The winter holidays are a special time for everyone but they can also be challenging for youth activity businesses like yours. As families begin to juggle their holiday plans, you may start to see your enrollment and retention numbers drop, but you don’t have to write off December as a financial loss just yet! By using the ideas in this article you can flip the script on waning winter registrations and not only retain your current students but attract new ones too.
Try Special Holiday Promotions
Everyone loves a deal, especially during the holidays when budgets can get a little tighter. These promotions not only attract new students but also help current students keep up with their classes during the busy season.
Holiday-Only Discounts or Packages
A special holiday discount or package (reduced registration fees or a discounted multi-class bundle, for example) will make signing up for classes a little easier for families. Parents will love the idea of purchasing classes for the new year at a reduced rate during the holidays. This also helps ensure retention for existing students into the future.
Festive, Limited-Time Classes
You can give students something fun and seasonal to look forward to, with a limited series of holiday-themed classes. A holiday cheer party or a festive gymnastics course is also a great way to bring in new students. Though these new students may initially just be there for the fun, a stellar experience may turn them into regulars.
Host Holiday Events and Themed Classes
Festive events can bring your community together and help make your youth activity center a memorable part of the holidays.
A Holiday Showcase
A festive showcase is a great opportunity for students to show off their skills to friends and family and introduce new families to your program. Make sure you have information and pamphlets ready and let current parents know ahead of time that all are welcome to increase your chances of gaining new registrations.
“Bring-a-Friend” Days
Holiday “Bring-a-Friend” days are a fun and friendly way to welcome new faces into your youth activity center. You can encourage your current students to bring a friend along to a free trial class. Something like this allows prospective students to get a feel for your programs in a relaxed setting. Try adding a small holiday incentive (this can be anything, from a festive treat to a discount, if the friend enrolls) to make the experience even more appealing.
Take on The Holiday Season With Confidence
Get even more essential holiday tips for your youth activity center here!
Make Gift Certificates and Referrals
Gift certificates and referrals are great ways to get new students in the door and keep current students coming back!
Gift Certificates for Classes or Merchandise
A gift certificate is an easy gift option for parents, grandparents, and friends. Many people prefer to give a meaningful experience rather than a material gift during the holiday season and a gift certificate to your youth activity center is the perfect way to do just that. All you need to do is promote these certificates as ideal stocking stuffers. Not only do gift certificates bring in new students, but they also make it simple for existing families to continue classes or try out something new.
Referral Programs with a Holiday Twist
Referrals continue to be the most effective way to attract new families to your youth center. They’ll be coming in with a friend and an established connection to your program. Offer a special holiday bonus, like a festive gift or a free holiday-themed class, to both the referring family and the new student.
Boost Engagement with Simple Holiday Touches
Small gestures go a long way. There are a few things you can do that will impress current and potential students and their families.
Thoughtful Holiday Cards or Gifts
Even in a digital world, personalized holiday cards or small branded gifts like keychains or water bottles with a holiday flair can still win the hearts of your audience. These simple acts show your appreciation and help keep your youth activity center top-of-mind as families plan for the New Year.
Holiday-Themed Classes
From holiday-themed crafts to seasonal music, small touches can make your regular classes feel more special during the holiday season.
Use Jackrabbit Class to Simplify Your Holiday Marketing
The holidays are hectic enough, streamline parent communication with Jackrabbit Class’ built-in features.
Stay in Touch with Regular Updates
Whether you’re sending out info on your holiday promotions, upcoming incentives or reminders of holiday-themed classes, regular email communications with parents ensure that they are always aware of what’s going on at your youth activity center. Jackrabbit Class makes email communication easy with a built-in email editor and Zippy AI for help with messaging, inspiration and more.
Go ahead and focus on creating memorable experiences for your students during the holiday season knowing that Jackrabbit Class is here to help!
If your emails are getting overlooked in the inboxes of parents, you can always stay at the top of their mind with push notifications from your own custom mobile app!
Make Signing Up Easier with Jackrabbit
Jackrabbit Class allows you to automate processes like class registration, and payment collection. This all means less time spent on admin work and more time spent making the season magical for your students. It also makes it convenient for families who are trying to fit your holiday events into an already-packed schedule.
The holiday season doesn’t have to be slow for your youth activity center. With some strategic promotions, festive events and tools like Jackrabbit Class on your side, you can not only keep your current students engaged but attract some new ones as well.
Make this holiday season your most successful one yet, with some help from Jackrabbit Class. Start your free trial today!
