As COVID-19 cases continue to spike during this second wave of the pandemic, many sports and fitness businesses have been forced to reduce capacity or close their doors once again. But as we learned this spring, there are numerous ways to continue to add value to clients without seeing them. From live-streamed workout classes to using video analysis tools, we’ve compiled six ways trainers and businesses can continue to engage with clients during this period of uncertainty.
For sports coaches or personal trainers, let your clients know that you are there to continue to support their goals, and offer one-on-one sessions through FaceTime, Google Hangouts, or any other video conferencing platform. Once this situation has passed, this can be a great add-on to your current offerings–think about college players who you can train from afar, or personal training clients who can maintain their workout regimens from home, or even vacation.
Video analysis tools like Upper Hand’s APEX may be extremely effective in helping you provide value while your clients are unable to get into your facility to train. Think about being able to critique your players’ form, or pointing out ways they could improve their technique. Using video analysis technology to work one on one with your athletes is a great opportunity for your players to grow, rather than lose progress.
Offering virtual workouts has two huge benefits for your business. First, your members will continue to see you as a constant part of their weekly routine. We expect this to really bring your communities closer together when you return to business as usual.
Secondly, by opening up your live-streamed workout classes to the public on free platforms like Instagram, Youtube, or Facebook, non-members can see what sets your business apart and potentially join your member community when your doors reopen at full capacity.
Platforms like Instagram and Twitter allow you to poll users and ask questions. Consider using these tools to ask your followers what kind of content would be most meaningful to them in addition to your live-streamed or downloadable classes. From advice on meal prepping to mindfulness activities, sharing holistic content on your social channels can be another excellent way to engage current or potential members.
If you’re a soccer academy, this could be a dribbling challenge. If you’re a fitness franchise, this could be a planking challenge set to a theme song. Whatever your challenge may be, make sure it’s visible to your member and non-member communities by branding it with a fun hashtag, and share each post on your social media platforms to encourage people to participate.
Your clients don’t just come to your classes, lessons, or training sessions for the workout; many come because they value the relationships they’ve built with your staff and instructors. Encourage your staff to check in on your clients and members through text, call, or email. See how they’re dealing with the situation, and you may be inspired by new ways you can add value to the lives of your clients and members.
For many sports and fitness businesses, membership recurring revenue is the major way they can continue to stay afloat during these uncertain times. You could offer a special discount on memberships for new members who sign up now, discounted class packages with extended “use-by” dates, or offer special perks to people who renew their yearly memberships now. You could also add a digital fitness membership to your current offerings, and include online classes and one-on-one private training sessions to this option.
For the reasons stated above, offering free live-streamed workout classes is a win for your business. But in order to bring cash in long-term, it’s critical that you monetize your offerings. If your clients are willing to pay for a membership for your exclusive workouts, many will be willing to pay for virtual training. Think about what sets your business apart from competitors, and make sure you’re building your monetized virtual offerings around that.
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As we navigate uncertain times like today, it’s important to think ahead and be ready to hit the ground running when things blow over. This is temporary, and it’s important your clients know that as well. Think outside the box and find ways to check in with your clients and find ways to continue to help them achieve their fitness goals.
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