SMS marketing is a direct way to connect with your audience through text messages. For gyms and fitness studios, it’s a powerful tool to send updates, promotions, and reminders directly to members’ phones. With 98%+ open rates and most texts read within minutes, SMS ensures your message gets seen fast.
Key Benefits of SMS Marketing for Fitness Businesses:
- Instant Communication: Perfect for time-sensitive updates like class changes or flash sales.
- High Engagement: Texts feel personal, driving more responses compared to emails.
- Cost-Effective: Affordable for gyms of all sizes, delivering up to a 45:1 ROI.
- Community Building: Send personalized tips, feedback requests, and milestone celebrations.
Types of SMS Messages You Can Use:
- Promotional Texts: Announce discounts, new classes, or special offers.
- Transactional Texts: Send booking confirmations, reminders, or schedule updates.
- Two-Way Messages: Encourage interaction by asking for feedback or answering questions.
Why It Works:
- Timely Updates: Members get real-time info, reducing no-shows and boosting attendance.
- Personal Touch: Texts using names or tailored advice build loyalty.
- Retention and Revenue: Campaigns can improve renewals and attract former members.
To get started, ensure you collect opt-ins (members must agree to receive texts) and use a platform like RevText to automate and track your campaigns. Focus on clear goals like reducing no-shows or increasing renewals, and always follow compliance rules to avoid fines.
SMS marketing isn’t just a tool – it’s a direct line to your members, ensuring your messages are seen and acted upon.
How to Start Texting Your Customers with SMS Marketing
Why SMS Marketing Works for Gyms
SMS gives gyms a clear advantage by providing instant, reliable communication. It’s no surprise that fitness businesses across the country are turning to text messaging. Let’s dive into the numbers, speed, and personal connection that make SMS such a powerful tool for gyms.
High Open and Response Rates
Text messages shine with an impressive 98%+ open rate, with 90% of messages read within three minutes. Compare that to email or social media, and it’s clear why SMS stands out. Plus, it delivers up to a 45:1 ROI – meaning for every dollar spent, gyms could see $45 in return. That’s a game-changer for gyms looking to maximize their marketing budget.
SMS isn’t just about visibility; it’s about engagement. With higher response rates than other channels, it’s perfect for two-way communication. Whether it’s confirming class attendance or gathering feedback, SMS keeps the conversation flowing.
Instant and Time-Sensitive Communication
In the fitness world, timing is everything. SMS allows gyms to send real-time updates exactly when they’re needed. Imagine a 6 PM class gets canceled at 4 PM – an SMS ensures members know right away, reducing no-shows and keeping schedules running smoothly.
It’s also great for promotions. A lunchtime text about a weekend membership deal can spark immediate action, often before an email even gets opened.
Building Member Loyalty and Community
Personalized texts – like using members’ names or sharing tailored workout tips – create stronger connections. These small touches can turn occasional visitors into loyal, long-term members.
Beyond that, sending birthday wishes, celebrating fitness milestones, or offering exclusive member-only perks helps build a sense of belonging. This sense of community not only encourages renewals but also inspires referrals.
And with the average American checking their phone 96 times a day, your messages are nearly guaranteed to be seen. It’s a direct line to your members, ensuring your communication hits at just the right moment.
SMS Use Cases in the Fitness Industry
Gyms and fitness centers are finding creative ways to use SMS to improve communication and drive revenue. Let’s explore how these strategies are making an impact.
Reducing No-Shows with Class Reminders
No-shows can disrupt a gym’s schedule and waste an instructor’s time. Sending SMS reminders a few hours before a class starts can significantly reduce these issues. Timing these reminders just right ensures more members show up on time.
The most effective reminders are clear and actionable. For instance:
"Hi Sarah! Your 6 PM yoga class with instructor Mike starts soon. Can’t make it? Reply CANCEL to free up your spot."
Many gyms report fewer no-shows after introducing automated reminders. Allowing members to reply for cancellations or confirmations helps manage class capacity smoothly.
Boosting Retention with Membership Campaigns
Renewal offers sent via text often grab attention faster than emails. Starting a renewal campaign well before a membership’s expiration, with follow-up messages that highlight benefits or success stories, can keep members engaged. For example:
"Hi Lisa! Renew now and enjoy another year of progress. Reply RENEW to lock in your spot today!"
Upgrade campaigns tailored to a member’s usage also feel timely and relevant. SMS is equally effective for reaching out to former members. A message like:
"We miss you, John! Rejoin this month and get a special discount on your first month back",
can prompt quick responses and bring members back.
