Technology can arguably distract us from authentic relationships as our eyes stayed glued to our smart phones, however when it comes to fitness, it’s the saving grace for both owners and members and the key to building stronger bonds between them. Member goals can vary anywhere from weight loss, to muscle toning, to improving their diets. The goal of owners is to increase their revenue, which makes technology the bridge between the owner and the member.
SOFTWARE THAT CONNECTS MEMBERS & OWNERS
Giving members the ability to quickly sign up and check in for events increases efficiency on both ends. With gym management software, members have more time to enjoy their workouts and focus on their wellness goals, while owners have one less job to worry about and their time can be spent helping their members instead.
In addition, advancements in gym management software are allowing members to make extra purchases directly on their phones, like personal training sessions, supplements and club merchandise, instantly increasing revenue for owners and adding value toward member goals. Enhancements in club management software include reporting, for owners to more effectively track member behavior. Accurate reporting is vital in understanding a club’s demographic, saving important member information like birthdays, learning how a club can improve and most importantly, exceeding members needs and expectations.
SOCIAL MEDIA TO INTERACT WITH MEMBERS & BUILD COMMUNITY
Social media has changed communication, especially in the fitness industry. Although there’s speculation and controversy surrounding social media, it serves as a positive outlet to effectively market to members and allows them to share transformations, frustrations, success stories and common struggles.
Popular platforms like Facebook and Instagram give owners simple and meaningful opportunities to celebrate their member’s triumphs and also keep up with fitness trends like online personal training, quick fit tips and nutritional counseling. Owners can connect with their members along with hundreds of prospects through organic social media and paid advertising by offering value that will help them with their fitness journeys.
Factors could include discounts on memberships, point of sale items and personal training packages. Both parties benefit this way, establishing stronger business to consumer relationships. Ultimately, social media helps owners better understand their members, even beyond the gym. Majority of members are on social media hashtagging their gym selfies and snapping photos of their healthy food. By interacting with them through this outlet, owners can more effectively market to members and offer fitness-related things that match their interests and needs, establishing loyal customers and increasing profit. Learn more how social media benefits health clubs here.
DIGITAL RESOURCES THAT OFFER MORE VALUE
Members need guidance and credible resources while working toward their goals, which is why it’s important for owners to keep a library of online blogs and articles that are geared toward fitness and wellness. The more value owners provide their members with, the more likely members are to achieve their goals, while owners maintain healthy retention and continuous cash flow.
TEXTING FOR INSTANT REACH
Texting is as personal as it gets in this day and age, since that’s how majority of members and prospects communicate on a daily basis. Sending out text alerts not only informs members with important information and updates, but it’s also an effective way for owners to maintain relationships with their members, even if the text messages are automatic. Owners can text various things like when payment information is updated, when full classes have more openings, when a class is cancelled or a member reschedules a session, when the club itself is closed, along with birthday texts for a personal touch.
BOTTOM LINE
What do all of these components have in common? Efficiency. More efficiency equals more member engagement, resulting in stronger bonds between owners and their members and higher chances of landing prospects. It’s difficult for members to focus on their fitness goals and owners to focus on generating revenue when neither have the necessary tools to take care of them. In a nutshell, owners can choose to hide behind their computer screens, shedding negative light on technology, or they can choose to walk across the bridge with everything they and their members need to succeed.
