Our world is full of social media ads and digital noise, which means people are eager for human interaction and genuine recommendations from trusted individuals. Word-of-mouth referrals are a powerful and cost-effective way to grow any business, including your Pilates studio. People trust people, especially in an industry focused on health, wellness, and fitness. At Pilates Education Institute, we’re here to help you build both a business and a community! Here’s how you can make word-of-mouth marketing work for you.
Provide an Unforgettable Experience
The best way to encourage word-of-mouth marketing is by providing an excellent product/service. If your clients walk away from one of your classes feeling empowered, supported, and seen, they’ll inevitably want to share their experience with the world.
We suggest:
- Learn the names and personal goals of each one of your clients.
- Celebrate your clients’ wins big and small in class and on social media.
- Ensure your studio is always clean, calming, and welcoming.
Word-of-mouth marketing starts organically when people can’t stop talking about how great they feel after leaving one of your classes!
Make Referrals Easy and Rewarding
Even the happiest clients can use a little nudge. Build a simple referral program that encourages your clients to share your studio with the people in their lives.
We suggest:
- Offer a free class or discount for every successful referral.
- Create referral cards or digital invitations that clients can easily share.
- Provide occasional “bring a friend for free” classes.
The key to getting referrals is to keep things low-pressure and high reward for your clients.
Timing is Everything
Timing may be the most important piece of this puzzle. The best moment to ask your clients for a referral is when they’re glowing after a great session. It’s best to speak to your clients directly, don’t be shy! We suggest speaking to your clients face-to-face, let them know that you love having them in your class, and that you’d love to have their friends or family join the next time. Chances are, your clients would love to help; they just need to be prompted.
Highlight Client Success Stories
Word-of-mouth advertising doesn’t only happen face-to-face. Showcase your client’s transformations, testimonials, and milestones on your website and social media.
We suggest:
- Share before-and-after stories, just be sure to get permission from your clients.
- Post quick video testimonials from your most loyal clients.
- Feature client spotlights in your newsletters.
Seeing real-world success stories will build trust and motivate new clients to give your studio a try.
Build a Real Community
People refer friends to places where they feel truly connected. When your studio feels like a real community to your clients, it becomes a big part of your clients’ lifestyle, and therefore something they want to share with the people in their lives.
We suggest:
- Hosting member appreciation events.
- Creating a private Facebook group or WhatsApp group for clients to connect.
- Partner with local wellness businesses to build an even bigger community.
Offer Consistency
Client referrals happen when clients are completely confident that their friends will have high-quality experiences every time they visit your studio.
We suggest:
- Train your instructors to deliver consistently high-quality classes.
- Maintain a reliable course schedule.
- Handle client communication with professionalism and care.
Trust is at the root of all client referrals.
Your Clients Are Your Number One Asset
If you create a space where people feel stronger, healthier, and most of all, connected, they will spread the word for you. By intentionally fostering community, delivering excellence, and making it easy for people to refer their friends, you’ll build a Pilates studio that grows organically.
At Pilates Education Institute, we offer resources and support to help you thrive as a Pilates studio owner. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to boost your studio business, we’re here to help!
