Want 10 New Clients? Run a Demo Class for 20 Parents — Here’s Why It Works (And How to Do It Right)

June 22, 2025
Blog, Insights

If you’re running a children’s course or activity business, you already know how hard it can be to consistently grow your registrations. Every new client means a stronger group, a more profitable class, and better energy for everyone involved. But what if there was one simple action that could double your chance of converting a curious parent into a paying client?

The answer: run a well-designed demo class.

And we’re not just saying that. Data from Wodify, a platform tracking fitness studio performance, shows that 48% of leads who attend a demo or intro class become paying clients, compared to only 24% of leads who never attend one. Read the study here.

Let’s break this down and see how you can apply it to your business. Whether you run movement classes, music lessons, robotics, drama, or dance – this is a practical strategy with serious impact.

1. What Is a Demo Class (and How Is It Different from a Trial Class)?

People often confuse two formats:

Demo Class (aka “Show Class” or “Open House”): A scheduled, standalone class where parents and children can watch, experience, or try your program in a non-standard format. It’s not a regular session.
Trial Class: A real session during your normal timetable where a potential client joins and experiences the class as any other participant would.

Both have value — but they serve slightly different purposes:

Format	Goal	Best For
Demo Class	Attract & educate groups of leads	Launching new locations, building awareness
Trial Class	Convert interested leads	Day-to-day recruitment

In this article, we’ll focus primarily on demo classes and link to our trial class strategy guide at the end.

2. The Demo Class Formula: 20 Parents = 10 Clients

Let’s keep it practical.

If you want to gain 10 new paying clients, the numbers suggest you should aim to get at least 20 parents with their children to attend your demo class.

Here’s the simple logic:

Conversion rate from demo: ~48% (based on Wodify data)
Leads needed: 20
Expected clients: ~10

This ratio gives you a measurable, repeatable approach to class marketing. Instead of guessing how many flyers or social media posts to run, you can now say:

“Let’s fill one great demo class with 20 families and see real growth.”

3. Common Mistakes That Ruin Demo Classes

Unfortunately, not all demo classes are created equal. Here are the 5 most common (and fatal) mistakes:

Mistake #1: Treating It Like a Regular Class

A demo session should have:

A clear beginning, middle, and end
Introductions and storytelling
More engagement and explanation
Clear next steps for parents

Mistake #2: Selling Too Soon

Avoid turning the class into a pitch. Focus on showing value and building trust. Save the registration talk for after the session.

Mistake #3: Poor Preparation

You wouldn’t perform on stage without rehearsing. Why treat your demo class any differently? Prepare props, practice timing, and even rehearse transitions.

Mistake #4: Ignoring the Parents

Engage both child and adult. Parents are your buyers – make them feel included, informed, and emotionally connected.

Mistake #5: No Follow-Up Plan

70% of decisions happen after the class. If you don’t follow up within 24 hours, you lose momentum. Always plan a clear communication sequence.

4. What a Great Demo Class Looks Like

Here’s a sample structure for a 45-minute demo class:

Welcome & Story (5 min): Explain your mission, get to know the group
Interactive Warm-Up (5 min): Light movement or group activity
Mini-Lesson (20 min): Showcase a key part of your program
Game or Song (5 min): Break the ice, add fun
Wrap-Up (5 min): Recap, invite questions, thank them
Next Step Offer (5 min): Hand out flyers or QR codes for trial registration

5. The Real Magic Happens After the Class

You’ve impressed them – now seal the deal:

✅ Send a thank-you email or SMS within 24 hours
✅ Include a recap, a photo (with permission), and a clear CTA
✅ Offer a trial class or discount code for enrolling

This can be manual — or completely automated.