Retention focal points to pay attention to as a business owner, and what is the biggest report to focus on when doing this, why expiring memberships need to be watched closely, and so much more...
What to consider on reporting of intro offers, purchased and expiring, tips for if you’re looking to adjust your intro offer or pivoting your business model and so much more...
Automatic refunds from the admins and client experience, and what happens if you don’t automatically refund the client, how to mark as compensated, without using auto-refund, and so much more...
What the main registrables are within fitDEGREE, the pricing options available for the different registrables within fitDEGREE and how this will impact your business mode, and so much more...
The studio owners experience with cancellations and refunds, what to realize about refunds, auto refund and/or compensation with a non-auto refund, and so much more...
Where to find the cancellation policies within the fitDEGREE admin, why it’s important to know your business model before setting cancellation policies, and so much more...
The four registrables in fitDEGREE, what to understand when utilizing locations in the system, how to choose the same instructor for both online and in-studio and so much more...
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What registration competitions are all about and how they work within the studio setting, how to get people involved with more than just intrinsic motivation, and more...
The differences between the three check in screens on fitDEGREE, what are memos and starred memos, and what they can do for you to help manage important information and so much more...
The two types of methods we see studio owners leveraging to create parties within their system, a look at how clients use the system to schedule one-on-one parties, ways to add a party to a membership and so much more...
Navigating the gifting options in fitDEGREE during the holiday season, for both admins and clients alike
What “in-app purchases” are, and what changes are coming soon with Apple’s guidelines around them
What a fitDEGREE launch looks like and why properly training your staff to use the software is key for them, and your clients.
The pivots and the struggles fitDEGREE experienced from changing markets since beginning
Dan’s journey from the first version of fitDEGREE to what fitDEGREE is today
Where Nick got the idea to connect fitness partners with an app, and the lessons he learned about launching a startup from a previous venture
Nick’s Nuggets” and the big reasons why it’s so important to be taking breaks, Actionable tactics you can use to ensure taking your next break is a smooth operation for your clients as well as for you, The benefits of taking a “one step backwards, two step forwards” type of approach with taking breaks
How exceptional services involves creating a welcoming environment for everyone who walks through your doors , The critical role that consistency plays in having a positive experience, What active listening will allow you to give your members
What We Cover In This Episode , How clearly defining roles and responsibilities for every position is crucial for a studio’s success , Why hiring for a cultural fit is key Consistent, transparent communication will set you on the
What We Cover In This Episode Effective keyword strategies for identifying what potential clients are searching for in their first fitness class How SEO’s “sweat equity” can help you drive traffic without paying for costly leads
What to understand about the “Winning Zone” and focusing on where you are better than your larger competitors How you can leverage your unique value proposition to compete with larger brands A reminder how your community is your superpower
News with Nick and thoughts on the new Crunch Fitness marketing strategy. What ChatGPT is saying about: controversial things fitness studios might say about New Year’s resolution pressure.
The way that Perkville qualifies their leads to ensure that they are a good fit for their potential clients. A success story of loyalty and community. An inside look at some of the innovative features Perkville offers.
News with Nick and a look at the predicted 2024 trend of empowerment of instructors as brand ambassadors. Various ways that spot booking can be utilized and implemented in different modalities. The role that comfort and getting a good spot in class can play in the overall enjoyment had by the client. Diving deeper into spot booking accessibility with fitDEGREE.
How the point system is a tried-and-true method to use for a rewards program. Some examples of how businesses currently run their referral programs. What the concept of “earning velocity” is all about. The best reward or the top tickets that studios offer. How businesses are restructuring their rewards to maximize both client interest and business benefit
News with Nick and a quality over quantity shift in lead generation. Low impact training coupled with resistance training and its importance to flexibility, joint health and the most underrated benefit, balance. High intensity versus low intensity workouts plus how it relates to longevity and overall health.
What business identity is really all about. The role that understanding your product and how it relates to your demographic will play in solidifying your business identity. Why determining what you don’t want your business to be is so important in this process
How Chris became a fractional integrator for companies running on EOS. Defining “integrator” and “visionary” and what their roles look like within a business. What the “Delegate or Elevate” process is and how it can be used in your workflow
What a mission statement is and the 3 key components that are found in one. A few tools and exercises you can use to help define your own mission, vision and values. Why you need to define your mission statement, and how doing this will help you business
The integration partners that we work with at fitDEGEE, some of the services that each can provide, plus the pros and cons that we’ve seen by using them. What the perks are of utilizing integrations instead of trying to do everything manually. How the integration partners we use help our clients’ business and identify.
