The Ultimate Guide to Teaching Yoga Online in 2023
Are you tired of teaching in a studio? Or maybe you're looking for a way to expand your yoga business without having the overhead cost of renting a physical space. If that's the case, then it might be time to consider teaching yoga online—and no, we don't mean just live streaming from your living room!
There's no denying it; the pandemic (and its broad impact on the wellness industry) ushered in a new wave of online opportunities for yoga teachers and other wellness practitioners. And technology has only made it easier and easier for yoga instructors to reach more students than ever before.
Are you convinced that teaching yoga online has become an increasingly popular way for instructors to connect with students, expand their reach, and build a thriving business? Great! But where do you start?
This comprehensive guide will discuss the benefits of teaching yoga online, how to create and market your online yoga classes, and it will answer the most commonly asked questions about the topic.
The Benefits of Teaching Yoga Online
Offering live virtual classes is an exciting way to connect with students and reach an even broader pool of potential clients. Plus, there are tons of other benefits; let's take a look.
Flexibility
Online yoga classes offer flexibility for both instructors and students. Instructors can create pre-recorded classes or host live sessions, allowing them to work around their schedules. Students can access classes anytime, anywhere, making incorporating yoga into their daily routines easier.
Increased reach
By offering online classes, instructors can attract students worldwide, leading to a more diverse and inclusive yoga community.
Lower overhead costs
Teaching online eliminates the need for a physical studio, reducing rent, utilities, and maintenance expenses.
Accessibility
Online yoga classes cater to a wider range of abilities and experience levels, making yoga more accessible to individuals who may have previously felt intimidated by in-person classes.
5 Tips for Creating Your Online Yoga Studio
We know it can seem daunting, but with a little bit of preparation and organizing, you'll find that creating your own online yoga classes is not only rewarding but a fantastic way to expand your practice.
01 Choose your format
Decide whether you want to offer pre-recorded classes, live sessions, or a combination of both. Pre-recorded classes offer convenience, while live sessions provide real-time interaction and the opportunity to build a stronger sense of community.
02 Determine your niche
Focus on a specific style of yoga or cater to a particular audience, such as beginners, seniors, or pregnant women. This will help you stand out in a saturated market and attract students seeking specialized instruction. Learn more about how to find and engage your ideal students.
03 Plan your content
Develop a content strategy that includes a mix of class types, lengths, and difficulty levels. Consider offering themed classes, workshops, or multi-week series to keep your students engaged and motivated.
04 Invest in quality equipment
High-quality audio and video are essential for a professional online yoga experience. Invest in a decent camera, microphone, and lighting to ensure your classes look and sound best. If you need help figuring out where to start, look at our comprehensive gear guide.
05 Choose your platform
When it comes to finding the perfect teaching platform, it's easy to get overwhelmed. But don't make the mistake of rushing into a decision – that could spell trouble later on. At Marvelous, we've got you covered with all the basics —like ease of use and pricing— and then some.
We know that no two online businesses are the same, which is why we offer a wide range of features and customization options.
But that's not all.
We're also committed to your success, which is why we offer all kinds of support – from an in-depth knowledge base to live chat and even weekly live-streamed customer success calls. So no matter what stage you're at —or how tech-savvy you are— we've got you covered.
Marketing Your Online Yoga Classes
It's no secret that marketing is the key to success for any business, and online yoga classes can be a great way to expand your reach as a yoga teacher. But how do you get people to actually sign up for one of your virtual sessions?
Sure, it may seem intimidating initially, but don't worry: with some witty words and creative strategies, you can turn your virtual classroom into an oasis of yogis!
Build a website
Create a professional website to showcase your classes, establish your brand, and provide information about your teaching style and background. Make sure your website is mobile-friendly and easy to navigate. Marvelous check off all of these boxes!
Utilize social media
Promote your classes and engage with your audience through Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Share valuable content, such as tips, inspirational quotes, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of your teaching process.
