Back in the Stone Ages (before the Internet), positive gym reviews weren’t that common because reviews were mostly centered around restaurants and entertainment.
Newspapers sent reporters to eat at all the new places and judge all the plays and movies, then publish their critiques to help the public make informed decisions about how to spend their time and money.
But now that everyone can share their opinions about anything on websites and social media, business reviews have become increasingly important for all kind of businesses – including gyms and fitness studios.
Market research is clear that most consumers value online reviews almost as much as personal recommendations. Consumers seek reviews online and respond accordingly.
A good review encourages them to visit your website, and a negative review makes them feel less certain about you. A lack of reviews just makes them wonder why there’s nothing there; it’s conspicuous.
With prospects able to get feedback on Google, Yelp, Facebook and other sites, it’s imperative that you make sure positive gym reviews are being posted about your business – and that you’re responding to the inevitable negative comments in way that turns them into a benefit for your business.
So how do you get positive gym reviews? Here are a few simple ideas guaranteed to make your members happy to spread the good word about you.
1.
Ask for Them.
Don’t be shy about asking your satisfied customers to help like this. If you don’t ask, they won’t know that you want them to take this step, and most of them will be happy to do it.
Just be professional and respectful. You don’t want to come on like a gushing starlet at the Oscars: “You really like me!” Or a poseur “influencer” posting thirst traps all the time.
Most people are willing to do it, according to research, so don’t be intimidated or feel awkward. Just think how happy you are to tell someone about a great business you’ve found!
It’s best to ask in person, but there’s nothing wrong with a reminder in email or other written communication.
Follow up on your request. “Hi, Susan! Great to see you again… Hey, have you had a minute to post that review we discussed? I’ll send you the link again.”
2.
Make It Easy.
When you ask clients to post positive gym reviews, show them exactly where to go. Provide a link to the right page on Google, Yelp, your website, or wherever you’ve decided to concentrate your efforts.
Don’t ask and then just expect people to figure out website navigation. If you give them a reason to quit, they’ll take it.
3.
Give Them Incentives.
Offer a drawing for a free training session or some other valuable goodie to everyone who submits a positive gym review. Make it time specific, so that they have the added pressure of a deadline.
Try something like, “Every positive reviewer between now and April 1 gets automatically entered in our free drawing to receive three free training sessions.”
And just be direct about how important referrals are to your business. Your supporters want you to succeed!
4.
Involve Your Employees.
Post a reminder at the front desk and by the water cooler. Ask your trainers to encourage their clients to post a rave about your place by posting positive gym reviews.
Tell employees they should make the suggestion whenever a member makes a positive comment in conversation.
5.
Give Them Something to Rave About
Focus on delivering an awesome customer experience, from soup to nuts (as restaurants say) – leaving no detail neglected.
Your front desk person should welcome everyone by name. The floors should be clean. The bathrooms should be impeccable. Your equipment should be well-maintained. Everything.
Remember that people are quicker to jump online and slam a business for one negative quality than they are to rave unprompted after years of top-flight service. So, don’t give them any ammunition!
6.
Give Suggestions about Positive Gym Reviews
Sometimes people might want to help but still feel unsure what to say. You can give them prompts without putting words in their mouths or tainting their review.
For instance, you can suggest they describe their fitness journey in three easy parts. What were they like before they came into your gym, how do they enjoy being part of it now, and how is their life better?
Or ask them to state their primary goal in joining and then say how close they are to reaching that goal.
If the member has told you how much she just loves your expanded weight room or extra Pilates class, then remind her and suggest she write a few thoughts about that.
Ask that your reviews be specific. “I like the gym” is OK, but “The positive atmosphere and friendly staff encourage me to work hard and feel great”… well, that’s better!
And don’t forget to ask for photos! Before-and-after shots are great, but any photo gives the reader something more to relate to. It makes the review come alive because readers see that it’s coming from a specific individual.
7.
Have Robust Communications Generally
If you feel shy about asking for positive gym reviews, then just fold the requests into your other communications.
For instance, if you send emails to members, include an item asking them to post positive reviews, and include the link.
When members make comments orally or leave a suggestion, ask for a positive gym review online.
Celebrate clients’ milestones. When they reach a goal and they’re feeling great, promote that to others – and ask the happy celebrant to post a review at this time.
Be responsive to all the reviews you get. Acknowledge positive experiences – and don’t neglect criticisms. You can take them as an opportunity to say you regret the person was disappointed and to ask for a second chance. Or you could explain your position on, say, a cancellation charge or some policy that resulted in a barb.
Don’t ignore, but don’t argue.
8.
Get Social
You should have active social media accounts on the channels most relevant to your customer base. Post photos and updates about your members (with their permission). Be sure to tag them – and ask them to share the item to their followers and add a mini-review when they do.
“My friends at Neighborhood Gym just posted this picture of me. I love working out there. It’s fun and safe, and I’ve already lost 20 pounds. Just 10 more to go! You should stop by and see for yourself how great it is.”
Share any positive reviews, even if they’re old. Say you have a rave from last year on your Google page, highlight it in your Facebook feed today!
Gifts That Keep on Giving
In conclusion, positive gym reviews are powerful tools for growing your business because prospects see them and are encouraged to check you out.
More than that, they’re opportunities to show your values – that you’re responsive, respectful, and enthusiastic about your members’ experience.
Keep the focus reflected on your clients and prospects. Take the position that compliments are great, and you appreciate them, but your real interest is in helping people. You are there to help them reach their goals; they’re not there to make you look good!
Encouraging reviews is important, even essential, and there’s no reason to worry about asking for them. It’s just part of doing business and getting your word out there.
You’re great at helping people – and you want everyone to know it!
For more on how to grow your business, check out our 9 Secrets to Increase Retention.