A bit about what Michael does and the help he offers his clients. Why the very first step in your retention sequence for intro offers should be an email. The second part of the retention sequence and how you are not yet selling at this point
The main things to consider when implementing childcare into your software, how to set up unique accounts for parent and child, and so much more...
Helpful tips to protect yourself from disputes, Ali’s process of handling disputes within fitDEGREE, and so much more...
A look at the behind-the-scenes teams at fitDEGREE, a breakdown of the fitDEGREE partners, additional resources and content you can leverage, and so much more...
Why you need to know who your audience and clients are, and where they come from, when it comes to marketing and sales, the importance of providing value first, and so much more...
What the first and last name requirements are in the fitDEGREE system, email addresses as the starting point of all client communication, and so much more...
Where Nick got the idea to connect fitness partners with an app, and the lessons he learned about launching a startup from a previous venture
Dan’s journey from the first version of fitDEGREE to what fitDEGREE is today
The pivots and the struggles fitDEGREE experienced from changing markets since beginning
What a fitDEGREE launch looks like and why properly training your staff to use the software is key for them, and your clients.
What “in-app purchases” are, and what changes are coming soon with Apple’s guidelines around them
Why your business model should match your personal strengths and tolerance for uncertainty The “Vision Test” and why a profitable studio might not be the right choice for you
How to adapt your studio's schedule and offerings to meet the specific needs and routines of parents and teachers returning to their structured lives Effective strategies to help clients build lasting habits throughout September, ensuring long-term retention
Why the much-anticipated FTC click-to-cancel rule was halted just days before launch, and how it impacts your fitness business The need for continued vigilance, even after the rule was nullified
How to separate your personal feelings from client feedback to maintain a clear perspective and prevent burnout The reasons why you should take a moment to compose yourself before addressing a complaint, whether in person or via message
How you can use priority booking access to create exclusivity, without any extra effort on your part What you can do on members’ birthdays or anniversaries to make them feel seen, special, and appreciated
The ways in which the new updates to our latest software platform release will make your intro offers more accessible to potential clients How the new update allows for direct refunds to client account balances, streamlining the process and retaining funds for future purchases
How to apply the three core principles for a successful staff meeting Why breaking down your meeting agenda effectively using a standing template leads to consistency
What “taking a break” means and does not mean and why this is important to understand as a studio owner Proactive things you can do during a pause or break to keep the momentum going for your business
How to approach integrating feedback into your core process and why it’s such a good idea to do this Strategies for choosing the optimal feedback format
How to prepare your business for a virtual assistant before you post for help Things to keep in mind when hiring the right VA for your fitness studio
Why energy, not just time, is your most valuable resource as a business owner How to determine what tasks you should be doing yourself When to delegate in-house versus to a virtual assistant
How the three main pillars of retention make up the foundational strategy for boosting client retention The way to use tactical behavior tracking to identify at-risk clients
Pre-event planning strategies to pay attention to when creating a successful outdoor event The necessity of clear communication with attendees regarding location, parking, weather expectations, and what to bring
Details on the FTC negative option rule coming into effect May 14th and why compliance is key when it comes to protecting your boutique fitness business The clear and easy to use option to keep your business compliant as well enhancing the client experience
The key financial readiness benchmarks you should be considering before transitioning to full-time What operational systems are key for a fitness studio transitioning from part-time to full-time
Effective strategies for creating recurring revenue with summer-only Memberships The benefits of summer outdoor fitness classes and how you can leverage the outdoors in your business
The difference between an LLC and an S-Corp, and how that affects liability, taxation and future growth What the purpose of a legal entity is, and how it protects your personal assets from business lawsui
How to strategically carve out dedicated "CEO time" each week and why this focused time is so crucial [Why a time audit is essential for business growth
A look at our recent key feature updates, including schedule visibility, gift card discounts, and more The flexible gift card redemption feature now available that will enhance user experience
Strategies for onboarding new clients and communicating studio policies effectively so that clear expectations are set from Day One Why enforcing policies fairly across the board is essential to prevent accusations of favoritism and to maintain member respect
Why quality over quantity matters when it comes to social media followers The dangers of adding more options you to your studio, both for your business and your clients
What you can do to maximize profit through regular, not once-a-year, audits of your numbers How to stop membership leaks and strategies for handling expired cards and follow-ups
The true cost of a bad hire and why hiring the wrong person is even worse than being short-staffed How delegating tasks can free you to work on your business, not just in it
Why a strategic approach, not just "vibes," is essential for client experience and retention What recent data is showing about customer retention and the importance of first impressions
Why Spring is the perfect time to review and refresh your business operations How updating your contracts and waivers will ensure you're legally protected and aligned with industry best practices
