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6 Strategic Promotions to Attract Clients to Your Sports Business

In the realm of sports business, whether you’re a seasoned owner or recently launched your business, implementing strategic promotions can be a game changer. Promotions not only attract new clients, they also generate revenue and encourage participation with current clients.

Dive into this guide to explore six innovative promotion ideas, along with a few examples to attract clients and elevate your sports business to new heights.

Plan Promotions Wisely

Strategic timing is crucial for promotions. Seize the opportunity for promotions, whether it’s a new year’s campaign or a celebration for your business’s anniversary. You could also offer a discount for clients’ birthdays or during your slowest month of the year. Furthermore, creating urgency by adding expiration dates or limiting offers prompts potential clients to act swiftly. An offer that says, “The first 30 people to sign up get a waived join fee” will incentivize potential clients to act fast.

 

Host a Special Event

One effective way to attract new clients to your sports business is by hosting special events. Consider organizing sessions where existing clients can bring a guest for free, engaging in friendly competitions or fun activities. This not only fosters a sense of community, but also provides an opportunity to capture the guest’s information for your software. You can add them to your email list, making your business more relevant than competitors.

Here is an example of a graphic you might email to your customers:

 

 

 

Generate Buzz with Social Media Contests

Another impactful strategy is to leverage the power of social media through contests. Encourage clients to post photos from their sessions and draw winners for enticing prizes like $10 off their next session, discounts on monthly memberships, gift cards, or branded swag. This not only enhances your visibility within your clients’ networks, but it also positions your business as an attractive option for lessons, training, or team activities.

 

Integrate a Referral Program

Implementing a referral program is a powerful method to capitalize on positive client experiences. Encourage satisfied customers to refer friends by offering incentives. Ensure a smooth onboarding process for referred clients by providing them with discounted or waived join fees, creating a win-win situation for both your existing and new clients.

 

Here is an example of a referral program promotion:

 

 

 

Build Social Proof: The Power of Reviews

Leveraging online reviews can significantly boost your business’s credibility. After all, your satisfied customers can be your best sales reps. Again, offering incentives is a great way to nudge your clients to rave about you. Offer a small incentive like a branded towel, a coupon, or a voucher for a free sports drink to those who leave a review. This not only builds social proof but also establishes your business as a superior choice in comparison to competitors.

 

Introduce Holiday Offers

As the holiday season approaches, tap into the heightened demand for sports-related gifts. Offer enticing sales such as a gift card deal where customers pay $75 for a $100 gift card or 20% off 10 lessons, providing a valuable option for those seeking thoughtful presents.

The following is an example of an offer that could be promoted on social media:

 

 

Related: 3 Holiday Promotion Ideas You Can Use Today

Implement a Customer Rewards Program

Implementing a customer rewards program adds an element of loyalty to your business. Create punch cards that offer free or discounted lessons, branded merchandise, or other perks upon completion. This not only rewards loyal customers but also incentivizes them to continue engaging with your business.

 

Where Upper Hand Comes In

As you are promoting special offers at your sports business, let Upper Hand help. Send marketing emails, create gift cards, and apply discounts through Upper Hand. By strategically implementing these promotions, your sports business will attract new clients, foster loyalty, and stay top-of-mind in your target audience’s considerations.

Check out Upper Hand’s marketing features.

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]]> How to Create your Own GPT (with Examples for Sports Business Owners!) https://upperhand.com/create-your-own-gpt-with-examples/ Mon, 11 Dec 2023 19:32:21 +0000 https://upperhand.com/?p=36293
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How to Create your Own GPT (with Examples for Sports Business Owners!)

In the dynamic landscape of sports training,, staying ahead of the curve is not just a choice but a necessity. The advent of cutting-edge technologies has paved the way for innovative solutions, from new athlete training techniques to managing your business.

On the business side, one such solution is ChatGPT.

Since it was initially launched in November 2022, OpenAI has continued to make updates to the platform to make it even more valuable for its users.

Most recently, in November 2023, ChatGPT now gives you the ability to create your own GPT.

Why is this impactful, and how can you, as a sports business owner, take advantage of these updates?

Here’s why (and how) you should create your own GPT, plus some ideas of GPTs you can create and utilize in your day to day.

Note: If you don’t yet have a ChatGPT account, here’s an introduction to the platform.

 

Creating your own GPT

There are two different ways you can build your own GPT. It’s important to note that in order to access this functionality, you must be a ChatGPT Plus subscriber. The GPT-4 subscription is $20 per month, but unlocks a number of advanced tools and additional integrations. Once you’ve logged into your ChatGPT account, you can build your first GPT – either using the Create functionality, or the Configure functionality.

