Automated SMS campaigns are no longer optional for fitness businesses in 2025 – they are essential for keeping members engaged and improving attendance. With SMS open rates exceeding 90% (compared to email’s 20–30%), gyms that use text messaging see measurable improvements, like a 30% increase in class attendance and a 25% boost in membership renewals.
Here’s what you need to know to get started:
- AI-Powered Personalization: Tailor messages to members’ preferences and behaviors, like suggesting makeup classes or highlighting milestones.
- Time-Saving Automation: Automate reminders, promotions, and updates to save hours and ensure consistent communication.
- Why SMS Works: Text messages are immediate and highly visible, making them ideal for time-sensitive updates like class reminders or exclusive offers.
To succeed, focus on these steps:
- Build a compliant contact list with explicit opt-ins.
- Set clear goals, like increasing attendance or re-engaging inactive members.
- Segment your audience by preferences, activity levels, and location for targeted messaging.
The right platform, like RevText, can simplify compliance, streamline automation, and help track results. With proper setup, SMS campaigns can drive member engagement, boost renewals, and free up time for gym owners to grow their business.
How to Set Up SMS Marketing Campaign in 60 Seconds | Quick Tutorial
Preparation Steps Before Setting Up SMS Automation
Getting everything in order before diving into SMS automation is crucial for success. A well-organized approach helps you avoid headaches later and ensures your campaigns deliver results. Here’s how to build a compliant contact list, set clear goals, and segment your members effectively.
Building a Compliant Member Contact List
Your contact list is the core of your SMS campaigns, and staying compliant is non-negotiable – especially with stricter regulations like the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) guidelines, and 10DLC rules in place for 2025.
Start with explicit opt-in consent. Every phone number you collect must come with clear, documented permission to receive SMS messages. This isn’t just a casual "Can we text you?" Instead, your opt-in language should be specific about the types of messages members will get and how often. For example:
"By providing your phone number, you agree to receive class reminders, promotional offers, and membership updates via SMS. Message frequency varies. Reply STOP to opt out."
Make sure to record the date and method of each opt-in to maintain a proper compliance trail.
Update your membership forms. Add SMS consent as part of your onboarding process. Many gyms now include a separate checkbox specifically for SMS communications, distinct from email marketing. This creates a clear record and protects your business in case of compliance audits.
Clean up your current database. If you have phone numbers collected before 2025, run a re-consent campaign. This could be done via email or in-person, asking members to opt in specifically for SMS communications. It’s a proactive step to avoid regulatory trouble.
Platforms like RevText make compliance tracking easy by automatically logging opt-in dates and methods, saving gym owners time and effort.
Setting Clear Campaign Goals
Without specific goals, even the best automation tools can fall flat. Your SMS campaigns should address real business needs, not just fill up members’ phones with random messages.
Define measurable targets. For example, aim to increase class attendance by 20% or boost membership renewals by 15%. Keep the frequency manageable – 2 to 4 messages per month is a good starting point to avoid overwhelming your audience.
Focus on high-impact areas. Successful campaigns often target specific goals, such as reminding members about upcoming classes, promoting membership renewals, offering exclusive deals, or re-engaging inactive members. Start small by focusing on one or two of these areas, then expand your strategy over time.
Align messages with the member lifecycle. New members might appreciate welcome messages and reminders about orientation sessions. Long-term members nearing renewal could respond better to loyalty perks or renewal incentives.
Organizing Members into Groups
Segmentation is where SMS campaigns can go from generic to highly personalized. By organizing your members into meaningful groups, you can send messages that truly connect.
Segment based on preferences and behavior. Group members by factors like class preferences, engagement levels, membership type, or fitness goals. For example, early morning group fitness attendees will likely appreciate different updates than personal training clients.
Target based on activity levels. Create groups for active members, occasional attendees, and those who haven’t visited in over 30 days. Active members might get updates on new classes or challenges, while less engaged members could benefit from special re-engagement offers.
Consider location and training focus. If your gym has multiple locations, segment members by their primary gym to tailor messages to local events or offerings. Similarly, members focusing on weight loss may find different content useful compared to those aiming for strength or flexibility.
