090: What If You Build It and They Don’t Come? Marketing Tips That Actually Work

Marketing can feel uncomfortable for teachers who just want to focus on their craft, but what if sharing your passion was the most effective form of marketing? In this solo episode, we're going to explore what happens when “building it” isn’t enough and how to attract the right students through authenticity, generosity, and human connection. These five practical tips will help you promote your studio, digital resources, or creative projects with confidence and purpose.

1. Rachel shared how consistency and marketing go hand in hand for long-term growth.
2. Why “virality isn’t a strategy—it’s an outcome of consistency.”
3. The importance of focusing on what you can control, like showing up and posting regularly.
4. She encouraged teachers to rethink marketing as sharing value, not just selling.
5. Why marketing isn’t “salesy” when your offer truly helps people.
6. Rachel shared five actionable marketing ideas for piano teachers.
7. Examples of small ways to surprise and delight students, like fun questions, short performances, or quick videos for parents.
8. How good marketing is about helping people feel seen, valued, and inspired.
9. She encouraged teachers to try one new marketing approach that feels authentic and service-oriented.

Links Mentioned

1. Free Thanksgiving Sound Effect Story

About Rachel Ehring

Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda.

1. Visit her website at RachelEhring.com
2. Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
3. Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694
4. Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music

Thank you for tuning in!

Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you. If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, which helps other teachers find our show. Stay updated by subscribing to this show, and get automatic delivery to your device every time a new episode goes live! We publish on Fridays weekly.

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