The start of a new year is the perfect time to refresh your systems and reset how you use your dance studio management software to run day-to-day operations. Whether you are streamlining communication, reviewing your finances, or encouraging families to use the Akada Portal, January is the ideal moment to make sure you are getting the most out of your Akada features.
Here are three key areas to focus on as you kick off the new year:
Get Your Families on the Akada Portal App
If you are still relying heavily on emails, paper forms, or manual updates, the Akada Portal app can be a game changer for your studio operations and parent experience.
The Akada Portal app gives families a single place to manage everything related to their student. From viewing schedules and enrolling in classes to making payments and receiving important updates, it helps reduce back and forth communication and keeps everyone on the same page.
January is a great time to:
- Encourage families to download and use the Akada Portal app
- Remind parents where to find schedules, announcements, and payments
- Set expectations that the Akada Portal is your primary hub for studio information
Getting more families comfortable with the Akada Portal early in the year can significantly cut down on repetitive questions and administrative work later on.
Take a Fresh Look at Your Payment Processing and Rates
A new year is also a smart time to review your finances and make sure your dance studio payment setup is working in your favor.
With Stripe available as a payment processing option inside Akada, studios have more flexibility and competitive rates to choose from. Stripe offers competitive pricing at 3.5% plus $0.30 per transaction, helping studios better manage costs and plan ahead.
Many studios benefit from:
- Faster deposits
- Clear, predictable pricing
- A smooth and secure checkout experience for families
It takes just 15 minutes to apply and get approved to start using Stripe. A small adjustment at the beginning of the year can lead to a smoother, more predictable cash flow throughout the rest of it.
Start the Year Strong with Akada Messages
Clear communication sets the tone for the entire year. Akada Messages makes it easy to reach families where they already are, directly through the Akada apps.
Whether you are sending a quick reminder or a thoughtful note, Messages helps you stay connected without juggling multiple platforms.
Consider using Messages this January to:
- Send a welcome back or new year message to families
- Share important studio updates, schedules, or policy reminders
- Communicate directly with individual families when needed
Consistent and timely communication builds trust and helps families feel informed and supported from the start of the year. Organized messaging in Akada Messages also saves our studio owners time and reduces unnecessary headaches.
A new year is a great chance to reset, refresh, and set your studio up for its best year yet. By taking advantage of features like the Akada Portal, Stripe payment processing, and Akada Messages, you can simplify your day-to-day tasks and create a better experience for your staff and families. Akada is built to support you as your studio grows, and our team is always here to help you make the most of it. Here’s to a fresh start and a great year ahead.
If you’re interested in Akada or want to learn more, start your free 30-day trial or book a demo.

