Remember the yoga instructor who is going to do a video for her business? She told me that once people come to one class, they usually come back. So how can she get more people to make it to the first class? By cutting down the hurdles that stand between them and the first class.
Sampling is the answer, even when what you sell is a service.
Here are some ideas we came up with:
Once people try a yoga class, they tend to stick with it. So how can she get more people to that first class? With fun, easy samples. Photo (cc) by Tom Mooring.
At the county fair, have a booth with a lovely textured mat on the floor. Invite people in, have them stand on the “special” mat, and talk them through a one-minute or two-minute breathing or stretching exercise while standing there. When they finish, say, “that was yoga!” And invite them to the sample class.
Have a sample class. Tell people, “Come to our 30 minute introduction event Friday.” Call them “Try It, You’ll Like It” sessions. Make it super simple and completely easy for customers. (Michael Port, author of “Book Yourself Solid,” says to always have something to invite people to.)
Have 5 minute lunch time quickies. It’s a silly name, but people would remember. Or “5 Minute Feel Good” sessions. That cuts down the initial commitment even further. Speaking of initial commitment…
Make a video that shows the prerequisites, or what gear you need. She said people always ask if tennis shoes are ok. So make the video that answers those “what do I bring?” questions.
Your own services
How can you start offering samples of your services?
How can you cut down on the initial commitment so people can take that first step?
New to SmallBizSurvival.com? Take the Guided Tour. Like what you see? Get our updates.
- Community engagement planning: old way vs. Idea Friendly way - October 3, 2021
- Boost your maker economy with a “Made in” day - September 17, 2021
- How a ghost town made something from nothing with a folk festival - September 3, 2021
- Rural business idea: sell foraged fruits and more - August 3, 2021
- Best practices for rural housing - July 19, 2021
- How to be more open to new ideas #IdeaFriendly - July 3, 2021
- Market your small town as a movie filming location, attract movie and game fan tourists - June 28, 2021
- Survey of Rural Challenges 2021 results, analysis of themes from 2015 through today - June 7, 2021
- What makes a small town a micropolitan or nanopolitan? - May 22, 2021
- Improving Rural Housing: turning blighted dilapidated houses into new homes - May 7, 2021
