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Honest takes on
studio software.

No marketing speak. Real opinions from a founder who talks to studio owners every day.

FeaturedMarch 20, 2026

Stripe vs. Platform Payments: Why Direct Payouts Matter

If your booking platform sits between you and your money, you're losing control, speed, and transparency. Here's why direct Stripe payouts are a non-negotiable for small studios.

Bryan, Founder of StudioBaseRead article

April 23, 2026Bryan, Founder of StudioBase

No-Shows Are Costing Your Studio More Than You Think

A no-show wastes a full spot's revenue. A policy too strict costs you new students. Here's the cancellation framework that actually works.

April 16, 2026Bryan, Founder of StudioBase

How to Pay Your Studio Instructors (And Which Model Works)

Most studio owners default to per-class pay without thinking about it. Here's a breakdown of the 4 instructor compensation models — and when each one makes sense.

April 12, 2026Bryan, Founder of StudioBase

The First of the Month Problem

Most new studio owners don't realize their income model is the problem. Here's why per-class revenue creates chaos — and what to do about it.

April 2, 2026Bryan, Founder of StudioBase

Studio Metrics That Actually Matter (And 3 That Don't)

Most studio owners track revenue and headcount. Neither tells you what's really happening. Here are the metrics that predict whether your studio will grow or stall.

March 26, 2026Bryan, Founder of StudioBase

How to Hire and Onboard Your First Studio Instructor

Going from solo instructor to a team is the hardest growth leap. Here's how to hire right, onboard fast, and avoid the mistakes that cost studios months.

March 16, 2026Bryan, Founder of StudioBase

Should Your Studio Be on ClassPass? An Honest Breakdown

ClassPass can fill empty slots — but at what cost? Here's the actual math on per-class revenue, when it makes sense, and when it's a trap.

March 13, 2026Bryan, Founder of StudioBase

Building StudioBase in Public: Why We Chose Zero Commission

An honest look at why StudioBase charges a flat fee instead of taking commission on every transaction—and what that means for how we think about studio growth.

March 13, 2026Bryan, Founder of StudioBase

How to Keep Students Coming Back After Their First Class

Most studios lose the majority of first-time students. The problem usually isn't your teaching — it's what happens (or doesn't) between class 1 and class 2.

February 28, 2026Bryan, Founder of StudioBase

What Studio Owners Actually Need from Booking Software

We ran the numbers for two real studio profiles. Here's what booking software actually costs — and the hidden expense nobody talks about.

February 21, 2026Bryan, Founder of StudioBase

How to Fill Empty Class Slots Without Discounting

Your 6pm class has 5 people. You need 8. Before you cut prices, read this. Filling slots is about friction, not discounts.

February 13, 2026Bryan, Founder of StudioBase

The Hidden Cost of Free Booking Platforms

Free booking software sounds great — until you look at the real numbers. Here's what actually happens when 'free' meets your business.

February 6, 2026Bryan, Founder of StudioBase

Why Small Studios Are Ditching Enterprise Booking Software

Studio owners are rethinking enterprise booking platforms. Here's why many are exploring simpler alternatives — and what they're looking for instead.

January 31, 2026Bryan, Founder of StudioBase

7 MindBody Alternatives for Small Fitness Studios in 2026

Tired of MindBody's rising fees? Here are 7 alternatives built for small studios — ranked by price, commission rates, and features that actually matter.

Honest takes onstudio software.