The importance of establishing systems, setting boundaries, and building support structures to prevent burnout, both personally and professionally How to recognize the early warning signs of burnout and what you can do to address them before they escalate
Proactive strategies like waivers and automated reminders to set expectations and prevent misunderstandings How to master the art of de-escalation by using neutral language and effective communication techniques during tense client interactions
What to understand about payment processing and the key differences between ACH and credit card transactions How you can use proactive communication to avoid payment disputes that may arise with members
Why a thorough analysis of your existing income streams is the foundational step towards maximizing your studio's profitability How surveying your clients to understand their needs and preferences can reveal untapped opportunities for new services and offerings
The key benefits of keeping your referral marketing simple and easy to understand Options you have as incentives to offer those who are bringing you business through referrals How you can leveraging the community around you to generate more referrals
How identifying tasks that can be automated or delegated to free up your time is the very first step in achieving work-life balance as a studio owner The importance of setting boundaries and clearly communicating them to staff and clients
How finding the right team really starts by defining your studio needs Why focusing on fostering growth for your individual team members will be key when building and maintaining a strong team Strategies for navigating termination in a professional way
How to pinpoint your studio's biggest achievements and challenges through a year-end review The key metrics and trends to analyze in order to gain valuable insights for your studio's future The power of a mission-driven approach in building a strong brand and fostering a loyal community
Tips for uncovering and understanding your potential clients “why” How identify past challenges that your potential clients have had can be a big help in identifying their expectations The way that highlighting your studio’s unique benefits can boost your sales success
Recommendations for keeping your service menu simple and finite Flexible service menu options you can use when creating your pricing structure Why setting low prices to attract volume isn’t an effective long-term pricing strategy for your business
How to streamline your member interactions with efficient automation techniques Why personalized communication for significant milestones can significantly impact client retention and satisfaction Effective strategies to implement automated subscription payment reminders
Why showcasing member success stories can significantly boost engagement within your boutique fitness studio community Effective strategies for choosing members to feature in your spotlights Various achievements that can be celebrated in your member spotlights
A look at how Merchynt automated Google My Business Some of the most effective marketing tools that are available to you right now What to be aware of with sponsored Google listings The specific components that make up a Google Business Profile
How to choose a challenge theme that aligns with your members' goals and sparks interest The power of fostering community and accountability to motivate participants and increase success rates Some of the ways in which offering meaningful rewards can
Common hurdles faced by gym owners when first examining a lease agreement A breakdown of the most crucial sections within a lease contract Understanding ADA compliance and its specific implication
What to understand about the “Winning Zone” and focusing on where you are better than your larger competitors How you can leverage your unique value proposition to compete with larger brands A reminder how your community is your superpower
What We Cover In This Episode Effective keyword strategies for identifying what potential clients are searching for in their first fitness class How SEO’s “sweat equity” can help you drive traffic without paying for costly leads
What We Cover In This Episode , How clearly defining roles and responsibilities for every position is crucial for a studio’s success , Why hiring for a cultural fit is key Consistent, transparent communication will set you on the
How exceptional services involves creating a welcoming environment for everyone who walks through your doors , The critical role that consistency plays in having a positive experience, What active listening will allow you to give your members
Nick’s Nuggets” and the big reasons why it’s so important to be taking breaks, Actionable tactics you can use to ensure taking your next break is a smooth operation for your clients as well as for you, The benefits of taking a “one step backwards, two step forwards” type of approach with taking breaks
What We Cover In This Episode: How reframing the freeze request at allows studio owners to view it not as a cancellation, but as a retention opportunity
On this episode of The Boutique Fitness Marketing Podcast, we’re diving into what’s trending in the studio scheduling software space, the decision-making process and how to make a smooth transition when it’s time for a change.
How we’re feeling right now and why it’s been a bit of a “love/hate relationship” with the podcast. The ways in which fitSpot Guru is going to get a little TLC while we go on a bit of a hiatus. The potential for a second podcast, what you can expect and how it’ll be different
An update on the total value of the wellness market right now and the shift that’s happening towards holistic health. The importance of having a crisis plan in place and the types of the scenarios you should be prepared for. How to properly prepare for a crisis, based on the “scale of fires”
The ways that people are searching for a financial wellness on an individual level What to consider about cash flow management and it’s role in a business’s success. Where to start with budgeting operational costs and streamlining your financial model
How to approach defining your unique selling proposition. What to understand about connecting with your target audience. Steps to take to build a strong visual and verbal brand identity.
