Build a community around your gym

Let me just start by saying that this article is not going to talk about HOW to organize a boot camp. This is a pretty long story but before you start preparing one – if you are still hesitating – then you should definitely read this. Running a fitness boot camp is always a good idea. But it is especially a good idea right now.  Here are a few reasons why you should get your next boot camp organized as soon as possible.

1.    Always improve!

 You can never think you have done everything and you are now the best.  You constantly need to improve and so do your customers expect. A boot camp will be something new for them and might be an answer for their expectations.  This is a strong point as a part of a bigger recruitment and retention strategy that could be launched at your gym. To put it in a few simple words – your business is perceived as more attractive to potential new customers and it gains interest among loyal customers. Very straightforward!

2.    Build a bond!

This means that your regular customers are not just usual gym users but become something more. Those people create a community around your club, feel more tied to such a place, are more willing to bring new prospects, try your new products such as new classes, seminars etc., can share crucial information for expanding your business and, what seems obvious, take part in an upcoming boot camp. This really levels up membership engagement and leverages membership development to a whole new sphere. What is more, you can target a boot camp offer at your loyal members as a part of a member club offer. Make them feel special and well-treated!

3.    Listen!

Many boot camp businesses started this way, just by listening to their customers. Prepare a boot camp that your customers want, not you. Be open for suggestions and treat every comment as a gift and piece of great advice. Even if you are very busy or your business is going extremely well, do not let feel your members you do not have time for them. The end product has to be tailored – made for them and they have to feel their needs are fulfilled. You have only one chance to make the first impression with your boot camp offer so disappointment is the last thing you want to receive. Of course, you cannot be everything to everyone – you will not answer all needs of all member groups. In your offering, focus on the most prospective boot camp ideas and work towards it to ensure everyone gets the most of it.

4.    Out loud!

As a gym owner, you need to get in touch with your customers on a regular basis. It has to be meaningful and well thought trough. Organizing a fitness boot camp is a tremendous opportunity to contact your members on multiple occasions – so this supports your communication strategy in a very nice way. Your PerfectGym management software will be crucial when preparing and sending out messages to your members. It can also be helpful with targeting certain groups of customers with certain messages or a boot camp offer. Do not trust your gut feeling – you have a great tool in your hands, so just use it. Look into reports and statistics to communicate to the right people. A boot camp is also a great topic for social media for 2 main reasons – firstly, you can create a closed groups on Facebook for people attending such a camp and here you have plenty of possibilities to utilize it for membership retention boosting community building. Secondly, you have an opportunity to reach new prospects with such a strong message. You can kill 2 birds with 1 stone!