In recent years, pickleball has gained popularity among casual players and professional athletes as a fun and competitive sport. This has resulted in a wide variety of different instructional classes, making it more difficult for some pickleball businesses to stand out.
If you’re a pickleball instructor looking to grow your business, we’ve got you covered. In this simple guide, we’re going to explore the different ways you can promote your classes without the need for complicated strategies or a pricey marketing budget.
The Best Tried and Tested Ways to Market Your Pickleball Classes
To build a sustainable business, you will need marketing strategies that are proven and results-driven. Below are the different tried and tested ways you can market your pickleball classes using digital and traditional marketing strategies:
1. Optimize your website
Having an accessible website is a great way to establish your credibility among potential customers. But to make that happen, you’ll need to ensure that your site is high-quality and optimized for better chances of appearing in search results.
In case you’re looking to refresh or start building your website, below are some key tips to consider:
- Design according to your brand identity
- Use high-quality visuals
- Optimize for mobile users
- Add your updated contact information
2. Implement local SEO
Implementing local Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is essential as it helps potential customers in your area easily find your business. While the term can sound a little complicated, an easy way to start with local SEO is by simply creating your Google Business Profile so you can ensure that your website pops up whenever customers search for local pickleball classes.
3. Post Instagram Highlights
Instagram Highlights are a great way to collate information and visuals into one easily accessible folder on Instagram. In the case of your pickleball business, Highlights are a great way to showcase your different classes and even client testimonials.
In case you need some help brainstorming possible Instagram Highlight subjects, here are some of the most common ideas you can use as content:
- Lesson plans
- FAQs
- Upcoming events
- Pickleball tutorials
4. Share success stories
According to research, 91% of customers say that they often refer to online reviews before making a final purchase. This statistic indicates the importance of sharing positive customer feedback, so potential clients can be better convinced of the quality of your classes.
There are a variety of ways you can share success stories online, but here are some of the most common methods/platforms:
- Instagram Reels/TikToks
- Blog posts
- Social media graphics
5. Advertise in local groups
An effective way to find clients already in your local area is by advertising in local groups. One way you can do this is by looking up Facebook groups with an existing community of local pickleball players.
To advertise your services, all you need is a professional-looking social media infographic, a great caption, and to ensure that your updated contact information is included in your post.
6. Run paid ads
Paid ads are a great way to advertise your classes to a wider audience base online. Whether it be on Facebook or Instagram, it also helps to have a handy social media publishing tool where you can organize your content and track your business performance in real time.
Not yet ready to commit to paid ads? No problem! You can start simple with customized pickleball templates that you can post manually to your social media pages.
7. Print flyers and posters
These days, digital marketing strategies are where the money’s at when it comes to advertising to potential clients. But don’t let that stop you from marketing your services using traditional methods.
In fact, it’s always a good idea to design your flyers and posters for printing. This is especially helpful for physical pickleball classes, so you can easily attract a local client base.
8. Promote through email newsletters
Going back to digital marketing strategies, email marketing is a proven and effective way to reach new clients and maintain a good relationship with existing ones. To start, simply check out a user-friendly email marketing tool where you can design and send out email campaigns.
As a bonus tip, it also helps to segment your audience list and personalize emails for increased chances of engagement. Having trouble thinking of an enticing email subject line? Check out this caption writer tool and say goodbye to that pesky writer’s block!
Take Your Marketing to the Next Level
Whether you’re an upcoming or established pickleball business, a strong marketing plan is key to standing out against competitors. Fortunately, you don’t need a hefty marketing budget or the expertise of an agency to make that happen.
To help your lessons reach more clients and grow your community, start with the marketing strategy that aligns with your goals and let your game plan do the rest. We’ll see you with our paddles on the court!