7 Text Marketing Tips to Boost Your Fitness Business Engagement

 

If you’re looking to improve lead generation, convert more trials into members, and strengthen your client retention, text marketing for gyms and fitness businesses is an unbeatable strategy. With open rates as high as 98% and response rates averaging 45%, SMS easily outperforms email marketing, and it’s accessible to nearly all smartphone users.

Whether you run a personal training studio or large fitness facility, these 7 proven text marketing tips will help you connect with prospects and members in real-time, boost engagement, and grow your revenue. Let’s dive in.

 

1. Grow an Opt-In SMS List of Ready-to-Buy Prospects

With 91% of U.S. adults owning a smartphone, nearly every potential member is just a text away. Create easy, enticing ways for leads to opt into your SMS list — through your website’s pop-ups, landing pages, or after they complete a contact form.

Add a strong CTA (call-to-action) like:

• “Want a free trial class? Text ‘TRIAL’ to [number] and claim your spot today!”

It’s one of the best call-to-actions for fitness websites because it creates urgency and drives real-time interaction.

 

2. Nail Your Timing for Maximum Attention

Text messages are typically read within three minutes of being received, and most users check their phones every 10 minutes. Compare that to the 90-minute average reply time for email, and the winner is clear.

Use your CRM tools to schedule SMS sends for peak engagement times — like mid-morning, lunchtime, or just before people leave work. Time your texts for reminders, promotions, or re-engagement to drive instant action.

 

3. Personalize Every Message to Increase Conversions

Generic blasts won’t cut it anymore. When your gym CRM supports personalized fields like name, interest, or last interaction, use them.

Instead of:

• “Come in for your free class!”

Try:

• “Hey Sarah! Ready to crush your first kickboxing session? We’ve saved your spot for tomorrow at 6 PM.”

Text marketing for gyms works best when it feels like a 1:1 conversation, not a billboard.

 

4. Automate Reminders to Slash No-Shows

No-shows hurt your schedule and your revenue. Fortunately, automated SMS reminders are a game-changer. Clinics, courts, and coaching programs have all proven that simple reminder texts can reduce no-shows by 14–20%.

Integrate your marketing CRM with automated reminders for trial classes, consultations, or events. It’s one of the most effective lead management strategies to increase attendance and show rates.

 

5. Keep Members on Track with Goal-Based Texts

Text marketing isn’t just for leads! It’s a powerful tool to retain members and support progress. Research shows that goal-based texts, especially paired with incentives, can significantly boost results like weight loss and attendance.

Use your fitness CRM to segment your list by goal type and send motivational messages that help members stay on track, from nutrition tips to weekly workout challenges.

 

6. Drive Sales with Mobile Offers & Links

Mobile offers or coupons are a proven way to increase revenue and attract new clients – 86% of shoppers say they’ll try a new business just because of a digital coupon.

Send exclusive offers through SMS, like:

• “Flash Deal! 20% off your first month, today only! Click here to claim: [link]”

Use trackable links and coupon codes inside your SMS to measure campaign success directly from your CRM dashboard.

 

7. Spark Two-Way Conversations & Build Trust

Today’s consumers want fast, convenient communication, and 48% say they prefer texting with businesses over phone calls or emails.

Turn your SMS channel into a conversation platform, not just a broadcast tool. Ask questions, invite feedback, and make sure your team is ready to respond quickly. This kind of interaction builds trust and increases conversion rates from leads who feel heard.

 

Turn SMS Into Your Fitness Business’s Secret Weapon

When done right, SMS marketing can be one of the most effective ways to convert leads, engage clients, and grow your fitness business, all from a tool that fits in your pocket.

If you’re ready to build a powerful strategy that pairs high-converting text campaigns with automated lead management tools and a conversion-optimized website, 97Display is here to help.