You may have hanged your boots from the 9 to 5 and decided to do something you like. Open up a fitness gym. You did your budgeting, got a nice studio room, refurnished the place, bought the best fitness equipment, and employed trainers. The problem is the number of people you have managed to sign in is just not enough or is just enough to break even. How do you change that?
As a fitness center owner, your clients are your priority, they generate revenue that keeps the gym afloat. It is your job to make the existing clients happy and continuously finding tactics to appeal to new customers to grow your gym membership and in the process, increase revenue. Customer churn is a constant for the business. A gym needs to have membership sales strategies to drive business. Below are 10 tips that could prove useful.
1. Simplify the Sign Up process
A potential customer who finds many hurdles in the signup process will get frustrated and think otherwise. It is essential to make the process as simple as possible. If the signup process is taking more than 30 minutes due to writing down of client information, then this might discourage the client. The quicker the signup, the better. Consider having online registration where a prospect can fill up their information and choose a plan before coming in to sign a contract.
2. Use a Good Fitness Management System
Before a prospect signs up, they will go through your websites to check the gym’s management. Fitness management is vital for a gym center. Invest in gym studio membership management. Purchase a scheduling software and fitness instructor software that are to help you run a good booking system and smooth fitness management. A potential client is sure to be attracted by a fitness gym that is well run.
3. Identify your Niche
The fitness industry is always changing. It has created a situation of very high levels of competition leading to the pop up of fitness gyms of different kinds. There are now many gyms that are focused on fulfilling specific needs. The versatility of the industry can help you find something unique to your health center. Make sure you know your target audience and what you can give them. Having a unique selling point will help you tap into a customer base that won’t find the services anywhere else.
4. Have Well Trained and Dedicated Employees
Your workers are your first customers and marketing front. A simple ‘I work at gym A’, is a marketing tool. All your employees must be well conversant with every character of the gym. The receptionist should be able to guide a visitor through a nutrition plan and, your trainer should be able to recommend new training gear. All your staff should know the packages on offer and the pricing. Train all of them regardless of their positions. Ensure they all understand the booking system and can use the fitness instructor software. Equip them with the same marketing techniques and see your memberships go up.
5. Personalize your Sales Pitch;
The best way to convince a prospect that you are the right fitness partner for them you is making them feel comfortable. Making the initial engagement personalized will make a prospect feel they belong. Do not rush the process. Instead, take the potential client for a tour and show them activities or groups that they could best enjoy and fit. Let them know of your scheduling software that helps clients choose the perfect time to work out. Let them understand the benefits of taking a certain class. Use a communication channel that best suits the client.
6. Use the Referral Technique
Perhaps one of the best, if not the best marketing tool is the use of referrals. Take your existing members who are happy about your services and make them your number one advocates. Let them inform their families and acquaintances about your business’s usefulness. The secret is to give a good reward per referral, something that motivates them, say a month free membership.
7. Utilize Social media
Almost everyone belongs to some social network. Giving your fitness center a strong online presence can go a long way to giving you, new customers. Ensure your websites and social platforms are attractive and give the best user experience. Make your services and your niche visible and easy to understand. Furthermore, positive reviews from your existing clients will encourage a prospect to make a decision.
8. Engage Corporate Clients
Most companies are in the business of ensuring their employees are fit. Tap into this phenomenon by offering these companies corporate rates for their employees. Come up with membership plans for firms trying to encourage fitness among its employees. Give discounted rates as they will be bringing several people into your fitness center. It is not simple, but it is a sure way of getting new customers.
9. Know your Competition
The world of fitness is full of competition. It is good to have an idea of what other fitness centers in your area offer. Knowing your competition informs your team on how to approach the market differently. Even if you offer similar services, do not blindly reduce your cost. Advertise your strengths and showcase your uniqueness.
10. Keep Track of Prospects
It is important to follow up on individuals who have shown interest in your fitness gym. Cache your communication records to know what they are already conversant with to avoid repetitive messages. Check where the prospect is in the registration process and encourage them to finish the sign up without being annoying.
Concentrate on long-term memberships and avoid short-term memberships that easily promote churning. Ensure you are offering quality services and that your current members are happy. Be on the lookout for emerging fitness trends and adjust accordingly. With diligence and enough marketing, you will see people knocking on your front door.
