SF_marketing_MAINBy Steve Sirico of Dance Teacher Web

In marketing, the best way to get your customer engaged in your ad is to ask a question. Once you ask a question that connects with the reader then the reader wants to read more. You are getting them to think. That is good news for you and gives you a chance to start a dialogue with them.

Below is a list of attention grabbers that we have used and have been effective in ads, direct mailing pieces, and on flyers. See if any of these questions work for you or how you can tweak one to suit your business best. Keep in mind that you will want to follow up the questions with the reason of why doing business with you is a plus. You will be able to provide a positive answer to the questions.

Using the word which:

  • Which of these activities is of interest to your child?
  • Which of these dance styles do you like the best?
  • Which of these issues affect your child most?
  • Which afterschool activity would your child enjoy best?

Engaging questions:

  • Is your child looking for something fun to do?
  • Are you tired of afterschool activates not fitting into your schedule?
  • Looking to help your child improve their life skills?
  • Do happy kids equate happy parents?

So there you have it. These questions should not only get the customer thinking but will get you thinking as well. Remember that people are not just buying dance lessons they are buying memories and life lessons that will last a lifetime!

Now you can decide where to send the message out to. Here is one idea. Keep selling to your current customers. That’s right! Schedules change and students who only had time to take one class in September are now perhaps free another day. Let your customers know that it is not too late to try another class and to join in. Keep in mind that marketing to this group will be very cost effective and an easy up sell.

The Absolute Hottest (And Most Neglected) List of All

There’s one more list that almost everyone forgets. It’s literally a gold-mine lying at your feet. And that’s your own list!

If you have not put all your customer’s names and addresses into a database you’re overlooking an incredible source of added business. This list will be the most powerful list and responsive list you can use for any offers because these people already trust you and like doing business with you. This is critically important. Most studios will not be doing any marketing this time of the year so you will have little or no competition at this time. Using your house list is like having an unfair advantage over every one of your competitors.

Think about this fact: According to a Fortune Magazine survey it is 5 xs as costly to acquire a new customer as it is to sell something to an existing customer. Even though it may be more exciting to focus on new business, it’s important to squeeze every bit of profit out of your own customer list. Also don’t forget to contact those who may have inquired but didn’t buy yet. Don’t assume that you have lost them. Keep working your list!