Texting: The No. 1 Communication Method

According to a recent study, over 68% of consumers said they text more than they talk on their smartphones. This statistic shows club members and prospects are more likely to engage with gyms and studios when they can reach out by text.

“Texting helps gyms avoid playing phone tag, as consumers are growing more wary of unknown calls,” said Natalie Schwab, the senior manager of content marketing at Zipwhip. “Most texts are read within minutes of being sent.”

Automation features can help clubs keep classes full. Employees can easily text members about last-minute class openings with the confidence members will see those messages in time. There are a host of other use cases for business texting, including billing reminders, member engagement like sending words of encouragement, studio announcements and new membership inquiries.

“Texting is a simple way to engage prospects and gain new members, as well as engage with existing members to make sure they’re happy,” said Schwab.

Text messaging is also an extremely efficient tool, because front desk staff can engage with multiple members or prospects at a time, whereas phone calls can be limiting. Texting helps staff speed up their workflow because they’re able to reach their contacts faster. 

A recent Zipwhip study revealed 68% of gym members who do not have the option to text their gym or studio would like the option. “Whether gyms or studios are prepared for business texting, customers are already asking for it,” said Schwab. “And they’re likely already trying to text their gym or studio, because it’s now an expected form of communication. If gym and studios aren’t set up to receive those texts, they will go unanswered, which will create a negative customer experience.”

Schwan explained that deliverability is almost twice as high with texting versus emails. Special promotions and gym offers are much more likely to be responded to if they are sent via text.

If your club is considering adding text messaging as an option, employee training and implementation of business texting is easy and fast. Not adding this as an option may cause your club to miss out on prime members.