Most sports facilities assume that keeping their doors open and maintaining a steady flow of clients is enough. But the truth is, growing a sports facility isn’t just about filling your schedule—it’s about securing your facility’s future, outpacing the competition, and making a significant impact on your community.
That’s why we’ve created this Growth Playbook specifically for sports facilities. Packed with strategies like live virtual training, tiered memberships, and local influencer partnerships, this guide is designed to help you not just survive but thrive. These aren’t just buzzwords—they’re the tools you need to expand and succeed.
But how do you make growth happen? We’re glad you asked.
This guide goes beyond giving you new ideas; it helps you turn those ideas into action. We’re here to ensure your facility isn’t just another gym in town but a leader in innovation and client satisfaction.
Influencer marketing isn’t just for big brands. In fact, local sports facilities can greatly benefit from partnering with community influencers—local athletes, fitness experts, and even popular bloggers. By collaborating with these local stars, you can significantly boost your facility’s visibility and attract new clients.
But how do you make influencer marketing work for you? Let’s break it down:
Word-of-mouth is powerful, but you can take it a step further by implementing a competitive referral program. Not only does this encourage your current clients to bring in new ones, but adding a competitive element can make the process more engaging.
Partnerships go beyond just influencers. Collaborating with local businesses, schools, and community organizations can also help grow your sports facility. These partnerships can create a support network, leading to increased referrals and community engagement.
In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is essential. Optimizing your website for search engines can help you attract more local traffic and convert visitors into clients.
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Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile:
Ensure your profile is complete with accurate information, engaging photos, and up-to-date contact details. A well-optimized profile increases your visibility in local search results.
Get Listed on Relevant Directories:
Being listed in local and industry-specific directories improves your online visibility and credibility, making it easier for potential clients to find you.
Fix Basic SEO Issues on Your Website:
Address any technical issues, such as slow loading times or broken links, that might be negatively impacting your site’s performance. Tools like SEMrush and Ahrefs can help you conduct an SEO audit to identify and fix these issues.
Focus on Long-Tail Keywords:
Target specific search phrases that potential clients are likely to use, such as “best sports facility in [City Name].” Use keyword research tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush to find the most relevant keywords with manageable competition and strong search volume.
Encourage Google Reviews:
Positive reviews not only build trust but also boost your local search rankings. Responding to reviews shows your engagement and can help attract more clients.
Offering both in-person and virtual training can be a game-changer for your sports facility. This hybrid approach allows you to reach a wider audience, including those who prefer the convenience of working out from home.
Tiered memberships simplify the decision-making process for your clients while allowing you to offer a range of options to suit different needs and budgets.
Email marketing is one of the most direct ways to stay connected with your clients. Whether you’re welcoming new members or sharing special offers, email is a powerful tool for engagement.
You now have the strategies and tools to take your sports facility to the next level. From leveraging influencer partnerships and offering hybrid memberships to engaging clients through email marketing, you’re equipped to attract new members, boost client retention, and drive more revenue.
Remember, the key to success is consistency and adaptability. Keep refining your approach, stay connected with your community, and don’t hesitate to try new things. Your facility is more than just a place to train—it’s a community hub, a support system, and a launchpad for your clients’ success.
Why detailed budgets are important for sports businesses, how to create budgets, and a free sports budget template. Have you ever wanted a simple excel template to budget for your sports business? A budget projection that provides the basics like revenue and expense estimates so you can arrive at projected profitability? Our free budget template was put together with the help of a national facility franchise and contains additional input from our customer’s feedback.
Managing a sports facility comes with its challenges: scheduling, registration, payment processing, and marketing. Upper Hand’s all-in-one platform provides efficient solutions tailored to the needs of sports facility owners. From eliminating double bookings with a user-friendly scheduling system to offering secure payment processing and automated membership renewals, Upper Hand streamlines operations and enhances customer experience.