How to Get More Gym Members (that Stick!) in 2024

To get more gym members, you need to implement a combination of effective marketing strategies, build a strong community, and offer personalized services that keep members engaged.

Attracting new gym members that stick around requires more than just traditional advertising; it involves providing value through targeted gym marketing ideas, gym referral program ideas that work, and delivering a standout gym customer experience.

The data below describes how gym members typically find a gym. This data can help gym owners understand effective ways to attract new gym members:

Method of Finding a Gym	Percentage of Members
Word of mouth/Referrals	42%
Location convenience	38%
Online search	35%
Social media advertising	28%
Traditional advertising	22%
Promotions/Discounts	20%
Fitness apps	15%
Health insurance programs	12%
Corporate partnerships	10%
Community events	8%

(It’s important to note that these percentages may not add up to 100% as members often find gyms through multiple channels. Gym owners should consider using a combination of these methods to maximize their reach and attract a diverse membership base.)

This table provides insights into the most common ways people discover and choose gyms. Gym word of mouth marketing and referrals appear to be the most effective method, followed closely by convenient location. Online presence, including search engine optimization and social media advertising, also plays a significant role in attracting new gym members. Gym owners can use this information to focus their marketing efforts on areas with the highest potential return and by identifying common gym member complaints and working to remedy them swiftly. For example, implementing a strong gym referral program could be highly effective. Additionally, ensuring the gym has a strong online presence and engaging in local gym partnership marketing and community events for gym marketing could help attract new members for a gym.

Growing your gym membership base and dialing in your process for learning how to get new gym members requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses both member acquisition and retention. By leveraging gym digital marketing, improving client engagement, and offering referral incentives, you can create a sustainable gym membership sales growth strategies. Below, we’ll guide you through actionable steps to help you attract and retain more members for your gym.

When it comes to growing your gym membership, it’s all about leveraging effective strategies that engage both new and existing members. Tools like automated marketing, referral programs, and on-demand workouts play a huge role in attracting and retaining members, and Exercise.com is the best gym management software to support all of these efforts. Learning how to get people to join a gym requires making use of the newest and most powerful software tools. It offers features like automated marketing, membership management, and performance tracking that are designed to grow your gym business.

For instance, gym referral programs are one of the most efficient ways to grow your gym through word-of-mouth. With Exercise.com, you can easily implement and track a referral system that rewards your current members for bringing in new clients. Not only can you automate reward distribution, but you can also gain insights into which members are referring the most clients, making it easier to fine-tune your approach.

On-demand workout content is another powerful way to extend your gym’s reach. Whether your members are traveling or prefer working out at home, offering virtual classes through Exercise.com’s on-demand platform ensures they remain engaged with your gym. This feature expands your membership base beyond your physical location and appeals to clients who value flexibility in their workout routines.

In addition, email and text marketing can help keep your gym top-of-mind for both potential and current members. With Exercise.com’s automated messaging features, you can set up welcome emails, send reminders about free trials or promotions, and even re-engage members who may be at risk of canceling. This type of personalized communication is a key component of a successful gym lead generation strategy and helps build stronger relationships with members and increases the chances of converting leads into long-term clients.

Exercise.com is the best gym management software to help you attract more members. Whether it’s through automating your marketing, simplifying referral programs, or offering on-demand workouts, Exercise.com gives you the tools needed to grow your gym effectively. With its robust features, you can streamline your operations, engage more members, and ultimately grow your business faster.

Book a demo today to see how Exercise.com can help you get more gym members and take your fitness business to the next level!

Get a demo now!

Step #1 – Optimize Your Digital Marketing Strategy

The first step in gaining more gym members is to optimize your gym digital marketing strategy. With most potential members searching online for fitness solutions, it’s crucial to have a strong online presence.

• Is your gym’s website optimized for search engines (SEO)?
• Do you have an active social media presence?
• Are you using paid advertising like Google Ads or Facebook Ads?
• Is your online booking system seamless and user-friendly?

By focusing on these areas, you can capture potential members who are already interested in fitness. Exercise.com’s platform includes marketing automation tools to help you run targeted campaigns, optimize your gym SEO, and manage leads from ads all in one place, making it easier to convert online traffic into gym memberships.

Read More:

• Gym Digital Marketing
• Gym Social Media Marketing
• Best Gym Booking Software

Step #2 – Implement a Referral Program

One of the most effective ways to get more gym members is by leveraging your existing member base through creating a gym referral program. Current members are your best advocates, and offering incentives can encourage them to bring in friends and family.