 

P.S. We recently hosted a webinar on how to create your own GPT. Watch the recorded session here, and download a free guide with copy and paste-able templates!

 

How to Build your first GPT using the GPT Create Functionality

  1. Open OpenAI’s platform and select the GPT Create option.
  2. Define the purpose of your GPT (for example customer service or content creation). Use the below prompt to ensure you provide adequate information.
  3. Customize your GPT’s training data and parameters relevant to your sports facility or training academy.
  4. Test and refine your GPT’s responses for accuracy and relevance.
  5. Publish your GPT and begin using it in your sports facility operations!

Here is a sample instruction template to copy and paste when creating your GPT.

#PERSONALITY
-Give me my role and what I am supposed to do

#FOLLOWS THESE STEPS IN ORDER
-Step 1: insert response here
-Step 2: insert response here
-Step 3: insert response here

#KNOWLEDGE BASE
-Use this file.pdf for this
-Use this file.doc for this
-Etc
*attach or upload any relevant files, for example a messaging guide or brand guidelines

#RESPONSE STYLE
-Always be professional, positive and direct
-Always get to the point
-DO NOT be overly chatty

How to Build your first GPT using the GPT Configure Functionality

  1. Select the GPT Configure option in OpenAI’s platform
  2. Choose a pre-existing GPT model as your base
  3. Configure the model’s responses and capabilities to suit specific sports facility needs
  4. Implement and monitor the GPT, making adjustments as necessary
  5. Leverage the GPT for enhanced customer engagement and operational efficiency!

What GPTs should I create as a sports facility owner?

The sky’s the limit in terms of creating your own GPT. But, with so much potential, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. So, how can you, as a facility owner, utilize this new functionality for your daily operations? Here are 4 GPT’s you should consider creating.

 

 

 

1. Sales Email Coach GPT

One GPT you should consider creating is a Sales Email Coach GPT to help you enhance your sales communications. You can utilize this GPT to craft compelling emails that resonate with your clients and prospects. Share it with your staff (your sales team!), to empower them to efficiently communicate with current and prospective clients. As a result, you’ll see more engagement and conversations at your facility, and ultimately, a growing clientele.

When creating a Sales Email Coach GPT, it’s crucial to offer specific information about your sports facility, including industry-specific details like unique offerings and terminology. Clearly define your brand’s voice, audience characteristics, and preferred tone to maintain consistency in messaging. Provide insights into ongoing promotions, target actions for recipients, and parameters for personalization, ensuring the GPT tailors content effectively. Highlight differentiators from competitors, share event details, and offer positive customer feedback to enable the GPT to craft compelling and relevant narratives in emails. By incorporating these elements, the Sales Email Coach GPT can create personalized, engaging emails that resonate with your audience and drive desired outcomes.

 

 

2. Business Maverick GPT

Another GPT that can be beneficial to sports business owners is a more broad Business Maverick GPT. You might choose to create a Business Maverick GPT to help provide some advice and mentorship when it comes to managing the business aspects of your facility. This can serve as a great sounding board for ideas as well as give you recommendations for areas of improvement, which can be especially beneficial for a small team.

When building a Business Maverick GPT, you should be sure to outline industry-specific dynamics, business goals, and challenges, as this will help you tailor the GPT’s insights effectively. Additionally, you should clearly articulate the brand’s positioning, target clientele, and communication style to ensure that the GPT generates strategies that align most closely with your business identity.

Rember to avoid sharing sensitive information on ChatGPT, but when possible, you may consider also including some key success metrics, success stories, or case studies which can help the GPT draw inspiration and incorporate real-world scenarios into its responses.

 

 

3. SEO Blog Expert GPT

An SEO Blog Expert GPT is another great custom GPT option for sports business owners. This GPT template can help you create SEO-optimized content for your blog website or other written messaging. you can utilize this GPT to increase your online presence and search result rankings, and establish your facility as a thought leader in the sports community. Ultimately, this will help you generate more leads as well as gain credibility amongst your current clientele.

When configuring an SEO Blog Expert GPT, it’s important to specify relevant keywords, industry-specific terminology, trending topics, and other important information. Additionally, you may choose to upload any documentation such as a messaging guide or other guiding resources. Outline the preferred writing style, tone, and target audience of your content to ensure the GPT can tailor the content to resonate with your clients and prospects.

 

 

4 Logo Creation GPT

One more GPT that you should consider configuring is a Logo Creation GPT. Use this GPT to create unique and eye-catching logos for your sports facility. And, elevate your branding to stand out against your competitors.