Collecting this data during onboarding ensures you can deliver messages that feel relevant and personal. In fact, SMS marketing has shown to drive conversion rates as high as 45% for gyms when used for promotions or limited-time offers.
With a compliant list, clear goals, and thoughtful segmentation, you’re ready to dive into the technical setup of your SMS automation.
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Automated SMS Campaigns
Once you’ve got your contact list ready and your goals clearly outlined, it’s time to dive into building your automated SMS campaigns. The process includes choosing the right platform, crafting engaging message templates, and setting up triggers to ensure your messages hit the right people at just the right time.
Selecting an SMS Platform for Fitness Businesses
The platform you choose can make or break your campaign’s effectiveness. Generic tools often fall short when it comes to addressing the unique needs of fitness businesses.
Look for a platform that integrates seamlessly with your member management system and supports fitness-specific features like class reminders and membership renewals. For instance, RevText offers tailored workflows for fitness businesses, including triggers for membership renewals, tracking class attendance, and managing member lifecycle campaigns. This kind of integration saves time by eliminating the need to manually track member activity across different systems.
Scalability and ease of use are also critical. As your gym grows, so will your messaging needs. Choose a platform that can handle increased message volumes without requiring a complete system upgrade. RevText, for example, offers plans ranging from 500 messages per month for small studios to enterprise-level solutions for large fitness franchises. Features like unlimited contacts, message rollovers, real-time engagement tools, and detailed reporting ensure you’re always in control. Plus, mobile app access allows you to manage campaigns on the go.
Once you’ve selected a platform, the next step is to create concise and engaging message templates.
Writing Message Templates for Common Scenarios
With your platform in place, the focus shifts to crafting message templates that are tailored to your audience.
Start with welcome messages that set the tone. First impressions matter, and new members are often most engaged during their initial weeks. For example:
"Welcome to [Gym Name], Sarah! Your membership is now active. Book your complimentary session at [link] or reply BOOK."
When it comes to renewal reminders, emphasize value rather than urgency. Instead of saying, "Your membership expires soon", try this approach:
"Hi Mike! Your membership renews in 5 days. As a current member, you’re locked in at a great rate – ensuring you keep enjoying your benefits without any price increases. Questions? Reply here."
For win-back campaigns, focus on offering something enticing to draw members back. For instance:
"We miss you at [Gym Name], Jessica! Try our new yoga classes this week – your first session is on us. Book at [link] or text YOGA."
Promotional messages should feel personal and exclusive. Instead of generic offers, use language that resonates, like "Member-only flash sale" or "Because you love our HIIT classes…"
Configuring Automation Triggers
Personalized messages are only half the battle – automation triggers ensure they reach members at the right moment. These triggers are based on specific actions or timelines, making your campaigns timely and relevant.
Behavioral triggers are a great starting point. These are tied to member actions, like missing a class, nearing a membership expiration, or taking a long break from the gym. For example:
"Missed you in spin class today, Tom! Tomorrow’s 6 PM session still has spots – reply JOIN to reserve yours."
Milestone-based automations can celebrate achievements and anniversaries, boosting member satisfaction. For example:
"Happy 1-year anniversary at [Gym Name], Lisa! Thanks for being an amazing member. Enjoy a free smoothie on us this week – just show this text at the front desk."
Time-sensitive triggers require careful timing. Class reminders work best when sent 2–4 hours before the session – close enough for members to plan but not so early that they forget. For renewal reminders, a sequence of messages (e.g., 30 days, 7 days, and 1 day before expiration) ensures members have plenty of notice. Testing different timings for various member segments can help you find the sweet spot.
For more advanced campaigns, layer multiple triggers to create highly personalized experiences. For instance, you could send a special birthday discount to members who haven’t visited in two weeks.
The secret to successful automation is to start simple. Begin with straightforward triggers like welcome messages and renewal reminders. As you gather insights into what works best for your members, you can gradually add more complex behavioral automations to your campaigns.
