Sharing your passion for the bagpipes can be a really rewarding experience. You get to earn extra income and watch your students improve their musical abilities. But if you’re thinking about offering bagpipe lessons to new players, it’s well worth spending some time considering your advertising strategy. Getting your lessons established and building a list of clients can be difficult, so a strong advertising plan can make a big difference to the success of your business. You might decide to focus on one advertising technique, or try a combination of activities.

Before you plan your advertising efforts, think about the type of students you’re trying to attract. Will your lessons be targeted at people who are experienced players or those who have never played the bagpipes before? Are most of your students school-aged or do you usually work with older clients? Once you understand your target market, you can focus your advertising techniques on that demographic.

Take it online

Regardless of the type of students you’re after, advertising online is now essential for all new businesses. Prospective students usually look online if they’re thinking about taking up a new instrument, so make sure your name features in their search results. You may already have your own website featuring your bagpipe lessons or you could use a website such as lessons.com.au that is set up especially to promote services like instrumental lessons.

Use local noticeboards

If you plan to offer your bagpipe lessons in your local area, an advertisement on a community noticeboard is an effective way to reach new clients. You might catch the attention of people passing by, even those who had never considered bagpipe lessons before! Make sure your ad is well designed and not cluttered with too much information. It should be bright and colourful and include your contact details so people can get in touch.

Set up social media

If you don’t already have social media, now is the time to get on board! Social media allows you to showcase your bagpipe skills and explain the type of lessons you offer. You can engage with interested students and may even offer special deals or promotional discounts. There are a range of social media platforms available, so use one that you think will best reach your target audience.

Positive reviews

Word of mouth is one of the most effective advertising strategies available, so use it to promote your bagpipe lessons wherever you can. If you have current or former students, ask them to fill out a feedback form or write a review of your lessons. Use their favourable comments in all your other advertising activities, from print and online ads to social media.

Jodie Magrath

Jodie is a freelance writer with a background in communication and journalism. She’s spent almost 20 years working in roles such as Special Projects Writer and Publications Officer.