When configuring a Logo Creation GPT for your sports facility, offer specific details to ensure the generation of unique and eye-catching logos that elevate your branding in the competitive sports industry. Begin by providing insights into your facility’s identity, core values, and any specific imagery or symbols that represent your brand essence. Share the preferred color palette, typography preferences, and any design elements that should be incorporated into the logo to maintain consistency with your overall branding.

Communicate the emotions or messages you want the logo to convey, whether it’s energy, teamwork, or a sense of community. Specify any design inspirations, themes, or styles that align with your facility’s image. If there are specific industry trends or visual elements prevalent in the sports community that you’d like the logo to incorporate, communicate these preferences to the Logo Creation GPT.

Utilize the Logo Creation GPT to not only craft visually appealing logos but also to establish a strong brand identity that resonates with your target audience. By providing comprehensive information in these areas, the GPT can deliver logos that effectively communicate your sports facility’s values and make a lasting impression in the competitive sports landscape.

 

Ready to get started?

The ability to create your own GPT introduces a realm of possibilities for personalized and more tailored operations. From a Sales Email Coach to a Logo Creation Assistant, GPTs can help you manage various areas of your business so that you can spend your time and energy on coaching your athletes.

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]]> 7 Tips to Increase New Membership Sales at your Sports Facility https://upperhand.com/7-tips-to-increase-sports-facility-membership-sales/ Thu, 30 Nov 2023 20:52:00 +0000 https://upperhand.com/?p=36153
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7 Tips to Increase New Membership Sales at your Sports Facility

Continuing to grow membership sales requires ongoing attention and prioritization. To really get it right, it takes time and effort to establish a strategy that works for your facility.

The challenge of attracting new members is not merely aesthetic; it’s a financial hurdle that can jeopardize your training center’s longevity and profitability. Regardless of your business’s focus, mastering the art of attracting, converting, and retaining members for your training facility is paramount for long term success.

As the new year approaches, it’s the perfect time to refine your membership sales strategy and elevate your game.

So, how can you propel your sports business towards increased membership sales?

How to Increase Membership Sales

1. Create targeted marketing campaigns

One of the first questions to ask when implementing memberships (or any program!) is “who are my ideal members?” Write down the characteristics of target clientele – for example their behaviors, goals, interests, and needs.

Once you’ve identified your target audience, you can create marketing campaigns that resonate with those interests and needs. Utilize your various marketing channels to reach potential members through online advertising, social media, and email marketing. For example, in Upper Hand, you can filter your contacts to identify your contacts that are not yet in a membership, and send them a marketing email encouraging them to explore the benefits of a membership. Or, run a small social media ad campaign to people in your area with an introductory offer.

2. Run promotional offers & discounts

Speaking of running an introductory offer, another way to entice clients to enroll in a membership is to introduce special promotions or discounts for new members. This could include waiving the join fee or offering the membership at a discounted rate for the first few months.

To create a sense of urgency, you may consider offering these promotional discounts or offers for a limited time only. With the new year approaching, now may be a great time to run a promotion.

Related: 3 Holiday Promotion Ideas you can steal for your business.

3. Invest in your staff (your sales team!)

You may have the best offerings in the world, but if your team is not equipped with the tools and knowledge they need to make a sale, you could be missing out on the clientele and the revenue. So, it’s important that when strategizing about your membership sales, you don’t neglect to invest in your team.

Tools like ChatGPT can help you generate scripts that your staff members can use to communicate the value of your memberships and address customer inquiries. These scripts can be tailored to handle different scenarios – key selling points, common objections, exclusive benefits, and more. Remember, a well-informed and confident team armed with these insights can significantly impact the success of your membership sales strategy.

4. Incentivize your staff

On the topic of supporting your staff, another way to boost your membership sales is to reward your staff members when they make a sale. Consider offering a commission or incentive when a staff member sells a new client membership. This will provide a little extra motivation for them to actively engage with potential clients and showcase the value of your programming and offerings.

By implementing a commission or incentive structure, you’re not only able to recognize and appreciate your staff, but you can also foster a culture of sales excellence amongst your team. Additionally, this added motivation can translate into increased enthusiasm during customer interactions, which can ultimately result in higher conversion rates. Not to mention, it reinforces a sense of ownership, as they directly contribute to the growth and success of the sports facility.

5. Implement a referral program

Another impactful strategy to boost your sports facility membership sales is to empower your existing members as ambassadors through a robust referral program. Encourage your clients to become advocates for your facility by incentivizing and rewarding them for successfully referring new members. This incentive system could be a free credit for a class or program, or give them an Account Credit that they could use towards future purchases.