• Offer discounted membership rates for referrals.
• Provide free personal training sessions or classes for each successful referral.
• Create a tiered reward system where members earn increasing rewards for more referrals.
• Ensure the referral process is simple and trackable.

Exercise.com’s referral tracking feature makes it easy to manage and reward members who bring in new clients. You can automate referral rewards and monitor the success of your program, ensuring a steady stream of new members.

Read More:

• How to Create a Gym Referral Program
• Gym Referral Program Ideas
• Best Gym Software with Referral Management

Step #3 – Build a Strong Community

Creating a sense of community within your gym is essential for attracting and retaining members. People are more likely to join and stay if they feel a sense of belonging and connection.

• Host events, challenges, or social activities to engage members.
• Offer group fitness classes to build camaraderie.
• Encourage member interaction through social media groups or apps.
• Foster personal relationships between trainers and members.

Exercise.com’s gym management software helps you create and maintain this sense of community with its engagement features. You can organize events, challenges, and track member participation easily. Plus, its client messaging tools allow for consistent communication and engagement with your members.

Step #4 – Focus on Personalization

Offering personalized services, like fitness assessments and customized workout plans, can set your gym apart from the competition. Today’s fitness clients expect tailored experiences that cater to their unique goals and preferences.

• Provide initial fitness consultations for all new members.
• Offer personalized workout programs based on individual goals.
• Use performance tracking to monitor member progress.
• Deliver personalized communication, such as birthday messages or tailored class recommendations.

With Exercise.com, you can personalize your services through its performance tracking, custom workout plan generation, and automated communication features. These capabilities help you offer a more engaging and individualized experience that keeps members coming back.

Step #5 – Enhance Member Experience with Gym Management Software

Ensuring a seamless experience from sign-up to daily gym usage is crucial to retaining members and encouraging them to spread the word. The best gym management software can streamline this experience, making it easy for new members to join and current members to stay engaged.

• Offer online membership sign-ups and class bookings.
• Provide a mobile app where members can manage their accounts.
• Streamline check-in processes with integrated gym access control.
• Automate billing and membership renewals for a frictionless payment process.

Exercise.com stands out as the best gym management software for creating an excellent member experience. Its platform includes online bookings, membership management, performance tracking, and mobile app integration, ensuring that your members have everything they need to stay connected and engaged with your gym.

To get more gym members, you need a comprehensive strategy that includes digital marketing, referrals, community building, and personalized services. Exercise.com provides the best tools to manage and grow your gym business, making it easy to implement these strategies and streamline your operations. With features like referral tracking, marketing automation, and performance tracking, Exercise.com helps you not only attract new members but also retain them.

Ready to grow your gym? Book a demo with Exercise.com today to see how it can help you increase your membership and take your business to the next level.

Get a demo now!

Tips to Attract People to Your Gym

Attracting new members to your gym is essential for long-term growth, but it requires more than just opening your doors and waiting for people to come in. You need a proactive approach that combines marketing, community building, and outstanding customer service. Whether you’re a small boutique gym or a large fitness facility, implementing the right strategies can make all the difference in standing out in a competitive market.

To help you grow your membership base, here are 25 proven tips for attracting people to your gym. These tips cover everything from digital marketing to creating a welcoming environment, and many of them can be seamlessly integrated into Exercise.com’s gym management platform, making your efforts more efficient and effective.

