![Chess Academy: how to post engaging content [content idea list]](http://onlineyougrow.com/cdn/shop/articles/cov-marketing-plan-1_90d11860-02e1-4729-9429-17a5864c6ecd.png?v=1715865711&width=1100)
Facebook and Instagram are not just for likes and fun—they're powerful tools that the best chess academies in the world use strategically to attract new students.
We know you're busy running your chess academy and the thought of managing social media might feel like another burden.
But here's the deal: you don't need to be a marketing expert or spend a fortune to make it work. Just a few minutes a day can bring a couple of new students to your classes.
To help you out, we have built a free list of content ideas - also, for a full action plan, please check our strategy pack for chess academy owners.
Get the content idea list made for chess academy owners
A lot of chess academies manage to post engaging content on social media. Here is a free tool to to get you started.
Content that always work well for a chess academy
We have analyzed numerous chess academies' social media strategies while developing our strategy pack for chess academies - here is what consistently proves effective.
| Content Type | Why It Works to Attract New Students to Your Chess Academy |
|---|---|
| High-Quality Game Analysis | Detailed breakdowns of famous games or student matches can captivate potential students, showcasing the depth of learning they can expect. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Videos | Showing the academy environment, instructors, and training sessions builds trust and creates a connection with the audience. |
| Student Testimonials | Positive reviews and success stories from current students provide social proof and encourage others to join the academy. |
| Special Offers and Promotions | Announcing limited-time discounts, free trial classes, or special workshops can attract new students looking for value. |
| User-Generated Content | Sharing content created by students (game highlights, reviews) engages the community and adds authenticity. |
| Local Collaborations | Partnering with local chess clubs or influencers can introduce the academy to a broader, local audience. |
| Event Announcements | Promoting upcoming tournaments, guest lectures, or special training camps can attract new students interested in unique experiences. |
| Seasonal and Holiday Posts | Highlighting special events or themed classes during holidays can attract students looking for unique learning opportunities during those times. |
| Interactive Content | Polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions engage followers and create a sense of community, encouraging them to join the academy. |
| Chess Puzzles | Sharing challenging puzzles can intrigue chess enthusiasts and motivate them to improve their skills at the academy. |
| Daily Tips and Tricks | Regularly updating followers with chess tips and strategies keeps the academy top-of-mind and encourages spontaneous enrollment. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Instructor Stories | Featuring stories about the instructors creates a personal connection and humanizes the brand. |
| Chess Strategy Insights | Sharing advanced strategies and insights can engage followers who are serious about improving their game. |
| Sustainability Initiatives | Highlighting community outreach or educational initiatives appeals to socially conscious consumers. |
| Student Spotlights | Featuring regular students creates a sense of community and makes others want to be part of that group. |
| Contests and Giveaways | Running contests and giveaways can increase engagement and attract new followers, many of whom may convert into students. |
Some chess academies make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best chess academies in the world. Replicate them now!
How can chess academy owners make great content on social media?
What to Prioritize
You probably know it already, but high-quality photos and videos of your chess academy are essential.
People are drawn to visuals first. Make sure the lighting is good, the chessboards are set up neatly, and the environment looks inviting.
Also, post regularly to keep your audience engaged. It doesn’t have to be daily, but find a schedule that works for you and stick to it. We have prepared a free social media planner for you.
Of course, respond to comments and messages quickly. People appreciate interaction and it makes them feel valued. Don’t just be another “bland” account.
Show the real side of your chess academy. Behind-the-scenes photos, instructor stories, and student shoutouts can create a personal connection with your audience.
If you want to keep your potential students excited, highlight any special offers, tournaments, or seasonal workshops. Make sure your followers know what’s new and exciting.
Finally, share positive reviews and testimonials. Social proof is powerful and can help attract new students.
What Doesn’t Matter as Much
Overly polished content does not really matter. Your posts don’t need to be perfect. Authenticity can be more engaging than highly produced content.
Also, don’t feel pressured to jump on every social media trend. Focus on what fits your chess academy’s “image” and what your audience likes.
If you have a low budget to conduct marketing for your chess academy, don’t immediately go for paid Ads. Organic reach can still be effective with good content and engagement. You will find tons of tactics and strategies in our strategy pack for chess academy owners.
How to Do It Fast and Efficient
First, spend a few hours once a week taking photos, recording videos, and drafting posts. This way, you’re not scrambling daily.
Use Scheduling Tools - tools like Buffer or Hootsuite can schedule posts in advance, saving you time.
Repurpose and use the same content across different platforms. A photo on Instagram can be a post on Facebook or a tweet on Twitter.
Encourage students to share their own photos and tag your chess academy. This is what we call “User-Generated Content”. Reposting these can save you time and build community.
