The first months of membership set the stage for your relationship with new members. So, the first impression you make needs to be a good one.

Some tips on how to help members feel welcome, appreciated, and engaged right from the start:

1. The first 30 days

Thank them. Thanking new members for joining your organization goes a long way toward making them feel appreciated. At the very least, be sure to provide a “thank you” confirmation page and auto-email (Kinect does this for you) once they register online to for their new membership.⁣

Here’s how to take it even further:

2. Using Automated Emails to Keep Members Engaged

Setting up an automated email workflow with the “how-to’s” of your facility can be powerful tool for keeping new members engaged with topics like:

You can remind they of the types of communications they can expect to receive from you and how often they’ll receive the communications.

Always include a list of your social media accounts, a calendar of events, and your online member community, plus any instructions about how to get access and use the gym .

Use them as an introduction to a volunteer member ambassador, or “buddy,” to help them get to know the gym community and feel more welcome. You can make this connection through your online community.

Share information about who to contact at your organization or where to go online if they have questions or would like to give feedback about their member experience.

A bonus is these emails serve as a little nudge to get them to the gym.

3. Personalizing the Member Experience Beyond the First Month

Now’s the time to get new members plugged in and engaged with the organization. Here are three effective approaches:

Invite them to join in. Get new gym members involved by showing them how to connect with your organization and other members. Invite them to a group for new members in your online community. Include a footer in your onboarding emails that lets members know how to stay in contact with your organization, such as customer support contact information and social media icons.

Get personal. Personalize the member experience by presenting your members with content that is specific to their needs and interests. For example, offer up recommendations, such as job postings based on members’ certifications or CE course completions. Or, suggest discussion groups they might consider joining in your online community. You’ll win them over by demonstrating that you understand them and that you’re working to deliver value to them.

4. Turning New Members into Loyal Advocates

This is a great point to ask for their feedback. Ask about their experience so far. Find out what they’ve found most useful and what could make their experience even better. Be sure to use their feedback to adjust new member experiences for the future, and let them know what changes you’ve made based on their input. Here you may

Sample Text for the 2-3 month follow up:

Hey [First name}, This is [Your name] from the gym. Just a quick note to see how things are going for you. I’d love to hear what you’ve found most useful so far and what could make your experience even better. Let me know when you can. Cheers

Give your clients more reasons to come to your gym or studio and remind them how important they are to your business. With the tips outlined above, you’re well on your way to keeping your community motivated and staying ahead of your competition.