Coaching, scheduling, managing staff, and keeping families engaged…Running a cheerleading or recreational gym means juggling a lot of tasks and priorities. However, one of the most critical aspects of running a successful business is consistently generating new and valuable leads. Without a steady flow of interested families, your programs won’t grow, your revenue will plateau, and your stress levels will skyrocket – all things we don’t want!
This is where adding an opt-in form to your website becomes one of your most valuable marketing tools. By placing a well-designed form on your website, you can automatically collect leads, capture contact details of interested families, and follow up with them.
What Is an Opt-In Form?
You’ve probably heard or seen this marketing tactic before, but it’s a simple form placed on your website where visitors enter in information in exchange for valuable information. Examples include being able to see a gym’s class schedule, download the newest All Star packet, or receive exclusive coaching resources.
Instead of waiting for families to reach out and hoping they remember to call or email you, an opt-in form puts lead generation on autopilot and allows you to collect information even when you’re sleeping. It ensures that anyone interested in your programs has an easy and immediate way to express interest, giving you a direct way to follow up and turn them into paying members over time.
Why Your Gym Needs an Opt-In Form
Captures Leads Automatically
An opt-in form works 24/7, allowing families to inquire about your programs even outside of your business hours. Whether someone is browsing your site at midnight or taking a peek during a lunch break, they can express interest in your programs without needing to pick up the phone or send an email.
Builds Your Email List for Future Marketing
Every lead you collect isn’t just a potential enrollment – that email is a family you can nurture. By collecting emails, you can send follow-up messages, promotions, and gym updates, keeping your gym top-of-mind for families who may not be ready to enroll today but will definitely be in the future when you show them all of the awesome things happening at your facility.
Increases Conversions with Immediate Follow-Ups
Studies show that the faster you follow up with a lead, the more likely they are to enroll. With an opt-in form, you can set up automated emails that instantly deliver your All Star packet, welcome guide, or special offer. This ensures you are keeping high value prospects engaged, interested in your programs, and getting those families into your doors.
Provides Valuable Data About Your Audience
There’s a saying that says ‘you don’t know what you don’t know’ and this also applies in marketing. Data is key and provides valuable information you can use for future products or campaigns. Your opt-in form can track key information, such as:
- Which programs families are interested in
- How many new leads you generate each month
- Where your website traffic is coming from
This data helps you refine your marketing strategy and ensure you’re reaching the right audience.
The Three Non-Negotiables To Adding An Opt-In Form
Offer Something Valuable
People are more likely to provide their contact information if they get something useful in return. Popular and effective examples for cheerleading and recreational gyms include:
- Competitive and Non-Competitive Program Packet – Families can opt-in and download a PDF with pricing, team expectations, and benefits of your program
- Class Schedule – Families can see your full class schedule and/or team offerings
- New Member Special – A discounted offer for new athletes and families such as 3 weeks for $39 or 4 weeks for $49
Keep It Simple
Avoid overwhelming visitors with too many required fields. A good opt-in form typically asks for:
- First name
- Email address
- Phone number (optional but recommended for follow-ups)
- Child’s name and birthdate (optional but recommended for forms that focus on birthday party follow ups or team athletes)
Set Up an Automated Email Response
Once someone fills out the form, they should immediately receive an email with the promised resource (All Star packet, class schedule, etc.). This ensures they get value right away and keeps them engaged. As well, there are only so many hours in the day and, if you want to scale your business, automation and delegation are key. Automating your email responses so customers are engaged right away, follow up happens without you having to lift a finger, and you are notified when someone has a follow up question or wants to register for a program, is key to growth.
Start Capturing More Leads Today
If your gym’s website doesn’t have an opt-in form, you’re missing out on potential new enrollments and revenue every single day! Setting up a simple, brand-aligned form will automate lead collection, build your email list, and help you convert more website visitors into paying members.
By making it easy for families to express interest, you take a crucial step toward growing your programs and keeping your gym thriving.
Need help setting up your automation and email marketing to help convert those leads into paying clients? Contact our team today HERE and let’s grow your business!