How to Set Up Automated Email Funnels for Martial Arts Schools

Once your email funnel is up and running, it’s important to develop strategies that ensure prospective and current students stay engaged throughout their journey.

Automated emails help build trust, convert leads, and keep students loyal to your martial arts school.

Onboarding New Students: Automated Sequences

The onboarding process is a critical stage in the email funnel. When someone signs up for a trial class or membership, an automated welcome sequence should be triggered. Here’s how to structure it:

Welcome Email: Introduce your martial arts school, your team, and what the student can expect. Set the tone by providing key details about the first class, how to prepare, and what to bring.
Reminder Emails: Leading up to the first class, send reminders to ensure they don’t forget their scheduled session. Include helpful tips such as “What to Wear” or “5 Things to Know Before Your First Class.”
Post-Class Follow-up: After their trial or first session, follow up with a thank-you email and gather feedback. Include a subtle call-to-action (CTA) such as “Ready to continue? Join our beginner’s program today!”

Upselling Programs and Services Through Email

Once students are enrolled, it’s important to upsell additional services to keep them engaged and increase your revenue. Use automated emails to promote:

Private Lessons: Highlight the benefits of one-on-one training for faster progress.
Advanced Programs: Offer exclusive programs for students looking to advance their skills.
Special Events and Seminars: Promote workshops or special guest instructors.

These emails should include engaging copy that speaks directly to the student’s needs, using persuasive language like “Take your skills to the next level!” or “Exclusive training sessions available for our top students.”

Retention Tactics: Engaging Current Students with Email

Automated emails are essential for keeping current students motivated and engaged. Implement the following strategies:

Progress Milestone Emails: Congratulate students when they reach significant milestones, such as earning a new belt or completing a certain number of classes. This recognition reinforces their commitment to the program.
Regular Class Updates: Send out weekly or monthly class schedules and updates to ensure students are aware of any new offerings.
Special Offers: Keep students motivated with special offers on memberships, discounts on gear, or early access to seminars.

Retention-focused emails should focus on fostering community, reinforcing progress, and ensuring students feel valued.

Re-engaging Inactive Students: Win-Back Campaigns

At some point, students may become inactive or stop attending classes regularly. Automated win-back campaigns can help bring them back:

Reminder Emails: After a student misses a few classes, send a gentle nudge, reminding them of their progress and inviting them back to resume training.
Exclusive Offers: Offer a limited-time discount or free class to encourage them to return.
Motivational Content: Include inspirational stories from other students who found success by sticking with the program.

These campaigns work best when personalized, showing that you care about their progress and are eager to help them get back on track.

Advanced Automation Techniques to Maximize Results

Once your email funnel is operating, you can employ advanced techniques to optimize performance and improve results.

Trigger-Based Emails Based on User Behavior

Behavior-based email triggers are highly effective in engaging students at the right moment. Some common triggers include:

Class Attendance: Send an automated email if a student hasn’t attended in a week or more, with a personalized message encouraging them to rejoin.
Website Activity: If someone visits your “Membership” or “Trial Class” page without signing up, send a follow-up email offering more information or a special deal.
Milestones: Recognize when a student achieves a belt promotion, attends a certain number of classes, or completes a key goal.

This personalization creates a sense of connection, increasing the likelihood of conversion or continued engagement.

A/B Testing and Optimizing Your Email Funnel

A/B testing allows you to experiment with different versions of your emails to determine which performs best. Here are elements you can test:

Subject Lines: Test different variations to see which leads to higher open rates. For example, “Sign Up for Our Free Class” vs. “Discover the Benefits of Martial Arts: Free Class Inside!”
Email Copy: Try different tones—more formal vs. conversational—or experiment with length to see which resonates more with your audience.
CTAs: Test different calls-to-action, such as “Join Today” vs. “Start Your Journey Now.”

Regularly optimize your funnel based on these insights, continually improving engagement and conversion rates.

