio and a separate studio line, by all means advertise your phone number and leave the basic information for lessons in the voicemail.
In this day and age it is NOT safe to advertise your address on the internet if you teach from your home. Only give your address to students when they are coming for an interview and you have “vetted” them somewhat.

Here is another ad I created for the HEALTH FOOD STORES near me that have community bulletin boards:

What are organic music lessons? I have no idea! It sounds SO good though and is sure to attract some attention! I will probably say something about how I teach my students to compose their own music, so their practicing will really end up being an organic process! My studio is earth friendly in that I use natural cleaning products, recycle, have reduced the amount of paper I use and encourage my students to be good stewards of the earth (earth day neighborhood studio cleanup anyone?)

Again, would I post this ad in the donut shop? No, it doesn’t make sense to! I hope you incorporate “catering to the niche” in your studio this month, and if you do, be sure to let me know on my studio facebook page: www.facebook.com/violinjudystudio or in the comments below!
Need more pro tips for your teaching and studio?  Be sure to download my new book: