By Steve Pawlyk
Published September 10, 2023
If you own a cheer gym, i know what’s on your mind a lot: “How do we get more signups?” Let’s go through some modern, effective strategies to elevate your gym’s appeal and attract more athletes. From leveraging social media to forging local partnerships, here’s how you can make your gym the go-to spot for aspiring cheer athletes.
1. Leverage the Power of Social Media
The Strategy
Instagram has become a powerful platform for showcasing your gym’s capabilities. By posting short video clips of your athletes performing routines or stunts, you can create a buzz and attract attention.
Hypothetical Example
Let’s say you have 40 athletes in your gym. You could create a weekly video series featuring different teams or levels. One week could be the junior team performing a new routine, and the next could be your elite team executing complex stunts. Use hashtags relevant to cheerleading and your local area to increase visibility. If done correctly, you could see a significant increase in followers, and more importantly, potential athletes showing interest in your gym.
2. Forge Local Partnerships
The Strategy
Collaborate with local businesses that align with your gym’s ethos. For example, partnering with a local smoothie shop can be beneficial for both parties.
Hypothetical Example
Imagine you strike a deal with a local smoothie shop where your athletes get a 10% discount on all smoothies. In return, the smoothie shop’s customers receive a voucher for a free trial class at your gym. This symbiotic relationship not only promotes community engagement but also drives new potential athletes to your gym.
3. Engage with the Community
The Strategy
Hosting free events like cheer clinics can serve as a fantastic way to give back to the community while subtly marketing your gym.
Hypothetical Example
Suppose you decide to host a free cheer clinic for the local community. You could invite local media to cover the event, gaining you free publicity. You could ask current athletes at your gym to come and have them serve as mentors during the clinic. The hands-on experience could be the push needed for some kids to sign up for a beginner’s class at your gym.
4. Master the Art of Email Marketing
The Strategy
While it may seem outdated, email marketing remains an effective way to keep your current members informed and to attract new ones.
Hypothetical Example
Let’s say you’re planning an annual showcase event. You could send out a well-crafted email newsletter to your mailing list, highlighting the event’s features and what makes it unique. Using a service like Mailchimp or Stampready will make this process a cinch. If last year’s attendance was 100 people, a compelling email could potentially double that number, making the event more exciting for both athletes and spectators.
By implementing these strategies, you’re not just waiting for athletes to find you; you’re actively drawing them in. So go ahead, make your gym the go-to spot for aspiring cheer athletes.
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