Offer free content
Consider offering free online content to potential students. This can be a great way to showcase your expertise and teaching style and help you build trust and establish yourself as an authority in your niche. To make the most of this strategy, be sure to create your free content as an opt-in. This way, you'll be able to capture the email addresses of anyone who is interested in learning more about you and your offerings.
Collaborate with other instructors
Partner with other yoga instructors or wellness professionals to cross-promote each other's classes and expand your reach.
Email marketing
Build an email list and send regular weekly newsletters to inform your audience about new classes, promotions, and events.
Ways to Teach Yoga Online
ClassCards™ and Drop-in Classes
Looking for a way to get your students excited about coming to class? Consider offering a ClassCard™. This way, you can reward them for their commitment with discounts and encourage repeat customers since they are saving money each time they attend!
With Classcards™, you can set it up to offer a drop-in (so a single class) or offer bundles like 5 classes for $40 instead of paying $10 per class. Not only are your loyal students reaping the benefits of saving money, but it also helps to encourage regular class attendance! What's not to love?
Video Memberships
If you want to take your income to the next level, why not consider creating a video membership subscription product? Offering members exclusive access to content such as video tutorials and subscriber-only discounts can be a compelling addition that keeps you and your students engaged.
Plus, you get to keep the fun going by adding new content each month, providing livestream classes, and setting up a community group so your members can stay connected.
And the best part? Add categories and tags to each video so they can effortlessly find precisely what they need when they need it – no more endlessly scrolling through videos. Now that's convenience with a touch of class!
Do memberships sound like your jam? Then read our article Grow Your Online Business with a Membership Site.
On-demand Library
Having an on-demand library of yoga videos makes life easier for both teacher and student alike! You create a set amount of videos, then sit back and relax, knowing your students have access to "unlimited" solutions to their yoga needs!
The beauty of it is their ability to access whatever content they need when they need it. With categories and tags for each video, finding the right video for what they need is simple and quick. Not to mention the power of curating content as playlists (create the perfect session playlist for whatever mood or theme your students are looking for.) That's what we call a winning combination!
Courses
Unlike traditional classes or workshops, courses offer a guided approach that can help your students achieve real transformation. With a clear beginning, middle, and end, your students can progress through the material at their own pace, feeling a sense of growth and accomplishment as they go.
With the ability to drip-feed content, add livestream classes or coaching sessions, and foster a community of like-minded individuals, the possibilities are endless. An online course can be a game-changer for any yoga teacher looking to take their business to the next level.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I price my online yoga classes?
Pricing will depend on factors such as your target audience, the quality of your content, and the level of competition in your niche. Research what similar online yoga instructors are charging and consider offering various pricing options, such as single class fees, monthly memberships, and discounted class packages.
How do I protect my online content?
To protect your intellectual property, consider adding a watermark to your videos, using copyright notices, and registering your content with the U.S. Copyright Office. Additionally, utilize platforms that offer secure video hosting and password protection.
How do I ensure my students have a safe and effective practice?
Provide clear instructions and offer modifications for different skill levels and physical limitations. Encourage students to listen to their bodies and remind them that it's okay to take breaks or modify poses as needed. In live classes, consider using a platform that allows for two-way communication so you can offer personalized feedback and address any concerns.
How do I keep students engaged and motivated?
Regularly update your content and offer a variety of class formats, lengths, and themes. Encourage interaction by responding to comments and questions on social media, hosting live Q&A sessions, and offering opportunities for students to share their progress. Consider creating challenges, milestones, or rewards to motivate and engage students.
How can I measure the success of my online yoga business?
Track metrics such as class attendance, membership growth, social media engagement, and website traffic to gauge the success of your online yoga business. Regularly assess your performance and adjust your marketing strategies to continue growing and improving.
Final Thoughts
Teaching yoga online offers numerous benefits, including increased flexibility, accessibility, and lower overhead costs. By creating high-quality content, focusing on a niche, and utilizing effective marketing strategies, you can build a thriving online yoga business that reaches and benefits students worldwide. As you embark on this adventure, remember the importance of offering your students a safe, inclusive, and engaging experience, and continue to adapt and grow along with the ever-evolving digital landscape.
