• EDUCATE. EMPOWER. SUCCEED.
  • Subscribe
  • Newsletter
  • Media Kit
  • Contact
  • Login
Club Solutions Magazine
  • Topics
    • Leadership
    • Marketing & Sales
    • News
    • Operations
    • Programming
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletter
    • Media Kit
    • Contact Us
  • On-Demand
  • Education
    • Club Solutions Leadership Summit
    • Club Solutions Leadership Retreat
    • Pickleball Innovators
    • The Leadership Accelerator Video Series
    • Club Solutions Book Club: High Road Leadership, John C Maxwell
    • Club Solutions Book Club: The Advantage
  • Supplier Insights
    • Brand Voice
    • Supplier Voice
    • Supplier News
  • Podcast
  • Webinars
    • Thought Leaders: A Virtual Roundtable Series
    • On-Demand Webinars
  • Buyer’s Guide
No Result
View All Result
  • Topics
    • Leadership
    • Marketing & Sales
    • News
    • Operations
    • Programming
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletter
    • Media Kit
    • Contact Us
  • On-Demand
  • Education
    • Club Solutions Leadership Summit
    • Club Solutions Leadership Retreat
    • Pickleball Innovators
    • The Leadership Accelerator Video Series
    • Club Solutions Book Club: High Road Leadership, John C Maxwell
    • Club Solutions Book Club: The Advantage
  • Supplier Insights
    • Brand Voice
    • Supplier Voice
    • Supplier News
  • Podcast
  • Webinars
    • Thought Leaders: A Virtual Roundtable Series
    • On-Demand Webinars
  • Buyer’s Guide
No Result
View All Result
Club Solutions Magazine
No Result
View All Result
Home In Print

Promoting Online Joining

Carole Oat by Carole Oat
December 30, 2014
in In Print, Solutions On
0
Promoting Online Joining
Share on FacebookShare on LinkedIn

January is upon us, which is the best month for health clubs to engage and sell new memberships. So now’s the time to know: Is your website ready for online joining? If not, it should be.

Web technology has evolved tremendously, and it’s now easier than ever to allow customers — non-members, former members and prospects — to purchase memberships directly from your website.

Industry stats show that many clubs are selling 15 to 20 percent of their new memberships online, and that percentage is trending upwards. By using your website as a business platform, all visitors can connect, learn and perhaps purchase in ways not even imaginable a few years ago. Ultimately, online joining is a sales tool that can promise significant revenue gains.

To set up online joining, start by talking with your club management software provider. They should be able to set up the functionality, integration and components to put online joining in place. The recurring cost should be minimal, and will need to allow for an e-commerce account for credit cards to be accepted.

After online joining has been activated, be sure your website is as visually pleasing as possible. Have simple examples of the membership plans, keeping it to three options or less. A virtual tour, member testimonials and easy-to-understand membership rates will help in the decision-making process for prospects.

Next, promote this easy-to-use capability. All marketing sources such as direct mail, billboards, ads and posters should include your website and mention the ability to join online. Boast the benefits of customers not having to deal with a sales rep — prospects can do it all online, come in, pick up their membership card and get started.

When a prospect joins a confirmation message is given on the screen welcoming them, and they should also receive a follow-up email. Make sure that the online joining program also allows the member to see and print their real contract, with their information filled in. This is very important as it serves as their official, legal agreement and their receipt of membership.

In addition, an online joining program should generate reports on the number of visitors, who and how many joined, what type of membership was purchased, monetary increase to the monthly dues line and track the marketing source. This allows managers to see the effectiveness of promotional campaigns.

Ironically, most clubs find that when they promote their website it leads to other online sales as well, such as personal training or tanning.

Although you may have to pay a reasonable set-up fee for online joining (between $100 and $300) and approximately 2.5 percent for credit card merchant fees, the benefits are well worth the initial cost.

The big question is not, “Why should a club offer online joining?” but, “Why not?”

 

Carole Oat is the national sales manager at Twin Oaks Software. She can be reached at 860.829.6000 x 281 or at coat@tosd.com. Oat was a large club owner and operator for 15 years.

 

Stay ahead in the fitness industry with exclusive updates!

Carole Oat

Carole Oat is a national sales manager at Twin Oaks Software and a former club owner and operator for 15 years. She can be reached at coat@tosd.com or 860.829.6000 x 281.

Tags: solutions on
Previous Post

The Hiring Conundrum, Solved

Next Post

Seven Steps to Gigantic Gym Profits

Carole Oat

Carole Oat

Carole Oat is a national sales manager at Twin Oaks Software and a former club owner and operator for 15 years. She can be reached at coat@tosd.com or 860.829.6000 x 281.

Related Posts

110 Ideas
Cover Story

The Inspiration Issue: 110 Ideas to Push You and Your Business Forward

May 20, 2025
cryotherapy
Supplier Voice

Future-Proof Your Gym with Cryotherapy

May 20, 2025
HIIT
Supplier Voice

HIIT Solutions for Every Body

May 20, 2025
uncertain times
Supplier Voice

Leading During Uncertain Times

May 20, 2025
Purpose Brands
Cover Story

Purpose Brands: New Name, Same Purpose

March 17, 2025
cardio training
Features

Rethinking and Revamping Cardio Training

March 17, 2025
Next Post
Seven Steps to Gigantic Gym Profits

Seven Steps to Gigantic Gym Profits

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

GET UPDATES IN YOUR INBOX

Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn

The Current Issue

May/June Issue 2025

May/June Issue 2025



Browse

  • Home
  • Subscribe
  • Newsletter
  • Media Kit
  • The Magazine
  • Club Solutions On-Demand
  • Buyer’s Guide
  • Contact Us

© 2025 Club Solutions Magazine. Published by Peake Media.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Topics
    • Leadership
    • Marketing & Sales
    • News
    • Operations
    • Programming
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletter
    • Media Kit
    • Contact Us
  • On-Demand
  • Education
    • Club Solutions Leadership Summit
    • Club Solutions Leadership Retreat
    • Pickleball Innovators
    • The Leadership Accelerator Video Series
    • Club Solutions Book Club: High Road Leadership, John C Maxwell
    • Club Solutions Book Club: The Advantage
  • Supplier Insights
    • Brand Voice
    • Supplier Voice
    • Supplier News
  • Podcast
  • Webinars
    • Thought Leaders: A Virtual Roundtable Series
    • On-Demand Webinars
  • Buyer’s Guide

© 2025 Club Solutions Magazine. Published by Peake Media.