Use apps like Canva for quick and easy graphic design, or Lightroom for photo editing. These tools can make your content look professional with minimal effort.
Low-budget content ideas for chess academies on social media
Our team has curated a list of highly specific, low-budget content ideas tailored for chess academies, complete with practical tips to keep costs down and effectively use social media.
You might want to incorporate some of these ideas in the marketing plan of your chess academy.
| Content Type | Tips to Make It More Affordable |
|---|---|
| Smartphone Game Analysis | Use natural light by positioning the chessboard near windows during daytime. Enhance videos with free apps like Snapseed or VSCO. |
| Student Testimonials | Ask satisfied students or parents to leave a quick video testimonial on their phone. Offer a free lesson or chess book as a thank-you. |
| User-Generated Content | Encourage students to share their game photos or achievements by offering a monthly raffle for those who tag your academy on Instagram. |
| DIY Chess Tips Videos | Film short, simple chess tips or strategies using a smartphone and a basic tripod. Use free editing software like iMovie or OpenShot. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Stories | Use Instagram Stories or Facebook Live to give a real-time look at your daily classes or introduce the coaching team during slow hours. |
| Daily Puzzle Posts | Design simple, eye-catching graphics for daily chess puzzles using free tools like Canva. Include a brief description and a solution. |
| Coach Spotlights | Feature coaches with a casual photo and fun facts about them. Use your smartphone and a natural setting in the academy. |
| Simple Polls and Questions | Engage followers with free Instagram or Facebook polls about their favorite chess openings or suggestions for new classes. |
| Local Tournament Promotions | Collaborate with local chess tournaments by offering a small discount or coupon. Cross-promote each other's content to reach a wider audience. |
| Community Involvement Posts | Post photos and short stories about your participation in local charity events or partnerships with community organizations. |
| Student Spotlights | Highlight dedicated students with their favorite chess openings or achievements. Take a quick photo and share a short story about their experience at your academy. |
| Homemade Chess Set Photos | Create attractive table settings using inexpensive items like chessboards, pieces, and props from dollar stores. |
| Sustainability Tips | Share eco-friendly practices such as using digital resources or promoting local chess clubs. Create simple infographics with free tools like Canva. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Prep | Record short clips of the class prep work, such as setting up boards or preparing lesson plans. Compile them into a quick video using free tools. |
| Simple Contests and Giveaways | Run social media contests where participants like, share, or tag friends to win a free lesson. Use prizes that are cost-effective like a free chess book. |
| Seasonal Chess Posts | Highlight seasonal chess events or themes using natural light and your smartphone camera. Share the story behind the event to add interest. |
Copy the tactics of the best chess academies in the world!
There are chess academies that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!
Exceptionally creative and innovative content ideas specifically for chess academies
Investing in top-notch social media content for your chess academy might be worth it because many other academies won't bother, giving you a chance to really stand out, grab people's attention, and build a loyal community of chess enthusiasts.
| Content Type | Why It Could Bring a LOT of Students |
|---|---|
| Live Streaming Chess Matches | Hosting live or recorded chess matches featuring your top players or instructors can create a sense of excitement and attract a global audience of chess fans. |
| Interactive 360° Academy Tours | Offering virtual 360° tours of your chess academy, including classrooms and training areas, can provide a unique behind-the-scenes experience and entice people to enroll. |
| Exclusive Chess Workshops | Creating buzz with limited edition or seasonal chess workshops available for a short time can generate excitement and urgency, attracting new and repeat students. |
| Grandmaster Sessions | Offering exclusive sessions where students can play and interact with grandmasters can create a memorable experience and word-of-mouth. |
| AR Chess Lessons | Implementing augmented reality (AR) technology in your lessons where students can see 3D representations of chess strategies can enhance the learning experience and attract tech-savvy students. |
| Themed Chess Tournaments | Hosting themed chess tournaments, such as historical reenactments or fantasy-themed events, can provide a unique and immersive experience, attracting groups and special occasions. |
| Chess Challenge Contests | Organizing chess challenge contests (e.g., solving a complex puzzle in under a certain time) can create viral moments, attracting competitive players and spectators. |
| Collaborative Chess Events | Partnering with other local chess clubs or academies to host events can introduce your academy to new audiences and create a buzz in the community. |
| Story-Driven Social Media Posts | Sharing in-depth stories about the origins of famous chess games, the journey of your instructors, or the achievements of your students can create an emotional connection with your audience. |
| Interactive Strategy Polls | Allowing students to vote on strategies or openings to be covered in upcoming lessons via social media polls can make them feel involved and eager to learn the topics they helped choose. |
| Eco-Friendly Initiatives | Launching and promoting eco-friendly initiatives, such as using sustainable materials for chess boards and pieces, can attract environmentally conscious students and media attention. |
| Mobile Chess Clinics | Operating a mobile chess clinic in different locations or at local events can expand your reach and attract new students who may visit your main academy later. |
| Chess Subscription Service | Offering a subscription service where students receive monthly chess puzzles, strategy guides, and access to exclusive online content can create a loyal student base. |
| Immersive Chess Workshops | Hosting workshops where students can learn advanced chess techniques from your instructors can attract chess enthusiasts and create a sense of exclusivity. |
| Flash Mob Chess Matches | Organizing flash mob chess matches in unexpected locations can create viral content and attract adventurous players looking for unique experiences. |
Content that never works well for chess academies on social media
Don't waste your time and resources on these strategies. We've seen many chess academies make these mistakes, and they won't help you stand out from the competition or attract new students to your academy.