Driving Engagement with Fitness Challenges
Fitness challenges are a great way to build community and keep members motivated. SMS makes joining these challenges easy and increases participation compared to email invites. A simple text like:
"Ready for our upcoming transformation challenge? Reply YES to join!"
can spark immediate interest.
Once the challenge begins, daily check-ins or motivational texts help participants stay engaged. Automated messages can ask about their progress, share quick workout tips, or provide encouragement.
Recognizing achievements through SMS is another way to keep members motivated. Congratulating someone for hitting a milestone or sharing leaderboard updates adds a fun, competitive element that keeps the momentum going.
Personalized Tips and Advice
SMS creates a direct, personal connection with members. Sending tailored workout tips, nutrition advice, or wellness reminders shows that you’re invested in their journey.
Follow-up texts after training sessions, offering form corrections or technique advice, demonstrate genuine care for their progress and safety. Celebrating milestones – like gym anniversaries or personal achievements – can deepen loyalty and make members feel valued.
These personalized messages fit seamlessly into an overall SMS strategy, strengthening relationships while supporting members’ goals.
How to Get Started with SMS Marketing
Kick off your gym’s SMS marketing strategy in just a few days and start seeing results quickly.
Building a Compliant Opt-In List
Getting your members’ consent is non-negotiable. You should only send messages to those who have explicitly opted in.
The best time to collect opt-ins is during key moments in your member journey. For instance, when someone signs up for a membership, include an SMS consent option in the registration process. Use clear language like: "Yes, I want to receive class reminders, special offers, and gym updates via text message." This way, they know exactly what they’re agreeing to.
You can also encourage opt-ins in person. At the front desk, ask a quick question like, "Would you like text reminders for classes and exclusive deals?" Most people will say yes, especially when you explain how it benefits them.
For members who missed the initial sign-up, digital opt-ins work great. Add forms on your website, social media pages, or within your gym’s app. To sweeten the deal, offer something in return, like a free guest pass or a nutrition guide, in exchange for their phone number and consent.
Avoid shortcuts like buying phone lists or adding numbers without permission. This not only violates federal regulations but can also harm your delivery rates. Even if someone gave you their number for another reason, you need separate consent for marketing texts.
Keep detailed records of when and how each person opted in. This documentation is essential for compliance and protects your gym in case of disputes. Many SMS platforms automatically track this information for you.
Once you’ve built your compliant list, the next step is finding the right SMS platform for your gym.
Choosing the Right SMS Platform
Select a platform tailored to gyms, with features like class booking integration and member management.
Automation should be your top priority. A good SMS system will handle tasks like class reminders, birthday messages, and follow-ups automatically, saving you time and ensuring consistent communication.
Platforms like RevText are designed specifically for fitness businesses. They offer tools for campaign management and compliance, so you can focus on your members instead of worrying about technical details.
Make sure your SMS platform integrates seamlessly with your existing systems, such as member management, class booking, and payment software. This avoids duplicate data entry and keeps everything running smoothly.
A mobile app is another must-have for urgent updates and tracking your campaigns on the go. Additionally, look for platforms with robust reporting tools. Metrics like delivery rates, response rates, and conversions will help you understand what’s working and guide future campaigns.
Choose a pricing plan that fits your gym’s size and growth. For example, RevText starts at $50/month for gyms with up to 250 contacts, with scalable options for larger fitness chains. Estimate how many messages you’ll send monthly to pick the right plan.
Once your platform is in place, focus on setting clear goals to measure your campaign’s success.
Setting Campaign Goals and Tracking Success
Start with one clear, measurable goal.
For most gyms, increasing class attendance is a great starting point. It’s easy to track, directly impacts revenue, and delivers quick wins. For example, you might aim to reduce no-shows by 20% in the first month.
If you already have an established SMS list, consider member retention campaigns. Track metrics like renewal rates, upgrade conversions, or win-back campaigns. Even small improvements in retention can make a big difference to your bottom line.
Before launching any campaign, define your success metrics. SMS open rates typically exceed 98%, so pay closer attention to response rates and conversions. A strong campaign might see a 10–15% response rate and a 3–5% conversion rate.
Whenever possible, track revenue directly tied to SMS campaigns. Use tools like unique promo codes, special landing pages, or direct booking links in your messages. This helps you connect your efforts to actual earnings and proves the value of your investment.
Review your performance weekly rather than daily. SMS results can vary based on timing, member schedules, and other factors. Weekly reviews provide enough data to identify trends without overanalyzing short-term fluctuations.
