ClassPass is undeniably a powerful platform for fitness studios looking to attract new members and reach a broader audience, particularly in Singapore, where the ClassPass free trial is a major draw for the “kiasu” culture. Singaporeans are known for their love of good deals, often taking full advantage of promotions, which can lead to an influx of clients eager to capitalise on their privileges.
As for fitness studio owners, there are both benefits and drawbacks to using ClassPass. The Classpass App and ClassPass website can significantly boost your studio’s visibility and provide an additional stream of clients. However, relying solely on ClassPass can impact your direct bookings and potentially reduce your studio revenue.
In this blog, we’ll explore how to effectively balance ClassPass with your direct booking system, ensuring you manage attendance while keeping your studio revenue healthy.
The Benefits of ClassPass
ClassPass can be a game-changer for boutique fitness studios, granting access to a wide audience of fitness enthusiasts who might not have otherwise found your studio. Through the ClassPass app and website, potential clients can easily explore and book classes at your facility, which can help fill classes during off-peak hours. This increased visibility not only introduces new clients to your offerings but also enhances overall class attendance, providing a valuable opportunity for growth.
The Challenges of ClassPass
However, ClassPass is not without its challenges. The ClassPass price being the biggest one, ClassPass often requires significant discounts, which can eat into your profit margins. Moreover, ClassPass users are generally less loyal than direct members, as they have the flexibility to hop between different studios, or because they are on the ClassPass free trial. This can make it difficult to build a stable, long-term client base solely through ClassPass.
Despite its advantages, ClassPass comes with its own set of challenges, with the ClassPass price being a primary concern. The platform often necessitates substantial discounts, which can significantly impact your profit margins.
According to this Medium article, fitness studios in San Francisco have reported that ClassPass retains up to 30-50% of their reservation fees per booking. This substantial deduction can significantly impact your studio’s revenue, especially when combined with other operational costs.
Additionally, ClassPass users tend to be less loyal compared to direct members, as they have the freedom to switch between various studios, especially when utilising the ClassPass free trial. This flexibility can hinder your ability to cultivate a stable, long-term client base exclusively through ClassPass.
Strategies for Managing Attendance with both ClassPass and Direct Bookings
To strike a balance between ClassPass and direct bookings, consider implementing the following strategies:
- Optimise Class Schedules: Leverage ClassPass primarily to fill slots during off-peak times. This ensures that peak hours are reserved for your direct bookings clients who are willing to pay full price. This way, you can maximise your studio revenue while keeping your classes filled.
- Promote Direct Memberships: Offer attractive incentives for ClassPass users to transition to direct memberships. This could include discounted rates for their first few months, access to exclusive member-only classes, or additional perks like free merchandise or early access to new classes.
- Engage ClassPass Users: Treat ClassPass app users as potential long-term clients by delivering an exceptional experience that compels them to return. Follow up with personalised emails or offers that invite them back for more classes, reinforcing the value of direct engagement.
- Track and Analyse Data: Use analytics to monitor your class booking patterns and revenue streams. Understanding these insights will enable you to adjust your strategies effectively, ensuring that both Classpass and direct bookings contribute positively to your overall business performance.
How to implement these strategies?
After recognising these strategies, you might be wondering how to put them into action. The good news is that you can implement these tactics effortlessly with vibefam! This platform is designed to help you harmoniously balance direct bookings and ClassPass app and website reservations, making it easier for you to optimise your studio’s operations.
How vibefam Can Help:
[NEW] Lead Management: Capture leads from ClassPass and other sources, and convert them into paying customers with vibefam’s effective lead management features. By nurturing these leads, you can build a stable and loyal client base that supports your studio’s growth.
Schedule Management: Easily manage and adjust class schedules to cater to both ClassPass and direct booking clients. With vibefam, you can also control class capacities to suit the number of ClassPass members you wish to accept, ensuring optimal attendance without overbooking.
Member Engagement: Utilise vibefam’s CRM features, including promo codes and user-friendly interfaces, to engage with ClassPass users effectively. This can help convert them into loyal direct booking members who appreciate the benefits of direct access to your offerings.
Analytics and Insights: Gain valuable insights into your booking trends and revenue patterns with vibefam. This data allows you to make informed, data-driven decisions that enhance your overall business strategy, ensuring both ClassPass and direct bookings contribute positively to your bottom line.
Marketing Tools: Utilise targeted marketing tools such as notifications and email campaigns to promote your direct memberships and special offers to both current and potential clients.
Conclusion
Balancing ClassPass with direct bookings doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By adopting the right strategies and harnessing the power of vibefam, your boutique fitness studio can strike the ideal balance for sustained growth and long-term success.
Whether you’re navigating the benefits and challenges of ClassPass or managing its varied price points, a thoughtful, strategic approach will ensure you maximise this platform’s potential without sacrificing the value of your direct bookings!
Arrange a FREE product demo with us, and explore how vibefam can help you balance ClassPass while boosting your direct bookings.
This article was written by Zane Phua