Owning Virtual Yoga: Step-by-Step guide to promote online yoga classes

In recent years, online yoga classes have gained popularity as an accessible and convenient way to practice yoga from anywhere in the world. With the rise of virtual platforms and the increasing demand for digital wellness offerings, online yoga classes have become a go-to option for many people looking to stay healthy and centred. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of online yoga classes and what are the choices that people are looking to deepen their practice or start their yoga journey online. We will also discuss how to find your right place on the online yoga platform and offer tips for making the most out of your virtual experience. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or a beginner, read on to discover the many benefits of conducting online yoga classes and how they can enhance your physical, mental, and emotional well-being as a yoga teacher.

What do the audience expect from an online yoga class?

Before you start to put yourself out on the market, it is important to understand basic expectations of your audience, on the online platform. Audiences expect certain things from an online yoga class, and meeting these expectations is important for building a loyal customer base. Here are a few things that audiences typically expect from an online yoga class:

Clear instructions: One of the biggest advantages of online yoga classes is the ability to pause, rewind, and repeat instructions as needed. Audiences expect clear and concise instructions that are easy to follow, even for beginners. The teacher should provide detailed cues for each pose and offer modifications for different levels of ability.

High-quality video and audio: Online yoga classes should have high-quality video and audio to ensure that participants can see and hear the teacher clearly. Poor video or audio quality can be distracting and detract from the overall experience.

Personal connection: Even though online yoga classes are remote, audiences still expect a personal connection with the teacher. Teachers can create this connection by addressing participants by name, offering encouragement and support, and asking for feedback. 

Variety: Audiences appreciate variety in online yoga classes, both in terms of the types of classes offered (such as vinyasa, yin, or restorative) and the teachers leading them. Offering a range of classes and teachers can help keep participants engaged and motivated to continue their practice.

Flexibility: One of the biggest benefits of online yoga classes is the ability to practice at any time and from anywhere. Audiences expect classes that are flexible and adaptable to their schedules, with options for live or pre-recorded classes.

By meeting these expectations, online yoga teachers can create a positive experience for their audiences and build a loyal customer base.

Here's a step-by-step guide to promote online yoga classes:

Determine your target audience: Before promoting your online yoga classes, you need to know who your target audience is. Who are the people you want to reach? What are their interests, needs, and preferences? Knowing your target audience will help you create a message that resonates with them.

Create a website or landing page: You need a place where people can learn more about your online yoga classes and sign up for them. Create a website or landing page that showcases the benefits of your classes and provides details on the schedule, pricing, and how to sign up.

Leverage social media: Use social media to promote your online yoga classes. Create profiles on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and share posts that showcase the benefits of your classes. Use hashtags that your target audience is likely to use to increase your reach.

Partner with influencers: Find influencers in the yoga and wellness space who have a following that matches your target audience. Partner with them to promote your online yoga classes by offering them a free class or a discount code to share with their followers.

Offer free classes or trials: People are more likely to try something new if they don't have to pay for it upfront. Offer free classes or trials to encourage people to give your online yoga classes a try. This will also give you a chance to showcase the benefits of your classes and build relationships with potential customers.

Email marketing: Use email marketing to promote your online yoga classes. Create an email list by offering a free class or trial in exchange for people's email addresses. Send regular emails with updates on your classes, special offers, and other information that your target audience might find valuable.

Paid advertising: Consider using paid advertising to promote your online yoga classes. Platforms like Google AdWords and Facebook Ads allow you to target specific audiences based on their interests, demographics, and behaviour. This can be an effective way to reach new customers and increase your visibility.

Build relationships with your customers: Once you have customers, it's important to build relationships with them. Respond to their questions and feedback promptly, offer personalised recommendations, and create a sense of community by hosting events or challenges. Happy customers are more likely to recommend your online yoga classes to others.

By following these steps, you can effectively promote your online yoga classes and reach a wider audience. Remember to always put your target audience first and focus on providing value to them.

3 pro-tips to help you promote your online yoga classes: 

Utilise video content: Video content is an excellent way to showcase the benefits of your online yoga classes and connect with your target audience. Consider creating short videos that demonstrate specific poses or flows, or record full-length classes to give people a taste of what your classes are like. You can share these videos on social media, your website, or email newsletters.

Collaborate with complementary businesses: Reach out to businesses that complement your online yoga classes, such as wellness bloggers, health food stores, or natural skincare brands. Offer to collaborate with them on content or events, such as hosting a joint webinar or sharing each other's social media posts. This can help you reach a wider audience and tap into new customer segments.

Offer referral incentives: Word-of-mouth is a powerful marketing tool, and offering incentives to customers who refer their friends and family to your online yoga classes can be a great way to generate new business. Consider offering a free class or a discount code to customers who refer a certain number of new customers to your classes. This can encourage your existing customers to spread the word and help you grow your business.

The magic marketing technique: WORKSHOPS

Workshops can play a significant role in marketing and getting more customers for your yoga business. Here are a few ways workshops can help:

Attract new customers: Workshops are a great way to attract new customers who may be interested in your online yoga classes. By offering a specialized workshop on a particular topic, you can draw in people who are curious about yoga but may not be ready to commit to a full class schedule. Once they attend your workshop and see the value you offer, they may be more inclined to sign up for your regular classes.

Showcase your expertise: By leading a workshop, you can showcase your expertise and establish yourself as a thought leader in the yoga industry. This can help build your credibility and make you stand out from competitors. Additionally, if attendees have a positive experience in your workshop, they may be more likely to recommend your online yoga classes to others.

Generate revenue: Workshops can be a source of additional revenue for your business. By charging a fee for attendees, you can earn income from the workshop itself. Additionally, if attendees enjoy your workshop, they may be more likely to sign up for your regular classes, which can provide a steady stream of income.

Foster a sense of community: Workshops can help foster a sense of community among your customers. By bringing people together around a common interest or goal, you can create a supportive environment that encourages people to connect with one another. This can lead to stronger relationships with your customers and a more loyal customer base.

Overall, workshops can be a powerful marketing tool for your online yoga business. They can help you attract new customers, showcase your expertise, generate revenue, and foster a sense of community among your customers. By offering workshops that align with your brand and appeal to your target audience, you can position your business for success and grow your customer base over time.

Here is a quick summary for you:

Online yoga classes are a great way to connect with a broader audience, and as a yoga teacher, it is important to meet the expectations of your audience to build a loyal customer base. By providing clear instructions, high-quality video and audio, a personal connection, variety, and flexibility, online yoga teachers can create a positive experience for their audiences. To effectively promote online yoga classes, it is important to determine your target audience, create a website or landing page, leverage social media, partner with influencers, offer free classes or trials, use email marketing, consider paid advertising, and build relationships with your customers. Furthermore, empathy plays a crucial role in communication, and by putting yourself in your audience's shoes, you can better understand their needs and provide value to them. With these tips and practices in mind, online yoga teachers can enhance their virtual offerings and help more people access the benefits of yoga from anywhere in the world.