Facebook and Instagram are not just for likes and fun—they're powerful tools that the best cooking class studios in the world use strategically to attract students.
We know you're busy running your cooking classes 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 cooking class studios.
Get the content idea list made for cooking studio owners
A lot of cooking studios 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 cooking class studio
We have studied numerous cooking class studios' social media accounts when building our strategy pack for cooking class studios - here is what consistently works.
Content Type | Why It Works to Attract New Participants to Your Cooking Classes |
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High-Quality Dish Photos | Visually appealing images of dishes created in your classes can inspire potential participants to join and learn to make those dishes themselves. |
Behind-the-Scenes Videos | Showcasing the class environment, instructors, and cooking processes builds trust and creates a connection with the audience. |
Student Testimonials | Positive reviews and testimonials from past students provide social proof and encourage others to sign up for your classes. |
Special Offers and Promotions | Announcing limited-time offers, discounts, and package deals can attract new participants looking for value. |
User-Generated Content | Sharing content created by your students (photos, reviews) engages the community and adds authenticity. |
Local Collaborations | Partnering with local influencers or businesses can introduce your cooking classes to a broader, local audience. |
Event Announcements | Promoting upcoming classes, workshops, or special events can attract new participants interested in unique culinary experiences. |
Seasonal and Holiday Posts | Highlighting seasonal recipes or holiday-themed classes can attract participants looking for special cooking experiences during those times. |
Interactive Content | Polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions engage followers and create a sense of community, encouraging them to join your classes. |
Recipe Shares | Sharing recipes from your classes can intrigue food enthusiasts and motivate them to learn directly from your instructors. |
Class Updates | Regularly updating followers with new class schedules and themes keeps your studio top-of-mind and encourages spontaneous sign-ups. |
Instructor Stories | Featuring stories about your instructors creates a personal connection and humanizes your brand. |
Cooking Tips | Sharing tips and tricks from your instructors can engage followers who are food enthusiasts and home cooks. |
Sustainability Initiatives | Highlighting sustainable practices or locally sourced ingredients appeals to environmentally conscious participants. |
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 participants. |
Some cooking studios make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best cooking studios in the world. Replicate them now!
How can cooking studio owners make great content on social media?
What to Prioritise
You probably know it already, but high-quality photos and videos of your cooking classes are essential.
People are drawn to visually appealing content. Make sure the lighting is good, the dishes look fresh, and the presentation is 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 cooking studio. 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, events, or seasonal classes. 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 cooking studio’s “image” and what your audience likes.
If you have a low budget to conduct marketing for your cooking studio, 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 cooking class studios.
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 cooking studio. 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 cooking studios on social media
Our team has curated a list of highly specific, budget-friendly content ideas tailored for cooking class studios, complete with practical tips to keep costs low and maximize social media impact.
You might want to incorporate some of these ideas in the marketing plan of your cooking class studio.
Content Type | Tips to Make It More Affordable |
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Smartphone Cooking Photos | Use natural light by positioning your cooking station near windows during daytime. Enhance photos with free apps like Snapseed or VSCO. |
Student Testimonials | Ask satisfied students to leave a quick video testimonial on their phone. Offer a discount on their next class as a thank-you. |
User-Generated Content | Encourage students to share their cooking creations by offering a monthly raffle for those who tag your studio on Instagram. |
DIY Recipe Videos | Film short, simple recipes from your classes 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 class preparations or introduce the instructors during slow hours. |
Class Highlights | Design simple, eye-catching graphics for upcoming classes using free tools like Canva. Include a brief description and a mouth-watering photo of the dish to be made. |
Instructor Spotlights | Feature instructors with a casual photo and fun facts about them. Use your smartphone and a natural setting in the studio. |
Simple Polls and Questions | Engage followers with free Instagram or Facebook polls about their favorite recipes or suggestions for new classes. |
Local Event Promotions | Collaborate with local events 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 loyal students with their favorite recipes. Take a quick photo and share a short story about their experience at your studio. |
Homemade Dish Photos | Create attractive table settings using inexpensive items like tablecloths, napkins, and props from dollar stores. |
Sustainability Tips | Share eco-friendly practices such as composting or using local ingredients. Create simple infographics with free tools like Canva. |
Behind-the-Scenes Prep | Record short clips of the class prep work, such as ingredient setup or cooking techniques. 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 class. Use prizes that are cost-effective like a free cooking utensil. |
Seasonal Recipe Posts | Highlight seasonal ingredients and recipes using natural light and your smartphone camera. Share the story behind the recipe to add interest. |
Copy the tactics of the best cooking studios in the world!
