Did you know that average users take just 0.05 seconds to form an opinion about anything that they search online? No wonder having an online presence is of such utmost importance for a business based on reputation, especially for a gym studio.
One of the most effective means of increasing your gym’s review visibility is through acquiring and maintaining Google reviews. However, the ways by which one can increase and generate more gym reviews on their online profile remain the major question.
Whatever you try, one rule applies: Google's review policy says a review should reflect an actual experience with a business, and be genuine and unbiased.
Don't worry!! In this blog post, we'll understand how to encourage your members to leave reviews so your studio stands out from the rest and attracts new clients in an increasingly competitive market.
8 Ways To Get More Google Reviews For Gyms
Now-a-days, potential clients often rely on online reviews to gauge the quality of services. Therefore, having a robust collection of positive reviews can significantly influence their decision-making process.
Here are 8 effective and practical ideas for getting more gym reviews;
1. Ask For Reviews At The Right Time
Timing is crucial when it comes to getting reviews. Therefore, a good time to ask for that feedback is right after a member finishes a class, a personal training session or a challenge, while the experience is fresh. Ask every member at that point, not only the ones who seem happiest.
For instance, when a member has just finished a 6-week transformation challenge, you send him a personalized message thanking him for his effort and politely asking him to write up a review, whatever his outcome.
This technique connects a recent experience with the request, thereby making it more likely that they will respond.
2. Make Leaving Google Reviews Easy
To obtain more reviews, you must make the process as easy as possible. For this purpose, you can provide members with direct links to your Google review page in multiple places, such as your emails, text messages, your gym's website, and even social media.
For instance, after completing a fitness class or session of personal training, you should send an email saying, "We'd love to hear how your session went! Click here to leave a quick review." You also have the option of having QR codes at the front desk where members can easily scan and leave reviews.
This way, you remove barriers and open doors for them to share their thoughts effectively.
3. Ask Fairly, Without Incentives
Don't offer members anything in return for a review. Google's review policy prohibits offering incentives, such as payment, discounts, free goods or services, in exchange for posting a review, and a raffle entry for leaving one is an incentive too.
Instead, ask every member the same way, with the same direct link or QR code, and let them decide what to write. For example, a sign at the front desk can say, "Tell us how your training is going: scan here to leave a Google review."
4. Offer Exceptional Gym Services
Positive reviews can undoubtedly give excellent service provision a thumbs-up. So, your key here is to create a great member experience, not just through perks but also through personalized attention, engaging classes, and supportive staff.
Suppose you have cutting-edge cardio machines, like advanced treadmills with interactive screens that allow members to track their progress. You might also consider adding rowing machines with customizable workouts and integrated coaching features, allowing members to perfect their technique.
This will associate excellent service with the review request and convey that their satisfaction holds merit and makes a difference.
5. Send Follow-up Emails
Follow-up emails are a good way to influence potential gym members to leave reviews. After a member's visit or class, you can send an e-mail thanking them for their attendance and inviting them to share their experience.
For example, you would say, "Thanks for joining the class today. We hope it was fun. If you have time, we would love it if you could take a minute to leave us a review on Google to help others find our community. A direct link to your review page makes it easy for them to do so.".
By constantly checking up, you give them the impression that you value their feedback and want to encourage Google reviews of your company.
6. Train Your Staff For Collecting Reviews
Instruct your staff to be proactive in soliciting reviews so they can get more fitness center online reviews. Therefore, prepare them to know when to request these reviews, such as after personal training or at the end of a class.
For instance, the trainers can tell your clients, "Thanks for training with us today. Would you mind leaving us a review on Google? It does help us grow and develop."
A staff properly equipped with the right language and encouragement will not hesitate to address members and build a culture of feedback.
7. Display Google Reviews In The Gym
Showcasing positive gym reviews on your website attracts and inspires others to share their own. To do so effectively, design a dedicated display board emphasizing some of the great reviews or posting them on digital displays throughout the gym.
For example, you might pair up a review that reads, "Spin classes at [Your Gym Name] are a game changer! I've never felt better!" You would then post a fun picture of a spin class in action against it, showing the energy of your members.
People may feel more inclined to do the same when they see that others are happy to share their experiences.
8. Engage Clients Through Social Media
Social media is a good place to communicate with your members and advise them to write a Google review for your gym. Thus, always post content that exhibits your gym's culture, members' success stories, and members' reviews.
For instance, you can easily show a video of the member's achievement of his/her fitness goal and caption it with, "We're so proud of our members! If you train with us, we'd love to hear about your experience!"
Engaging with your clients online while focusing on their achievements would be a better way to develop a community and encourage them to share experiences through reviews.
Cerese Cason · 6 min read