According to software solutions provider, Xn Leisure, the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 has made it more important than ever to pull out all the stops to keep members active and engaged and your profits healthy.

Increasing member retention rates by just 5 per cent has been shown to increase profits by between 25 per cent and 95 per cent.

Virtual membership options are becoming increasingly popular as a means to provide fun and innovative ways to support members to stay fit and well without having to physically attend a facility.

Providing value to your member

Virtual memberships allow members to stay connected no matter where they are. Easy, convenient, and simple to access content such as workout videos that are easy to do remotely can attract members that still want to keep active but are nervous about being on-site.

A good example of this is Xn Move, which allows you to promote your own branded livestream site, maximise conversion and retention of members, publish your virtual timetables, stay connected with your members and share reviews.

Tips for successful virtual memberships

- Identify the services that you can offer virtually

- Choose the instructors and trainers that will build online communities

- Film all fitness class content

- Set up a members-only area - this can be on your website, or a member-only app

- Make sure your joining system can allow virtual members to sign-up and pay their memberships online

- Engage clients before, during, and after classes

In summary

The one good thing to come out of the COVID-19 crisis is the pioneering new digital content to keep members engaged during these unprecedented times.

At-home workouts have been one of the defining features of 2020, and it’s becoming clear that virtual membership can be extremely useful for engaging members and stopping cancelled memberships.