Whether you’re a brand new teacher or have been spreading the joy of yoga for a while, one question you’ve likely asked yourself is how to advertise effectively and inexpensively. Yoga is your passion and you want to share it with the world. The question is “HOW?”

“How do you gather a kindred circle, a yoga posse of sorts? What type of advertising provides the most “bang for your buck”? If you work for a studio, this question may already be answered for you. However, if IT’S ALL YOU, BABY, the answer may not be so simple – or is it?”

Websites are absolutely the best form of advertisement, not just for yoga teachers but for any professional who sells goods or services! Here are six reasons a website boosts business, along with tips to consider as you build or rebuild yours!

1. Websites have a wider reach than any other form of advertising. They are less expensive than print and other traditional advertising, and used by consumers at a much higher percentage than any other. Content can quickly and easily be changed as you expand classes and services. Websites are available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year!
2. Websites allow for quick, convenient communication that is interactive in nature. Always include contact information on your site for easy access. Include a phone number, email, and links to you through social media – or some variation of the three. Respond to all inquiries. Teaching may be your passion, but it’s also your business. Treat it that way.
3. Websites add transparency and credibility to you as a teacher. Let your beautiful light shine through your website. You have gifts, talents, and personality – the Divine expresses itself through you. Allow all of that to come through on your site. Include your credentials and testimonials so students know a bit about the type of yoga you teach and the way in which you teach it. Also include some personal information so potential and present students find you easily approachable.
4. Just because you build it doesn’t mean they will come. Remember that line from Field of Dreams? If you are starting a website, consider this: you’ll somehow need to get people to go to it. Business cards are an inexpensive way to get the word out to friends, family and acquaintances. Social Media sites like Facebook and Twitter now make it simple to share links and information easily. Beyond that, consider search engine optimization (SEO) – a critical tool that sounds more difficult than it is. SEO is about using a few tricks and tools to make sure you are found by the search engines using specific search terms. These terms will likely include the word “yoga”, your city and other pertinent identifying information.
5. Educate. If students know very little about yoga, your website is a great place to educate them. Create a page with links and resources that you find helpful and add a blog to your site to keep building the content over time. Voila! Your website is an invaluable resource for many.
6. Tell your story. A blog is a great place to educate, advertise classes and workshops, and explore yogic philosophy more deeply. Blogs humanize you further as you’ll likely share personal experiences. Keep the blog on your website, instead of at a second URL for branding and consistency. Your site will increase in search engine rankings more quickly with a blog as sites with new content are re-indexed frequently.

You support your business with your practice, ethics and structured, thoughtful teaching. Let your website support you and your yoga business. Let it help you to serve even more, so the message of yoga can flourish and grow. Use these tips to get started, seek help where you need it and always let your intuition be your guide.

Do you have a website? If yes, how has it enhanced your yoga business? If not, what are you waiting for?

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Heather Church is a yoga teacher, writer and web strategist.  She teaches at a local college and writes passionately about sustainability, minimalism, yoga, yogic philosophy and mindfulness. Heather also works for a rockin’ location independent technology company where she develops websites, provides web and social media strategy and writes in all forms. Beyond the professional labels, her passions include outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking, rollerblading and minimalist running. When not on the mat, putting pen to paper or on an adventure quest, Heather is happiest at home living a quiet simple life with her husband, daughter and two dogs. Find her at namaste*heather,  and connect on Facebook and Twitter