Leveraging SMS and Social Media Alongside Emails

Email isn’t the only form of communication that can drive results. Consider integrating SMS marketing and social media alongside your email automation:

SMS: Send short, immediate reminders about class schedules, trial offers, or upcoming events.
Social Media: Use platforms like Facebook and Instagram to promote your classes, share student success stories, and gather leads that can enter your email funnel.

Combining these channels creates a multi-faceted marketing strategy that keeps your school in front of your audience across platforms.

Measuring the Success of Your Email Funnel

To understand how well your email funnel is performing, track key metrics that reveal student engagement and overall funnel effectiveness.

Key Metrics to Track for Email Funnel Performance

Some critical metrics include:

Open Rates: How many recipients open your emails? High open rates mean your subject lines are effective.
Click-Through Rates (CTR): What percentage of recipients click on links within your emails? This indicates how compelling your content and offers are.
Conversion Rates: How many recipients take the desired action, such as booking a class or signing up for a membership?
Unsubscribe Rates: If a high number of people are unsubscribing, you may need to reevaluate the frequency or content of your emails.

By regularly monitoring these metrics, you can make data-driven decisions to improve your email funnel.

How to Use Data to Refine and Improve the Funnel

Once you’ve gathered data from your email campaigns, use it to make adjustments. If your open rates are low, experiment with different subject lines or sending times. If your click-through rates aren’t as high as you’d like, consider reworking your CTAs or adding more value in your email content. Consistently refining your email sequences will lead to higher engagement and better results over time.

Legal Considerations for Email Automation in Martial Arts Schools

When automating your emails, it’s essential to adhere to legal requirements to protect both your business and your students.

Ensuring GDPR and CAN-SPAM Compliance

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and the CAN-SPAM Act in the U.S. set guidelines for email marketing. To stay compliant:

Obtain clear, explicit consent from individuals before adding them to your email list.
Include an unsubscribe option in every email.
Make sure your emails have accurate “From” information and don’t use misleading subject lines.
Keep records of consent and allow individuals to update their preferences.

Following these laws not only keeps you compliant but also helps build trust with your audience.

Protecting Student Privacy and Data

Ensure that any personal data you collect—such as email addresses, names, or student progress—is securely stored and protected. Using an email marketing platform with robust security features can help safeguard student information.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Setting Up Email Funnels

Even the best email automation efforts can be undermined by common mistakes. Here’s what to avoid:

Overloading Subscribers with Too Many Emails

While it’s important to stay in touch, bombarding your list with too many emails can lead to high unsubscribe rates. Balance the frequency of your emails and provide meaningful content with each one.

Failing to Segment and Personalize Emails

Sending generic emails to your entire list won’t yield the best results. Take the time to segment and personalize your emails to match the recipient’s stage in the funnel, their interests, and their actions.

Ignoring Mobile Optimization

Many people check their emails on mobile devices. If your emails aren’t optimized for mobile, they’ll likely be deleted or ignored. Use responsive design, and keep the content concise to ensure a smooth mobile experience.

Case Study: Successful Implementation of Email Funnels in a Martial Arts School

To illustrate how email funnels can drive success, let’s look at a real-world example of a martial arts school that implemented automated email marketing to grow their student base.

Real-World Example of Increased Enrollment Through Automation

A small martial arts school in California used automated email funnels to promote a free trial class. They segmented their list into parents of young children, adults interested in fitness, and previous students. Over six months, they saw:

A 35% increase in trial class sign-ups
A 20% increase in student retention
10% growth in membership from automated follow-ups after free trials

Lessons Learned from Optimizing an Email Funnel

The school learned that personalizing emails based on student interest (self-defense, fitness, children’s classes) and sending follow-up offers right after a trial were key to their success. They also found that testing different subject lines helped improve open rates.

Final Thoughts

Setting up an automated email funnel is a powerful way for martial arts schools to nurture leads, convert prospects into students, and retain existing members. By crafting personalized, segmented email campaigns, you can automate much of your marketing, allowing you to focus on delivering quality martial arts instruction.

Email funnels provide a scalable solution that drives consistent growth, improves retention, and strengthens your martial arts community.

< OLDER ARTICLE

NEWER ARTICLE >

Interested in trying a martial arts class? Find an affiliated academy anywhere in the country by clicking here.

