10 Tips to Attract More Students to Your CPR Classes
Let’s be real: getting students to sign up for CPR classes can feel like a full-time job. I’ve been there, trying to figure out how to get butts in seats (or, knees on mats). But the good news? With the right strategies, you can not only fill up those classes but also have people knocking on your door asking when the next session is.
Here are my 10 surefire tips to help you attract more students to your CPR classes —because let’s face it, a packed class is a win for everyone. 😎
1. Nail Your Local SEO and Get Found Online
Look, we all Google everything. That’s why you need to make sure your CPR training center is easy to find. Update your Google Business profile (yes, that means adding real photos and keeping your hours accurate). Get those 5-star reviews from past students—seriously, people trust online reviews like they do their best friend’s recommendation. And don’t forget to sprinkle in phrases like “CPR classes near me” and “[your city] CPR training” on your website. That’s the magic sauce for showing up in local search results!
2. Get Social—and Educational
We all know social media is where our students’ eyeballs are, but it’s not just about showing off pics of CPR manikins (although that could be fun!). Use social media to educate people. Post videos of quick CPR and First Aid tips, share an infographic on how to use an AED, post a student video testimonial (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, of course), or go live to answer questions about your classes. By providing value, you’re not just a CPR instructor—you’re the go-to CPR expert in your community.
3. Partner with Local Businesses and Groups
Here’s a little secret: local partnerships can be gold. Gyms, schools, and even coffee shops could be used for your community CPR classes. Trade free training for their employees in exchange for free use of their space for your local community CPR classes. Over 25 years ago I taught for a CPR training company near Boston that partnered with the area CCRRs (Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies) to offer CPR classes for local childcare professionals. They became the exclusive CPR training partner for the CCRRs and got FREE training space to boot (using a network of local daycares in exchange for training their staff). Win-Win!!
4. Be Flexible with Class Schedules & Training Formats
People are busy. You’re busy. We’re all busy. Offering flexibility with your class schedule and training formats is key. Think about adding weekend or evening classes for those who can’t make it during the day. Hybrid classes (online learning paired with an in-person skills session) are also a great option for people who need flexibility but still require hands-on practice. Most of the national brands have options for 100% virtual CPR training. Don’t be one of THOSE instructors (a.k.a. “sticks-in-the-mud”😂 ); embrace modern training formats and watch your class attendance grow!
5. Sell the Benefits of Certification
Not everyone is out there dreaming about CPR certification (shocking, right? 😅). So, make sure you highlight why they should get certified. Job requirements, resume boosters, and just being prepared for emergencies are huge selling points. If you can show them how CPR certification helps them meet their goals—whether it’s landing a job or feeling more prepared in life—they’ll be more likely to sign up.
6. Run Targeted Ads Like a Pro
Targeted advertising can seriously move the needle. Ever notice how social media knows exactly what you’re interested in? (Spooky, but also super effective.) Use that to your advantage! You can target ads specifically to parents, teachers, healthcare workers, and even fitness pros who need CPR certification. Play around with different types of ads—maybe a short video or a post highlighting an upcoming class. Find what clicks with your audience. All of that being said, I recommend that you consult with a local PPC (pay-per-click) marketing pro as it is veeeery easy to waste good💰on bad DIY PPC marketing.
7. Build an Email List and Use It
Don’t believe what the “experts” tell you; email marketing is not dead. However, getting into people’s inbox is becoming increasingly difficult…but not impossible. In fact, with some simple email marketing best practices you can greatly increase your success (more in a future post). Stay in regular contact with students through a monthly email newsletter (tip…share information that is valuable to them; don’t make it a sales pitch). Regular contact will make sure your company is front and center in their minds when they need CPR recertification. Long story, short…don’t go dark on them after the class, only to send a “your CPR certification is expiring” email 2 years later. Student-relevant email marketing builds trust; people do business with people (or companies) they know, like, and trust. 👏
8. Offer Discounts and Incentives
Who doesn’t love a good deal? Offering early bird discounts, group discounts, or even seasonal promotions can give people that extra nudge to sign up. I’ve also seen success with referral programs—when someone refers a friend, they get a discount on their next class. A little incentive goes a long way!
9. Showcase Testimonials and Success Stories
Testimonials are like gold. People want to know that others had a great experience in your class. Share success stories on your website, social media, or even in emails. Share real “hero” stories, like, “Sarah from the local daycare saved a life after attending my class!”—these kinds of stories inspire trust and remind people of the real impact of your training.
10. Get Involved in Your Community
This might be one of the best ways to grow your business—just be a part of your community. Sponsor a local event, attend health fairs, or even offer free CPR demos at charity runs or school events. Get involved with your local BBB and attend meet & greets (tip…again, no “hard selling” here; work on building relationships). The more visible you are, the more people will know you’re the go-to CPR trainer in town.
At the end of the day, building your CPR training business is all about little things done consistently—getting yourself out there, showing your expertise, building relationships, and providing real value for your students. Every student you train is one more person ready to make a difference in an emergency. Let’s fill those classes and spread those life-saving skills! 👏