By turning your clients into enthusiastic brand advocates, you are tapping into the power of word-of-mouth marketing. This not only builds trust around your brand, but it also expands your reach to potential members who may be more receptive to joining as a result of that personal invitation. A well-executed referral program not only fuels the growth of your membership base; it also cultivates a supportive community atmosphere amongst your members.

6. Optimize your online presence

In today’s digital age, your online presence is often the first interaction potential members have with your sports business. Ensure your website is user-friendly, and makes it easy for prospective members to find information about your memberships (and your other offerings!). Investing in a compelling online experience will help you convert visitors into members and enhance your sports facility’s overall visibility.

In addition, it’s imperative that you are active on social media! Keep your social media profiles up to date with dynamic content – including member success stories, behind-the-scenes glimpses, announcements of upcoming events, special offers and more. By incorporating your memberships into your digital marketing strategy, you can create an online environment that captivates and converts prospective members, driving the success of your sports facility in a competitive space.

7. Make it easy to enroll

At the end of the day, if it is too complex or difficult to enroll in your sports facility’s memberships, prospective clients will take their business elsewhere. Even if you have a great script or are active on social media, unless you make it simple to enroll or request more information, you risk losing potential members who may opt for facilities with more straightforward processes. The journey from interest to enrollment should be a seamless transition, devoid of unnecessary hurdles.

A powerful sports facility management software will help you manage and sell your memberships with ease, both boosting your client experience and your bottom line. A sports software like Upper Hand makes it easy for clients to view membership benefits, compare offerings, and make decisions that are the best fit for them. This leads to increased client satisfaction, which ultimately results in increased brand loyalty (and, as mentioned previously, brand advocates)!

Related: Take an interactive tour of Upper Hand’s sports management software!

Ready to Increase Membership Sales?

Memberships are a great way to establish stability for your business, as the recurring revenue they provide helps you invest in your business and plan for the future. Whether you’re thinking about implementing a membership program for your business, or are looking to give your existing memberships a boost, these 7 strategies will help position you to make 2024 a great year for your sports facility.

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]]> Upper Hand Announces UPLIFT Sports Business Makeover to Empower Sports Communities https://upperhand.com/upper-hand-announces-uplift-business-makeover-2023/ Tue, 14 Nov 2023 21:06:41 +0000 https://upperhand.com/?p=35753
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Upper Hand Announces UPLIFT Sports Business Makeover to Empower Sports Communities

INDIANAPOLIS, November 14, 2023 — Upper Hand, an innovative leader in sports management software, announced today that it has launched the UPLIFT Sports Business Makeover. This initiative aims to honor remarkable sports facilities and coaching businesses that have made significant community impacts or triumphed over substantial challenges.

“Our UPLIFT Business Makeover is an opportunity to celebrate the resilience and dedication within the sports community,” said Kevin R. MacCauley, CEO of Upper Hand. “We’re eager to hear the inspiring stories and provide a deserving business with a transformation that encompasses state-of-the-art software, website upgrades, and a facility refresh.”

Sports facilities and coaching businesses are invited to share their compelling stories for a chance to win this comprehensive business makeover. The selection will focus on the story’s community impact and its significance within the sports sector.

“We believe in the power of these stories to inspire and lead the sports industry forward,” added MacCauley.

For more information, to apply, or to nominate a sports business, visit https://upperhand.com/uplift-business-makeover/.

About Upper Hand

Upper Hand is the leading provider of full-suite sports management software that enables businesses to achieve more while doing less. Sports facilities, studios, and businesses – from small enterprises to large franchises – use Upper Hand’s integrated software and payments platform to operate their business more efficiently, increase customer satisfaction, and leverage real-time data for better decision-making. Its product suite includes features to manage client booking and registration, memberships, staff and facility scheduling, retail, contact marketing, and more.

###

 

For press and media inquiries, please contact Mary Claire Timberlake, Director of Channel Partnerships, at maryclaire@getupperhand.com.

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]]> 5 Must-Ask Questions When Evaluating Sports Coaching Apps https://upperhand.com/5-must-ask-questions-sports-coaching-apps/ https://upperhand.com/5-must-ask-questions-sports-coaching-apps/#comments Tue, 31 Oct 2023 08:27:24 +0000 https://upperhand.com/?p=28442
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5 Must-Ask Questions When Evaluating Sports Coaching Apps

There’s more than one option for just about everything these days. Sports coaching apps are no exception. With so many options on the market, how do you know you’re making the best decision for your business?

We’ve talked with thousands of sports business owners like you. And, we know that making decisions – especially larger investments like coach scheduling software – can be stressful.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 5 must-ask questions when evaluating different solutions and choosing the best sports coaching app for your business.