Experiment with different sending times to find what works best. For example, class reminders might perform well a few hours before a session, while promotional offers could see better engagement on weekends when members plan their week.
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Compliance Basics for Gym Owners
Make sure your SMS campaigns follow the rules while still delivering great results.
Understanding TCPA and CTIA Rules
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) guidelines set the ground rules for SMS marketing in the U.S. These regulations are designed to protect consumers from unwanted messages while ensuring businesses operate responsibly.
- Get Written Consent: Every recipient must actively opt in. This consent should clearly outline the types of messages they’ll receive and how often.
- Format Your Messages Correctly: Always identify your gym in the message and include simple opt-out instructions like "Reply STOP to unsubscribe."
- Register for 10DLC: The 10-Digit Long Code (10DLC) system requires businesses to register their phone numbers and campaigns with carriers. This process reduces spam and improves delivery rates. Most SMS platforms can handle this registration for you.
- Keep Records: Maintain detailed records of how and when each recipient opted in. This could include timestamps, IP addresses, or staff notes to ensure you’re covered in case of compliance questions.
Failing to follow these rules can result in fines of up to $1,500 per non-compliant message.
Once you’ve got the basics down, here are best practices to help you stay compliant while maximizing the impact of your SMS campaigns.
Best Practices for Staying Compliant
- Don’t Overdo It: Limit marketing messages to 2–4 per month, along with necessary transactional texts. This keeps your members engaged without overwhelming them.
- Honor Opt-Outs Quickly: If someone replies "STOP", remove them from your list within 24 hours – no exceptions.
- Be Upfront About Costs: Use language like "Message and data rates may apply" in your opt-in forms and welcome messages so members know what to expect.
- Segment Your Audience: Send targeted messages based on member interests. For example, some may prefer class reminders, while others might want nutrition tips or promotions. This personalization keeps complaints low and engagement high.
- Time It Right: Stick to business hours (8:00 AM to 8:00 PM in your members’ time zones) for promotional texts. Class reminders should be sent closer to class time, and non-urgent messages should avoid early mornings or late nights.
- Keep It Professional: Avoid overusing emojis, all caps, or spammy words like "FREE" or "URGENT." These can hurt your delivery rates and make your messages look unprofessional.
- Clean Your Contact List Regularly: Remove inactive numbers, bounced messages, and unengaged contacts. This improves your delivery rates and reduces costs.
- Train Your Team: Make sure staff members collecting phone numbers or managing campaigns understand compliance rules to avoid accidental mistakes.
Using tools like RevText can simplify compliance. The platform automatically processes opt-out requests, keeps consent records, and offers templates that align with regulations, so you don’t have to worry about the nitty-gritty.
Integrating SMS with Your Marketing Strategy
SMS works best when it’s part of a larger marketing plan. Think of it as one piece of your overall strategy – working alongside email campaigns, social media posts, and other ways you connect with members.
Combining SMS with Email and Social Media
Each marketing channel has its strengths. SMS delivers quick, time-sensitive messages. Email allows for sharing more detailed content. Social media builds community and creates buzz around your gym.
To get the most out of these tools, use each one for what it does best. For example:
- Send monthly newsletters via email with class schedules, member stories, and workout tips.
- Share behind-the-scenes content, success stories, and event updates on Instagram or Facebook.
- Use SMS for urgent updates like class reminders, last-minute changes, or flash sales.
Here’s how this could work: You email members about a new bootcamp class starting next month, complete with instructor photos and class details. On social media, you post teasers to build excitement and encourage sharing. Then, the day before the class starts, send an SMS reminder: “Your new bootcamp starts tomorrow at 6:00 AM! Reply YES to confirm your spot.”
Timing is everything. Emails are great for planning ahead – members can read them at their convenience. Social media grabs attention when people are casually scrolling. SMS, on the other hand, is perfect for moments when immediate action is needed, like 30 minutes before a class starts.
You can also use SMS to drive traffic to your other platforms. For instance, after posting a workout video on Instagram, send a text: “New workout alert! Check out today’s 10-minute ab routine on our Instagram.” This keeps members engaged across multiple channels.
| Channel | Best For | When to Use | Example Message |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMS | Urgent updates, exclusive offers | 30 minutes before class, flash sales | "Yoga starts in 30 mins! 2 spots left – reply YES to join" |
| Detailed content, newsletters | Weekly updates, onboarding | Monthly newsletter with class schedules and tips | |
| Social Media | Community building, promotions | Daily engagement, event buzz | Behind-the-scenes videos, member success stories |
This multi-channel approach also works wonders for promoting events, where SMS can add an extra layer of engagement.