What to consider if you’re thinking of expanding beyond your current physical space. A look at integrating retail products, and whether it is a smart move for you and your boutique fitness studio. How you can use tech-driven service expansion to facilitate new services for your customers
Examples of ways you can optimize the very first visit by your clients. What Seran says is the “low-hanging fruit” of building relationships. Why is the first visit so crucial for retention
News with Nick and the latest of group fitness builds and mental, emotional and physical well-being. The importance that having an effective onboarding process will have on your customer’s experience. Integration partners that can help you communicate with your clients - click their links below to learn more!
Seran’s journey from Wall Street to the Pilates studio - and beyond. How she curated her approach to coaching fitness studios. Why Seran believes so strongly that success does not have to equal stress.
Why you’ll want to understand, analyze and anticipate the summer drops that occur in our industry. The need to ensure great communication with everyone about your summer schedules. How you can use this time to explore flexible membership options
A look at the current activity in gyms now versus the pre-pandemic levels. What the primary goal of having a cancellation policies in your studio should be. The key components you should be considering when creating and implementing your cancellation policies
What leadership quality Katie says is the single most crucial one for running a fitness studio. One of the biggest HR pitfalls that she has seen running a fitness studio with a W2 workforce. A trend that is brewing in the fitness industry to be aware of as a studio owner
News with Nick and a look at how Capitol Hill is “getting fit”. Why you need to find and lean into your ideal clients in order to have a successful business and a strong community. The reasons that SEO is crucial for attracting organic traffic
What the transition from studio owner to HR looked like for Katie. How to convey, from a marketing perspective, the move from1099 independent contractor to W-2 employee. The top common misconceptions of HR in the fitness industry
What early access tags are and the ways you can now start implementing them. How this feature was designed to make memberships more valuable in your studio. Common use cases for these access tags in fitDEGREE.
What to realize about breaking through the “wall of trust” with clients. A rundown of the three most important documents to include in your website. How a website disclaimer specifically protects fitness studio owners.
A look at a supportive, adaptable and appealing new yoga mat. How clients can use the spot booking feature to select the equipment they want to use, where they want to sit, and more Some the ways it allows you to get detailed on how to visually represent the room to your booking clients.
Lisa’s journey to become a lawyer and also a fitness instruction, plus the way she combines these two passions. What the role of certifications will be in terms of legal protection for the studio. The important aspects of disclaimers and waivers that you need to be aware of.
News with Nick and some somber news about current happiness levels in the United States. The main purpose of sales compared to that of marketing. Specific questions you need to be asking yourself as you consider the different roles of your sales and marketing departments and personnel.
The number one benefit from a marketing perspective that a studio will gain when signing up with LenzVU. How you can enable your automation from Day One with LenzVU. What Afi says is the biggest standout feature for the platform
More expansion news in the industry related to chains delving into the food and beverage game. Who our upcoming in-person summit is targeted to and how it will help them. The themes that we chose to deep dive into while there and what you can expect at the 3-day summit.
What inspired Afi to into this space building the LenzVU platform. Some of the game changing features it has to boost your sales and retain clients. How LenzVu helps studios with noncommittal clients by gathering information to build very targeted funnels.
A first glance at the FitDEGREE Summit 2024 and what you can expect by attending. What the inspiration was to create this event coming in October 2024. How this event will be an immersive experience for all who attend
Nicole’s thoughts on why maintaining a focus on the client experience at all times is key. How finding the right mentors can be invaluable to your business. The way in which Nicole finds what works for her when it comes to a work/life balance.
What Lumin Fitness’s new smart studio concept is all about. How to approach implementing leaderboards in your studio. Some of the ways that leaderboards can build community and new connections between members
What ‘sparked’ the creation of Spark Strategies. Some of the challenges Nicole encountered growing her own yoga studio. A common misconception studio owners often have about growing their businesses.
News with Nick and a look at Pilates style concepts at F45. Why establishing a clear and shared vision to create a community-oriented team is crucial. Our thoughts on hiring for cultural fit and diversity
Hey fitFam and welcome back to another episode of fitSpot Guru! Well, not so fast. As you may have noticed by the length of today’s episode, it’s not an actual episode. I am here to make an announcement on some upcoming changes that fitSpot Guru will be undergoing starting in February.
News with Nick and a few gamification strategies to be aware of. Some of the different ways that you can diversity by selling retail products in your studio. Our thoughts on online classes and subscriptions as diversification strategies
How Terri changed course from teaching yoga to becoming a studio owner. The inspiration she received from her own coach to enter the coaching world in order to start helping others. An interesting dynamic Terri sees in the yoga world where people think you shouldn’t be making money.
News with Nick and a look at why the majority of users are going to boutique fitness classes. How a business coach can offer personalized business strategies to studio owners. The impact that increased accountability from a coach can play in the growth of a business.
