“Marketing is what you pay for. Word of mouth is what people do for you — for free.”
Why Referrals Beat Ads (Every Time)
You’ve set up your classes. Your timetable is ready. Website polished. Socials are live.
But the most important growth channel? You can’t buy it. It’s built.
Welcome to the world of word-of-mouth — or in our world: word-of-parent.
According to Nielsen, a staggering 92% of people trust recommendations from friends and family over any form of advertising. It’s even stronger in parenting. When someone is about to hand their child over to an instructor, trust is non-negotiable.
That’s why referrals are gold in children’s education — and why they deserve more than a “nice-to-have” checkbox in your marketing plan.
The Real Value of Parent Referrals in Kids’ Courses
Most course owners know this instinctively. When asked, “Where do your best clients come from?” the answer is usually:
“A friend told them about us.”
A Texas Tech University study found that while 83% of satisfied customers are willing to refer others, only 29% actually do — unless you ask.
This means:
- Most of your happy parents would recommend you.
- But they probably won’t — unless you give them a reason or a reminder.
Time to fix that.
Step 1: Ask at the Right Time — Before Classes Start
One of the best moments to encourage sharing is right after registration, before the first session even begins. Parents are excited. They’re proud of their decision. They want to feel they’ve made the right choice.
Here’s how to ride that momentum:
🟢 Ask them to post:
“We just signed up for [Course Name]! [Child’s Name] can’t wait to start. Who’s joining too?”
🟡 Make it visual:
Send a shareable image, badge, or welcome card:
“Proud to join [Your Brand] – Learning Starts Soon!”
🔵 Add it to your confirmation email:
“Thanks for registering! If you’d like to spread the word, here’s a post you can use.”
Step 2: Testimonials Are Marketing Gold (Don’t Wait to Ask)
Testimonials aren’t just about ego or fluff — they sell. Social proof boosts conversions by 270%, according to Spiegel Research Center.
Ask for:
- A short written review (Google, Facebook, or your site)
- A quick phone video: “Why we chose this course”
- A quote you can use in ads, emails, or posters
Pro tip: Keep it easy. One message. One ask.
“We’re putting together a few words from our families to share with new parents. Would you mind sending 1–2 sentences or a quick video?”
You’ll be amazed how many say yes — when asked nicely.
Step 3: Automate With Heart (Zooza Helps)
If you use Zooza, you can automate these steps so no one forgets. Example:
3 days after registration
“Thanks for joining [Course Name]! If you know a family who might love it too, here’s a link to share.”
Add a 1-click share link to:
- WhatsApp message
- Instagram Story template
- Parent Facebook groups
Zooza tip: Add a custom field to registration asking:
“Who recommended us?” — track referrals effortlessly.
Step 4: Do You Need to Offer a Reward?
Not always. In fact, many parents refer because they care — not because of discounts.
But small gestures help:
- A thank-you card from the child’s group
- A featured story on your blog or socials
- Early access to bookings or new classes
If you do offer a reward, keep it personal:
“If 3 families join thanks to you, we’ll send you a little video moment from your child’s class!”
No pressure. Just joy.
Step 5: Make It Easy to Say Yes
Here’s your checklist to activate referrals before classes begin:
✅ Add a post template to your welcome email
✅ Ask for testimonials 2–3 weeks into the course
✅ Schedule a reminder message (via Zooza or email)
✅ Include social proof on your website
✅ Track referrals to understand what works
Word-of-mouth isn’t luck. It’s strategy, kindness, and great timing.
You don’t need a referral program.
You need a referral moment — when the experience is so good, they can’t help but tell someone.
Your job? Just ask.
Want help automating this with Zooza?
Book a demo or check out how our all-in-one platform supports referrals, testimonials, and personalized communication.
