If you’re a class business owner who feels like you’re doing all the things on social media but still struggling to fill classes, this conversation is one you need to watch.

In the latest episode of The Class Business Podcast, I sat down with Tamara Holland, founder of Dot & Stripe and an award-winning marketing consultant for the children’s activity sector.

Tamara is also an official sponsor partner of the Class Business Awards, sponsoring Content Marketing Award of the Year — and after this conversation, you’ll understand exactly why.

This episode isn’t about chasing algorithms or burning yourself out trying to “be everywhere”. It’s about building marketing systems that actually work for real, busy class providers.

From Franchisee to Marketing Expert (and Why That Matters)

Tamara’s journey will feel familiar to many providers.

She came into the children’s activity sector as a Mess Around franchisee, juggling family life, school runs, and the pressure of filling classes — all while bringing years of professional marketing experience with her.

That lived experience is what makes her perspective so powerful.

She’s been the provider trying to sell spaces.
She’s been the business owner doing the marketing herself.
And she understands exactly why “just post more” is terrible advice.

As Tamara explains in the interview, that combination of real-world class business experience and strategic marketing knowledge is what shaped Dot & Stripe and the work she does today.

Why Social Media Alone Isn’t Enough

One of the biggest themes we explore in this conversation is the sector’s over-reliance on social media.

Yes — social media is important.
But no — it should not be your entire marketing strategy.

Tamara breaks down why:

• Social media is brilliant for capturing attention
  
• It’s terrible as your only conversion tool
  
• And it can disappear overnight if algorithms change or platforms fail
  

We talk openly about how likes, views and reels don’t pay the bills — bookings do.

And that’s where so many providers are getting stuck.

Marketing That Feels Lighter (Not Louder)

If marketing feels heavy, overwhelming or like a chore, Tamara makes one thing very clear:

👉 That’s a system problem — not a you problem.

In the episode, she shares:

• Why marketing should feel lighter when done properly
  
• How authenticity and real-life storytelling outperform polished Canva graphics
  
• Why people are craving connection more than ever in 2026
  
• How to stop “posting and running” and start building real engagement
  

This isn’t about being perfect.
It’s about being present, human and consistent.

SEO, Email & Getting Off the Algorithm Treadmill

One of the most practical parts of the interview is Tamara’s advice on:

• Using SEO on social platforms so people can actually find you
  
• Why keywords in your bio, posts and profile matter more than you think
  
• How to use tools like ChatGPT properly (without losing your voice or authenticity)
  
• And why email marketing still outperforms social media on almost every metric
  

We’re fully aligned on this:
If you’re not building an email list (and ideally collecting WhatsApp numbers too), you’re making your business harder than it needs to be.

Why Content Marketing Deserves to Be Celebrated

This is exactly why Tamara chose to sponsor Content Marketing Award of the Year at the Class Business Awards.

Because content — when done well — is where:

• Trust is built
  
• Relationships are formed
  
• Communities grow
  
• And businesses scale sustainably
  

So many providers are creating incredible content with very little time, energy or support — and this award exists to shine a light on that work.

One Simple Piece of Advice Every Provider Can Act On Today

If you take nothing else from this conversation, take this:

👉 Spend 10–20 minutes researching the keywords your ideal customers are searching for — and start using them consistently.

It’s simple.
It’s practical.
And it can have a fast, noticeable impact.

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🎥 Watch the Full Interview with Tamara Holland

This blog only scratches the surface.

If you want to hear:

• Real talk about marketing in the children’s activity sector
  
• Honest insights from someone who’s done the do
  
• Practical advice you can actually implement
  

👉 Go and watch the full interview on YouTube now.

You’ll walk away clearer, calmer, and far more confident about how to market your class business without burning out.

And if content, connection and community matter to you — this is one conversation you don’t want to miss.