My 2 cents
For what it's worth....
I have to agree with the masses here also. Our school does the word of mouth or by doing demos at cancer walks and the like. We have a web-site and it has brought in nothing. Keep this in mind; folks that are likely to show up at your door are CLOSE by. The www is seen by everyone and the guy in California is on interested in going to a NY dojo. At least by word of mouth you will be recruiting folks that are in the vicinity and are likely to show up. One thing my instructor use to do is to keep business cards on hand, and while shopping recruit ones that look physically fit or a potential client. (That’s how he got me) Currently our school has around 50-60 active members and seems like we are growing all the time. Also, as Tom stated, when a new movie or show hits your classes will grow also, keep in mind the different times of the year influence class enrolment.
An idea I have been kicking around is to offer some FREE self-defense classes to different groups. Ie… women’s shelters, YMCA, things like that. Or do demos during events like the cancer walks we do each year or the county fair. Try to spread the word by showing the art. Keep in mind, if 100 people see what you are doing, half may think it’s real cool and what to learn, half of those may have the drive to doing and seek you out and even if a few stay it’s more than what you have now.
All My Best,
Todd Wayman
"…since karate is a martial art, you must practice with the utmost seriousness from the very beginning."
- G. Funakoshi, Karate-Do Nyumon, 1943