Choosing the Right Pilates Studio Platform

If you’ve recently opened your Pilates studio or you’re considering getting started, the right booking software or app is essential to help you save time, reduce no-shows and manage your clients, staff and classes. But where do you start?

Key takeaways:

• Automated reminders, app notifications and pre-payment features will help prevent no-shows
• Many Pilates booking systems and scheduling software allow you to customise your customer experience with different tiers of features
• Look for ease of use for you and your clients when choosing an online Pilates booking platform

Do you need a studio booking platform?

Technically, you don’t need a studio booking platform or management software to open a Pilates studio, but it’s usually very helpful. Imagine: you open your studio taking cash or card payments as people come through the door. At the beginning with a small client base, this is manageable. You communicate your schedule and manage bookings with your clients face-to-face or through your website and social media channels.

But then your schedule and class offerings change, you bring on new instructors or staff, you want to offer more classes and sessions, and you can’t solve your no-shows.

A Pilates booking system or software brings all of that back into your control – and in real time. With online scheduling at their fingertips, your clients can plan their time and pre-pay for classes through the app, keeping them accountable to show up. You can also manage schedule changes, substitute your instructors or staff, and plan ahead with easy booking management and avoiding double bookings. Giving you more time to focus on the other parts of running your fitness business.

Using a booking system or management software can also allow you to integrate client profiles. These member profiles keep track of your clients’ preferences and history, enabling you to provide a more personalised experience for each client. This feature can level up your customer satisfaction and loyalty, helping your fitness business to grow.

What Pilates studio booking platforms exist?

There are a few booking platforms and software solutions out there and the best one will be the one that suits your unique studio needs. Things to consider when it comes to choosing your booking platform include:

• Size - how many members do you have and what level of sophistication do you need from your booking software?
• Clients - who are your customers and do advanced card payment options create a barrier for them?
• Goal - are you looking for a better way to manage your existing clients or are you looking to scale your fitness business?

Answering these questions will help you determine what booking software or app you need. Platforms like Mindbody offer different tiers of membership depending on the features you need from the platform and how much support you want to offer your clients. Other popular platforms like TeamUp give you the chance to dial up and dial down your offerings based on how many members you have, making it easier to manage your Pilates business.

Some booking software, such as Mariana Tek, allows members or clients to select specific spots in the studio when booking classes through the app. This feature can enhance the customer experience by letting people choose their preferred location in the room, such as by the instructor or near the mirrors, catering to specific preferences and improving class management.

What to look for when choosing your booking platform

You’ll probably be using your booking platform or management app every day, so it needs to work for you. Look for software which is easy to use and has a layout that you find easy to navigate. Then look at how easy it is for your clients to use. You want a simple online booking process that won’t cause friction or additional unnecessary steps.

You can also think about automation in your booking software, which will reduce your chance of no-shows. This could include features like automated booking and billing reminders, plus automatic membership renewal, helping you keep on track of your income as well as prevent no-shows.

Integration and customization are your next considerations when selecting booking software. If possible, look for a booking system that integrates with your current website or social media sites. This means that you will have a smooth online booking system for your clients and save yourself the hassle of redirecting customers, which can complicate the booking process. And, if you want your app to reflect your studio's branding, rather than being a generic app, then you may want to consider custom branding options on your preferred booking platform.

A reliable booking platform or software will also offer built-in reporting systems to track performance metrics such as class attendance, revenue generation and customer retention rates. Having access to this information can empower you to make data-driven decisions and fine-tune your Pilates business operations.

Finally, look into customer support offered by the booking software or platform. How much support are you able to offer your clients and what does the customer support look like when they have a problem or a question?

FAQs

How do I choose the right booking platform for my Pilates classes?

The best booking software or app is the one that works for you and your clients. You’re looking for an easy-to-manage system that integrates with any existing management software. Choose customisations for your Pilates business, such as automatic reminders, payment portals and communication channels for an extra level of support.

What should I look for in Pilates studio management software?

Look for ease of use, billing reminders, various payment options, membership management, integration with your current software, branding options and reliable customer support in your Pilates studio management software.

What are the key features that Pilates studio software should include to effectively manage classes, scheduling and payments?

Pilates studio software should include class scheduling with recurring options, online and app-based booking for clients, automated payment processing and billing, staff and client management apps, waitlist and spot-swapping features, real-time reporting, marketing tools, and integration with payroll and POS systems for efficient operations.

How can Pilates studio software improve client experience and engagement through personalised booking and communication tools?

Pilates studio software enhances client experience and engagement by offering personalised booking options like reformer selection and milestone celebrations. It also provides real-time insights for staff interactions, automated reminders and customised communications, ensuring a tailored experience for clients and boosting their engagement with the studio.

Does Pilates studio software support integration with insurance billing and automated payroll for instructors?

Some Pilates studio software supports integration with insurance billing and automated payroll for instructors, simplifying tasks like insurance verification and payroll processing through API integrations and automated features.

What are the benefits of having a custom branded online booking portal for a Pilates studio?

A custom-branded online booking portal enhances a Pilates studio's professional image, allowing clients to book seamlessly without leaving the studio's website. It offers personalised experiences, increases brand recognition and streamlines booking processes, ultimately improving client engagement and loyalty.

How much does Pilates booking software cost?

Booking software pricing can depend on a number of factors, including how many clients you have or how advanced you want your software to be. You can expect to pay around £100 a month for your software solutions.

What’s the easiest way to automate bookings and payments for Pilates?

The easiest way to automate bookings and payments for Pilates is through a booking system or app. You can set up your bank account and card details, and also offer members the option to pay per class, in a pack, or as a recurring membership through the software.

How do I reduce no-shows and cancellations at my Pilates studio?

A booking system with automatic reminders and payment collection features will hold people accountable to their classes, helping to stop no-shows and allowing you to manage your Pilates business with ease.

Can a booking platform help me run multiple studio locations?

If you operate multiple studio locations, look into software that provides single sign-on functionality and real-time visibility across all sites, ensuring seamless management and consistent operations.