![Martial Arts School: how to post engaging content [content idea list]](http://onlineyougrow.com/cdn/shop/articles/cov-marketing-plan-1_cd6564d8-e9ef-4a4f-82a8-652161de916b.png?v=1715865647&width=1100)
Facebook and Instagram are not just for likes and fun—they're powerful tools that the best martial arts schools in the world use strategically to attract new students.
We know you're busy running your martial arts school 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 dojo.
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 martial arts school owners.
Get the content idea list made for martial arts school owners
A lot of martial arts schools 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 martial arts school
We have studied dozens of martial arts schools' social media accounts when building our strategy pack for martial arts schools - here is what seems to always work.
| Content Type | Why It Works to Attract New Students to Your Martial Arts School |
|---|---|
| Action-Packed Training Videos | Visually engaging videos of training sessions and techniques can inspire potential students to join and learn martial arts. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Footage | Showcasing the dojo, instructors, and preparation processes builds trust and creates a connection with the audience. |
| Student Testimonials | Positive reviews and testimonials from current students provide social proof and encourage others to join the school. |
| Special Offers and Promotions | Announcing limited-time offers, discounts, and free trial classes can attract new students looking for deals. |
| User-Generated Content | Sharing content created by students (photos, videos) engages the community and adds authenticity. |
| Local Collaborations | Partnering with local influencers or businesses can introduce the martial arts school to a broader, local audience. |
| Event Announcements | Promoting upcoming events, tournaments, or special workshops can attract new students interested in unique experiences. |
| Seasonal and Holiday Posts | Highlighting seasonal programs or holiday-themed classes can attract students looking for special training options during those times. |
| Interactive Content | Polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions engage followers and create a sense of community, encouraging them to join. |
| Technique Tutorials | Sharing tutorials of popular techniques can intrigue martial arts enthusiasts and motivate them to learn from the experts. |
| Class Schedule Updates | Regularly updating followers with class schedules keeps the school top-of-mind and encourages spontaneous visits. |
| Instructor Spotlights | Featuring stories about the instructors creates a personal connection and humanizes the brand. |
| Training Tips | Sharing tips and tricks from the dojo can engage followers who are martial arts enthusiasts and home practitioners. |
| Sustainability Initiatives | Highlighting sustainable practices or community involvement 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 martial arts schools make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best martial arts schools in the world. Replicate them now!
How can martial arts school owners make great content on social media?
What to Prioritize
You probably know it already, but high-quality photos and videos of your training sessions are essential.
People are inspired by what they see. Make sure the lighting is good, the dojo looks clean, and the techniques are demonstrated clearly.
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 martial arts school. 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 upcoming belt tests. 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.
An example of our marketing pack for martial arts school owners
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 martial arts school’s “image” and what your audience likes.
If you have a low budget to conduct marketing for your martial arts school, 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 martial arts school 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 martial arts school. 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 martial arts schools on social media
Our team has crafted a list of highly specific, budget-friendly content ideas tailored for martial arts schools, 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 martial arts school.
| Content Type | Tips to Make It More Affordable |
|---|---|
| Smartphone Training Photos | Use natural light by positioning students 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 free class or a small piece of gear as a thank-you. |
| User-Generated Content | Encourage students to share their training photos by offering a monthly raffle for those who tag your martial arts school on Instagram. |
| DIY Technique Videos | Film short, simple tutorials of popular techniques 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 training sessions or introduce the instructors during off-peak hours. |
| Class Highlight Posts | Design simple, eye-catching graphics for class highlights using free tools like Canva. Include a brief description and an engaging photo. |
| Instructor Spotlights | Feature instructors with a casual photo and fun facts about them. Use your smartphone and a natural setting in the dojo. |
| Simple Polls and Questions | Engage followers with free Instagram or Facebook polls about their favorite techniques 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 dedicated students with their favorite techniques. Take a quick photo and share a short story about their experience at your martial arts school. |
| Training Gear Photos | Create attractive settings using inexpensive items like mats, belts, and props from dollar stores. |
| Sustainability Tips | Share eco-friendly practices such as using sustainable gear or recycling. Create simple infographics with free tools like Canva. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Prep | Record short clips of the dojo prep work, such as setting up mats or cleaning gear. 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 training session. |
| Seasonal Training Posts | Highlight seasonal training tips and techniques using natural light and your smartphone camera. Share the story behind the technique to add interest. |
Copy the tactics of the best martial arts schools in the world!
