This is a very short list of easy and FREE (yes!) ways to advertise your dance class. It is important to have enough people in the class to run it. Once the classes are established, there are definitely other ways to build and retain customers, but these are the basics that are fairly easy to get started on.

1. When you write an announcement for your classes, be sure to include detailed information

• Time, date, location, and contact email or phone number
• Include a call to action (eg, call xxx-xxxx to sign up)
• Post often. Most people make a first contact after seeing an ad 5-7 times! You have to be patient and persistent.

2. Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are very effective free advertising platforms.

• New posts are better than shared ones.
• Images with text are more effective
• Tag yourself in posts with images, as it will reach more of your network. If on Instagram tag your studio and the city you live in.
• Post at times when many people are online (for example, weekend mornings before 11 am and Sunday nights, weekdays around 11 or 12 pm, 3 pm, and then again after dinner around 7 to 10 pm).
• Ask friends with different networks (other than dancers in Toronto) to share your posts.

3. Online advertising is also a free way to advertise your classes

• Look for like-minded message boards and sites like dance enthusiasts (not BD), maternity groups, and even yoga communities that may be very interested in trying new classes outside of your practice.
• Craigslist, local online magazines and Kijiji, etc. (include images and as much information as possible)

4. Your friends and colleagues

• Carry study cards (or your personal business card) with you wherever you go. Talk about what you do and offer people a card.
• ASK PEOPLE TO TEST YOUR CLASS! This is almost the most important point of all. I’d say most of the time, people are dying to try your class, but customers want permission to buy. It is something that is emphasized a lot in sales seminars. You need to tell people “I think you would enjoy this class, you should sign up.” WORKS!
• Tell your friends and family to spread the word. Mothers, for example, can be the best lawyers!

5. In the Community

• Leave cards and flyers where it makes sense. Probably in the shops and cafes that you visit regularly in the center or near the study. Dance supply stores and costume stores are definitely an option!
• It is also possible to post on community message center boards (not poles, there may be a big fine in your city. Check your local rules and regulations)
• Talk about your class after the presentation. Always have cards!
• You are likely to come across a large number of people in a day. Share information about your class. What you are offering is fun, cool and beneficial to people and your enthusiasm will be contagious.

Finally, feel free to contact your studio if you have been hired to teach at a specific dance school. Express your needs. If you need help getting the word out, let the studio know what they can post on their website or social media pages on your behalf. Your success will be theirs too!