Sometimes impressive marketing campaigns can seem like they would cost you a fortune, but they don’t necessarily have to. There are plenty of very affordable and simple martial arts marketing ideas that can help your business gain more new students. Here are five affordable martial arts marketing ideas to help you save some money on marketing, so you can instead spend more on developing an effective martial arts program.

1. Display Your Products

One way to remind your community of what your martial arts business is all about is through showing off what you already have. With the back stock you may have at your school or in storage, you can display and showcase what type of products and services you can offer. Not only is it a great reminder, but it’s also a great way to attract new potential students.

2. Reward Referrals

In the same vein of “using what you already having,” you can also use your existing students to promote your martial arts school! Encourage your current students to invite their friends and family to join for a few classes and create a promotion that rewards them for doing so.

3. Hold a Charity Fundraiser

In addition to being able to help a charity, holding a fundraiser for a cause you and your martial arts school care about and believe in can also bring your business some attention. It’s a very positive way to gain publicity and exposure. Some ideas can include a kick-a-thon (how many kicks can your students achieve in a set amount of time) or a public demonstration in a high school or community center.

4. Host a Free Self-Defense Seminar

One great way to get potential new students involved is by hosting a free self-defense seminar. Self-defense is becoming a very popular way both to stay fit and also to ensure that, in the event that there is a physical threat, your students can defend themselves. A seminar provides an opportunity for new students to check out your school and experience your talents and discipline for the first time in a very positive and fun atmosphere.

5. Gather Testimonials

Getting feedback from your existing students and using them as marketing content isn’t only free, but it’s a tried and true method that can help attract new students. Word-of-mouth marketing is effective because studies have shown that while 75% of individuals don’t necessarily believe in advertisements, 92% will take brand recommendations from friends or family. All you need to do is follow up with your students and ask them to provide you with a few sentences regarding why they attend your martial arts school.

One great way to ensure that you stay on top of all your marketing tasks is using Xplor Recreation’s martial arts management software to help you generate more leads and reduce drop-outs, with our marketing automation that regularly nurtures your prospects and students. You can create, track, and measure all of your marketing campaigns in one place. Learn more about the management software here.

What are some of your affordable martial arts marketing ideas? Let us know on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, to stay up to date with all of your Xplor Recreation news.