There are martial arts schools that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!
Exceptionally creative and innovative content ideas specifically for martial arts schools
Investing in top-notch social media content for your martial arts school might be worth it because many other schools won't bother, giving you a chance to really stand out, grab people's attention, and build a loyal community of students.
| Content Type | Why It Could Bring a LOT of Students |
|---|---|
| Live Training Sessions | Hosting live or recorded training sessions where your instructors teach techniques can create a sense of community and attract a global audience interested in martial arts. |
| Interactive 360° Dojo Tours | Offering virtual 360° tours of your dojo, including training areas and equipment, can provide a unique behind-the-scenes experience and entice people to visit in person. |
| Specialized Workshops | Creating buzz with specialized workshops or seminars available for a short time can generate excitement and urgency, attracting new and repeat students. |
| Instructor Q&A Sessions | Offering exclusive Q&A sessions where students can interact with instructors and ask questions can create a memorable experience and word-of-mouth. |
| AR Technique Demonstrations | Implementing augmented reality (AR) technology in your training materials where students can see a 3D representation of techniques can enhance the learning experience and attract tech-savvy students. |
| Themed Training Events | Hosting themed training events, such as self-defense nights or sparring tournaments, can provide a unique and immersive experience, attracting groups and special occasions. |
| Martial Arts Challenges | Organizing martial arts challenges (e.g., breaking boards or completing a kata in a certain time) can create viral moments, attracting competitive martial artists and spectators. |
| Collaborative Seminars | Partnering with other local martial arts schools or instructors to host seminars can introduce your school to new audiences and create a buzz in the community. |
| Story-Driven Social Media Posts | Sharing in-depth stories about the origins of your martial arts style, the journey of your instructors, or the achievements of your students can create an emotional connection with potential students. |
| Interactive Technique Polls | Allowing students to choose techniques or drills for upcoming classes via social media polls can make them feel involved and eager to participate in the sessions they helped design. |
| Eco-Friendly Initiatives | Launching and promoting eco-friendly initiatives, such as sustainable training gear or dojo practices, can attract environmentally conscious students and media attention. |
| Outdoor Training Sessions | Operating outdoor training sessions in different locations or at local events can expand your reach and attract new students who may visit your main dojo later. |
| Technique Subscription Service | Offering a subscription service where students receive monthly technique videos and training plans can create a loyal student base. |
| Immersive Martial Arts Retreats | Hosting retreats where students can learn advanced techniques and immerse themselves in martial arts can attract enthusiasts and create a sense of exclusivity. |
| Flash Mob Training Sessions | Organizing flash mob training sessions in unexpected locations can create viral content and attract adventurous students looking for unique experiences. |
Content that never works well for martial arts schools on social media
Don't waste your time and resources on these strategies. We've seen many martial arts schools make these mistakes, and they won't help you stand out from the competition or attract new students to your dojo.
| Content Type | Why It Never Works for Martial Arts Schools | Do This Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Generic Stock Photos | They lack authenticity and can make the dojo 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 training tips, success stories, and interactive posts to keep your audience interested. |
| Unrelated Content | Posting content that has nothing to do with martial arts or your school confuses followers and dilutes your brand. | Keep your content focused on martial arts, training, events, and related topics to maintain relevance and interest. |
| Low-Quality Videos | Poorly shot or edited videos can reflect badly on your school's quality and professionalism. | Invest in basic video equipment or hire a local videographer to produce high-quality videos that showcase your dojo 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 martial arts, community, and your school'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 potential 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 school 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 school 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 potential 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 martial arts school. |
Make your martial arts school more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best martial arts schools in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
Why social media can be a big pay-off for your martial arts school
We understand that as a martial arts school 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 martial arts school 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 designed for martial arts school 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 martial arts school. These documents are straightforward and easy to understand, cutting through the jargon and focusing on what really works for small martial arts schools on social media.
We provide clear, actionable steps for creating engaging posts, building a loyal following, and boosting your school's visibility online.
With our marketing pack, you can invest in your martial arts school's growth without feeling overwhelmed or uncertain.
Your martial arts school could make more money!
Most martial arts school owners don't know how to grow their business. Let us teach you the right strategies.
