How to get more private pole students

While pole dancing is most often taught in a group fitness class setting, providing private, individualized instruction can be a great way to help your students progress faster.

Here are three ways to attract more private pole or aerial clients.

Specialize

Being a generalist may be useful for a group fitness setting but for offering private classes, specializing is the way to go.

Think about what you are best at which might be a specific type of movement or style, it might be a specific set of moves, or it might be to a specific demographic. For instance, maybe you are best at helping a certain type of demographic like new moms or polers over 50 years old. Maybe you are best at coaching competition polers. Or maybe you specialize in teaching advanced flexibility moves. Whatever “it” is – own it and then advertise yourself appropriately.

Be yourself and tell everyone!

Once you know what you’re good at, tell everyone! Advertise on social media and traditional media as appropriate for your business.

When you advertise, make sure that you’re being as “you” as you can be. Many people teach pole, many people may teach your style or specialty niche within pole, but no one teachings it quite like you do. It is even more important in a private or one-on-one classes than in a group setting to have a good fit between teacher and student. If your sense of humor, way, and method of communicating or other “vibe” factor is off, you won’t have that client for long. Be clear about who you are (not just about what you do) and you will attract the right students!

Develop a referral practice

Once you know what you’re good at, find other people that are good at other, related things.

Maybe you develop a network of manual therapists like massage therapists, physical therapists, and acupuncturists that can help your students recover faster. Maybe you find other pole instructors who offer a focus on strength training that compliments your flexibility practice. Make this referral practice as formal as appropriate for your business. Sharing vetted referrals improves your students’ lives and helps you broaden your potential reach for new students!

Teaching in a private or one-to-one format can be a great way to help your student progress and typically is at a higher price point than group classes which makes it beneficial for both parties involved. Make sure you’re prepared to attract the right private student with these three tips.

What else would you add?