| Content Type | Why It Never Works for Chess Academies | Do This Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Generic Stock Photos | They lack authenticity and can make the academy appear unoriginal or untrustworthy. | Use real photos of your students, instructors, and chess events to create a genuine connection with your audience. |
| Overly Promotional Posts | Constantly pushing promotions can feel spammy and turn off followers. | Mix in engaging content like behind-the-scenes stories, student testimonials, and interactive posts to keep your audience interested. |
| Unrelated Content | Posting content that has nothing to do with chess or the academy confuses followers and dilutes your brand. | Keep your content focused on chess, training tips, events, and related topics to maintain relevance and interest. |
| Low-Quality Videos | Poorly shot or edited videos can reflect badly on your academy's quality and professionalism. | Invest in basic video equipment or hire a local videographer to produce high-quality videos that showcase your academy positively. |
| Political or Controversial Posts | These can alienate parts of your audience and lead to negative backlash. | Stick to neutral, positive content that focuses on chess, community, and your academy's unique offerings. |
| Too Many Hashtags | Overusing hashtags can look desperate and reduce engagement by making posts look cluttered. | Use a few relevant, targeted hashtags to increase visibility without overwhelming your audience. |
| Automated Replies and Messages | They can come off as impersonal and frustrate students looking for genuine interaction. | Respond personally to comments and messages to show that you care about your students and value their feedback. |
| Overly Staged Photos | Photos that look too perfect can seem inauthentic and less relatable. | Use natural lighting and casual settings to make your photos feel more genuine and inviting. |
| Constant Self-Promotion | Only talking about your academy can bore followers and reduce engagement. | Share user-generated content, collaborate with local chess clubs, and highlight community involvement to diversify your content. |
| Negative or Defensive Responses | Responding poorly to criticism can damage your reputation and discourage potential students. | Address negative feedback calmly and constructively, showing that you are willing to improve and value student input. |
| Ignoring Social Media Trends | Being out of touch with current trends can make your academy seem outdated and unappealing. | Stay updated with social media trends and incorporate them creatively into your content strategy to keep your audience engaged and excited. |
| Excessive Posting | Posting too frequently can overwhelm your followers and lead to unfollows. | Maintain a consistent but moderate posting schedule, ensuring each post adds value and keeps your audience looking forward to your updates. |
| Complex or Confusing Promotions | Promotions that are hard to understand can frustrate students and deter participation. | Offer simple, clear, and straightforward promotions that are easy for students to grasp and engage with. |
| Ignoring Comments and Messages | Not engaging with your audience can make them feel undervalued and reduce their loyalty. | Regularly respond to comments and messages to build a strong, interactive community around your academy. |
Make your chess academy more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best chess academies in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
Why social media can be a big pay-off for your chess academy
We understand that as the owner of a chess academy, you might feel hesitant about diving into social media marketing.
The world of social media can seem foreign and filled with confusing jargon. You might believe that it's more suited for big corporations rather than specialized activities like your chess academy.
The day-to-day demands of running a chess academy are already overwhelming, leaving little time for additional tasks like social media.
It's common to think that social media marketing is an expensive endeavor, one that your tight budget can't support. Plus, the sheer number of social media platforms can lead to indecision and skepticism, especially if previous efforts haven't yielded the results you hoped for.
That's why we've created a "marketing pack" specifically tailored for chess academies like yours.
Our pack addresses all the issues you might face, offering simple, cost-effective strategies that don't require a marketing expert or a big budget for your chess academy. These documents are straightforward and easy to understand, cutting through the jargon and focusing on what really works for small chess academies on social media.
We provide clear, actionable steps for creating engaging posts, building a loyal following, and boosting your chess academy's visibility online.
With our marketing pack, you can invest in your chess academy's growth without feeling overwhelmed or uncertain.
Your chess academy could make more money!
Most chess academy owners don't know how to grow their business. Let us teach you the right strategies.
