Smart Black Friday Sales Tactics for your business
Photography @innaessence
As the year winds down, Black Friday presents a golden opportunity for Pilates studios to attract new clients and retain existing ones. With the right strategies, you can turn this shopping frenzy into a membership-boosting event that sets your studio up for success in the new year. Here are some clever ideas to make the most of Black Friday and drive your studio’s growth.
1. Early-Bird Specials: Reward the Early Risers
Create a sense of urgency by offering early-bird discounts on memberships or class packages. Advertise a limited-time offer on Black Friday morning where clients can purchase memberships at a reduced rate. This tactic not only drives sales but also creates excitement and anticipation leading up to the big day.
Example: Offer 20 per cent off a 12-month membership for the first 20 buyers between 6am and 9am.
2. Bundled Deals: Encourage Longer Commitments
Encourage clients to commit to longer memberships by bundling services and offering them at a discounted rate. For example, pair a 6-month membership with a free private session or a small-group class. Bundling helps increase the perceived value of the offer and incentivises clients to invest in a longer-term relationship with your studio.
Example: Purchase a 6-month membership and receive two free private sessions or a branded Pilates mat or hoodie or branded towel.
3. Flash Sales: Keep Clients Engaged Throughout the Day
Announce flash sales on your social media channels or through email marketing to keep the momentum going. These could include steep discounts on drop-in classes perhaps on your less busy classes during the week, on slow-moving merchandise, or even last-minute deals on memberships.
Example: From 12pm to 2pm, offer 50 per cent off your 10-class pass or 30 per cent off select studio apparel.
4. Membership Upgrades: Reward Your Loyal Clients
Give your most loyal members even more reason to upgrade their memberships at a discounted rate during Black Friday. For example, offer a reduced rate on upgrading from a basic to a premium membership, or extend their current membership with a special discount.
Example: Upgrade from a 6-month to a 12-month membership and save 20 percent on the entire year.
5. Exclusive Pre-Sale for Existing Members: Reward Loyalty
Give your current members early access to your Black Friday deals as a way to reward their loyalty. Send them a special email with a promo code that allows them to purchase memberships or class packages at Black Friday rates before the general public. This not only makes them feel valued but also secures revenue from your most loyal clients before the rush.
Example: Existing members can access Black Friday deals starting on Friday with code: LOYALTYLOVE.
6. Referral Discounts: Leverage Your Loyal Clients
Turn your existing clients into your best marketers by offering referral discounts. For each new client they bring in who signs up for a membership, reward both the new and existing client with a discount or a free class. This not only helps attract new members but also strengthens your community by encouraging clients to bring friends and family into the fold.
Example: For every friend you refer who signs up for a membership, both you and your friend receive 10 per cent off your next month’s membership fee.
7. Cross-Promotions with Local Businesses: Expand Your Reach
Partnering with local businesses to offer cross-promotional deals is a great way to engage your community. For example, team up with a nearby massage parlour or athletic store to create a joint Black Friday package that includes a Pilates 6-month membership and a percentage off their services. This collaboration can help you reach a broader audience while providing added value to your clients.
Example: Purchase a 6-month Pilates membership and receive a 20 per cent gift voucher to our massage partner.
8. Gift Cards: Promote Pilates as the Perfect Holiday Gift
Gift cards are a versatile and easy-to-market product during Black Friday. Offer special deals on gift cards, such as “buy a $100 gift card, get an extra $20 on us,” to encourage purchases that can be redeemed for memberships or classes. This strategy not only drives immediate revenue but also introduces new clients to your studio.
Example: Buy a $100 gift card and get an additional $20 to use toward any class or membership.
9. Social Media Contests: Engage and Expand Your Audience
Boost your studio’s online presence while promoting your Black Friday deals by running a social media contest. Encourage followers to like, share, and tag friends on your Black Friday promotional posts for a chance to win 2 weeks or a month free membership or a private session. This strategy not only increases engagement but also expands your reach to potential new clients.
Example: Like and share our Black Friday post and tag two friends for a chance to win two weeks of unlimited classes!
10. Limited Edition Merchandise: Create Exclusive Black Friday Products
People love exclusivity, especially during the holiday season. Create limited edition studio merchandise—such as branded apparel, water bottles, or tote bags—that are only available during Black Friday. Offer these items as part of a package deal with a membership purchase to add an extra layer of value.
Example: Sign up for a 12-month membership on Black Friday and receive a limited edition Pilates studio hoodie and water bottle.
Conclusion
By leveraging these creative strategies, Pilates studio owners can make the most of Black Friday, attracting new clients and retaining existing ones. With early-bird specials, referral discounts, bundled deals, and exclusive promotions, you can boost memberships and ensure your studio thrives well into the new year.