TLDR
Have you ever dreamed of creating your own custom booking app, tailored specifically for your clients' needs and your business goals? A scheduling app that empowers you to take control of your class management, automate client communications, and expand your reach, all without needing to code yourself? You're in luck - with the right platform like Per Diem, you can build a fully functional fitness class booking app for your studio in under a week.
In this post, you'll discover how simple it is to become the owner of your own custom-branded, automated scheduling software. We'll explore how white-label solutions democratize app development so anyone can build, and walk through the key steps to launch your own app quickly. You'll learn how to customize the user interface, connect your scheduling features to a database, set up push notifications, enable recurring bookings, and more.
How White-label Platforms Allow You to Build a Custom Fitness App Fast
White-label platforms provide fitness businesses with an easy way to develop their own custom scheduling app without coding. These platforms offer greater flexibility and control over design and features compared to generic scheduling software.
Building and publishing an app with a white-label platform typically takes a few days to a couple of weeks. The platform handles the technical aspects so you can focus on designing the app experience. Once built, the app is hosted in the cloud, so there’s no need to maintain servers or update software.
Using a white-label platform is also extremely cost-effective. There are no upfront costs to purchase software or hire developers. Monthly subscription fees for platforms typically start around $80 to $100 per month. For local fitness businesses, developing a custom app like Mindbody's app for a fraction of the cost of hiring a developer can be a game changer.
With a custom scheduling app, you’ll be able to provide a better experience for your clients and instructors. You’ll also open up new opportunities to engage with your community and promote your services through push notifications, special offers, and referrals within the app. Building your own white-label fitness app is a simple, affordable way to streamline operations, boost convenience, and support business growth.
Key Features Your Fitness Scheduling App Needs
Automated Class Waitlists
Managing students and classes manually can quickly become overwhelming for fitness business owners. An automated waitlist feature allows students to join a waitlist for full classes with the tap of a button. The app will then automatically notify students via push notification or email when a spot opens up, allowing them to book instantly. This streamlines the booking process and ensures you never have empty spots in your classes.
Integrated Gym Bookings
For gyms and studios offering open gym hours or personal training in addition to classes, integrated booking for all services is ideal. Students should be able to book gym time, personal training sessions, and classes all within the same app. This provides a seamless experience for your students and gives you a single place to view and manage all bookings.
Online Booking and Appointment Reminders
An easy-to-use booking system is essential for any fitness business. Students should be able to quickly book, cancel, or reschedule classes at any time. Recurring booking options for weekly or monthly classes are also useful. Automatic appointment reminders via the app, email, and SMS text messaging help reduce no-shows by reminding students of their upcoming bookings.
Revenue Growth Insights
A good scheduling app provides data and insights to help you grow your business. Analytics showing booking trends, popular classes, and student retention rates allow you to make data-driven decisions. You can then tailor your class schedule, promotions, and marketing to boost revenue and better serve your students.
With the right features, a custom scheduling app can save you time, increase student satisfaction, and fuel the growth of your fitness business. The investment in building your own app will pay off through higher retention and revenue over the long run.
Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Fitness App in Under a Week
Choose a React Native Development Platform
Look for a platform that provides all the necessary features, allows customization to match your brand, and includes integrations with third-party services to save time and provide essential app functionality.
Publish Your App on Apple Pay
To publish your fitness scheduling app, first create accounts with the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Then submit your app details, screenshots, APK file, and promotional graphics for review. Both app stores will review your app for policy compliance and functionality before approving it for distribution.
Set Up Scheduling and Payments
Enable scheduling by adding calendar and booking features. Let clients book single classes or recurring subscriptions. Integrate a payment processor so clients can pay in the app. Send automated notifications for bookings, cancellations, and expiring subscriptions to keep clients engaged.
Launch and Promote
Once built, test your app to work out any issues. Then make it available in the iOS App Store and Google Play Store. Promote your app through social media, email campaigns, and by offering an incentive for clients to download and book their first class. Track analytics to gain insights into how clients are using the app and make improvements to better meet their needs.
Building a fitness app in under a week is possible with the right partner and a strategic approach. By planning the features, selecting a platform, efficiently constructing the interface, enabling scheduling and payments, then launching and promoting your app, you can quickly get up and running to grow your business.
Market and Promote Your New Fitness Scheduling App to Get More Customers
Leverage Social Media
Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook are valuable channels to improve engagement and expand your fitness app's user base. Create social media profiles for your business and post regularly to build brand awareness. Share updates, special offers, success stories, and behind-the-scenes content to give users an inside look into your gym. Respond to all comments and messages to provide good customer service.
Send SMS Marketing Campaigns
Utilizing SMS marketing can be an effective strategy for fitness app customer acquisition. Send messages to announce sales, new class schedules, or promotions to drive app downloads and class bookings. However, be careful not to bombard users with too many messages, as this can lead to opt-outs. Aim for 2-3 SMS campaigns per month to stay engaged with your audience without being annoying.
Create Video Content
Video content is a powerful tool for gym acquisition marketing, instantly increasing search ranking. Film short video tours of your facilities, introduce instructors, or show what to expect from different classes. Post the videos on your social media profiles, in your app, and on your business's website. Video is a dynamic way to give potential members a glimpse into your brand and build trust in your services.
Offer Free Trials and Discounts
Offering free trials, discounts, and promotional deals is an excellent way to attract new members. Provide free introductory classes or discounted monthly memberships for new app users. Push notifications and in-app messages can alert customers to current promotions to drive conversion. The goal is to get people in the door so they can experience the value of your services firsthand. Once they do, many will become long-term, loyal members.
With a quality fitness scheduling app and smart digital marketing techniques focused on social media, SMS, video, and promotions, you'll gain new members and build a thriving business in no time. Stay dedicated, provide exceptional service, and keep innovating to achieve ongoing success.
Final Thoughts
You now have the tools to build your own fitness scheduling app in under a week without any coding. By leveraging Per Diem, you can create a custom appointment booking system tailored to your business needs. An app will help you better serve clients, accept payments, and grow your audience. Take the first step by signing up for Per Diem today - in less than a week, you can have your own branded app that transforms how you run your fitness business.