How to Get More Students for Private Lessons

The challenge of attracting students to private lessons is one that many educators and coaches struggle with. It’s not only about being good at what you do (and we know you are!); it’s also about making sure people know who you are and what you offer.

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Picture this: a young dad, let’s call him Steve, is looking for a dance school for his daughter. What’s his first move? That’s right, he’s heading straight to Google. And let’s be honest, Steve is probably checking out what’s nearby, reading reviews, or clicking on the first few options that pop up. That’s why we need to make sure that your school shows up at the top of his search results. 

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You might have incredible teaching skills, but if potential students or their parents can’t find you, or if they’re not quite convinced you’re the right fit, they’ll likely move on to someone else. That’s why understanding how to market yourself and make your services appealing is crucial. 

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Effective strategies to attract new students

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Whether you’re just starting your business, or you’re an experienced business owner, you might be wondering how to get more students for private lessons. Thankfully there are many unique strategies you can use to attract new students and grow your business. Here are some practical and easy-to-implement strategies to help you overcome these hurdles and get your private lessons filled up and your students coming back for more. 

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1. Make sure people can find you online

If you’re not online, you might as well be invisible. Did you know that 75% of people judge a business’s credibility based on their website? That’s why having a clean, professional and easy-to-navigate site is essential. Your website is often the first impression potential students (or their parents) have of your services, so let’s make it count.

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How to shine online: ‍

1. Website

Building a website is easier than you might think! You don’t need a developer or drop thousands of dollars to have a good website. Check out some beginner (and budget) -friendly options like Wix or Squarespace. 

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Quick tips: 

• Ensure your design is user-friendly with clear menus and well-organised content
• Display essential information such as lesson details, pricing, availability, and booking options
• Include testimonials and success stories to build trust
• Keep your site updated and mobile-friendly for users on the go

Bonus Tip: 

Add a booking system like Udio straight to your website. This way, visitors can easily see available slots and book a class or sign up for a free trial without needing to reach out first. It makes things super convenient for the users and creates a great first impression!

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2. Google Business Profile

Keeping an updated Google Business Profile is crucial (at least 93% of people think so) to get potential customers to your business, here’s why: 

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• It's a free listing that helps potential customers find you via Google Maps and Search.
• You can share key business information, such as location, opening hours, and company updates.
• You can build trust by encouraging customers to leave reviews.
• It gets up to 400% more views than your website (quite impressive, right?) 

3. Social Media Presence

Social media is where your future students and their parents hang out. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram are perfect for sharing tips, success stories, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of your lessons. Engage with your audience, answer questions, and create a community around your teaching.

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Quick tips: 

• Post consistently to keep your audience engaged 
• Use high-quality visuals and videos to make your content more appealing
• Engage with your followers by responding to comments and messages promptly 
• Use relevant hashtags to increase your content’s visibility 

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2. Offer a Sneak Peek with Trial Lessons

Trial lessons are a fantastic way to give potential students a taste of what you offer without the pressure of long-term commitment. Promote your trial offers on your website and social media.

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Quick tips: 

• Show the value of your lessons in your marketing materials 
• Structure your trial lesson in a way that makes it clear what the students can expect from ongoing sessions
  
  

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3. Use automated reminders and follow-ups

Keeping students engaged and minimising no-shows can be challenging, but consistent communication can help. Automated reminders—whether by email or text—are a simple yet highly effective way to tackle this and improve attendance rates.

After a student signs up for a free trial, send them a text that you can’t wait to meet them, send them a reminder before the lesson, and a follow-up to encourage them to rebook. This can help turn a single lesson into a long-term commitment.

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Quick Tips:

• Schedule reminders a day or two before the lesson to reduce no-shows
• Personalise follow-up messages to show you care
• Include easy rebooking links in follow-ups to encourage repeat booking

Bonus Tip:
Udio allows you to set up automated reminders, making it easy for you to engage with your customers without having to lift a finger.

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4. Create attractive packages and discounts

Who doesn’t love a good deal? Offering lesson packages or discounts for multiple bookings can be a great way to attract more students. 

When students see a package deal, they often perceive it as a better value compared to booking individual lessons. For instance, offering a package of ten lessons at a discounted rate compared to the cost of ten separate lessons makes the package more attractive. This perceived savings can motivate students to commit to more sessions than they might have otherwise.

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Quick Tips:

• Clearly display the savings on package deals to entice potential students
• Offer seasonal promotions or discounts to create urgency
• Bundle lessons with other services or products for added value
• Promote package deals prominently on your website and social media

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5. Partner with Local Schools and Community Centres

Forming partnerships with local schools, libraries, and community centres can open up new avenues for attracting students. Offer to give a free workshop or host a small event to showcase your lessons. It’s a win-win: you get exposure, and the community gets valuable learning opportunities.

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Quick Tips:

• Be proactive in reaching out to local organisations.
• Use these partnerships to establish your reputation in the community.
• Reach out to schools and community centres with a clear value proposition.
• Provide flyers or brochures to be distributed at these locations.
• Offer special discounts for students referred by these partners.
• Host joint events to increase visibility and credibility.

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6. Ask for Referrals (Nicely!) 

Word-of-mouth is still one of the most powerful marketing tools. Satisfied students and their parents are your best ambassadors. When potential customers see positive reviews and success stories from others, it builds trust and makes them more likely to choose your services. Don’t be shy about asking your happy students to share their experiences. Even just a few glowing reviews can really make your private lessons stand out.

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Quick Tips: 

• Create a simple program that rewards current students for bringing in new ones
• Provide digital or physical referral cards to make sharing easy 

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7. Keep being Awesome! 

Excellent customer service can turn one-time students into loyal customers and lead to more word-of-mouth referrals. Keep checking in with your students and their parents, gather feedback, and show you care. Create a supportive and friendly environment that encourages learning and growth. And just keep being a great coach and teacher!

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Quick Tips: 

• Continuously seek feedback to improve your offerings 
• Stay updated on industry trends to keep your services relevant and innovative
• Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment

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Attract more students with Udio

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Attracting more students for private lessons doesn’t have to be stressful. With a few smart strategies and the right tools, like Udio, you can make your lessons stand out.

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Don’t stew on the challenges of enrolment rates any longer. Partnering with Udio means streamlining your booking process, offering flexible scheduling, and simplifying payment processing - all of which reduce friction for new students.

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By making it easy to book, pay, and rebook lessons, Udio creates a smoother experience that keeps both new and existing students engaged and committed. Contact us today for a free consultation, and experience the Udio difference.