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Following Compliance Rules and Best Practices
When automating your SMS campaigns, following the updated 2025 compliance rules is just as important as setting up timely triggers. These measures not only protect your business but also help maintain trust with your members. Staying compliant ensures your messages are effective while respecting your audience’s preferences. The SMS marketing world is constantly evolving, and keeping up with the latest regulations and practices is key to running campaigns that are both impactful and ethical.
2025 SMS Marketing Compliance Rules
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) remains the backbone of SMS compliance. To meet these requirements, you must obtain explicit written consent before sending promotional messages – verbal or implied consent doesn’t cut it anymore.
Your opt-in language needs to be crystal clear about what members are signing up for. For example:
"By texting JOIN to 12345, you agree to receive promotional offers, class reminders, and membership updates from [Gym Name]. Message frequency may vary. Reply STOP to opt out. Standard message and data rates apply."
The CTIA guidelines also stress transparency. Avoid vague language like "periodic messages." Instead, specify how often members can expect to hear from you.
Additionally, businesses must now register through the 10-Digit Long Code (10DLC) process for all messaging. This step is critical for ensuring reliable message delivery and compliance.
Always include a straightforward opt-out option, such as "Reply STOP to opt out", and make sure opt-out requests are processed quickly. This prevents members who wish to unsubscribe from receiving further messages.
Keeping Proper Documentation
To stay audit-ready, maintaining detailed records is essential. Keep opt-in records – whether members signed up online or in person – as proof of compliance. Also, maintain message logs that include the recipient, timestamp, message content, delivery status, and any opt-out requests. These records can be crucial in demonstrating compliance if questions arise.
For opt-out requests, log the timestamp and confirm removal. Many fitness businesses use a "do not contact" list to ensure members who have opted out aren’t accidentally added back into future campaigns.
Tools like RevText simplify this process by automating compliance tracking. It logs consent records, delivery data, and opt-out processing, saving you from the hassle of manual record-keeping while ensuring you’re prepared for any audits.
Your data retention policies should align with legal standards. Keep consent and opt-out records for the legally required duration, and securely delete unnecessary personal information once members cancel their memberships or opt out of communications.
Finding the Right Message Frequency
Being compliant is only part of the equation – getting the message frequency right is equally important. Bombarding members with too many texts can lead to spam complaints and hurt your relationship with them. Every message should provide clear value, whether it’s a timely reminder, an exclusive offer, or an important update.
Consider a balanced approach to promotional messaging. For instance, new members might appreciate frequent tips and updates, while long-term members may prefer fewer, more targeted messages. Segmenting your audience allows you to tailor communications to their needs.
Timing also matters. Send messages during peak hours when they’re most likely to be noticed, and let members know upfront if you plan to adjust the frequency of your messages.
Keep an eye on opt-out rates – they’re a useful indicator of how your campaign is being received. If opt-outs start climbing, it might be time to tweak your message content or reduce the frequency.
Measuring and Improving Your SMS Campaigns
Once your SMS campaigns are set up and compliant, the real work begins – tracking how they perform and making continuous improvements. The key to turning a good SMS strategy into a great one lies in how well you analyze your results and adjust based on what the data reveals.
Monitoring Campaign Performance Metrics
Start by ensuring your messages are being delivered consistently. Any delivery issues could point to problems with your contact list or carrier.
SMS campaigns generally boast high open rates, but tracking these rates over time can reveal trends like message fatigue or poor timing. Keep an eye on click-through rates as well – this metric shows how well your calls-to-action are connecting with your audience, helping you fine-tune your content.
Conversion rates are another vital metric. For example, SMS cart recovery messages often achieve conversion rates ranging from 25% to 40%. Even simple responses like "Thanks!" from your audience can signal engagement beyond just clicks.
Using real-time dashboards can make monitoring easier, offering a clear view of how your automated workflows are performing. If you notice a spike in opt-out rates, it’s a red flag to revisit your message content, frequency, or targeting. These insights are crucial for improving your campaigns.
Testing Different Messages and Timing
A/B testing is a must for taking the guesswork out of your SMS campaigns. This method compares different versions of your messages to see which performs better based on metrics like clicks, sign-ups, or revenue.
Experiment with content variations – try a straightforward renewal reminder versus one that highlights specific benefits. Timing matters too; research shows most people prefer receiving texts from businesses once or a few times per week.
