Lady Gaga drops a new dance album. Will Smith returns to music. Klarna lets you pay later for your Big Mac. The memes say: we’re doomed.

But the truth?

The world isn’t ending. It’s just shifting—and perception is everything.

Right now, we’re seeing a weird collision of pop culture, economic anxiety, and meme-driven market panic. Welcome to what the internet is calling the “vibecession.”

Here’s what that means for you, the (smart) martial arts studio owner:

Consumer confidence is sliding—not because of cold hard numbers—but because of how people feel. While the data says the economy is relatively stable (low unemployment, strong job growth), the average American is scrolling headlines and TikToks that scream, “Brace for impact!”

And when people feel uncertain, they spend less. Even on things they care about.

That’s where you come in.

Here’s What Smart Studio Owners Should Do:

1. Control the "Vibe" Inside Your Studio

You can’t control the stock market or interest rates. But you...

Are You Fighting in the Wrong Ocean?

Imagine this: you’re spending $30 a day on Facebook ads. That’s $900 a month. After three months, you’ve spent $2,700.

What do you have to show for it? A few leads, maybe one or two students.

Sound familiar?

Here’s the hard truth: Facebook ads are a “red ocean.” Everyone’s doing it, and they’re all fighting for the same eyeballs. In this hyper-competitive space, you’re paying more and getting less.

The Problem with Facebook Ads

Think about it: people don’t go to Facebook to search for martial arts classes. They go to check on friends, scroll memes, and see what’s trending.

When your ad shows up, you’re interrupting their experience. They weren’t looking for you—they were just scrolling.

This is why your cost per lead is high, and your conversions are low. You’re fishing in a crowded ocean where your bait doesn’t even match what people are hungry for.

The Blue Ocean: Advertising Where People Are Searching

If Facebook is a “red ocean,...