1. Optimize Your Website for SEO: Ensure your gym’s website is optimized for local gym SEO with the best gym and fitness keywords for SEO so potential members can find you when searching for gyms in your area. Let Exercise.com help create a gym website with the best gym website builder software.
2. Offer a Free Trial Membership: Invite potential members to experience your gym with a free trial period. Exercise.com makes it easy to manage trial memberships and track conversions.
3. Create Referral Incentives: Implement a gym referral program that rewards existing members for bringing in new clients. Exercise.com can automate and track referral rewards and help you implement many different gym referral program ideas.
4. Host Community Events: Partner with local businesses or organize fitness-related events to raise awareness about your gym in the local community.
5. Leverage Social Media Marketing: Regularly post engaging content on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to connect with potential members and showcase your gym’s culture. The best gym social media marketing strategy involves both your staff, members, and community so get started putting some new gym social media post ideas into action.
6. Collaborate with Fitness Influencers: Partner with local fitness influencers to promote your gym through social media shout-outs, videos, or guest appearances.
7. Offer Corporate Wellness Programs: Reach out to local businesses to offer corporate gym memberships or wellness programs as an employee benefit.
8. Run Targeted Ads: Use platforms like Google Ads or Facebook Ads to target potential gym members based on location and interests.
9. Create a Mobile-Friendly Website: Ensure your website is mobile-friendly so that potential members can easily navigate it and sign up from their phones.
10. Host Open House Events: Hold gym open house events where potential members can tour the facility, meet trainers, and try out classes for free.
11. Offer Specialty Fitness Classes: Introduce unique classes such as HIIT, yoga, or martial arts to attract a wider audience looking for something new.
12. Build a Strong Online Review Presence: Encourage satisfied members to leave positive reviews on platforms like Google or Yelp to boost your gym’s online reputation.
13. Create a VIP Membership Tier: Offer an exclusive membership tier with added perks like priority booking or personal training discounts.
14. Engage with Your Local Community: Partner with local sports teams, schools, or recreational clubs to offer discounts or host training sessions.
15. Create Engaging Video Content: Share workout tutorials, gym tours, or success stories from members on YouTube or social media to attract interest.
16. Offer Family Membership Plans: Provide discounted family memberships to encourage more members to sign up together.
17. Host Fitness Challenges: Organize monthly fitness challenges with prizes to create excitement and engage both current and potential members. Check out this guide to learn how to run a fitness challenge and this list of fitness challenge ideas for gyms to find what works for your gym.
18. Partner with Nutritionists or Health Coaches: Add value to your gym’s offerings by partnering with nutritionists or wellness coaches to provide holistic fitness solutions.
19. Use Email Marketing: Send out regular newsletters with promotions, gym updates, and fitness tips to keep your audience engaged.
20. Offer Member Appreciation Events: Host special events or give out small rewards to show appreciation for your members, which can help increase retention and generate word-of-mouth referrals.
21. Introduce On-Demand Workouts: With Exercise.com’s best gym on-demand workout software features, you can offer virtual workouts to members, expanding your reach beyond the gym walls.
22. Develop Strong Member Testimonials: Collect and showcase testimonials from your current members on your website and social media to build credibility.
23. Offer Personalized Training Programs: Provide custom fitness plans tailored to individual members’ goals, and use Exercise.com’s performance tracking tools to monitor progress.
24. Create an Engaging Environment: Make your gym a place where members feel comfortable and excited to work out by investing in high-quality equipment, cleanliness, and a welcoming atmosphere.
25. Use Text and Email Automation: With Exercise.com’s best gym marketing software and automation features, you can easily send follow-up texts or emails to prospective members who have visited the gym or inquired about memberships.

Attracting new members to your gym requires a combination of strong marketing strategies, member engagement, and community involvement. By following these tips, you can create a welcoming, results-driven environment that not only attracts new members but also keeps them coming back. Exercise.com offers the tools you need to manage all aspects of your gym, from marketing and referrals to membership tracking and performance monitoring.

To see how Exercise.com can help you attract more gym members and streamline your operations, book a demo today and start growing your gym business! To see how Exercise.com can help you attract more gym members and streamline your operations, book a demo today and start growing your gym business!

Get a demo now!

How to Get More Gym Members Online

To get more gym members online, it’s essential to leverage digital marketing strategies that target the right audience and convert leads into members. With the increasing demand for online searches and social media engagement, your gym’s online presence plays a significant role in attracting new clients.

• Optimize your website for SEO: Ensure your gym appears in local searches by optimizing for keywords like “gyms near me” or “best gym in [your location].”
• Use Google Ads and Facebook Ads: Run targeted ads that drive traffic to your website or sign-up page.
• Create engaging social media content: Post regularly on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok with content that shows your gym’s unique offerings, including videos, client success stories, and fitness tips.
• Offer online sign-ups and free trials: Make it easy for potential members to sign up for a trial or book a tour directly through your website.

Exercise.com makes it easy to manage all of these strategies. With marketing automation, online booking, and performance tracking, you can seamlessly convert online visitors into long-term gym members.

Read More:

• How to Sell Gym Memberships Online
• How to Sell Personal Training Online
• Gym Digital Marketing
• Gym SEO
• Gym Social Media Marketing

Gym Membership Sales Strategies

Effective gym membership sales strategies focus on understanding potential members’ needs and presenting your gym as the solution. Building relationships, offering personalized tours, and addressing concerns can significantly boost membership sales.

