6 Ways to Successfully Convert a Prospect to a Paying Student
We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but not all of your prospects are going to magically become paying students all on their own. Sometimes, it takes a little push. It’s your job as a business owner to move them through your sales funnel and show them just why your gym is exactly what they are looking for.
So if you want to get those lingering prospects past the front door and into classes and training, read ahead for 6 ways to convert your prospects into paying students:
Maintain a Good Online Presence
News flash – we are living in the age of the Internet. This means that your website is often the very first impression prospects have of your gym…so make sure it’s a good one. If you don’t have a strong online presence, prospects may never find your school in the first place.
What does having a “good website” even mean? First and foremost, let’s talk about design. The way your website looks – its layout, color scheme, text, graphics, etc. – has a major impact on viewers’ perception of your business, whether they realize it or not. In fact, an article by Parqa Marketing cited research conducted by Stanford University, stating “judgements on a company’s credibility are 75% based on the company’s website design.”
Second, don’t underestimate the power of a good review. Think about the last time you bought something online. You probably checked the item’s ratings and reviews before you added it to your shopping cart, right? Well, prospects utilize this same method when selecting a martial arts school. When making an important decision, potential customers trust the opinions of other customers. A survey conducted by Bright Local actually discovered that “the average consumer reads 10 reviews before feeling able to trust a business.” So how do you rack up these reviews? Go read our article, 6 Ways to Get Customer Reviews for Your Gym, to find all the advice you’re looking for.
Third, prioritize your social media presence. By devoting time to developing your social media accounts, you will create a more human connection between your business and your students/prospects. Social media can be a great outlet for catching the attention of your younger customers – think millennials and Gen Z.
Make Sure Your Website’s “Contact Us” Form is Easily Accessible
Like we mentioned before, the appearance and organization of your gym’s website can seriously transform how prospects judge your business.
Picture this – a potential student has visited your gym’s website and they like what they see. They’re interested in what you offer and want to contact you to learn more. They take a quick scan over your page in search of your contact form, but after a few glances they can’t seem to find it. They’re soon distracted by something else and suddenly forget about your gym.
Doesn’t that make your blood boil?
Don’t risk losing the chance to convert prospects to paying students over something so simple. Make sure your contact form is in plain sight and easy to fill out. It should always ask for the following:
- Name
- Phone number
- Any other information necessary for you to know