12 Ways To Boost Attendance for Your Yoga Classes
Are your classes not as full as they should be? You’re not alone, as many yoga instructors and studio owners face this same challenge. Fortunately, there are a handful of quick adjustments you can apply to turn that around.
We’ll show you how to increase yoga class attendance with practical ideas that’ll help you attract newcomers and keep your regulars engaged.
12 Proven Strategies for How To Increase Yoga Class Attendance
Whether you’re running a studio or teaching independently, here are the most effective ways to keep your classes fuller and your clients coming back.
1. Base your schedule on real demand
Review attendance from the past 60–90 days, and filter according to day, time, and class level. This will help you see which sessions are actually drawing students and which aren’t.
Once you’ve identified consistently low-attendance classes, either move them to a different schedule or pause for now. Ensure that you’re offering class schedules when clients are most free, so more of them can make it.
It’s best to test small shifts first, such as moving a class from 7:30 PM to 7:00 PM. Also, keep a steady pattern people can easily remember, like M/W/F mornings or T/Th evenings.
Tip: Use tools like Bookedin to set up recurring classes, limit the number of spots, and easily adjust times without breaking your entire schedule.
2. Make it easy for beginners to start
Lots of people are curious about yoga but are nervous to try. That said, it’s good to offer beginner-level classes with clear descriptions like “no experience needed,” “slow pace,” and “we provide props”. You might also want to have a small class cap so newcomers get the attention they need.
Another way to invite beginners is to offer a free introductory class and discounts on their first month of regular classes. Having these clear next steps helps turn their first visit into a habit.
3. Use clear class names and descriptions
Skip the cute but vague names. Instead, use titles that say what the class actually is, such as “Traditional Hatha,” “Gentle Flow,” or “Restorative Yoga.”
As for the description, add one to two sentences mentioning the intensity (e.g., light, medium, or strong) and who it’s for (beginner-friendly, some experience needed, or experienced yogis only).
Keep this format consistent across your schedule so people can compare at a glance.
Why this helps: When students know what to expect, they’re more likely to book the right class for them and come back because the experience matched the description.
4. Prevent no-shows with confirmations and reminders
Most missed classes happen because people simply forget. So, set up a few automated messages to help your clients remember. Here’s an example:
- Right after booking: Send an automatic confirmation with the class name, date/time, location, and what to bring. Include an “Add to Calendar” link so the schedule lands on their phone calendar.
- Before class: Schedule two reminders — one about 48 hours ahead and another the morning of. Also, include links for rescheduling or cancellation, just in case.
If you run a small private practice, consider asking for prepayment or a small deposit to further prevent last-minute cancellations. Just make sure you’re clear about the policy on your site and booking page.
Tip: With Bookedin’s Class Scheduling feature, you can set up automatic reminders, class rescheduling and cancellation options, and deposit collection.
5. Make booking quick and mobile-friendly
Use one “Book Class” link everywhere — your website, Instagram bio, and Google Business Profile — and have it open your class list, which shows upcoming classes with times, prices, and spots left.
Keep the booking flow to three steps: choose a class, pick a time, and confirm or pay. Avoid giving long forms or requiring an account, as these could lead to potential clients dropping out.
Make it just as easy in your studio. Place a small “Book Next Class” QR code at the front desk and near the exit, so clients can scan, see the same live schedule, and lock in their next spot before they head out.
6. Offer online options for some classes
Having online class options is ideal for clients with hectic schedules and can’t always make it in person. On your schedule, label which classes have an online attendance option and have links go out automatically when someone books.
You can also allow a same-day switch from in-person to online when someone is sick, stuck at work, or dealing with childcare or weather. Just make sure to clarify these in your booking policy.
Tip: With Bookedin, you can automatically link Zoom, Skype, or any video calling service directly in your class schedules.
7. Create small moments of community
Clients are more likely to return when they feel welcome. On your end, it can be something as simple as greeting them by name (whenever possible) and inviting questions before and after class.
You can also build light, repeatable “community moments” such as a 10-minute post-class tea/chat on weekends, as well as occasional workshops (e.g., Inversions 101, Breathwork Basics).
Doing these things makes students stick with your studio — not just a single class.