There are cooking studios that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!
Exceptionally creative and innovative content ideas specifically for cooking studios
Investing in top-notch social media content for your cooking class studio might be worth it because many other places won't bother, giving you a chance to really stand out, grab people's attention, and build a loyal community of cooking enthusiasts.
Content Type | Why It Could Bring a LOT of Participants |
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Live Cooking Demonstrations | Hosting live cooking demonstrations where your instructors teach viewers how to make popular dishes can create a sense of community and attract a global audience. |
Interactive 360° Studio Tours | Offering virtual 360° tours of your cooking studio, including the kitchen and classroom areas, can provide a unique behind-the-scenes experience and entice people to sign up for classes. |
Seasonal Cooking Classes | Creating buzz with limited edition or seasonal cooking classes available for a short time can generate excitement and urgency, attracting new and repeat participants. |
Chef’s Table Workshops | Offering an exclusive workshop where participants can sit at the chef’s table and interact with the instructors while they cook can create a memorable experience and word-of-mouth. |
AR Recipe Integration | Implementing augmented reality (AR) technology in your recipes where participants can see a 3D representation of dishes can enhance the learning experience and attract tech-savvy students. |
Themed Cooking Events | Hosting themed cooking events, such as a holiday baking class or a regional cuisine night, can provide a unique and immersive experience, attracting groups and special occasions. |
Cooking Challenge Contests | Organizing cooking challenge contests (e.g., creating a dish with a mystery ingredient) can create viral moments, attracting competitive cooks and spectators. |
Collaborative Pop-Up Classes | Partnering with other local chefs or cooking studios to host pop-up classes can introduce your studio to new audiences and create a buzz in the community. |
Story-Driven Social Media Posts | Sharing in-depth stories about the origins of your recipes, the farmers you source from, or the personal journey of your instructors can create an emotional connection with participants. |
Interactive Ingredient Selection | Allowing participants to choose ingredients for a custom dish via social media polls can make them feel involved and eager to try the creations they helped design. |
Eco-Friendly Initiatives | Launching and promoting eco-friendly initiatives, such as zero-waste cooking classes or sustainable sourcing practices, can attract environmentally conscious consumers and media attention. |
Mobile Cooking Classes | Operating a mobile cooking class setup in different locations or at local events can expand your reach and attract new participants who may visit your main studio later. |
Recipe Subscription Service | Offering a subscription service where participants receive monthly recipes and ingredient kits to cook your studio’s dishes at home can create a loyal customer base. |
Immersive Culinary Workshops | Hosting workshops where participants can learn advanced cooking techniques from your instructors can attract food enthusiasts and create a sense of exclusivity. |
Flash Mob Cooking Experiences | Organizing flash mob cooking events in unexpected locations can create viral content and attract adventurous cooks looking for unique experiences. |
Content that never works well for cooking studios on social media
Don't waste your time and resources on these ideas. We've seen many cooking class studios make these mistakes, and they won't help you stand out from the crowd or bring in new participants for your classes.
Content Type | Why It Never Works for Cooking Class Studios | Do This Instead |
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Generic Stock Photos | They lack authenticity and can make the studio appear unoriginal or untrustworthy. | Use real photos of your classes, instructors, and students 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 cooking or the studio confuses followers and dilutes your brand. | Keep your content focused on your classes, recipes, events, and related topics to maintain relevance and interest. |
Low-Quality Videos | Poorly shot or edited videos can reflect badly on your studio's quality and professionalism. | Invest in basic video equipment or hire a local videographer to produce high-quality videos that showcase your classes 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 cooking, community, and your studio'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 customers 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 studio can bore followers and reduce engagement. | Share user-generated content, collaborate with local businesses, 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 customer input. |
Ignoring Social Media Trends | Being out of touch with current trends can make your studio 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 customers and deter participation. | Offer simple, clear, and straightforward promotions that are easy for customers 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 studio. |
Make your cooking class studio more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best cooking studios in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
Why social media can be a big pay-off for your cooking class studio
We understand that as a cooking class studio owner, 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 small businesses like yours.
The day-to-day demands of running a cooking class studio 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 profit margins 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 cooking class studio owners like you.
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 studio. These documents are straightforward and easy to understand, cutting through the jargon and focusing on what really works for small cooking class studios on social media.
We provide clear, actionable steps for creating engaging posts, building a loyal following, and boosting your studio's visibility online.
With our marketing pack, you can invest in your studio's growth without feeling overwhelmed or uncertain.
Your cooking class studio could make more money!
Most cooking studio owners don't know how to grow their business. Let us teach you the right strategies.