Beginner’s Guide to Email & Text Marketing Workflows for Martial Arts Businesses

If you’re running a martial arts school and want to get more students, keep classes full, and save time on daily tasks, email and text message marketing can make a big difference. In this guide, we’ll break it all down step by step, so even if you’ve never used email or text marketing before, you’ll feel confident getting started.

Let’s dive into how you can use simple, automated messages to welcome new leads, remind people about classes, and even bring back students who haven’t been around in a while.

 

Why Use Email & Text Marketing?

It Saves Time and Boosts Results

Sending one email or text at a time takes forever. But when you set up automated messages, they go out automatically—so you can focus on teaching, not typing.

Even better? These tools work. Email marketing brings in an average of $36 for every $1 spent. And automated emails (ones you set up once and reuse) can earn 18 times more money per message than a regular email.

Text messages are even more powerful. People read almost every single text they get, and most open them within a few minutes.

Learn more about why SMS marketing is worth it!

 

Workflow #1: The Welcome Series

When someone signs up on your website or shows interest in your classes, don’t wait to reach out.

A welcome series is a set of automatic messages that help you introduce your studio and encourage the person to take the next step, like booking a free class.

Here’s why it matters:

• Welcome emails get opened 4x more than regular emails
• If you reply within 5 minutes, that lead is 9x more likely to sign up
• Adding a text message follow-up can boost trial bookings by up to 25%

Simple Example:

1. New lead signs up on your website
2. They get a friendly welcome email right away
3. A short text follows a few minutes later: “Hey! Thanks for checking out [Studio Name]. Ready to book your first class?”

Check out our blog on The Best Email Marketing Practices for Conversions!

 

Workflow #2: Class & Trial Reminders

People are busy, and sometimes they forget about the class they signed up for. A quick reminder can go a long way.

Text reminders can reduce no-shows by almost 40%, especially when you send two:

• One the day before (24 hours in advance)
• One a few hours before the class

What to Send:

• Email: “Don’t forget, your free trial is tomorrow at 5 PM!”
• Text: “Hi! Just a quick reminder: Your class is today at 5 PM. See you there!”

Want to learn about how to streamline your reminders and operations? Take a look at our blog on 97Display’s Marketing CRM!

 

Workflow #3: Re-Engagement (a.k.a. Win-Back Messages)

Have a student who stopped coming? Or a lead who never booked a class? Don’t give up on them!

A re-engagement message is a simple way to reconnect and invite them back.

Here’s why it’s worth doing:

• These messages bring back around 12% of lost leads
• Offering a small deal (like 20% off their first month back) can increase results by 45%

Try This Message:
“We miss you at [Studio Name]! Come back this month and get 20% off. Ready to return? Let us know!”

 

Workflow #4: Be Smart About Texting

Text marketing is powerful—but it’s important to do it the right way.

To legally send marketing texts in the U.S., you must get permission first. This means your lead has to agree, usually by checking a box or filling out a form. (97Display’s lead-generating websites do this)!

What You Need:

• Ask for permission before texting
• Make it easy to unsubscribe
• Always be friendly and respectful

Take a peak at our blog on Text Marketing to learn more!

 

Ready to Get Started?

If you’ve ever wondered how to use email workflows or how to do text marketing for a martial arts school, the answer is simple:

• Automate your welcome messages to turn leads into students
• Send reminders to keep people showing up
• Reconnect with students who haven’t been in for a while
• Follow the rules and keep it friendly and helpful

These small steps can make a big impact, and we can help you set them up.

 

Want Help with Your First Marketing Workflow?

At 97Display, we build websites and marketing tools made just for martial arts schools. Our experts help you set up email and text marketing workflows without needing any tech skills.

Let’s make your marketing easier!