Marketing is a broad field, and for martial arts school owners, understanding and implementing effective marketing strategies is necessary for success.
Mastering the 7 levels of marketing provides an effective approach to guiding school owners through the process of attracting and retaining students.
We will delve into the seven levels, highlighting their importance and offering actionable steps that you can start implementing today.
Understanding the Importance of Marketing
Every business requires a solid marketing strategy to thrive. For martial arts schools, the need for effective marketing is amplified by the competitive nature of the industry.
School owners must realize that merely being present online is not enough; they need a multi-level marketing strategy to get the best results.
This understanding is the foundation for mastering the 7 levels of marketing. When done correctly, it can lead to consistent student enrollment and retention, especially during challenging periods like the fourth quarter of the year.
Ninja Resource: Goal Setting Worksheet
Setting clear goals is essential for building an effective marketing strategy. Use this worksheet to define and track your marketing objectives effectively.
The Seven Levels of Marketing
The seven levels of marketing serve as a framework for school owners to follow. Each level builds upon the previous one, ensuring a well-rounded approach to marketing. Below are the seven levels, each paired with key strategies and actionable steps for mastering the 7 levels of marketing.
1. Organic Social Media
The foundation of any marketing strategy starts with organic social media. Consistency is key here. School owners should aim for at least three posts per week on their social media platforms, engaging their audience with authentic content.
- Consistency: Schedule posts in advance to maintain a steady flow of content.
- Social Proof: Encourage students and parents to leave reviews and recommendations.
- Authenticity: Use real images and videos from classes rather than stock photos.
- Video Content: Live videos and short clips are highly engaging and should be utilized regularly.
- Events Promotion: Always post about upcoming events to keep your community informed.
Recommended Resource: Meta’s Ad Guide
Learn how to create effective ads on social media platforms to expand your reach or leave it to the experts and book a call with our team.
2. Google My Business and SEO
Optimizing your Google My Business listing is crucial for local visibility. This allows potential students to find your school easily when searching online. This step is vital for mastering the 7 levels of marketing as it drives organic traffic to your website.
- Optimize Your Listing: Ensure your business information is accurate and up-to-date.
- User-Generated Content: Encourage parents to post pictures and reviews on your Google profile.
- SEO Strategies: Incorporate relevant keywords in your website content to improve search rankings.
- Blogging: Regularly post blogs that answer common questions and provide valuable information, driving traffic to your site.
Recommended Resource: Google Business Amplifier Guide
This guide offers strategies to optimize your online presence and dominate local search results.
3. Paid Advertising
Paid ads on platforms like Facebook and Google can significantly enhance your reach. School owners should consider outsourcing this task if they lack the expertise. For martial arts schools to thrive, it’s important to leverage paid advertising to reach more potential students.
- Targeted Ads: Create ads that specifically target your ideal student demographic.
- Budget Wisely: Allocate a reasonable budget for ads to ensure effective reach without overspending.
- Retargeting: Use retargeting ads to reach individuals who have previously interacted with your school.
Recommended Resource: Marketing and Sales KPIs Guide
Track and measure the success of your paid advertising campaigns with this resource.
4. Email Marketing and SMS
Email and SMS marketing are powerful tools for re-engaging past leads and keeping current students informed. These tools are integral to mastering the 7 levels of marketing by nurturing relationships with your audience.
- Email Campaigns: Develop multi-part email campaigns rather than one-off messages to keep your audience engaged.
- Database Reactivation: Reach out to past leads with targeted messages to reignite their interest.
- SMS Marketing: Utilize SMS for quick updates and reminders, as text messages have higher open rates than emails.
5. Print Marketing and Direct Mail
Despite the digital shift, print marketing still holds value. Direct mail can be particularly effective during key marketing months. Incorporating traditional methods is something school owners shouldn’t underestimate the value of.
- Targeted Mailings: Use direct mail campaigns during peak seasons to attract new students.
- Tangible Promotions: Combine print marketing with digital efforts to maximize reach.
Recommended Resource: Retention and Review Formula Replay
Learn best practices for combining marketing channels for maximum impact.
6. Phone Outreach
While many school owners shy away from phone calls, direct outreach can lead to meaningful connections. Mastering the 7 levels of marketing involves embracing personal communication strategies.
- Personalized Calls: Call leads to invite them to events, ensuring a personal touch.
- Follow-Up: Implement a follow-up strategy for leads who have shown interest but haven’t enrolled yet.
7. Face-to-Face Interaction
Finally, face-to-face marketing remains one of the most effective ways to connect with potential students.
- Community Events: Participate in local events to gain visibility and interact with potential students.
- Booths and Demonstrations: Set up booths at community events to showcase your school’s offerings.
Overcoming Common Challenges
Implementing these seven levels of marketing is not without its challenges. Many school owners struggle with time management and consistency. Here are a few tips to overcome common challenges that may arise during the implementation process:
- Time Blocking: Dedicate specific time blocks each month for planning and executing marketing efforts.
- Outsource Where Possible: Don’t hesitate to hire professionals for tasks that are outside your expertise.
- Stay Organized: Use tools like Google Calendar to track marketing activities and ensure accountability.
Conclusion
By understanding and implementing the seven levels of marketing, martial arts school owners can create a well-rounded marketing strategy that drives student enrollment and retention.
Each level builds upon the others, creating a comprehensive approach that addresses various aspects of marketing. Mastering the 7 levels of marketing ensures success by taking action, staying consistent, and continuously evaluating your strategies. Embrace these levels, and watch your school thrive.