• Understand member needs: Ask potential members about their fitness goals and provide personalized solutions.
• Offer value-driven tours: Show prospects the unique value your gym provides, such as personalized training, specialty classes, or state-of-the-art equipment.
• Create urgency with limited-time offers: Encourage sign-ups by offering discounts or promotions that expire within a set timeframe.
• Follow up with prospects: After a tour or consultation, send a follow-up email or text with a special offer or reminder to sign up.

With Exercise.com, you can track sales interactions, manage leads, and automate follow-up communications, making it easier to close more gym memberships.

Read More:

• Gym Membership Sales Strategies
• How to Sell More Gym Memberships

How to Convince Someone to Get a Gym Membership

To convince someone to get a gym membership, focus on addressing their pain points and highlighting the benefits of joining your facility. Understanding their goals, offering solutions, and creating a welcoming environment are key to convincing potential members to commit.

• Listen to their concerns: Whether they’re worried about price, time, or fitness level, address potential members’ concerns directly.
• Highlight the benefits: Emphasize how a gym membership can help them achieve specific fitness goals, reduce stress, or improve their overall well-being.
• Offer personalized incentives: Provide a tailored offer, such as a discounted membership or a free personal training session, to help them feel comfortable with the decision.
• Create a sense of community: Show them that joining your gym isn’t just about workouts; it’s about becoming part of a supportive fitness community.

Exercise.com allows you to personalize every interaction by offering tailored fitness plans, automated follow-ups, and engaging messaging to help convert prospects into loyal members.

Read More: How to Sell Gym Memberships Over the Phone

Gym Membership Promotion Ideas

Running creative gym promotions is a great way to attract new members and increase engagement with your current clients. Promotions encourage urgency, create excitement, and offer value that can convert interested individuals into long-term members.

• Offer a free trial week: Let potential members experience your gym without any commitment for seven days.
• Create a “bring a friend” promotion: Offer discounts to members who bring in new clients, encouraging word-of-mouth growth.
• Discounted group memberships: Provide discounts to families or friends who sign up together.
• Holiday-themed promotions: Create promotions around holidays like New Year’s, summer, or back-to-school time to incentivize sign-ups during key times of the year.

Monthly Gym Promotion Ideas

To keep excitement high, run a different promotion each month, allowing you to continually attract new members while re-engaging current clients.

• January: New Year, New You – Offer discounted memberships for those committing to fitness resolutions.
• February: Valentine’s Duo Deal – Provide a discounted rate for couples signing up together.
• March: Spring into Fitness – Encourage sign-ups with a free fitness assessment or training session.
• April: Member Appreciation Month – Offer current members rewards for referrals and exclusive perks.
• June: Summer Shape-Up Challenge – Run a fitness challenge with a prize for the best transformation.

Exercise.com helps you easily implement and manage these promotions by tracking referrals, automating promotional offers, and providing insights into which promotions bring the most success.

Read More:

• Gym Promotion Ideas
• Monthly Gym Promotion Ideas

Attracting more gym members and boosting your gym’s revenue requires a strategic approach that combines digital marketing, sales strategies, and creative promotions. Exercise.com is the ideal platform to help you manage these efforts, providing you with all the tools needed to track leads, automate promotions, and personalize member experiences.

Book a demo today to discover how Exercise.com can help you grow your gym membership and streamline your business operations.

Get a demo now!

How to increase memberships at a gym?

To increase memberships at a gym, focus on referral programs, targeted marketing campaigns, and offering special promotions like free trials or discounted first months. You can also host community events or fitness challenges to engage potential members. Using gym management software like Exercise.com helps track leads, automate follow-ups, and manage promotions, ensuring you can maximize membership growth.

How do you get people into the gym?

To get people into the gym, offer enticing promotions like free guest passes or a “bring a friend” day. Effective digital marketing, such as social media ads targeting your local community, can also draw people in. Creating partnerships with local businesses and offering corporate memberships can further boost foot traffic. Gym management software like Exercise.com helps track these campaigns and manage new leads effectively.

How to encourage people to join the gym?

Encourage people to join the gym by providing a welcoming environment, offering flexible membership options, and highlighting the benefits of joining, such as access to personal training or group classes. Running refer a friend gym promotions and offering limited-time discounts can create urgency. Exercise.com helps automate these processes, making it easier to attract and convert potential members.

How to maximize gym membership?

Maximize gym membership by retaining current members and upselling services like personal training or group fitness classes. Offering tiered memberships with added benefits can incentivize people to upgrade. Consistent communication with members through apps or email can keep them engaged. Exercise.com provides tools to manage memberships, track usage, and offer personalized experiences that enhance member retention and satisfaction.

