For most health clubs signing up members is as easy as 1, 2, 3, but the real challenge is making them stay. Research actually states that 20-30 percent of member attrition are club related or reasons that are within your health club’s control. So take control of these areas with these 5 strategies for improving your health club’s member retention.

Tracking

Having a clear member retention pathway is a key to consistent member retention results. However, if you do not have an adequate tracking system or process in place it is almost impossible to know what stage of the journey each member is up to. The stage a member is up to dictates the next action you take to ensure they remain moving towards their goals.

Onboarding

Onboarding is taking your new members and getting them comfortable and confident as soon as you can. An on-boarding process typically includes face to face appointments, follow up and materials relating to their specific needs. The more comfortable and educated they become the better chances of them staying. Using an automated software such as FitDesk can help you set up an effective onboarding process.

Time

You need to invest a lot of time with your members initially, as your members sign up they are likely to have a lot of questions and will be needing lots of attention. Longer appointments to start can be the best way to get a member settled. Do not be afraid to invest additional time in the early stages to get members started, comfortable and moving in the right direction.

Value

Exceeding your member’s expectation is one of the best way to add value to them. Giving them that extra attention makes them feel valuable and often results in making them stay. Things such as an unexpected gift eg. A free diet plan or a discount for a valued product can help provide members with extra value. Those simple gestures can go a long way.

Follow-up

Essentially this is the cornerstone of the previous 4 strategies. It’s all about connecting and building relationship with your members. Retention comes from relationships so ensure you make member connection a priority for your club

Knowing and understanding these 5 strategies can help set the foundation for retention success.

If you would like assistance with your health clubs member retention please contact FitDesk on 1300 181 665