When it comes to filling your dance studio’s summer schedule with excited students, testimonials can be a real game-changer. With so many options available for parents to choose from – from art & craft classes to sports leagues & teams – it’s essential for parents to see real success stories that prove your programs truly deliver on their promise of a fun and enriching summer pastime for children. And that your studio is the best spot in your community for dancing this summer.
Whether Disney Princess, Under the Sea and Unique Unicorn themed camps for younger children or more advanced technique workshops for older dancers, testimonials provide the social proof needed to stand out in a crowded market.
Haven’t collected testimonials from your previous summer sessions? Never fear! There’s a script near the bottom of this post to help you ask dance parents for retroactive testimonials to support the success of your upcoming summer programs.
Why Testimonials Matter for Your Summer Programs
Testimonials serve as genuine endorsements from families who have experienced the benefits of your summer offerings. They:
- Build Credibility: Hearing directly from other parents and students reassures prospective dance families that your classes, workshops, intensives, and camps are great dance training, as well as fun and confidence-boosting activities.
- Enhance Your Brand: Positive feedback reinforces the quality and variety of your summer programs, helping to create a memorable and inviting brand identity.
- Drive Engagement: Video testimonials, in particular, capture real emotions and excitement, fostering a personal connection that static text sometimes can’t achieve.
- Address Objections: By showcasing real experiences, testimonials help ease any doubts parents might have about whether your program—be it a creative workshop or a themed camp—is the right fit for their child.
How to Collect Genuine Testimonials
- After-Class Surveys: Distribute quick surveys to parents and students after each session, whether it’s a one-off workshop or part of a longer camp experience, to capture fresh impressions.
- Video Interviews: Invite a few willing families to share their summer experience on video. A short, 60-second clip can speak volumes about the excitement and value of your programs.
- Email Follow-Ups: Send a friendly email asking families to share their favorite aspects of your summer classes or themed camps, using a few guiding questions to help them express their thoughts.
- Social Media Interactions: Keep an eye on your studio’s social media for organic, positive comments. With permission, these can be transformed into powerful testimonials that resonate with prospective clients.
Leveraging Testimonials in Your Summer Marketing
Once you’ve gathered a collection of heartfelt testimonials, incorporating them into your marketing strategy is key:
- Website Integration: Feature testimonials prominently on your summer program landing pages. A dedicated testimonials page can also help highlight the success of your dance classes, workshops, intensives, and camps.
- Social Media Posts: Share snippets of positive reviews along with photos or short clips from your summer sessions. Tagging families (with their consent) can further expand your reach.
- Email Campaigns: Use testimonials to enhance your email marketing, reinforcing your messaging and boosting conversions for your summer program sign-ups.
- Printed Materials: Include standout quotes on your flyers and posters to lend instant credibility and draw attention to your diverse summer offerings.
It’s Never Too Late! Requesting Testimonials from Past Summer Programs
Wishing you’d asked for feedback at the end of past summer sessions, but… whoops, you haven’t? Even if you haven’t gathered testimonials from past summer programs, it’s never too late to start building your library of success stories.
Consider reaching out to select families who participated in last year’s summer dance classes, workshops, or camps, and explain how their feedback can help future students and parents make confident decisions. Most families will be happy to share their positive experiences, especially if you remind them of the fun and growth their children experienced at your studio that summer. When contacting them, keep your message warm, genuine, and brief.
Sample Script:
“Hi [Name],
I’m reaching out because I’d love to feature your experience from our last year’s summer dance program. Your feedback could really help other families discover the joy of dancing with us. Would you be open to sharing a short testimonial?
Not sure what to say? Here are a couple of writing prompts that can help you get started:
Include 1 or more starter questions from below*
We hope to see {insert their child’s name} this summer. Thank you so much for supporting {your studio’s name}!”
* Starter Questions (which can help parents who are looking at a blank page or screen):
- What was your child’s favorite part of the [Summer Program Name]?
- Did your child make new friends or gain confidence during the summer session?
- How would you describe the energy and environment of the summer classes?
- What surprised you most about your child’s experience in the summer program?
Testimonials are more than just kind words – they’re a powerful tool to build trust, demonstrate success, and drive enrollments to your summer dance programs. By proactively collecting and thoughtfully sharing these real-life stories, you make it easier for parents in your community to say “yes” to a summer full of dance, creativity, and fun.
Embrace the power of testimonials and watch your studio fill with enthusiastic, inspired dancers this summer!
Stacey