How do you attract gym members?

Attract gym members by offering a variety of fitness classes, engaging marketing campaigns, and personalized onboarding experiences. Promotions such as a refer a friend gym discount can also bring in new members. Make use of digital marketing platforms to showcase your gym’s amenities and success stories. Exercise.com helps manage lead tracking, promotions, and member engagement, making it easier to attract and retain gym members.

Read More: Fitness Class Ideas

How do you retain customers in a gym?

To retain customers in a gym, focus on building strong relationships with members through personalized services, regular check-ins, and community-building events. Offering incentives for long-term memberships and continuously improving the gym environment can also boost retention. Exercise.com provides tools to track member satisfaction, automate follow-ups, and offer loyalty programs, helping you retain members more effectively.

Read More: How do you retain customers in a gym?

How to increase foot traffic in a gym?

Increase foot traffic in a gym by hosting events like fitness challenges, open houses, or community health fairs. Offering free trials or discounted day passes can also attract potential members. Strategic social media campaigns and referral programs can further drive traffic. Exercise.com helps manage and track these initiatives, ensuring that you convert foot traffic into memberships.

How do you add people to fitness classes?

Add people to fitness classes by offering introductory or free classes to potential members. Promote the benefits of group workouts and create class-specific referral programs to encourage members to bring friends. Use social media to highlight class success stories and offer incentives for signing up early. Exercise.com helps manage class registrations, track attendance, and automate promotions, making it easy to fill classes.

How can I grow my gym business?

To grow your gym business, focus on improving member retention, expanding your services, and optimizing your marketing strategy. Offering additional services like personal training, online coaching, and retail sales can boost revenue. Using Exercise.com helps you manage these services efficiently, track member progress, and automate marketing efforts to grow your gym business sustainably.

Read More: How can I grow my gym business?

How can I make my gym more inviting?

Make your gym more inviting by ensuring the facility is clean, well-lit, and staffed with friendly, knowledgeable trainers. Create a welcoming atmosphere by offering amenities like comfortable seating areas, free Wi-Fi, and social spaces. Hosting social events, such as member appreciation days or fitness challenges, can foster a sense of community. Exercise.com helps manage these events and create a seamless experience for members.

Read More:

• Gym Design Guide
• Gym Layout Ideas

What is a short gym motto?

A short gym motto could be “Stronger Every Day” or “Your Fitness, Your Journey.” A strong motto should reflect your gym’s mission and inspire members to reach their goals.

Read More: Gym Slogan Ideas

How to motivate a gym member to try personal training?

Motivate a gym member to try personal training by offering free or discounted introductory sessions. Show them how personalized guidance can help them achieve their fitness goals faster and more effectively. Highlight success stories and explain the benefits of one-on-one coaching. Exercise.com allows you to promote personal training services through automated messages and track client progress.

How to boost gym membership?

Boost gym membership by offering promotions like limited-time discounts, referral programs, and free trials. Engage with potential members through targeted social media campaigns and local partnerships. Hosting fitness challenges or events can also attract new members. Using Exercise.com allows you to track these promotions, manage leads, and boost member acquisition efficiently.

How can I make my gym more social?

Make your gym more social by organizing group activities such as fitness challenges, team-based classes, or social events like member appreciation days. Encourage interaction through social media groups or a member community app. Offering workshops or group seminars on fitness topics can also foster community engagement. Exercise.com helps manage event sign-ups and creates a space for community building within your gym.

How can I increase my gym membership price?

To increase your gym membership price, offer added value such as new equipment, additional services like personal training, or enhanced amenities. Communicate the benefits of the price increase clearly to members and provide tiered membership options with varying benefits. Exercise.com helps manage membership pricing and track customer satisfaction, ensuring smooth transitions when adjusting pricing.

Read More: How can I increase my gym membership price?

How do I scale up my gym business?

Scale up your gym business by expanding your services, such as offering online classes, wellness programs, or opening additional locations. Implementing efficient operational systems and the best gym management software, like Exercise.com, allows you to manage memberships, streamline billing, and automate marketing efforts as you grow. Focusing on member retention and consistently attracting new members will also support scalable growth.

What is the best gym management software for getting more gym members?

Exercise.com is the best gym management software for getting more gym members. It offers tools to manage marketing campaigns, automate follow-ups, track leads, and provide seamless member experiences. The software helps gym owners attract and retain members through personalized communication, easy class scheduling, and automated billing, all of which contribute to membership growth.

Get a demo now!