10 Proven Ways to Attract More Students to Your Jiu-Jitsu Gym

Any Jiu-Jitsu gym owner understands how important increasing their student enrollment is for the success of their business. If you’ve been struggling to increase your gym’s clientele, read on as we cover 10 proven strategies to attract more students and boost your business’s growth.

1. Enhance Online Presence

In today’s day and age, people who are interested in joining a gym are likely to research their options online. Because of this, it’s critical for Jiu-Jitsu gyms to have a professional website that hosts essential information about the gym, such as class schedules, instructor bios, and pricing. The website should also make it seamless for prospective students to book classes and ask questions they have to guarantee a smooth experience across the board.

Along with having a website, establishing a social media presence is another excellent way to attract new students. Using social media channels to post engaging content such as videos, photos, and success stories allows prospective students to get a feel for the gym’s atmosphere and community prior to signing up for a membership. Social media is also a useful tool for posting regular updates about the gym and interacting with followers to help retain students and further build a sense of community.

2. Offer Free Trial Classes

It can be challenging for someone to commit to paying for a gym membership if they’re not entirely sure what to expect. Offering incentives for newcomers, such as a one-week free trial or a first free class, helps them get a feel for the experience without the financial commitment. Gym owners should also consider running promotional campaigns for trial classes on social media or local community boards to increase the gym’s visibility and attract new students.

3. Leverage Word-of-Mouth Referrals

One of the most successful yet often overlooked forms of marketing is word of mouth. By creating a referral program, Jiu-Jitsu gym owners can leverage their dedicated members to spread the word about the gym. For every new person that a current student brings in, they’ll receive rewards such as class discounts or free branded merchandise.

Hosting community events, such as member appreciation events, is another effective way to attract new students. Members can invite friends or family interested in joining, allowing them to explore the facilities and interact with other students and instructors. Not only do activations like this increase exposure, but they also create a more supportive and inclusive environment. The more students feel valued at their gym through these initiatives, the more likely they will recommend it to people they know.

4. Partner with Local Businesses and Schools

To further spread the word about the Jiu-Jitsu gym on a local level, gym owners should consider partnering with local fitness centers, schools, and businesses. These partnerships could include joint promotions and events to reach a broader audience and build connections within the community.

Conducting outreach programs, such as self-defense workshops and demonstrations at nearby schools, also helps create awareness around the Jiu-Jitsu gym, potentially leading to an increase in member registrations. If there are any local events or fairs where the gym can have a table, it may also be worth participating to engage with community members directly.

5. Optimize Google My Business and SEO

While having a professional website is an important aspect of attracting new clients, it’s equally as important to make sure it’s optimized for local search terms so potential students can easily find it. Along with crafting a local SEO strategy to improve their visibility in search results, gym owners should also make sure that their NAP (Name, Address, Phone) information is consistent across all directories to increase their credibility with search engines.

Additionally, when a business has a Google My Business Profile, it’s one of the first things that comes up when people search for the business online. This is why it’s crucial to regularly update GMB listings with photos, posts, and promotions. Encouraging satisfied students to leave positive reviews on the GMB will also increase the gym’s reputation online and likely attract more students.

6. Provide Flexible Membership Options

Sometimes the only thing preventing a potential student from joining a Jiu-Jitsu gym is the cost of membership. Offering payment plans, such as monthly, quarterly, and annual, will help mitigate this issue by giving members the option to choose a payment schedule that best fits their budget. The gym may even consider offering special discounts for families, students, and long-term commitments to make membership accessible for more people.

Those who have irregular schedules may also be hesitant to sign up for a membership since they can’t always predict when they’ll be able to make it to the gym. Having punch cards or drop-in rates gives them the flexibility to attend classes whenever they can, without the commitment of full membership. Along with these options, emphasizing the gym's commitment to safety through gym insurance coverage will also reassure members about their financial investment in the gym.

7. Host Special Events and Seminars

Hosting and advertising special events with guest instructors and experts may pique the interest of potential students, as they provide unique learning opportunities. To further encourage participation and community involvement, Jiu-Jitsu gym owners should organize in-house or local competitions.

These types of events retain current members by creating a sense of camaraderie among them, while simultaneously attracting new ones who are excited to test their skills and be part of the community. Having gym insurance coverage ensures the gym is protected against any liability issues that may arise during these events.

8. Create a Welcoming and Inclusive Atmosphere

The gym’s overall environment plays a major role in member growth and retention, so it’s imperative to train staff to be approachable. A culture of respect and support should be continuously encouraged within the gym to ensure all members feel welcomed and valued.

Another way to create an inclusive environment is through offering classes specifically designed for beginners. This gives new students the space they need to feel comfortable and supported while learning a new skill. Additionally, having gym insurance provides peace of mind to both staff and members, as they know they’re protected if any accidents or emergencies occur at the gym.

9. Invest in High-Quality Facilities and Equipment

Jiu-Jitsu is a sport that can lead to injury, so ensuring the safety of the gym to prevent students from getting hurt is crucial. This includes regularly maintaining and cleaning the space to minimize hazards, as well as providing an overall comfortable and safe training environment.

Gym owners need to invest in quality equipment, such as well-maintained mats, gear, and amenities, and be sure to upgrade facilities as needed based on students’ feedback. Should any equipment get damaged, having gym insurance will provide financial protection and guarantee that necessary repairs are addressed in a timely manner.

10. Utilize Email Marketing and Newsletters

Regular communication with current and prospective members helps with retention and growth. Sending out updates, promotions, and success stories, along with highlighting upcoming events and new classes in a monthly newsletter, keeps the gym top of mind and helps with community engagement. To convert potential leads into members, it’s also worth following up with personalized messages and offering them special deals and promotions so they stay interested in the gym.

Conclusion

Member growth doesn’t happen instantaneously but is instead a gradual process that requires consistent effort. By implementing the strategies outlined above and staying open to continuous improvement and adaptation in the process, Jiu-Jitsu gyms owners will begin to see an increase in student enrollment along with more engagement among their current members.

At NEXO, we know just how important it is for Jiu-Jitsu gym owners to take the time they need to run and scale their business. That’s why we handle all the intricate aspects of gym insurance for you. Get in touch with us today to learn more.