How did a dying Pilates studio come back to life?

The Hero’s Challenge: Bringing a dying pilates Studio back to life

Emma, is a dedicated and passionate Pilates Instructor turned Pilates studio owner.   She pours her heart and soul into her business. She envisioned a space where people could find strength, balance, and community.  It was working. Her grand opening was a success, and memberships skyrocketed. But three months in, the numbers started to decline. Clients who had eagerly signed up were downgrading their memberships or canceling altogether. The excitement had worn off, and Emma found herself staring at her dying Pilates studio financials wondering where she had gone wrong.

A Growing Problem

Emma isn’t alone. Many studio owners rely heavily on social media—posting daily on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok—hoping and believing that this is the way to bring in new customers. But engagement wasn’t translating into new leads, clients let alone memberships. Google Business Profile (GBP) sat neglected, missing out on local search visibility. LinkedIn, a platform full of potential clients—professionals who valued health and wellness—was overlooked entirely. SEO and blogging seemed too complicated, and email newsletters, while sent, didn’t seem to bring people in.

She had an incredible product—Pilates exercise that strengthens, lengthens and energizes the body, not to mention you can do it lying down!  But without a clear strategy, her studio was slowly fading.

The Guide Appears

One day, as Emma scrolled through endless marketing articles, she stumbled upon a simple truth: her marketing efforts weren’t aligned with how people actually searched for and committed to Pilates. She realized she needed a clear and structured strategy—one that brought clients in and kept them engaged. That’s where expert guidance came in.

A Clear Plan Emerges

Instead of aimlessly posting on social media, Emma took on a more structured marketing approach which included:

• Optimizing her Google Business Profile (GBP) with weekly updates, client reviews, and targeted local keywords.
• Creating valuable blog content about the benefits of Pilates for professionals, remote workers, and new moms, repurposing it for newsletters and social media.
• Engaging LinkedIn users, sharing insights on Pilates for workplace wellness, and connecting with HR professionals for corporate partnerships.
• Building a powerful email and SMS strategy, personalizing messages to retain members and re-engage lost leads.
• Launching a referral and loyalty program, rewarding clients for bringing in friends and keeping them engaged.
• Running targeted paid ads, showcasing real success stories and introductory offers to attract new members consistently.

Taking the Leap

At first, Emma was hesitant. Was this really going to work? Without over thinking she committed to the strategy. Within a few months, her studio was buzzing again. Her classes were filling up, her website appeared in more local searches, and she saw a steady flow of new leads coming from LinkedIn and SEO efforts. Clients felt more connected through her newsletters, and referrals became one of her strongest acquisition channels.

The Crossroads: A Choice to Make

Emma had faced a choice with her business: continue struggling with declining numbers or take a strategic, intentional approach to marketing. She chose the latter and her studio started to come back to life.

What about your dying Pilates studio?

Will you take action and build a marketing strategy that works, ensuring your studio thrives? Or will you stay where you are, hoping things turn around on their own?

You’re not alone in figuring this all out. Your dying Pilates studio is just a bump in the road to greater heights.   We can build a plan together and help guide you through the process to full classes, thriving business and success.