Strategies to Increase Enrolment in Dance Classes
Increasing enrolment isn’t just about attracting new students; it’s about setting realistic goals, understanding your current numbers, and following a clear process. With a combination of target-setting, timetable optimization, and strategic upselling, your studio can create a pathway to sustained enrolment growth.
Step 1: Set an Enrolment Target and Know Your Numbers
To effectively grow enrolment, it’s essential to have a measurable target. Start by identifying your current enrolment figures per student, then set a goal based on the income you want to achieve. For example, if you currently have an average of two classes per student, aim to increase that to three through upselling and timetable adjustments.
- Track progress: Regularly check your enrolment numbers, and make note of which strategies contribute to growth.
- Set income goals: Consider how many new enrolments are needed to reach your desired revenue, and use this as a benchmark.
By setting these targets, you’re creating a roadmap that keeps you accountable and focused on specific outcomes.
Step 2: Optimize Your Timetable to Maximize Enrolment
A well-structured timetable can make it easier for students to enrol in multiple classes. Consider the following:
- Class “sandwiching”: Schedule classes back-to-back so students can take multiple without long gaps in between.
- Cross-promote classes: If students take one class, suggest an adjacent class in the schedule to maximize attendance.
This approach not only boosts enrolment but also increases the perceived value for students and their families, encouraging them to invest more time in your studio.
Step 3: Upsell to Current Students
Your existing students are often the best audience for increasing enrolment. Building strong relationships and understanding their interests can lead to increased enrolments through:
- Check-in calls: Speak directly with parents or students about their progress, and suggest trialing an additional class.
- Class trials: Offer trial sessions, either paid or free, depending on your strategy. These trials encourage students to explore other classes and make it easier for them to say yes.
By regularly reaching out, you’ll demonstrate an investment in their growth and showcase other opportunities available within your studio.
Step 4: Implement a High-Value Referral Program
Referrals are a powerful way to grow enrolment, but they work best when the reward aligns with the value of a new student. Remember, a new student who stays beyond one year brings significant revenue to your studio. Here’s how to set up an effective program:
- Incentive structure: Offer a reward, like a $50 voucher, but only once the referred student has been enrolled for three months. This gives families an extra reason to refer high-quality, long-term students.
- Promote the program: Let current families know about the referral incentive, and encourage students and parents to share your studio with friends.
A structured referral program adds a personal element to recruitment and rewards loyal clients who help grow your studio community.
Step 5: Offer Performance Opportunities to Increase Engagement
Performance opportunities give students a glimpse into other classes and styles, often sparking interest in enrolling in additional sessions. Whether it’s an in-studio performance or a larger recital, showcase the benefits of joining multiple classes and give students a chance to see what’s happening outside their usual sessions.
- Create excitement around performances: Highlight how each class prepares for recitals, competitions, or showcases, so students feel motivated to join more classes.
- Encourage cross-class participation: Invite students in one class to observe or join in on sessions from different styles to drive enrolment in complementary classes.
These events strengthen your community and often lead to increased interest in other offerings.
Ready to Grow Your Dance Studio?
Increasing enrolment requires more than marketing—it’s about setting clear goals, optimizing your offerings, and incentivizing your community. With the Studio Pathway to Profit audit, you’ll receive a full assessment of your studio’s enrolment potential, along with actionable strategies to help you meet your targets.
Discover how our audit can help drive growth at your studio.