Before you begin, identify what headaches you’re looking to eliminate with a sports coaching app.

What prompted you to start searching for a solution? Are you looking for an easier way for clients to schedule? Do you want the flexibility to take payments online? Are you trying to keep track of schedules for your growing staff?

These headaches should guide the questions you ask, and the potential providers you consider.

For example, if you are struggling to collect payments from your clients, or feel awkward having conversations about money (at the expense of talking about athlete development), you should prioritize a sports coaching app that allows you to seamlessly process credit card payments.

Likewise, if you are spending days emailing clients back and forth to set up a time to train, you might look for a sports coaching app that empowers your clients to book sessions within the availability you set.

5 Must-ask questions when evaluating sports coaching apps

1. Does this app support the way I run my business?

One critical area to prioritize is how an app for coaches will support your business model.

Think about how you run your programs. Will this software allow your athletes to register and pay online for your skills camp? Are you able to open up availability for your athletes to book out a lesson with your coaches?

Whether you are running large-scale camps, individual private lessons, or anything in between, you need to be sure that the software is flexible enough to fit the way you run your business, not the other way around.

Related: Your Business, Your Way with Upper Hand

2. Can this sports coaching app give me payment flexibility?

In addition to supporting your programming, the best apps for coaches should also provide flexibility when it comes to collecting and managing payments.

Does this sports coaching app

  • Allow you to package offerings?
  • Give you options for memberships?
  • Allow you to run promotions or discounts?
  • Allow you to implement payment plans to pay down larger balances over time?

 

Perhaps you allow your athletes to schedule one-off lessons, or purchase a bulk package of lessons to schedule at once. Maybe you offer a monthly membership that gives access to certain benefits. Regardless of how you structure your offerings, your sports management software should support the way you structure your payment process.

Additionally, the best scheduling software for coaches will give you flexibility with the way you take payments – from paying at the time of booking to paying upon arrival. Just as with the scheduling, a sports management software should empower you to run your business, your way.

3. Can I access this app “on the go”?

The nature of your job is “on the go.” Your sports coaching software should be able to keep up. The best scheduling app for coaches will allow you to access all of your data from your fingertips.

From the field to the front desk, you should be able to manage your schedule and take control of your day. Can you make updates to your calendar? Can you collect payments without having to go to the front desk? Upper Hand’s mobile app, for example, allows you to view your business on your smartphone, allowing you retain the full functionality of the desktop software, just on a different sized screen.

Whatever your day looks like, be sure your mobile coaching app is as agile as you are. It’s important that you ask these questions so you can visualize how the app will support and empower you day-to-day.

Related: Managing your business on the go (with the Upper Hand Mobile App)!

4. Does this app allow me to communicate with my clients?

From sending session reminders to sharing important event details, a sports coaching app should also facilitate relationships with your clients. Be sure to ask your potential software provider about how you will be able foster relationships with your athletes and their parents.

If you are running sports camps, it is important that you’re able to send a mass update to an entire roster with event details or reminders. For example, “We are excited to welcome you to camp next week. Check in will be from 8:00-8:30am on Monday. Be sure to bring a water bottle and your cleats! See you then!”

Likewise, if your business model primarily consists of private or group sessions, it is important that you are able to send appointment reminders, which reduce the chance of no-shows, and that you can reach your clients with important updates like “Let’s meet inside today, since there will be rain showers moving through around the time of your lesson!”

Furthermore, the ability to send a marketing email to clients in your database will help you to spread the word on any additional programs that may be of interest to a particular group.

Related: 3 Email Automations You Should Be Using

5. Is the app easy to use for my clients?

Speaking of your clients, it is also important that you understand how a sports coaching app will affect your clients’ experience with your brand. Is the software easy for your clients to navigate? Can your clients manage their schedule, book sessions, and make payments?

Ask your potential sports coaching app provider to show you what the client experience will look like – what your clients will see, how they can get scheduled, and how they can manage their account. A poor user experience will ultimately lead to clients taking their business elsewhere, so be sure to consider how this platform will allow them to interact with your brand..

By ensuring that a sports facility booking app is user friendly for both you and your clients, you’ll increase your client satisfaction and boost your client retention, leading to both business and revenue growth.

So, what should you look for in a sports coaching app?

There are a lot of different sports coaching apps available on the market. Ultimately the best scheduling app for coaches is the one that meets your business needs, empowers your clients to engage with your brand, and follows you wherever the day takes you.

If you’re looking for a sports coaching app that solves these problems, we’d love to give you an inside look at Upper Hand.

Not sure what to look for in a sports management software? Here’s a good place to start.

 

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