Introducing Sunil and how his past experiences lead him to Perkville. His “a ha” moment to jump into Perkville. Some of the iterations and pivots that have occurred with the Perkville rewards program
News with Nick and a quality over quantity shift in lead generation. Low impact training coupled with resistance training and its importance to flexibility, joint health and the most underrated benefit, balance. High intensity versus low intensity workouts plus how it relates to longevity and overall health.
How the point system is a tried-and-true method to use for a rewards program. Some examples of how businesses currently run their referral programs. What the concept of “earning velocity” is all about. The best reward or the top tickets that studios offer. How businesses are restructuring their rewards to maximize both client interest and business benefit
News with Nick and a look at the predicted 2024 trend of empowerment of instructors as brand ambassadors. Various ways that spot booking can be utilized and implemented in different modalities. The role that comfort and getting a good spot in class can play in the overall enjoyment had by the client. Diving deeper into spot booking accessibility with fitDEGREE.
The way that Perkville qualifies their leads to ensure that they are a good fit for their potential clients. A success story of loyalty and community. An inside look at some of the innovative features Perkville offers.
News with Nick and thoughts on the new Crunch Fitness marketing strategy. What ChatGPT is saying about: controversial things fitness studios might say about New Year’s resolution pressure.
One of the single biggest things that restricts selling options as a studio owner. How to approach starting the selling process as an owner. A look at stock sale versus the asset sale.
News with Nick and what research is telling us about 2023 fitness routines. A look at the common assumption that boutique fitness studios should actively promote a “health at every size” philosophy. The counterpoint that fitness studios should also have a responsibility to also encourage traditional health and fitness goals, such as weight loss and muscle gain.
The most valuable lesson Michael has learned while working inside a business. What motivated him to start coaching and mentoring other yoga instructors and studio owners. How Michael’s experience as a yoga teacher and studio owner helped shaped his approach to coaching.
New With Nick and a look at how non-alcoholic beverages are getting a rebrand. A recent TikTok trend that we want to have fun with. Megan’s thoughts on an instructor’s playlist is key.
Mitch’s unique insights for individuals wanting to buy, own or sell fitness businesses. One of the biggest issues or disconnects he sees when people are looking to buy a studio. The key financing information to consider when buying a fitness business
News with Nick and a look at a major gym chain is entering the medical market. Our thoughts on whether boutique fitness studios should incorporate mental health aspects into their business. A few examples of the practical elements of mental health
What Michael considers his specialty is as a consultant and how he helps others right now. His journey of being an instructor and studio owner to being a consultant to assist others in the industry become successful. Why Michael says that everything needs to start with your mission, vision and value.
News with Nick and research showing the link between yoga and longevity. Why customization can be hard for boutique fitness studios and some areas where it can come into play. Using the idea of a “fitness prescription” to offer come customization within your standardized model.
Why there is an overemphasis on how to avoid holiday weight gain. Our thoughts on New Year’s resolutions in the industry, and the impact they have on physical and mental health during the holiday season. Whether there is too much pressure being put on people to maintain their routines throughout the holiday season, rather than enjoying friends and family
News with Nick and 5 lifestyle changes that can improve your health and happiness by up to 57 percent. How Nick defines “specialization” as it pertains to the boutique fitness industry. What Megan sees trending in the industry as far as specialization goes
Epifany’s integration with fitDEGREE and how it works to get you the best info to build your surveys. The way it works with clients who understand the importance of opening lines of communication with their customers. What types of questions and information can be leveraged by using Epifany.
News with Nick and a look at Amazon’s healthcare journey. Our hot take of the week - does next-level technology in the boutique fitness space impede on the experience of in-class clients and members? Thoughts on whether recording in the classroom causes uncomfortable clients and uncurated content
A look at Danny’s personal journey and what’s led him to where he is today. What sets NetGym apart from other fitness platforms and the benefits you’ll see by using it alongside fitDEGREE. The direct and indirect nuances that exist when a studio uses NetGym besides their communications.
News with Nick and a snack movement that is on the rise. Whether your price point should be earned or be determined by other factors. If the cost of instructor education will impact the cost per class.
How online reviews really impact the digital presence and credibility of fitness studios. A better way for studios to get reviews organically. Effective strategies studio owners can be using right now to bump up their Google reviews
News with Nick and a look at “rucking”. Why front desk staff is such a vital piece for your business to thrive. What type of employee you should be looking for when hiring front desk staff
A look at what Merchynt does and the services that the platform offers. Some of the benefits local fitness studios will see from having a solid understanding of SEO. Strategies that local studios can use for keyword research
