In today's fast-paced and digitally connected world, SMS (or text-message-based) marketing has emerged as a powerful tool for gyms and those in the fitness industry to engage with existing members, increase profitability and grow your business. 

With a high open rate and immediate reach, SMS marketing allows fitness businesses to communicate important updates, promotions, and motivational messages directly to their target audience. It's a strategy that can be used alongside others such as intro offers, Instagram marketing as a way to target different kinds of customers.

What is SMS marketing?

SMS marketing, or Short Message Service marketing, is a digital marketing method that involves sending promotional messages, alerts, updates, or other types of text-based content to a group of individuals through SMS (Short Message Service) or text messaging. 

SMS is a common and widely used communication method on mobile devices such as phones, tablets and wearable devices such as smart watches, making SMS marketing a direct and effective way to reach a target audience and stand out from other fitness businesses.

Ready to start your SMS or text message marketing campaign? Read our full guide here.

Why fitness professional should use sms marketing

SMS marketing is particularly effective for industries like fitness, retail, hospitality, and entertainment, where timely communication and engagement with customers are crucial.

When executed properly, SMS marketing can enhance customer relationships, drive sales, and increase brand loyalty. However, it's essential to use SMS marketing responsibly and respect subscribers' preferences to maintain a positive brand image.

1. Permission-based

Text-message marketing is typically permission-based, meaning that recipients have opted in to receive messages from a particular business or organization. This consent can be obtained through various means, such as online sign-up forms, text-in keywords, or during the checkout process.

2. Short and concise messages

Due to the character limit of SMS messages (usually 160 characters per message), SMS marketing messages are typically short and to the point. This encourages businesses to craft clear and concise content.

3. Immediate delivery

Text messages are usually delivered instantly, and they have a high open rate among consumers as they check their messages regularly. This makes SMS marketing an excellent choice for time-sensitive promotions, event reminders, and urgent announcements.

4. High open and engagement rates 

Compared to other marketing channels like email, SMS messages have a significantly higher open rate, often exceeding 90%. This makes SMS marketing a powerful tool for ensuring that your message reaches your target audience.

5. Personalisation 

SMS marketing allows for personalization by addressing recipients by their first names and tailoring messages to their preferences and behaviours. 

Personalized messages tend to be more effective in engaging customers and can be used to help customers create a deeper connection with your business.

6. Helping customers remember appointments

SMS marketing often includes a clear call to action (CTA) that encourages recipients to take a specific action, such as clicking a link, making a purchase, booking an appointment, or visiting a physical store.

7. Tracking and analytics 

Businesses can track the success of SMS marketing campaigns by monitoring metrics like open rates, click-through rates, conversion rates, and opt-out rates. This data helps refine future SMS marketing strategies.

8. SMS marketing must follow certain rules

It's essential for businesses to adhere to SMS marketing regulations and obtain proper consent from recipients. Non-compliance can potentially lead to legal issues and damage a brand's reputation. As long as businesses familiarise themselves with the rules of SMS marketing they should feel very free to use them to their maximum potential.

9. Integration with other marketing channels and platforms 

SMS marketing can be integrated with other marketing channels like email marketing, social media, and mobile apps to create a cohesive and comprehensive marketing strategy.

They can also be integrated using existing marketing platforms that prompt actions based on certain user activities, such as visiting your site or adding something to a cart. 

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