You know your classes are brilliant – now you just need to get more parents clicking ‘book now’. But turning interest into confirmed bookings can be tricky, especially when parents have so many choices and so little time.

Here are seven practical ways to help you secure those bookings and keep your classes full – without adding hours to your admin!

1. Remove barriers for first-timers with trial classes

Parents and carers are often hesitant to commit to a whole term straight away. Offer an easy way for them to try your classes first – for example, a one-off or short paid trial (eg. 3 weeks) – before inviting them to join for the full term. Make the booking process quick and let parents reserve their spot online at any time of day.

2. Streamline the sign-up process for your classes

If potential customers have to fill in multiple forms, wait for an email reply or print something out, you risk losing them. Keep your sign-up process straightforward and mobile-friendly – ideally, they should be able to secure a place and pay in a handful of taps. ThinkSmart Software makes this easy with online booking pages that work smoothly on any device.

3. Offer flexible class booking and payment options

Parents’ schedules change – so giving them choices can make the difference between ‘I’ll think about it’ and ‘I’m in!’. This could mean offering termly, half-termly or rolling enrolments, flexible payment plans, or the option to book a make-up class if their child misses a session. With our customer portal, families can manage their own payments, absences, and make-ups, saving you admin time too.

4. Make it easy for parents to act wherever they find you

Whether parents hear about you through word of mouth, see a flyer at nursery, or follow you on social media, always give them a clear next step that fits the channel. That might be a QR code on a poster, a booking link in a Facebook post, or a short link you can share in conversation. The goal is to let customers check availability and reserve their spot straight away, without having to search around.

5. Keep parents and carers informed with timely updates

Parents often don’t book simply because they’re unsure whether there’s space, when the next term starts, or how to pay. Regular updates by email or text – especially when spaces are limited, or a new term is about to start – can prompt them to take action. Our software lets you send targeted messages to specific classes or groups, so you can give parents the right nudge at the right time without blanket messaging everyone.

6. Use a waiting list to fill empty spaces

A well-managed waiting list can turn ‘sorry, we’re full’ into future bookings. Capture names when classes are full and follow up quickly when a space becomes available. With ThinkSmart, waiting lists are built into your system so you can see exactly who’s next in line and contact them directly, helping you keep classes full with minimal effort.

7. Encourage repeat bookings

It’s far easier (and cheaper) to keep current families coming back than to find new ones. Make re-booking simple by sending prompts before the end of term, offering priority booking for existing families, and allowing payments to be made online in just a few taps. Our software gives you tools to send re-booking reminders and give parents the option to re-book easily through the customer portal or a payment link to their invoice.

Final word: make booking easy and keep your classes full

Filling your classes might feel tougher than ever, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. By removing friction, offering flexible options, and communicating clearly, you make it easier for parents to commit – and keep coming back.

With ThinkSmart Software doing the heavy lifting – from online bookings to customer self-service, reminders, and waitlist management – you can spend less time chasing sign-ups and more time doing what you love: running great classes!