Have your own martial arts program? Get to know more about what we have to offer at Ground Standard Agency for helping martial arts businesses grow.

Email us at info@groundstandard.com, or call and text us at (732) 907-8920 today to learn how to start growing your own academy, school, dojo, or gym with us as well.

Share this article

Learn more (GS Homepage)

Cracking the Code: The Ultimate Revenue Strategy for Your Academy

March 24, 2025

Picture this—you’ve built a martial arts academy, poured your heart into creating an elite training environment, yet your revenue graph looks like a roller coaster. One month, you’re thriving; the next, you're scrambling for ways to keep the lights on. Sustainable revenue isn’t about luck; it’s about strategy. Let’s break down how to build a revenue model that keeps cash flowing smoothly. Constructing a Multi-Layered Revenue Fortress The days of relying on a single revenue stream are long gone. If memberships are your only source of income, your business stands on shaky ground. Think of your academy’s financial structure like a balanced martial arts stance—multiple income streams providing stability: Membership Tiers – Ditch the one-size-fits-all pricing. Offer a range of options: basic (limited sessions), standard (unlimited), and elite (personalized coaching + perks). Paid Trials Over Freebies – Free trials attract tire-kickers. Charge for an introductory package to ensure only serious students enroll. Private Coaching for Premium Clients – Students who crave one-on-one attention will pay top dollar for personalized instruction. Merchandise Sales – Branded apparel, gear, and training accessories not only boost revenue but also serve as free advertising. Seminars & Specialty Workshops – Host guest instructors or focus on niche topics like self-defense intensives for one-time profit boosts. Digital Revenue Streams – Offer exclusive online training, virtual coaching, or content subscriptions to expand beyond your physical location. Diversifying income isn’t just smart—it’s essential for long-term success. Pricing Alchemy: Striking the Right Balance Your pricing speaks volumes about your academy’s value. Price too low, and you’ll struggle to stay afloat. Set rates too high, and potential students may not even walk through the door. Tiered Memberships Provide Flexibility – Cater to different budgets and commitment levels with structured plans. Encourage Long-Term Commitment – Offer discounts for 6- and 12-month memberships to improve revenue predictability. Family Discounts Boost Retention – Incentivize entire families to train together and increase loyalty. Bundle for Bigger Profits – Pair memberships with private sessions or gear packages to increase spending per student. Turbocharge Your Lead Generation Growth starts with a steady stream of new students. That’s where Lead Generation by Ground Standard changes the game. Targeted Advertising – Facebook, Google, and Instagram ads pinpoint your ideal students. SEO Domination – Secure top spots for "Martial Arts Marketing Services" in local search results. Referral Programs That Work – Incentivize current students to bring in friends with exclusive perks. Automated Follow-Ups – Many leads require multiple touchpoints. Ground Standard’s automation keeps them engaged. Retention: The Key to Long-Term Profitability Signing students up is just the beginning—keeping them engaged ensures lasting revenue. Culture Over Contracts – Students don’t just train for skill; they stay for the community. Foster that family vibe. Celebrate Milestones – Progress tracking, promotions, and awards boost motivation. Make It Easy to Stay – Convenient scheduling, autopay options, and seamless booking enhance the student experience. Live Concierge Support – Ground Standard’s Live Concierge keeps students engaged with timely communication. Unlocking Hidden Revenue Avenues Looking beyond traditional memberships can take your earnings to the next level. Host & Monetize Events – Inter-academy tournaments, self-defense workshops, and competitions generate extra cash flow. Corporate Partnerships – Businesses will pay for self-defense and wellness programs. Seasonal Programs & Camps – After-school and summer programs create lucrative revenue spikes. Online Training Empire – Sell instructional videos or live-streamed sessions to a broader audience. Data-Driven Decisions for Smarter Growth Guesswork won’t pay the bills—data will. Smart business owners track key performance indicators (KPIs): Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) – Understand what it costs to gain each new student. Churn Rate – Identify why students leave and improve retention strategies. Lifetime Value (LTV) – Measure how much each student contributes over time. Conversion Rate – Track how many leads become paying members. Your