Online coupon sites present opportunities for fitness

Fitness clubs are making the most of the growing popularity of online coupon sites.
Subscribers to coupon sites receive a daily special offer 'coupon' which may be related to any number of lifestyle activities, from restaurant meal-deals and hairdressing vouchers, to adventure, fitness and wellbeing experiences.
Since hitting the Australian market in April 2010, daily deals websites appear to have become a popular marketing channel for small businesses. Popular coupon sites include: scoopon.com.au, deals.com.au, LivingSocial.com and stardeals.com.au
LivingSocial Australia Chief Executive Colin Fabig explains "LivingSocial is based on a proven business model that is used by millions of shoppers and merchants around the world. Our customers are socially active, and love the idea of trying a new venue with an eye to returning again and again. Each day, hundreds of thousands of Australians check their emails, Facebook and Twitter in anticipation of the day's deal."
These coupon sites tend to offer one discounted offer daily in each Australian city, which can be purchased for just one day.
In fitness, since its Australian launch, LivingSocial deals have included a yoga pass valid for ten classes at over 300 participating studios nationwide (1,185 vouchers sold), a 20-class Zumba package at the Glitz Studio chain (527 vouchers sold) and a 2.5 hour spa package at Alisa Day Spa in Victoria (2,245 vouchers sold).
Coupons present an original marketing opportunity for fitness operators ï¾ though of course not every business will be able to secure a spot, and those that do will need to have the size or capability to handle the initial response to their deal of the day.
Fabig said that businesses partnering with LivingSocial need to prepare for an increase in bookings and, while the nature of the deal results in a sudden spike in business, it doesn't guarantee a lasting effect.
Providers will need to provide a great service or product in order to transform the increased traffic to repeat business.
Fabig adds that, to make the most of coupons, operators will need to "make sure your server can cope with the increased numbers visiting your website and have enough people to answer the phones for booking enquiries. It's important to treat each customer as though they are paying full price and offer the highest standard of service in order to encourage them to return."