Finding the right sports management software provider can feel overwhelming. With a growing number of platforms on the market, and a seemingly endless array of features to consider, you can quickly find yourself overwhelmed by all of the choices.
The irony is that you don’t always need the most complex, feature-heavy software to run your business efficiently. In fact, choosing the right sports software provider is all about asking the right questions.
Here’s a list of 6 essential questions to ask that will lead you to the software solution that is best for you and your business.
But first, what is sports management software, and why should you invest in it?
What is sports software?
Sports management software is designed to empower sports coaches and business owners to put administrative tasks on autopilot and focus on the parts of the business they enjoy: training athletes. Sports software helps you handle various aspects of your operation, including scheduling and registration, payment processing, client communication, and more.
What questions should I ask a potential sports software provider?
1. In what ways can the platform be customized to my business?
Does the provider provide you with the tools to run your business, you way? Or, will you be left reorganizing your business model to fit the way the platform works. Whatever sports software provider you choose should be flexible enough to fit the needs of your business. You’ve designed your programs to be unique to your clients – whether you primarily offer private lessons, group training, camps, or clinics. Look for a sports software that offers flexibility to create any type of program, event, offering, or membership.
2. Can I use this sports software on any device?
The nature of your business is on the go. Whether you consistently train out of one sports facility, or meet your clients where they’re at, having access to your business at your fingertips is critical. A good sports management software will offer a web-based platform and a mobile app to keep you connected on the go. The Upper Hand mobile app, for example, is a full-extension of our desktop software, making it easy for you to schedule, process payments, and analyze your business health from the field to the front desk.
3. What customer training do you offer?
The best sports management software won’t set you up for failure. In other words, they will support you as a partner in growth, ensuring you can get the most out of the platform. So, it’s important to ask how the software provider will help guide you through the onboarding process, as well as beyond. What does the onboarding process look like? What resources do you have access to? Does the platform also support your clients? Do they continue to support you after you’re up and running?
Upper Hand is committed to helping you (and your clients) get the most out of our software. We have a number of resources and tools available to help you gain the upper hand and successfully utilize your Upper Hand account to its full potential. Learn more about how we support you and your clients here!
Related: Learn about Upper Hand University, Upper Hand’s on-demand, course-based learning platform!
4. How does your software handle financial aspects such as payments, invoicing, and financial reporting?
Another important aspect to consider when choosing a sports management platform is the ease of which payments can be processed and financial health can be tracked. It is crucial to assess how user-friendly the payment process is for customers – specifically as it relates to the ability to offer flexible payment options. And, it’s equally important for you to be able to drill down into your finances to make decisions that lead to growth.
Consider how a potential software provider handles payments and financial management. The best scheduling app for coaches will offer payment flexibility and a user friendly payment experience for your clients, and robust financial tracking and reporting for you.
5. Can you share some results from real customers?
It’s great to see the features of a software, and walk through how it could work for your business. But, when you’re in the process of choosing a sports software provider, seeing results from real customers can help guide you toward the best fit. Customer success stories offer tangible proof of the growth a business like yours can achieve as a result of switching to their platform. Look for KPIs such as an increase in annual revenue, client retention rates, number of clients, transactions per client, or dollars spent per client. These examples can serve as a testament to the software’s capabilities and potential impact on your business. And, it helps ensure that the sports software aligns with your specific needs and objectives.
Related: We’re leaders in sports management software. But, don’t just take our word for it. Hear from our customers!
6. How do you determine which features to build next?
The best sports management software company is constantly innovating and improving their products and features. So, as you are evaluating the different sports softwares on the market, it’s important to understand their approach to feature development.
A responsive provider actively seeks input from its customers – its main users – to guide their product roadmap. This ensures that the software evolves in a way that aligns with the changing demands of your sports business. In addition to receiving guidance from customers, consider a sports software provider that is regularly pushing new code – constantly delivering new features and updates. This commitment to staying at the forefront of technology both keeps the software current, but also showcases dedication to your success.
Ready to start the conversation?
As you’re evaluating a potential sports management software provider, it’s important to ask the right questions to uncover the platform that will be the best fit for you and your business. By learning more about a provider’s customization, features, support, and plans for growth, you can make an informed decision that leads to growth.
Upper Hand can answer each of these questions, and more. We’d love to have a conversation to help you envision what your business would look like with an upper hand. Schedule a demo today!