Promoting Events Across Multiple Channels
When it comes to events, layering your promotion across channels ensures maximum participation. Start broad with email and social media, then use SMS to create urgency closer to the event.
For instance, if you’re hosting a “New Year Fitness Challenge,” you might:
- Begin with social media teasers and testimonials to generate excitement.
- Follow up with an email that includes all the details – rules, prizes, sign-up links, and what to expect.
As the event date gets closer, SMS becomes your go-to tool for driving action. Send targeted messages to members who’ve shown interest: “Fitness Challenge starts Monday! Only 5 spots left. Reply JOIN to secure yours.”
The day before the event, SMS truly stands out. While social media posts might get lost in feeds and emails might go unread, a text message grabs attention immediately: “Don’t forget – Bootcamp starts tomorrow at 9:00 AM! Reply YES to reserve your spot.”
You can even use SMS during the event to drive engagement on other platforms: “Great job in today’s challenge! Share your progress photo on Instagram and tag us for a chance to win this week’s prize.”
Coordinating these efforts is easier with scheduling tools. Align your SMS campaigns with email sends and social media posts, or set up automated workflows triggered by member actions – like sending a welcome SMS to new sign-ups from a Facebook ad.
The key is to make sure each message adds something new. For example, your Instagram post might highlight the fun, community aspect of an event. Your email could focus on logistics and benefits. Your SMS? That’s where you push for immediate action – signing up, showing up, or claiming a time-sensitive offer.
Start Growing Your Gym with SMS Marketing
SMS marketing offers gym owners a direct and personal way to connect with members. With open rates as high as 98% and over 90% of texts read within minutes, it’s one of the most effective ways to engage your audience and grow your fitness business.
The numbers speak for themselves: A 2023 industry report revealed that gyms using SMS for class reminders and membership renewals saw a 30% jump in class attendance and a 25% boost in membership renewals compared to those relying only on email. These results show the power of timely, direct communication in driving real growth.
So, how can SMS help your gym? Whether it’s reducing no-shows, improving retention, or sparking engagement, SMS delivers immediate results. Use it to send quick class reminders, offer exclusive promotions, share personalized workout tips, or even create two-way conversations that build a stronger sense of community among your members.
If you’re ready to see these results for yourself, RevText makes launching your SMS campaigns simple. Designed specifically for fitness businesses, RevText provides tools like automated workflows, compliance guidance, and campaign planning to take the guesswork out of SMS marketing.
Want to get started? Book a free discovery call with RevText today and learn how you can launch your first SMS campaign in just days. See how gym owners are using SMS to attract new members, keep existing ones engaged, and drive revenue – all while strengthening their fitness community.
FAQs
How can I make sure my gym’s SMS marketing campaign follows the rules?
To keep your gym’s SMS marketing campaign in line with U.S. regulations, make sure to get clear and explicit consent from members before sending any messages. This is a requirement under laws like the TCPA.
Send messages only during appropriate hours – between 8:00 AM and 9:00 PM in your recipient’s time zone – and always provide an easy way for members to unsubscribe, such as including "Reply STOP to opt out" in your texts. Following these guidelines not only ensures compliance but also helps establish trust and respect with your members.
How can I effectively combine SMS marketing with email and social media for my gym?
To effectively combine SMS marketing with email and social media, it’s all about delivering a unified message while playing to the strengths of each platform. For example, SMS is perfect for quick updates like last-minute class reminders or flash sales. Email, on the other hand, shines when you need to share more in-depth content, such as newsletters or detailed promotions. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook are ideal for visual storytelling and building engagement, but you can also use them to encourage followers to sign up for SMS updates, offering exclusive deals or timely notifications as an incentive.
When you align your efforts – for instance, promoting an event on social media while sending SMS reminders to attendees – you create a seamless experience that keeps your audience informed and engaged. This multi-channel strategy not only broadens your reach but also deepens your connection with members, helping to improve attendance and retention.
How can I track the success of my SMS marketing campaigns and measure their ROI?
To gauge how well your SMS marketing campaigns are performing, keep an eye on essential metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and response rates. These figures provide insight into how well your messages are connecting with your audience. For instance, SMS marketing often achieves open rates exceeding 98%, making it one of the most effective communication channels.
When it comes to measuring ROI, compare the income generated by your campaigns – whether that’s through more gym memberships, class reservations, or event sign-ups – against the total costs of running them, including platform fees and per-message expenses. Monitoring these metrics not only shows how your campaigns are doing but also helps you fine-tune your approach for improved outcomes moving forward.
