Retention is key to a thriving gym business, and automated follow-ups can make all the difference. By leveraging email and SMS automation for post-class surveys, membership renewals, and promotions, gyms can keep members engaged, reduce churn, and boost sign-ups. Learn how smart automation can grow your gym’s membership effortlessly.

Testimonial: How Automated Follow-Ups Helped Grow My Memberships

“As the owner of Designs by Brandy, I didn’t initially realize how much automated follow-ups could impact my business. After adding email and SMS automation for follow-up surveys, membership renewals, and promotions, the results were amazing. Clients now receive timely reminders to renew, personalized surveys after consultations, and special offers that keep them engaged.

This automation has not only helped me reduce churn but also boosted new sign-ups. The best part is that it all runs on autopilot, leaving me with more time to focus on delivering great designs. These automated follow-ups have been a game changer in keeping my clients engaged and growing my business!”

— Brandy, Designs by Brandy

Automated Follow-Ups: The Secret to Growing Your Gym Membership

 Running a successful gym isn’t just about signing up new members—it’s about keeping them engaged and motivated. Many gym owners focus heavily on acquiring new clients but struggle with retention. The truth is, members who feel valued and connected to your gym are more likely to renew their memberships and even refer friends.

Automated follow-ups take the guesswork out of member engagement. Whether it’s sending a post-class survey, reminding a client about an expiring membership, or promoting special deals, automation ensures that every touchpoint happens at the right time. Let’s explore how automated emails and SMS messages can help your gym thrive.

Key Automated Follow-Ups Every Gym Should Implement

1. Post-Class or Post-Workout Surveys

Getting feedback from your members is crucial to improving your gym’s services. A simple automated email or SMS survey sent after a class or training session can provide insights into what’s working and what needs improvement.

Benefits:

• Shows members that their opinions matter

• Helps trainers and instructors adjust their approach

• Increases member satisfaction and retention

Example Automation:

“Hey [First Name], we hope you enjoyed your class today! How was your experience? Let us know by filling out this quick 2-minute survey: [Survey Link]”

2. Membership Renewal Reminders

One of the biggest reasons gyms lose members is because they forget to renew. Sending timely reminders through email or SMS ensures that members don’t lapse unintentionally.

Best Practices:

• Send a reminder 30 days before expiration, then again at 7 days and 1 day before.

• Include a direct renewal link to make the process easy.

• Offer a limited-time discount or incentive for early renewal.

Example Automation:

“Hi [First Name], your gym membership is expiring soon! Renew by [Expiration Date] and get 10% off your next month. Click here to renew: [Renewal Link]”

3. Class and Session Reminders

Life gets busy, and members sometimes forget their scheduled classes or personal training sessions. Automated reminders reduce no-shows and keep your gym running smoothly.

Benefits:

• Reduces last-minute cancellations

• Improves class attendance rates

• Keeps members accountable and engaged

Example Automation:

“Hey [First Name], just a friendly reminder that your [Class Name] class is tomorrow at [Time]. Don’t forget to bring your water bottle and energy! See you there!”

4. New Member Onboarding Sequences

When someone joins your gym, their first few weeks are crucial in determining whether they stick around. A well-designed onboarding email sequence helps new members feel welcome and informed.

What to Include:

• A welcome message with facility information and class schedules

• A follow-up email with tips for getting the most out of their membership

• An invite to book a free personal training session or fitness consultation

Example Automation:

“Welcome to [Gym Name], [First Name]! We’re so excited to have you on board. Here’s everything you need to know to get started: [Onboarding Link]. If you have any questions, we’re here to help!”

5. Special Promotions & Referral Programs

Automated follow-ups are a great way to encourage current members to bring in friends or take advantage of special promotions. Whether it’s a seasonal discount or a referral bonus, automation ensures the message reaches the right people at the right time.

Best Practices:

• Offer incentives for both the referrer and the new member

• Use SMS for time-sensitive promotions

• Create urgency with limited-time offers

Example Automation:

“Bring a friend and save! Refer a friend to [Gym Name] this month, and you both get 20% off your next membership fee. Start referring here: [Referral Link]”

6. Re-Engagement Campaigns for Inactive Members

Noticing a member hasn’t visited in a while? An automated re-engagement campaign can help bring them back by offering incentives or simply reminding them why they joined in the first place.

Best Practices:

• Personalize messages based on their last visit date

• Offer a free class or guest pass to encourage a return

• Include motivational messaging to reignite their fitness goals

Example Automation:

“Hey [First Name], we haven’t seen you in a while! We miss you at [Gym Name]. Come back this week and enjoy a free class on us. Book now: [Booking Link]”

The Power of SMS vs. Email for Gym Follow-Ups

Both SMS and email automation have their place in a gym’s follow-up strategy. But which one should you use?

• Email is best for longer messages, onboarding sequences, and promotions.

• SMS is ideal for time-sensitive reminders, last-minute offers, and urgent alerts.

A balanced approach using both ensures maximum engagement.

How to Set Up Automated Follow-Ups for Your Gym

Setting up automation might sound complicated, but with the right tools, it’s simple. Many customer relationship management (CRM) platforms and gym management software include automation features. Here’s how to get started:

1. Choose the Right Software – Look for gym management platforms like Mindbody, Glofox, or GymMaster that offer automation.

2. Define Your Sequences – Plan out what messages should be sent and when.

3. Personalize Messages – Use first names and tailor content to each member’s behavior.

4. Test & Optimize – Track open rates, click-throughs, and engagement to refine your strategy.

Final Thoughts: Growing Your Gym Membership with Automation

Automated follow-ups aren’t just a convenience—they’re a powerful tool for building stronger relationships with your members, increasing retention, and ultimately growing your gym’s membership base. Whether it’s reminding members to renew, encouraging them to return, or rewarding referrals, automation ensures your gym stays top of mind.

At Designs by Brandy, we specialize in creating smart websites that integrate seamlessly with automated follow-up systems. If you want to improve engagement and streamline your gym’s communication, schedule a free consultation today and let’s build a strategy that keeps your members coming back!