Comments on: Who Are Your Real Competitors?

By: Ken Rhodes

Ken Rhodes — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 05:46:20 +0000

In my town, the local Parks & Recreation department puts out a flyer several times during the school year announcing upcoming leagues forming and that sort of thing. I managed to get a one line ad placed on it (for free) simply stating that I give guitar lessons, my name, my phone number, and my MTH website address. This flyer is not only available at the desk of the Parks & Rec department offices, but it goes home with every school kid in the public schools for the whole community. I’ve had more leads from that one line of text than any of my flyers and other advertising combined.

By: pwolf

pwolf — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 18:37:20 +0000

Thanks for the comments, Leah and Heather.

Heather – you mentioned advertising links. Are you using Google AdWords to drive traffic to your site?

It’s interesting that such a large percentage of your local population is on the internet actively searching for music lessons and find your website as a result, without a need for you to actively go out and find them. That’s a nice problem to have! Are you located in a large metropolitan area?

Would you mind sharing how the potential students in your local area are being exposed to your advertising links? That would helpful to all of us.

Thank you again for your valuable input!

By: Heather Knowles Korn

Heather Knowles Korn — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 17:36:28 +0000

I have tried several ways of advertising my coaching over the past ten years and I have to say that the very best return I get is online advertising, my web site, direct mailing several times a year to targeted schools and personal referrals.

You have to put in the time to keep your web site updated and professional looking. Use advertising links to get traffic to your site and let the site do the work for you. The web site has to be the “billboard” that showcases your students and teaching. Make sure it includes photos, videos, sound bites, student accomplishments, etc.

In my case, I don’t have to rely on advertising or worrying about the “competition”. The proof is in the pudding, as they say.

By: Leah Coutts

Leah Coutts — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 22:45:47 +0000

Great article! Also, I would just like to add that other studios may have a different target market. I am nearly full for next year now – YAY! – and as I specialise in teaching adults, I have made the decision not to take any other children as students. I have contacted another local piano teacher and she is happy for me to refer any children on to her. This way, I don’t have to turn students away without giving them somewhere to go, and in the future, maybe the other teacher and I can collaborate in concerts, or workshops, to add value to both of our studios.

My most valuable marketing method has been my website and having links online on free music teacher sites and Yellow Pages online (Australia). Having a website that is professional helps with the overall impression of your studio before they even meet you, and with MTH, it is so easy to set up your website, you’d be silly not to!