Scaling Loyalty, Referrals, and Revenue the Easy Way
If you’re anything like me, running a gym sometimes feels like juggling flaming kettlebells. Sure, attracting new members is exciting, but keeping the ones you already have? That’s where the real challenge lies. On top of that, there’s trying to figure out how to grow your membership base without spending hours doing manual work.
That’s why I want to talk to you about something that’s completely transformed my gym: the Zen Planner + Perkville integration. Imagine having a system that rewards loyalty, encourages referrals, and gets members more engaged—all automatically. No spreadsheets, no headaches, just real results.
If you’re ready to make your life a whole lot easier while growing your gym, let me tell you how this works.
The Game-Changer: Reward Loyalty Without Extra Effort
I used to think loyalty programs were a “nice to have” but not essential. Then I realized that keeping members around is so much cheaper than constantly trying to bring in new ones. With Zen Planner + Perkville, I started rewarding members for things they were already doing—like showing up for class, buying merchandise, or just being consistent.
Here’s what I did:
- Every time a member checks in for class, they earn points.
- As they achieve milestones (like 20 classes in a month), they earn points to redeem rewards—like a free guest pass or some gym swag.
And the best part? I didn’t have to track any of it. The system runs automatically, so all I have to do is set the rewards and watch my members get excited to show up. One of my members even told me, “I come in for the points, but I stay for the progress!” That’s the kind of vibe we want, right?
How I Grew Through Referrals Without Feeling Pushy
We all know word-of-mouth is gold in this business. But let’s be real—asking members to refer their friends directly can feel awkward. That’s where Perkville shines. It makes it effortless for members to share your studio with their friends and seamlessly tracks when those friends take a class or become members. Best of all, rewards are automatically applied to the referring member—no awkward conversations or manual tracking required. It’s a win-win for everyone!
Here’s how it worked at my gym:
- I told my members, “Hey, refer a friend and earn points for free classes, discounts, or merch.”
- Members loved it because they weren’t being “sold to.” They were just sharing their gym experience with their friends.
- I loved it because referrals started rolling in without me lifting a finger.
Now, about 30% of my new members come from referrals. That’s marketing I don’t have to pay for, and the referring members feel valued because they’re rewarded.
Making Engagement Fun (And Filling Empty Classes)
One of the biggest struggles I’ve had as a gym owner is keeping classes full during slow times. I don’t want my instructors teaching half-empty rooms, but I also don’t want to burn my members out with constant promotions. Enter Perkville again.
I started running creative challenges that got people excited:
- Attendance Challenges: “Attend 15 classes this month and earn points.” Suddenly, I had people showing up more consistently—and bringing friends, too.
- Double Points Promotions: During off-peak hours, I’d offer double points for check-ins. Boom—those 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. classes filled up.
These small tweaks not only kept my members engaged but also boosted my revenue. More attendance means more upgrades, more referrals, and more energy in the gym.
It’s All Automatic, and That’s the Best Part
Here’s the thing: I don’t have time to manually track who’s earned what, who referred who, or who hit their 10th class. That’s why this integration is such a lifesaver. Zen Planner and Perkville handle all the behind-the-scenes tracking, rewarding, and reporting.
All I had to do was:
- Set up the rewards (super easy—took no time at all).
- Let the system do its thing.
Now my members are raving about how much they love earning rewards, and I’m not bogged down with extra admin work. It’s a win for everyone.
Why This Works (And Why It’ll Work for You, Too)
If you’re reading this, you’re probably already doing so much to make your gym the best it can be. But sometimes, you just need a system that helps you do even more without adding more to your plate.
Here’s why the Zen Planner + Perkville integration works so well:
- Loyal Members Stick Around Longer: When you reward loyalty, people feel appreciated—and they stay.
- Referrals Keep the Doors Open: Happy members bring in their friends, and your community grows naturally.
- Engagement Drives Revenue: Creative challenges and promotions keep classes full and members spending more.
Ready to Take the Leap?
If you’re tired of juggling retention, referrals, and engagement on your own, this is your sign to try something new. Zen Planner + Perkville can help you build loyalty, grow your community, and make running your gym just a little bit easier.
Want to see how it works? Learn More About Zen Planner + Perkville Here
I’m Coach Kelli, a devoted CrossFit gym owner with 15 years of experience managing my facility, along with owning yoga studios and wellness centers. Beyond the fitness world, I have a passion for cooking, cherish moments with my children and family, and find joy in spending time outside. Having experienced the highs and lows, I’m dedicated to leveraging my expertise to help you grow and succeed on your fitness journey.
I’m Coach Kelli, a devoted CrossFit gym owner with 15 years of experience managing my facility, along with owning yoga studios and wellness centers. Beyond the fitness world, I have a passion for cooking, cherish moments with my children and family, and find joy in spending time outside. Having experienced the highs and lows, I’m dedicated to leveraging my expertise to help you grow and succeed on your fitness journey.