Carole Oat, the national sales manager for Twin Oaks Software, shares key areas club owners and operators should focus on in the years to come for club growth.
The way consumers shop, engage with businesses and work with each other has forever changed. This extends to health clubs, which is why it’s more important than ever for these organizations to utilize software to grow their business. Below are key areas club owners and operators should focus on in 2022 and beyond.
Take advantage of all the features of the software. Often, clubs are not taking full advantage of the features within their software, such as returns management or an automatic credit card updater. Usually, this is a time issue, as club owners and managers have so many priorities pulling them from task to task. While starting a big software project can be daunting, having these features unused or underutilized is leaving dollars on the table.
Keep members satisfied by promoting software features. Some clubs only have their establishment interacting with members in-person while they are physically at the location. While most clubs have the face-to-face interaction mastered, this is a missed opportunity to utilize all suitable club software features.
There is most likely a multitude of streamlined online elements that members can interact with, such as built-in automated marketing or mobile apps. Tools like these make it easy for club owners and operators to reach members, and they also make it easy for members to do things like pay balances.
Furthermore, these features are equipped to boost engagement with elements like gamification — which allows members to earn badges, compete in challenges and start streaks when they complete desirable actions.
When it comes to club members, every interaction matters whether it’s on a website, the phone in their pocket or face-to-face — and the right software partner can make sure all are reached in the best possible way.
Make joining easier. It’s 2022. If members still need to come into the building to join a club, they may be turned off. Many clubs now allow joining without ever stepping foot inside a building. By removing barriers from the onboarding process, such as demo days and in-person sign-up, joining a club is now easier for new members. When access is on their terms, it fosters an environment for growth and engagement.
Software solutions are key in growing a club business and fostering loyal customers. That is why preparing for the future, and handling the needs of today and tomorrow, requires a partner. Outsourcing saves time and money and gives back focus to owners and managers, ultimately allowing them to grow their business faster.
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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.
