So you want to open a BJJ Academy?

Well get ready for a wild ride.

But its the best business to build if you really love BJJ. 

Here is our breakdown of how to open a BJJ academy with a shoe string budget. 

Step 1:  Do Not rent a place
This tip is going to save you so much money.  This is the way to test out if you really want to this. 

Find a gym, gymnastics or crossfit business and ask them when they have no classes going on?  Then ask if they would like  to make some extra money.  Tell them you would like to rent space and pay them 30% of what you collect each month.  Now you have no rent or electricity bills to pay and you are making 70% of monthly BJJ sales. 

Step 2:  Get some mats 
Every BJJ/MMA academy needs a solid foundation - the mats. Start with just enough to kickstart your classes.

Tatami rectangle mats are perfect.  Just get a common color so as you grow you can add more squares.  You do not have to drop a bunch of cash right off the bat.  You will thank me later for this one. 

Step 3:  Get a website and a way to take payments 
Create a sleek, user-friendly website, and ensure you have a seamless payment system. This online presence will act as your digital billboard, inviting potential students and facilitating their transactions.

Step 4:  Set up your Google Local page and optimize it

Setting up and optimizing your Google Local page will put your academy on the local radar, making it easily accessible to potential students in your vicinity.

Step 5:  Start a Facebook and Instagram account for your academy
Social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram can be instrumental in amplifying your reach, showcasing your services, and nurturing a community around your academy.

Step 6:  Use a Google sheet to track leads and sign ups 
Use a simple Google sheet to track your leads and sign-ups. When your revenue starts to increase, consider moving to a more advanced Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. Remember, tracking your metrics is crucial to your academy’s growth.

Step 7:  Set up some Facebook Awareness Ads and target 5 miles around your location  
Launch awareness ads on Facebook, focusing on a 5-mile radius around your location. Your first ad could be a personal video discussing your passion for BJJ/MMA, the benefits of the sport, and how your academy will contribute to the community.

Step 8:  Post, Post and post some more
Regardless of your budget, consistently posting engaging content on your social media pages and stories can increase visibility and foster growth for your school.

Step 9:  Study Sales!
You have to learn this skill.  You are not selling, you are offering a solution to change your clients lives.  Get this mindset dialed in.  Read the Ultimate Sales Machine by Chet Holmes. 

Step 10:  Buy this course: Your First 100 Students

Bonus:  9 Ways to Get More Students Cheap! 

Marketing is crucial for attracting clients to your MMA gym. Here are some effective strategies to promote your gym and reach a wider audience:

1. Create a Strong Online Presence:
   • Develop a professional website that showcases your gym's offerings, trainers, class schedules, and testimonials.
   • Optimize your website for search engines (SEO) to improve visibility in online searches.
   • Maintain active social media profiles (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) to engage with potential clients, share updates, and post informative content.
   • Share videos and photos of training sessions, success stories, and member achievements to demonstrate the value of your gym.
2. Offer a Free Trial or Introductory Class:
   • Provide a no-obligation trial period or a complimentary introductory class to give potential clients a taste of your training and atmosphere.
   • Allow them to experience your gym's unique selling points firsthand, such as expert trainers, supportive community, or specialized classes.
3. Leverage Local Marketing:
   • Distribute flyers, brochures, and business cards at local sports clubs, universities, community centers, and other relevant locations.
   • Advertise in local newspapers, magazines, and online classifieds.
   • Collaborate with other local businesses, such as nutrition stores or sports retailers, for cross-promotion.
4. Engage with the Community:
   • Participate in local events, health fairs, or sports expos to raise awareness of your gym.
   • Sponsor or host charity events, amateur competitions, or seminars related to MMA or fitness.
   • Offer workshops or self-defense classes for schools, organizations, or corporations.
5. Implement Referral and Loyalty Programs:
   • Encourage your existing members to refer their friends, family, or colleagues to your gym by offering incentives such as discounted membership fees or free classes.
   • Implement a loyalty program that rewards members for their continued commitment and referrals.
6. Collaborate with Influencers and Partnerships:
   • Seek out influential individuals in the fitness or MMA industry, such as professional fighters, trainers, or fitness influencers, to promote your gym through social media shoutouts, guest appearances, or endorsement deals.
   • Form partnerships with complementary businesses, such as nutritionists, sports therapists, or local sports teams, to cross-promote each other's services.
7. Online Advertising:
   • Utilize paid online advertising channels, such as Google Ads or social media advertising, to target specific demographics and reach potential clients in your area.
   • Create compelling ad copy and visuals that highlight your gym's unique selling points and irresistible offers.
8. Collect and Showcase Testimonials:
   • Request feedback and testimonials from satisfied clients, both in written and video formats.
   • Display these testimonials on your website, social media profiles, and promotional materials to build credibility and trust.
9. Engage with Online Communities:
   • Join relevant online forums, Facebook groups, or subreddits related to MMA, fitness, or local communities.
   • Share valuable insights, answer questions, and establish yourself as a knowledgeable and helpful resource.
   • Avoid direct self-promotion but include a link to your website or social media profiles in your forum signature or profile.

Remember to track the effectiveness of your marketing efforts by analyzing website traffic, lead conversions, and membership sign-ups. Continuously refine your marketing strategies based on the data you gather and adapt to the evolving needs of your target audience.

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Martial Arts Business Transformation