Marketing Ideas... radio?

[Onix]

I have an advertising major from a while back...

You can definitely turn radio around that fast.

The bad thing about radio is that it is REALLLLY hard to make a good radio ad. And, really easy for people to change the channel. (Tv has the second problem, but it is easier to make a better TV ad, or really any ad besides radio).

But, for a small business, radio is often a cost-effective method.

Besides a traditional ad, you can do a different type of radio ad through local radio DJs... you have probably heard them. Where the DJ or morning show people, or whoever talk up the product...almost as if they are really talking from their own experience. People who listen to morning shows and such are sometimes more likely to tolerate listening to ads/talk-ups from the DJs that they love listening to than a traditional ad.

So you might want to look into that option as well!

Or other types of online ads?

Good luck!

EDIT: second thought.

I re-read your top part. Additional online advertising (besides what you have) may not be effective for your target market, considering that they are in the older-range. Hard to say without knowing more details. Radio may work well for them. Also, since you said you have a reliable following already of the same re-occuring customers...maybe offering a promotion of some sorts that lets them invite a friend to a lesson once free or something??? (Hoping that the other person would want to join themselves again).

Or some kind of promo event "open house"?

There are also all kinds of databases that have information about where people live/how they respond to diff. types of advertising. BUt, you would need an advertising firm to access those. Without them, if you are just doing it on your own---that may be tricky.

But, your older generation may respond to mailers (especially retired age people, often). But, the trick is getting data from somewhere about where to mail them.

Sorry for the rambling Good luck!