IT Solutions for Gyms: Finding the Best Gym Management Software
Running a gym is no easy task. Keeping records up to date, maintaining a spreadsheet of all clients, collecting payment, and communicating with your staff is enough to drive you up the wall. Good news is, there are lots of technology and software that can help take away all the stress of gym management.
However, choosing the right software to implement in your facility is like walking into a candy store as a kid. So many choices to make. So many possibilities.
What if you invest in something that doesn’t fit your business? What if your customers don’t take to the software? What if your staff has problems using that gym management software?
If you’ve been looking for a gym management solution yet you experience decision paralysis when it comes to choosing the best software, then this guide is for you. This guide reveals what to look for when choosing the best gym management software to help you grow your business.
Let’s dive in.
Look for a System that Has a Mobile App
It’s a known fact. Most of us are glued to our phones. Our mobile devices have become an extension of us.
They’re our source of transportation (Uber, Google maps, and other ridesharing apps). They’re our source of food. They’re also our source of information, shopping, and perhaps the most important means of communication in the 21st Century.
This is why it makes sense that your first consideration should be whether the gym management system has a mobile app. And, not just a basic mobile app, but one that offers added value to your customer fitness experience. An app that allows them to track their work out progress, make payments, and reserve classes.
Having a gym management system that has a mobile app feature also allows you to get rid of boring paperwork and spreadsheets. Members can easily register without having to fill stacks of paperwork.
Some systems have a custom branded app specifically built for your business. This software allows customers to interact directly with the business, which can help increase engagement and customer loyalty.
Does the Gym Management Software Have Website Integration Tools?
What good is a gym software if it doesn’t reflect your brand? Your software provider should offer website integration tools together with the system. The gym management software that you choose should give users the same experience as your website.
It should provide a seamless experience for your users (similar to what your brand is known for). Most gym software providers offer website integration and branded web tools as basic services. These tools work with different website platforms, including Squarespace, WordPress, Wix, and Weebly.
Choosing a system that can integrate with your website will allow your customers to book and pay for services through one centralized platform.
What Are Your Exact Needs?
Other than running your gym, what other functionalities do you expect your gym management system to perform? Maybe you’re looking for a system that can help with marketing. Or maybe one that can help boost community and mobile engagement.
Whatever your needs are, there is always a gym software for you.
Before you start your search for a gym management system, first conduct a need assessment on your business. What areas do you feel need improvement? What are your short term, midterm, and long-term goals?
Every gym software is different and comes with its unique features. Some may be stronger in certain areas when compared to others. Take time and determine your exact needs, and you’ll be able to choose the best gym management software for your business.
Does the Vendor Offer Customer Support?
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when choosing a gym management system is choosing a gym software with poor or no customer support. At one point or the other, the system is bound to experience technical issues. Whether it’s during the onboarding process or while using the system, your software provider should be able to handle these issues quickly and effectively.
Some indicators of excellent customer support include the availability of online resources that cover different aspects of the software. Examples of these online resources can include blog posts, instructional videos, and a FAQ section.
Look into whether the software vendor has a live chat, phone, and email support. These are clear indicators of an active customer support system.
Feedback from past users can also be a benchmark for assessing customer support. Software providers who offer excellent customer service receive positive feedback from their clients.
What Identification Options Does the System Provide?
How easy is it for people to access your facility? Can a stranger walk in and start working out? Do your members have to wait in line as the receptionist confirms their names from the list?
When choosing a gym software, look for one that offers multiple check-in options. Your software of choice should allow both fingerprint and bar code check-in, which helps to ensure that only registered members can access the facility.
Also, look for fitness management software that has a photo capture feature. This feature will allow you to eliminate fraudulent check-ins by preventing non-members from using member ID to gain access to your facility.
Choosing the Best Gym Management System
The fitness industry is extremely competitive. There are thousands of gyms and fitness centers all around the United States. This may be tantalizing for fitness enthusiasts but as a gym owner, it can be extremely problematic.
How do you maintain a competitive advantage against other fitness centers? How do you attract more members to your gym? By leveraging the right gym management software, you take away most of the stress that comes with management, which leaves you with more time to focus on growing your business.
Take time to speak to different vendors on how they can help you. Also, experiment with demo versions of different software to find out which is most useful to you. However, if you’re short of time, and aren’t looking to experiment with different products, consider using the MIS software for your gym management needs.
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