kids yoga camp

[sharon]

Hi all, I've recently discovered this site and have enjoyed reading the forum the past few days. I've found some great info her. Thanks!

My question is, do you have any good cost effective ways to market a kids yoga camp? I'm hosting my first kids camp this summer. It's for 6 - 10 year olds and I'm only doing one weeklong session in June. The camp will be for three hours each day. I've taken flyers to daycare centers, given info to moms day out groups, sent emails to my students, and posted flyers around town. Any other ideas?

Thanks so much :-)


Peace,
Sharon

[Administrator]

First, I think this is a great idea for people and studios.

Where we live in Florida, the Karate Studios, Dance Studios, and Gymnastics centers have this down to an art.

If you get this down pat, it could easily expand into a full summer program.

And that may be part of the problem.

Mom's may be looking for a longer program.

I'm sure you have your reasons but I would encourage you to think more weeks.

Okay, what you are doing now is fine but add the following:

1. Think like your target market. Where are the moms of this group likely to be - frequently?

supermarket (at least twice a week)
pediatricians
beauty parlors and nail places
toy stores
department stores and malls
school parking lots at pickup time
etc

2. Don't forget Craigslist. Try a subject line:
The Secret Cure To Bored Kids
Try to post your ad once a week.

3. Decisions on this are made from January thru June. Yes, even at the last minute. So keep spreading the word.

4. Next year, you can use many more tools including "card decks."

5. I don't know if you are a yoga studio or a private but yoga studios and gym/health clubs would be a place to target as well.

Let me know how it goes.

Great, great idea.

Peace.

Harlan (see, I'm not mean to everyone!)

[sharon]

Thanks Harlan! That's great information. I hadn't even thought to get flyers/brochures to more specific places that moms would be frequenting (beauty salon, doctor, etc.). I'll work on that next week. Guess that's why you're the marketing guru and I'm a yoga teacher ;-) I do have to admit that I enjoy the challenge of all the marketing stuff. I think it's fun to think of new and creative ways to get the word out.

Yes I am the owner of a studio in Lexington, KY. I just opened in Sept. 06. I agree that it would have been better to expand the summer camp and have more weeks, but I couldn't make that work this summer. I will next summer.

And thanks for not being mean. Kidding. I enjoy your humor and appreciate you taking the time to respond.

Be Well,
Sharon

Welcome to Barefoot Works .:. Yoga & Wellness Studio

[Administrator]

Well now that we know you have a yoga studio, you'll have to share your marketing plan with us.

[sharon]

Ok, my marketing plan....How about I give you a rundown of what I've done so far and include a couple questions for you?

*I've done everything I could to get "free press" and have been quite successful with that. I was able to get into a few local papers, one state business publication, and featured on a morning television show that gave me about 10 minutes of coverage.
*I've reached out to the largest employers in the area, and also smaller groups/organzations.
*I offer a 10% off discount for students, faculty and staff at University of Kentucky (are you glad we didn't get your b-ball coach ;-) They are our city's largest employer.
*I've tried to find ways to bring yoga to the horse community, which is huge here in Lexington. Haven't had too much success though. Still working.
*I've done the usual flyers and signs around town. I have done some advertising in a few local monthly publications. This didn't prove too benficial for me. What are your thoughts on this Harlan? I realize that you have to be consistent with it and people have to see the message time and time again, but I'm just not sure it's worth the $.
*Had my studio schedule printed on the back of my business cards (but now my schedule is too large for the back). People really liked this and it was convenient.
*I've done health fairs, participated in open houses for like minded business, presented at workplaces, schools, and (most)anywhere else that has requested.
*I do quite a bit of email marketing. It's convenient, cheap and it saves trees. Also I am participating in the Green Yoga studios pilot program. Green Yoga Association - Practice lightly on the Earth - Home Page

Those are the things I can think off hand. And of course, suggestions are much appreciated.

Also, I think I'm gonna subscribe to the "book". This is your printed newsletter, right? If I join this week, will I get it this month?

Also, you visited my website. Any suggestions/feedback?

Peace,
Sharon

[yogamaniac]

Getting to know your market is a good idea. Have recently been doingt hat again myself. I teach in one village called South Wonston and it is full of mothers and children. Latest flyer and poster should get their attention better. Funnily enough after a week of it bieng in the shop I have had two people ring up and one of my regulars also told someone who was driving 11 miles away from the village when she should come locally to yoga! I am also advertising in the local parish magazine that goes round every month and that always gets me people. I do find that advertising changes in different places and what works for one place doesnt always work for another. I think its local thinking.

Here is my flyer for South Wonston

http://freespace.virgin.net/samantha.lee/Flyer.jpg

My people that have seen it recently think the little boy is very cute, that seems to help with making yoga look more welcoming. Good little James helping mummy make a living.