numbers tell a story. Read it well. Automate, Delegate, Dominate You can’t grow if you’re drowning in daily tasks. Automation and delegation free up time for strategy and expansion. CRM & Email Automation – Ground Standard’s tools nurture leads and manage communication effortlessly. Build a Strong Team – Stop running everything yourself. Train staff to handle sessions while you focus on growth. Outsource Marketing – Let professionals handle social media, ads, and SEO while you master your business. The Final Word Martial arts success isn’t just about skill—it’s about sustainability. A strong revenue model requires precision, strategy, and the right tools. With Ground Standard’s Live Concierge and Lead Generation , your academy can evolve into a thriving business. The fight for financial stability is won with strategy. Train hard. Market smarter. Scale relentlessly. The Untapped Power of a Mission Statement in Martial Arts Success Why do some academies thrive while others struggle? The secret isn’t just top-tier training—it’s a crystal-clear mission statement . A mission statement isn’t corporate fluff. It’s the backbone of your brand, the foundation of your marketing strategy, and the glue that unites students and instructors. It defines why you exist, who you serve, and what makes you different. Crafting a Mission That Sticks Imagine two academies side by side: One says, "We teach martial arts." The other declares, "We empower individuals with confidence, discipline, and self-defense skills through a dynamic martial arts experience." Which one resonates more? A compelling mission statement: Clarifies Your Purpose – Defines your academy’s deeper mission beyond just teaching skills. Distinguishes Your Brand – Makes you stand out in a crowded market. Attracts & Retains Students – Gives people a reason to join—and stay. Ground Standard’s Lead Generation service helps academies refine and amplify their unique voice. If your academy lacks a clear mission, you’re leaving growth on the table. Making Your Mission Work for Marketing Your mission isn’t just an internal statement—it’s a marketing catalyst . Every ad, email, and post should reflect it. Social Media Strategy – Share stories of student transformation, not just flashy moves. Website Optimization – Feature your mission front and center for SEO and instant connection. Email & Ads – Focus on transformation, not just promotions. Live Concierge by Ground Standard ensures mission-driven messaging remains consistent—turning inquiries into enrollments. Transforming Your Academy Through Purpose A strong mission creates organic growth. The Master Plan: Refine Your Mission Statement – Make it bold, clear, and specific. Integrate It Into Marketing – Reflect it in social media, ads, and outreach. Ensure Staff Alignment – Train your team to embody and communicate your mission. Leverage Expert Help – Use Ground Standard’s Lead Generation and Live Concierge to maximize impact. A mission statement isn’t just a tagline—it’s the heartbeat of a thriving academy. It’s the force that attracts new students, builds loyalty, and sets you apart. Ready to take your academy to the next level? Ground Standard’s Martial Arts Marketing Services will amplify your mission and fuel your success.

The Benefits of Offering Corporate Martial Arts Workshops

By Bobby Freda • October 23, 2024

Corporate wellness programs have evolved significantly in recent years, with companies exploring innovative ways to keep their employees healthy, motivated, and engaged. One increasingly popular option is corporate martial arts workshops. These workshops combine physical fitness, mental discipline, and personal development, offering a unique way to boost employee well-being and foster a positive workplace culture. In this article, we’ll explore the multifaceted benefits of incorporating martial arts into corporate wellness programs.

Creating the Ultimate Martial Arts Membership Experience

By Bobby Freda • October 23, 2024

Martial arts studios are more than just training spaces—they’re thriving communities where students grow, learn, and improve both physically and mentally. Offering memberships instead of traditional pay-per-class models allows martial arts studios to foster long-term relationships with their students. But to truly maximize value for both the studio and the students, it's crucial to craft an ultimate martial arts membership experience.

How to Set Up a Loyalty Program for Martial Arts Students

By Bobby Freda • October 23, 2024

Loyalty programs can significantly boost student retention and engagement in martial arts schools. When designed effectively, these programs not only reward students for their dedication but also encourage them to keep coming back, bring in new students, and stay connected with the martial arts community.