Running a pilates studio is both exciting and stressful. You’re juggling class scheduling, instructor availability, payment tracking, and marketing—all while ensuring a peaceful and comfortable studio environment. Pilates studio software can take some load off your shoulders.
But, here’s the bad news: Not every software is created equal. Before you commit to a monthly subscription, make sure the platform has the following features:
Online Schedule and Booking
Nothing says convenience more than the ability to book your pilates class at midnight from the comfort of your phone. A pilates studio software should allow clients to look at the available slots and book them through a mobile app or website. This 24/7 availability can be a game-changer for busy clients.
Moreover, your booking tool should also provide appointment confirmation and reminders through SMS or email. This will ensure a smooth and stress-free booking experience for your clients.
Member Management
Membership management is the key to a smoothly run pilates studio. The moment a client signs up with your studio, the software should automatically build a comprehensive profile. This can include:
- Contact details
- Attendance history
- Medical notes
- Special requests
- Chosen package
- Payment history
Look out for specialised features, such as birthday alerts, payment delays, and package expirations. This can help you deliver personalised attention, increasing retention.
Pro tip: Don’t overlook privacy and compliance. Make sure the software provider complies with standard privacy policies regarding information collection and data sharing.
Payment Processing
Manually managing payments can be a headache, leading to errors and inefficiencies. Choose a pilates studio software that offers robust payment processing features. First, make sure the platform allows clients to book classes and purchase memberships online.
Moreover, automated recurring billing can reduce manual effort and ensure consistent income. The system should store tokenized card data, run charges on preset dates, and send email receipts automatically. Flagging failed payments and sending clients instructions on how to resolve the payment should also be a part of the tool.
Insightful Business Analytics
A pilates studio software not only streamlines operations, but also helps you analyse your studio’s overall performance. With comprehensive analytics and reporting, you can identify trends in attendance, payment methods, and preferred time slots. You can see each client’s performance and analyse how satisfied they are with your service.
Comprehensive business insights can help you make effective changes and make informed decisions.
Mobile-Friendly Access
Mobile-friendly access is no longer an option. Your pilates studio software should offer an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface on all devices. From their phones, members should be able to:
- Browse instructors
- Book classes
- Buy packages
- Pay for classes
- Cancel memberships
- Join waitlists
Push notifications for upcoming classes, exciting discounts, and pending payments are also critical for ensuring a satisfactory client experience.
Staff Scheduling
Lastly, your pilates studio software should be able to handle staff scheduling and related tasks. You should be able to see each teacher’s working hours and attendance history.
Moreover, you should be able to swap shifts, accept time-off requests, and manage payroll with just a tap on your screen.
