This Tiny Print Piece Might Be Your Smartest Summer Marketing Move

You already know summer is prime time for growing your martial arts school. But I want to let you in on something simple, super effective, and totally underused:

Customized summer reading bookmarks.

Yeah—bookmarks.
And if you think that sounds too simple to work, stick with me.

Summer Reading Isn’t Optional (for Families or Schools)

Here’s the thing: almost every school assigns summer reading. It's not a "maybe." It's a built-in part of the school year wrap-up.

In fact, over 90% of elementary schools send home required reading lists or encourage students to track books during the break. Local libraries double down with summer reading programs. Kids need to keep reading—and schools, libraries, and parents are all pushing it hard.

That’s where you come in.

Smart School Owners Are Dropping Off Bookmarks at Every Local School

Before the last day of school, grab a few boxes of our branded bookmarks and hit every elementary and middle school in your area. Hand them off to teachers, media specialists, front office staff—anyone who’ll pass them on to students.

Include a note like:

“These are free bookmarks for your students. We’re a local martial arts school that loves supporting reading and positive messages for kids.”

You’re not pitching. You’re partnering. And it works.

Why Bookmarks Work So Well

Let’s break it down:

✅ Kids actually use them – For summer reading logs, library books, and reading goals.
✅ Parents notice them – Especially when they see a message like “Black Belts Are Strong Readers” or “Kick Through Your Reading Goals.”
✅ They’re super affordable – Pennies per piece for a marketing item with way more staying power than an online ad.

It’s like a flyer disguised as a helpful tool—and it gets looked at over and over again.

People Say Yes to Bookmarks

Libraries, schools, bookstores, summer camps, tutoring centers—everyone’s happy to hand out something that supports reading.

You’re not just advertising your school—you’re providing something useful. And that’s what makes the difference.

Bookmarks Build Brand Recognition (Quietly and Consistently)

While other school owners are hoping someone sees their boosted post, your brand is living in families’ homes, backpacks, and library totes all summer.

Even if parents don’t act on your offer right away, they’ve seen your name 30 times by the time August rolls around. That familiarity matters—and it pays off when you launch your back-to-school promos.

Even Better? You Can Tie Them into Your Summer Programs

Running a summer camp? Doing a “Read and Kick” challenge in your dojo? Hosting a back-to-school open house?

Bookmarks are the perfect add-on. Use them to track reading, share your events, or simply keep your school in front of families all season.

Don’t Overthink It

Customized bookmarks might not seem flashy—but they work. They’re cost-effective, practical, and get your name in front of families over and over again without the burnout of digital ads.

So if you’re not already adding a bookmark drop-off to your summer marketing strategy, now’s the time.

We’ve got designs made just for martial arts schools, totally customizable with your logo, offer, and messaging. Let’s help your community read, and help your school grow—one bookmark at a time.