8. Help locals find you on Google and social media
Fill out your Google Business Profile completely so you show up in the local results for searches like “yoga near me” or “yoga class [city].” Add your hours, pick accurate categories (e.g., “Yoga studio”), include parking info, upload clear photos of the space, and answer common questions in the Q&A.
Don’t forget to turn on the “Book” button and link it to your live class list so people can reserve a spot in one tap.
On social, mention your city and/or neighborhood in your bio and captions, and add a geotag (your studio address or area) to each post. Those location words and tags help your business show up in Instagram/Facebook/TikTok search and the in-app maps, making it easier for locals to discover — and book — you.
9. Show what classes look like on social
Let your social media pages offer prospective clients a sneak peek of the space, pacing, and atmosphere. That way, they’ll likely feel more comfortable trying the yoga classes offered by your business.
You can do this by sharing short clips of transitions, poses, breathwork, and “what to expect” for each level. Other post ideas include introducing the instructors, showing the room setup, and explaining what to bring.
You might also want to occasionally partner with local wellness businesses or micro-influencers to reach a wider audience. They can post about your classes with their own followers, introducing your studio to new people who may not have found it otherwise.
Tip: Bookedin allows social media integration, which makes it simple for your clients to book classes directly from your Facebook page, Instagram profile, or even Messenger chats.
10. Use email to keep clients in the loop
Unlike social posts that may be easy to miss, emails land directly in your clients’ inboxes and are one of the most reliable ways to encourage them to come back.
So, make it a point to send short weekly emails with the class schedule and any important updates, like upcoming workshops or new classes.
Then, once a month, share a simple theme or promotion to keep interest up. For instance, you can do a “Stress Relief Month” where your emails highlight restorative or yin yoga classes and share simple breathing exercises.
11. Encourage referrals with clear perks
Referrals are one of the most effective ways to promote yoga classes, since people are more likely to try your class if a friend recommends it. However, sometimes word-of-mouth only works if you give people a reason to share.
That’s where having a referral program comes in handy. Keep it simple and easy to explain. For example, when a student brings in a friend, both get $10 in class credits or a discount on their next class.
Make sure to remind students about your referral program at the end of class, in your e-newsletters, or even through quick texts. Posting it somewhere visible in the studio (like the front desk or a bulletin board) also helps keep it top of mind.
12. Reward repeat visits with a light loyalty perk
A simple loyalty program can go a long way in motivating students to come back more often.
One way to do this would be using a paper or digital punch card where the 10th class is free. You can even highlight their progress in a weekly email so they can see how close they are to earning a reward.
Such gestures remind students that their consistency is valued.
Tips for Putting These Strategies Into Practice
Here are a few simple ways to put the strategies for how to increase yoga class attendance into practice:
- Start with two improvements for the next 30 days (e.g., automated reminders + a referral program). Trying to implement multiple changes at once usually backfires, as it may overwhelm you or your staff.
- Track the results. Observe attendance rates, no-shows, new vs. returning students, and which time slots perform best. Write these down so you can see progress and spot patterns.
- Adjust as needed, like if something feels off for you or your clients. For example, maybe your text reminders feel too pushy, or your loyalty program is hard to understand. Make small tweaks until the changes fit more naturally; the goal is consistency, not perfection.
- Get feedback from students. A quick survey or informal chat after class can tell you what’s working and what isn’t.
- Review monthly, not daily. Attendance will naturally fluctuate week to week, so zoom out and look at trends every 30 days to avoid reacting to short-term dips.
- Document what works. Once you find something that really does improve your yoga class attendance, make it part of your standard process. You can do this by creating a simple checklist or guide so you and your staff can apply it again without guessing.
How To Increase Yoga Class Attendance: Key Takeaways
Getting more students in your classes comes down to three things: making it easy to book, giving people reasons to return, and tracking what actually works. Small adjustments like beginner-friendly classes, online options, and punctual reminders can significantly boost attendance, too.
That’s where Bookedin’s new Class Scheduling feature comes in. From one dashboard, you can publish your live schedule, set attendance caps, send automatic reminders, collect deposits, and even offer online class links.
Let your systems quietly handle the admin while you focus on teaching or growing your business.
