What if I told you that with just two simple website changes, you could increase the number of new students your website brings in by 137%? You probably wouldn’t believe me, and that’d be right considering I made the 137% part up. However, I would be correct in saying that you can significantly (possibly even more than 137%) increase new students from your website with just two simple changes.

Most website visitors will make a mental note to “check BJJ out” sometime in the future, but the fact is, the large majority will never get around to it. You have to MAKE them take action, or most will never become more than window shoppers and tire kickers.

So, how can you easily turn these tire kickers into BJJ ass kickers?

Website Opt-in Form

This is hands down the biggest mistake I see gym owners make with their websites. Even if they have a great looking website with lots of information, the one thing the large majority leave out is an easy to use form for people to fill out to get their free class/week/month/whatever.

You want to have a prominently displayed opt-in form on every page of your gym website so that if the website visitor is interested, they have a very clear and easy way to get started. Be sure to call these people the day they send their information. The longer you wait, the less likely they are to follow through and see first hand how awesome Jiu Jitsu really is.

What Should Your Opt-in Form Look Like?

The opt-in form should stand out on the page, and be the most prominent feature. The number one action you want them to take is to sign up for BJJ classes, so this should be the most prominent feature on your website.

Blue or green works great for opt-in forms. Stay away from red as it conveys danger. You can see two examples of opt-in forms we created at Bangkok BJJs website, as well as on the home page of our own site, BJJ Website Gurus.

The sign up button should draw in the visitor’s eye and make them want to click it. It’s important that the button is somewhat large and stands out. You’d be surprised at how little details like this can significantly increase opt-in rates. A somewhat large yellow button on a blue opt-in form both converts and looks great. Give it a shot and see for yourself.

For the opt-in form be sure to ask for their name, email and phone number. You definitely want to try to call them first to set an appointment for them to come in for their free trial class. Use email as a last resort. Setting an appointment makes them significantly more likely to show up than if you just give them your class times and tell them to drop in whenever. You will also be expecting them, so you can be sure to give them that extra bit of attention on their first class to make them feel comfortable and make sure they enjoy their first time on the mats.

If your site is built on WordPress (which we fully recommend) there are a lot of opt-in box plugins you can try. Opt-inSkin is a very popular one, though I have not personally used it as all of our opt-in forms are custom designs.

Call To Action

The call to action is the second important piece of a highly effective website that I see overlooked time and time again. It is surprisingly easy, but people just don’t know about it. A call to action is basically just a short sentence TELLING a website visitor to do something. What do you want them to do? Generally it is either to pick up the phone and give you a call, or fill out your website opt-in form to get their free lesson scheduled.

So, how do you get someone to do what you want? It’s easy. You TELL them.

For your opt-in form make the title similar to “Start Your Free Month Now!”, or “Get Your Free Introductory Lesson Today”. Something short, simple and to the point that TELLS them what to do.

For your telephone, it is as easy as prominently displaying your phone number on your website with “CALL US NOW: 555-555-5555” or “Call For Your Free Trial 555-555-5555”. Again, you are TELLING them to call you.

It really is that easy. A well designed opt-in form and a couple of prominently displayed calls to action will significantly increase your website leads, which will in turn add a significant increase to your student base.