Thank you notes, as part of your health club’s overall marketing strategy, are easily one of the best ways to get potential customers to come to you. Almost all of your competitors are missing out on this incredibly simple, but rarely used, form of gym marketing. Write thank you notes to guests, new members, old members, associates, and employees.
For each person touring your facility, follow up with a thank you note. Whether they join or not, they should receive a thank you note in their mailbox or email within 48 hours. Obviously, this emphasizes the importance of collecting addresses and email addresses in a guest registry. An example of a guest thank you letter would be: “It was a great meeting with you today. I sincerely hope you consider becoming a member. I know you will love it here! When you are ready, just stop by or call me at 555-555- 5555 “.
Even those people who feel like they won’t be coming back and you think it might be a waste of time, you will be pleasantly surprised by how many people will respond positively to a thank you note. I know this is difficult to do, but it is very important. They will also be researching other fitness competitors in the area and will probably need a couple of days to compare before making up their mind. How many thank you notes do you think they will receive during those consideration days? Just one … yours! Send the thank you note immediately after the presentation ends, preferably the same day. Let the note include only your thanks. Please do not try to resell them on the thank you note. Reassure them that you are there if necessary and include your contact number and email address.
All your new members should also receive a thank you note immediately after signing up as part of your health club’s marketing strategy. Your note to new members may say: “Thank you for becoming a member! Feel free to ask if we can do anything to help you achieve your fitness goals. Included you will find some daily passes for your friends. We will be happy to pay for a month of your membership for every friend you send us! Thanks again! “
Your current members also like to feel appreciated, so don’t limit thank you notes to your potential customers and new members, especially since they are the ones who pay your bills. At least every six months, your entire member base should receive a thank you letter. Something straight to the point; “Just a quick thank you for being our member! Without you we would not exist and we sincerely value your decision to continue to be a part of our family. If you need help reaching your fitness goals, please feel free to contact us.” you can mention a gift. “Be sure to stop by the front desk to sign up for our email newsletter and receive a free bottle of water!”
And last but not least, don’t forget to thank your area employees, business partners and retailers; anyone who has helped you with your promotions, or anyone who has helped you refer members to you and improve your business. Show good character. When was the last time you received a thank you note from an associate or manager? The answer is probably never. When you mail or email a thank you note to one of your employees or associates, it is not forgotten for long. So send a quick thank you to all of your employees, no matter how much they tease you for being a softie, deep down they will feel valued. The same goes for anyone in your community who often goes above and beyond to help you build your business.
Get in the habit of sending thank you notes and immediately work your way into the hearts and minds of your prospects, members, and everyone else your fitness business trusts.