You can also test different call-to-action phrases or levels of personalization. For instance, compare a message that includes just the recipient’s first name with one that references their workout history or class preferences. Make sure to test one element at a time with a large enough sample size to pinpoint what’s driving results. A/B testing tools can split your audience, making it easier to compare outcomes.
Once you identify what works, you’ll have actionable insights to refine your campaigns further.
Expanding Successful Campaigns
When you’ve identified campaigns that deliver strong results, it’s time to scale them. High-performing automation workflows can be expanded to reach more members or adapted for different scenarios.
For example, if a welcome series for new members is boosting engagement and retention, you could create similar sequences for milestones like membership anniversaries or workout achievements. If a campaign is thriving at one location, tweak it slightly to fit other locations, adjusting for local schedules or instructors. Seasonal promotions and themed campaigns can also benefit from strategies that have already proven effective.
Document what works – whether it’s messaging, timing, or targeting – and use it to build a playbook for future campaigns. Integrating SMS with other marketing channels like email or social media can amplify your results by providing consistent messaging across platforms.
Tools like RevText’s campaign templates and automation builder make it easy to replicate successful workflows and customize them for new goals or audiences. As you scale, keep monitoring your performance to ensure your campaigns stay effective across all segments.
Conclusion: Start Automating Your Fitness SMS Campaigns Today
Getting started with automated SMS campaigns doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s all about building compliant contact lists, choosing the right fitness-specific platforms, and setting up behavioral triggers – steps we’ve already walked through in earlier sections.
By automating your SMS campaigns, you can save time while achieving results that prove the power of SMS. These campaigns work around the clock, sending out personalized messages like welcome series for new members, reminders for expiring class passes, birthday or anniversary offers, and messages to re-engage inactive members. These behavior-based messages not only feel tailored to each recipient but also help build stronger connections with your members and drive real business growth. It ensures your members get the right message at just the right time.
With the tools and strategies available today, there’s no better moment to embrace SMS automation. Whether you’re running a single boutique studio or managing multiple locations, automating your messages can simplify your communication, strengthen relationships, and help grow your fitness business.
Ready to take the leap? If you’d like expert support, RevText is here to help. Schedule a free discovery call today, and let us help you set up and launch your automations in no time – your members are waiting to hear from you!
FAQs
How can I make sure my SMS campaigns follow the latest 2025 compliance rules?
To ensure your SMS campaigns meet compliance standards in 2025, it’s crucial to stay aligned with the latest TCPA, CTIA, and 10DLC regulations. Use straightforward, easy-to-understand opt-in language, and make sure your privacy policies are updated to meet current guidelines.
Always secure explicit consent from your audience before sending any messages. Regularly review your practices to confirm they adhere to the latest rules. Staying on top of regulatory changes not only helps you avoid potential problems but also reinforces trust with your audience.
What are the benefits of using AI-powered personalization in SMS campaigns for fitness businesses?
AI-driven personalization allows fitness businesses to craft messaging that resonates deeply with their members, boosting engagement and improving conversion rates. By tapping into real-time data, AI can adjust communication to align with individual preferences, workout routines, and behaviors, creating a more satisfying and tailored experience. This approach not only enhances member satisfaction but also strengthens retention.
On top of that, AI simplifies automation, enabling businesses to deliver these personalized experiences on a large scale without wasting time. This kind of efficiency is key to staying competitive and meeting the evolving expectations of gym-goers in 2025.
How can I segment my audience to make my automated SMS campaigns more effective?
To get the most out of your automated SMS campaigns, it’s smart to segment your audience based on their behavior, preferences, and how engaged they are. This way, you can craft personalized messages that truly connect with your members and deliver stronger results.
For instance, you could categorize members by how often they engage (active vs. inactive), their membership type (monthly, annual, etc.), or even their specific goals, like weight loss or strength training. Once you’ve done that, you can tailor your messages to each group. Think renewal reminders for inactive members, class updates for your frequent attendees, or exclusive discounts for your most loyal clients. Automation takes it a step further by making sure each group gets messages at just the right time, helping boost engagement and keep retention rates high.
