Instructors - How do you find your clients?

[Fanatical]

I have tried so hard. I have emailed and/ or written to local Pony Clubs. I have advertised in local tack shops. I have advertised in the local paper. I have emailed local riding schools. Nothing.

I'm fully qualified and experienced but had a break from teaching. I just want to try and get a small group of private clients to help provide a secondary income.

Where am I going wrong?

 

[lizziebell]

Not an instructor myself, however when looking I always go from recommendations, and my current trainer gets all her work through word of mouth.

Sorry not much help.

 

[Bug2007]

I get my clients form word of mouth.....might advertise soon.

Don't think you are going wrong, but people don't have a great deal of money at the moment for instructors, we are seen as a cost they could do without....so many friends of that help people now, they don't see the need to pay a qualified instrutor.

 

[viola]

Hi, when I started freelancing full-time three years ago I got recommended to a riding club by someone I taught at the time.
I then just offered a free rally type lessons for a couple of weeks to that Riding Club and the riders re-booked with me after that.

Now I get clients mostly via recommendations and my website.
What area of the country are you in?

All the best!
Wiola

 

[Fanatical]

Thanks for the replies.

Viola - I'm in cheshire.

Originally I worked in a couple of riding schools and got private clients through that and then word of mouth so I think that is probably the best way. It's just now I'm starting from scratch there is nobody to recommend me so I'm a bit stuck.

Maybe I could create a website and see if I get anything from that.

 

[cob1]

Im not an instructor myself, but at one of the riding schools around here you get:

A free half hour assessment lesson if you book and pay for a proper lesson straightaway after the assessment.

It might encourage people to give you a go. Or even a free demo lesson at some local livery yards, RC and the like etc.

 

[BBH]

You must know horsey people ?

I'd start off giving lessons to your friends for a reduced rate and a recommendation. As you start off people already at the yard will see you teaching and can then book lessons themselves and then it snowballs.

I'd also put up notices in all the tack shops / feed stockists offering your services, not just as a teacher but offering other services ie a freelance horse exerciser , clipper etc in fact any contact to build up a base of clients.

A website is useful once you are established but if you're not a 'name' people won't know where to search for you ie google. and you don't want anyone finding websites of other instructors in your locality as they may ring them and not you.

 

[viola]

Have PM'd you

 

[posie_honey]

from the other pov - i moved to an area and didn't know the horsey scene - i found my RI through adverts in a tack shop

 

[galaxy]

100% of my clients have come word of mouth through other clients or people who work in tack shops and feed stores. I do have adverts up and cards on desks, but they have all been backed up by personal recommendation.

REALLY get to know the people who work in these shops.

 

[Fanatical]

Thanks all for your replies.

LHS - I had thought about advertsing clipping etc as I have my own clippers and can clip. Maybe that's a route I should look at.

I will get my adverts out to more feed stores etc I think - maybe some pet shops etc too.

 

[Kat]

Maybe offer some free lessons to people with lots of contacts, owners of livery yards or tack shops, committee of RC etc as well as some offers of free clinics at yards/RCs/PCs.

Or get a part time job at a yard/RS to kick things off

 

[Rosiefan]

Also think you should offer free taster sessions somehow - or how about 'buy one get one free'?

 

[TarrSteps]

Another good option is a "no fix, no fee" offer where people don't pay unless they're happy with your work. You'll have to "up front" your costs, obviously, and there is a risk, but if you target the right people it's a great way to let people know you have confidence in your own abilities and no fear about being able to give them what they need.

Remember too, you have to sell people something they need. The world is full of riding instructors, they key is to identify what YOU do well and promote what you, personally, can bring to their riding/training program.

I agree it's a tough time right now and lessons are not always a priority, but if you can explain why your help will make their experience more enjoyable, more productive, safer (and therefore less likely to impact negatively on other parts of their life) and hopefully even more affordable over all, then that's more attractive. It's about giving people the information they need to make an informed decision.

Also, remember different situations suit different people. Try not to take it personally if people are reluctant to make a change from their current situation, just keep getting out there, attracting positive attention and showing what you can do for them.

 

[smudge99]

Try putting a free advert on Pre loved I have seen a few on there advertising RIs. Also Stable talk is free to advertise on you could try there as well. I think some of the other ideas of buy one get one free etc is a good idea. If you had been a bit further south I would have given you a shout.

Liz

 

[LEC]

Offer to dressage judge at RC shows and PC - its a great way of meeting people and you will often pick up clients and get your name known if you write your name clearly!! Our RC does not pay much to do it but its very good PR for you.

 

[dozzie]

My instructor joined a riding club and offered training/clinics etc. Lots of people then booked her for lessons. Now she just goes by word of mouth as she has a big clientele base.

 

[kirstyl]

Hi, having worked as a freelance instructor I understand your dilemma completely! Are you on the BHS Register of Instructors? I found that a lot of people do use the register to find a qualified and insured instructor. I advertised in local tackshops and feed mesrchants, didn't have a response for ages then suddenly would have several enquiries in the space of a couple of weeks. Do make sure you are fully insured to teach - it really isn't worth the risk otherwise, even if it is part time

 

[PucciNPoni]

Not an RI, but I would only ever go with someone who was recommended to me....or I saw in action and liked what I saw.

 

[EquineInfo]

Have pm'd you