How you can double your customers in one day

As a business owner, you’re concerned about getting clients in the door. And client acquisition can take a lot of effort. But what if your current clients could help you do the work?

That’s where “Bring a Friend” day comes in.

The Bait

It’s simple. Let your clients do the recruiting for you by telling them that they can bring a friend–either anytime or on a designated “Bring a Friend” day.

This technique is a brilliant way to bring new people into your gym or studio to try a class. Your regular customers are given the opportunities to share something they love with their friends. Their friends are given the opportunity to try something new. AND you get prospective new clients in the door. Everybody wins!

The Hook

The best part of the “Bring a Friend” technique is that it works for both kids and adults.

Parents are always looking for new activities for their kids to try and this offers them a free, no risk trial (that also takes their kids off their hands for a bit, which they will be forever grateful for.) If the kids enjoy the experience–and since you offer awesome classes they surely will– they might even beg their parents to let them come back. Even if the they decide it isn’t a good fit, a positive experience will make them want to recommend it to others and word of mouth is the best kind of marketing there is.

Many adults are looking for active hobbies. People are much more likely to try something new if they feel comfortable and unjudged. Having an encouraging friend can be just the thing to get them in your door.

The promotion works best with beginner classes or classes that incorporate lots of new, simple techniques. It’s important to remember that this is an opportunity to teach, not show off. People want something that makes them feel good about themselves. A class that is too advanced could be intimidating to newcomers and make them crawl into their shell rather than out of it. Keep the lesson lighthearted and fun, then a little performance at the end could be just the thing to get them to come back. Be aware of your potential client’s comfort limits and do not begin the class with a challenge.

Reeling them in

These classes should be both welcoming and entertaining. Then if you want your clients’ friends to become clients themselves, you can provide a little extra incentive. You might consider offering another free class or a discounted membership. Even small acts as simple as providing snacks and brief conversation afterwards can mean the world of a difference to an on-the-fence client–especially kids.  

Remember that your staff are an important part of this promotion. Trying new things can be scary, even with a friend, so it’s important to always have an inviting, attentive and supportive attitude to everyone who walks through the door. People like to hang out where they feel like they belong.

Use your current clients to grow your business, and you’ll generate buzz by being the community that other people want to be a part of.