If utilized correctly, social media tools can be the cheapest and most effective way to market your studio and increase class attendance.  It can be used to maintain relationships with existing students or to attract new students. It also helps to get your name and your studio’s name in the marketplace.

The most important prerequisite to starting a social media marketing plan is developing a website.  The purpose of social-media marketing is to spread the word about your services, but most outlets only allow you a few words or pictures.  The goal is to direct attention to your website, where students and potential students can learn about you; your teaching style, classes, class schedules and other information about your business.

You probably already use Facebook for personal networking, and if you don’t, you should start to use it. Your account will serve as one of your personal branding outlets. Everything you put on Facebook communicates how you live your life and what kind of person you are. To current and potential yoga students, this matters.  You can also create a business page for your studio.  The first thing to do each morning is to post the times and classes you are offering that day. You can also post an inspiring quote or picture with your morning post.  Reward your students for sharing your posts or checking in on Facebook when they come to class.  For example, they can get a free block or class for every 20 check-ins.

You are only allowed a small number of characters for each tweet, so when you do communicate through Twitter, be precise. The most efficient way to use Twitter is to link it to your Facebook page, so whenever you post to Facebook, it also posts to Twitter. Make sure you follow as many local people as possible. Usually, they will follow you back and you’ll create a local network and potential referrals.

It looks like Instagram is the social media outlet of choice for the younger generation. If you are trying to attract a young crowd, Instagram must be part of your strategy.  With Instagram, you post pictures with short captions.  You can also link Instagram with Facebook to keep current and efficient with your efforts. Not sure what to post on Instagram? Photos of your studio, artistic shots of your stacked mats or even a picture of your schedule will work.

Pinterest is a great tool for educating your student base. Whenever you find interesting yoga articles, you pin them to one of your virtual bulletin boards.  Your followers will see everything you post. You can also pin new blog posts from your website or when you have a schedule change. Try to follow local businesses and they will likely follow you in return.

The above list is only the beginning in the wide world of free social-network marketing. Whenever possible, link back to your website, where you can continually introduce new material for your students and potential students. The more new content you produce, the more you will have to tell the world.  Using the above social-media outlets will help maintain your current student base and spread your message to all those yoginis looking for a new place to practice yoga.

Kristen Porter is a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher, studio owner (www.ovcyoga.com), corporate attorney, wife and mom.  Her passion is helping people realize their true strength and inner light by sharing wisdom learned through yoga, meditation and incorporating positive changes in her own life.