What, in this economy!? How to improve your pole classes and increase attendance

As the economy continues its “rollercoaster ride of thrill without the fun,” studio owners and instructors may find their class numbers dropping.  As the cost of living continues to rise, often class prices have to as well which can cause some discontent among current students and prospective students.

Though prices may have to rise, there are other ways to improve your class experience and create more motivation and interest for attendance.

Here are 7 ways to improve your pole class and increase class attendance.

1. Keep the Music Relevant

Everyone knows that music is the cornerstone of a good class. Playlists are how you establish vibe and energy, they can make or break an experience. One snag that instructors fall into is playing only songs that they love. This is an easy, avoidable trap. Inherently, we want to work out to music we like, but remember that this is not your workout. Let participants choose the music. Actively ask for their input as this is their class, and they will work harder if they’re doing it while listening to the music that they choose.

2. Cross-promote with Other Instructors

You are part of a team, so don’t be overly competitive with your teammates and pole colleagues. Work with other instructors in your studio to get the word out about your services and show participants that you’re working together to bring awareness to different classes. Give members options that they might not have considered. For example, if you teach Spin Pole, you could mention that your colleague teaches Flexibility classes the next morning and that flexibility would be a good choice for active recovery as well as obtaining new combo goals. Information like this allows members to stretch and be mindful, and it demonstrates that you have their best interests in mind.

3. Influence Social Media

Love it or hate it, social media is here to stay.  In this day and age, if you aren’t on it, you don’t exist.   Social media is an easy way for you to share information about activities in and around your fitness community, but don’t do it with your personal profile. Instead, create a business page on Instagram and/or TikTok, and use it to promote your certifications and the classes you currently teach. Once you have a following, ask people to leave reviews about your classes on your business page.

Keep your posts engaging and encouraging!  Here are a few ways to entice followers through strategic posting:

• Ask participants how your class makes them feel. For instance, were they better able to tune in and be mindful of their bodies? Do they feel empowered?
• Ask members what they want to work on during the next class.
• Choose a fitness topic of the month, and pin it to the top of your social media page.
• Start a participant-of-the-month program.
• Posting videos of upcoming workouts and routines gets students excited, and the videos can show them what to expect for the next class. This is especially useful for choreographed classes like Low-Flow and Heels.

4. Reward the Regulars in Your Classes

Don’t take regulars for granted!   Instead, think about how to reward them. These participants will share their positive experiences and motivate others. This can help spread the word about your classes and word of mouth is still the best form of advertising. Set aside some money, (nothing crazy!), for purchasing or creating small thank-you tokens like inexpensive note cards or other thoughtful items. Giving out little gratitude gifts after class can genuinely show your appreciation. They’re an incredible way to keep relationships strong and continue to build connections. Also, make a note to listen to what people share in class. Surprising a regular with a little something on or around their birthday or pole anniversary can make their day!

5. Run a Raffle

As your studio or teaching business increases its following, a raffle is a great alternative option to individual rewards. It is also a fun way to get your participants engaged and to grow your classes.

For example, some raffle criteria may be:

• Like your fitness page on Facebook (yes people are still on Facebook) and/or Instagram.
• Share your page on their social media.
• Leave a review for your business.

Give your participants a set time to complete the challenge such as a deadline date. For the raffle, pick items that class members would appreciate, such as a free class or class package. Be sure that your supervisor/the studio owner is on board with this. Other potential raffle prizes are water bottles, a grip, merchandise, or a towel. At the next class, notify the winner, and be sure the prize is available.  You can conduct an in-person raffle and have participants simply drop their names in a bin after class to include people not keen on social media.

6. Go on an Adventure!

Take an evening or day off and get your group out of the studio for a socializing activity. This doesn’t have to be a big event that takes up a lot of time.   An outside event encourages participants can get to know each other and create new friendships.  Often those who connect with other students feel more excited and motivated to come to class because they get to see their friends.

7. Some final quick tips:

• Change up your class routine to keep your enthusiasm high.
• Change up the class choreography/flow weekly.
• Focus on specific muscle groups, for example, back and shoulders in Flexy class and then alternate.
• Call out individuals when you recognize how hard they are working.
• Keep motivation high with music and cues.
• Develop your accountability system so that you can show participants you are invested in their progress.

In the end, the goal is keeping people enthusiastic about you and your class.  Make sure you’re having fun with it! If you love what you are doing, that energy affects your students and will help them have fun too.  Build confidence and encourage attendees to break out of their comfort zones.  Think outside the box to create a fun environment people want to spend their money and look forward to.