Thank you notes, as part of the gym’s overall marketing strategy, are easily one of the best ways to get potential customers to come to you. Almost all of your competitors are missing out on this incredibly simple, yet rarely used form of gym marketing. Write thank you notes to guests, new members, old members, associates, and employees.
For each person who visits your facility, follow up with a thank you note. Whether they join or not, they should receive a thank you note in their mailbox or email box within 48 hours. This obviously emphasizes the importance of collecting addresses and email addresses on a guest registry. An example of a thank you letter to a guest would be: “It was a pleasure meeting you today. I sincerely hope you’ll consider becoming a member. I know you’ll love it here! When you’re ready, just stop by or call me at 555-555 -5555”.
Even those people you think won’t be coming back and feel it might be a waste of time, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the number of people who will respond positively to a thank you note. I know this is difficult to do, but it is very important. They will also research other fitness competitors in the area and will probably need a couple of days to compare before deciding. How many thank you notes do you think they will receive during those consideration days? Only one… yours! Send the thank you note immediately after the presentation ends, preferably the same day. Let the note include only your thanks. Do not try to resell them in the thank you note. Make sure it’s there if needed, and include your contact number and email address.
All of your new members should also receive a thank you note immediately after signing up as part of your gym marketing strategy. Your note to new members might say: “Thank you for becoming a member! Feel free to ask us if we can do anything to help you reach your fitness goals. Enclosed you’ll find some day passes for your friends. We’ll be happy to pay a month of your membership for every friend you send us! Thanks again!”
Your current members like to feel appreciated too, so don’t limit your thank you notes to just your prospects and new members, especially since they’re the ones paying your bills. At least every six months, your entire membership base should receive a thank you letter. Something straight to the point; “Thank you for being our member! Without you we wouldn’t exist and we sincerely appreciate your decision to continue being a part of our family. If you need help reaching your fitness goals, please don’t hesitate to contact us.” .” If you’d like, you can also mention a gift. “Be sure to stop by the front desk to sign up for our email newsletter and receive a free bottle of water!”
And last but not least, don’t forget to thank your area employees, business partners and retailers; anyone who has helped with your promotions, or anyone who has helped you refer members and improve your business. Show good character. When was the last time you received a thank you note from an associate or boss? The answer is probably never. When you mail or email a thank you note to one of your employees or associates, it’s not long forgotten. So send a quick thank you to all your employees, no matter how much they make fun of you for being a softy, deep down they will feel valued. The same goes for anyone in your community who often goes above and beyond to help you build your business.
Get in the habit of sending thank you notes and immediately work your way into the hearts and minds of your prospects, members, and everyone else your fitness business relies on.