Joining a new studio and starting a new workout routine can be a challenge! Procrastination, fear of the unknown, simply being busy – there are plenty of reasons to stop a new workout routine before starting. A frustrating sign-up process or unwelcome experience gives potential customers just the excuse they need to walk away from your studio.
At Mariana Tek, we understand that every moment of customer engagement matters, but especially this one. A potential client’s impression of your brand starts when they first visit your website and can make or break a customer’s interest in your studio. We’re focused on delivering a seamless and engaging experience for all newcomers – one that inspires confidence and makes every step of the process feel effortless.
The Mariana Tek team is excited to share some new features that make the first-timer signup easier, and ultimately increase new client conversion. The following features will be available to all Mariana Tek users this Spring:
- Intro Offer Performance Dashboard
- Apple and Google Pay on the Web Browser
- Single-Step Booking and Buying
- Instant Book Forms
When paired with some of our most popular features like our detailed online schedule, pick-a-spot and automated emails, it’s easy and exciting for new members to book and attend their first class at your studio.
Six Mariana Tek Features that Streamline the First-Timer Experience
1. Intro Offers and Performance Dashboard 🆕
Intro offers are key to attracting new customers, as they offer a low-risk way to try out your studio. Mariana Tek makes it easy to offer discounted credit packages to all studio newcomers, and we’re adding intro membership offers so studios can give clients more options. With the new intro offer performance dashboard, studios can gain a better understanding of the success of their intro offers. This new dashboard offers deep insights into conversion rates, lifetime value, and revenue impact—empowering studios to refine their intro offers for maximum profitability.
2. Detailed Schedule
When a new prospect is on your website considering trying a class at your studio, you want to ensure they have all the information they need to make the right decision. Mariana Tek makes it easy to showcase your class offerings with a clean, intuitive schedule that allows prospects to toggle between locations, explore class details, and check class durations at a glance.
Newcomers can use the schedule to get to know the instructors better before signing up. Instructor bios feature quick links to their Instagram and Spotify accounts, helping prospects connect on a more personal level. Instagram gives a glimpse into an instructor’s style and energy, while Spotify playlists let prospects preview the music that sets the tone for class. This extra layer of familiarity builds confidence in booking, especially for first-timers.
Our schedule view gives boutique studio owners the option to surface remaining availability in class, so prospects feel comfortable whether they thrive in high-energy packed rooms or prefer a smaller setting for more personalized attention.
3. Streamlined Web-Based Purchasing🆕
Once a prospect has decided which class they’ll take, you want to make it as easy as possible for them to proceed through the payment and booking process. Don’t give them an excuse to jump ship! Here are three brand new features that ensure the purchasing process is simple for brand new prospects:
- Single Step Booking and Buying – a new prospect that has chosen their first class is not going to have a payment option on file with you. Mariana Tek has streamlined the experience for these users. The prospect is automatically brought to your filtered buy page with specific intro offers that work toward that class they selected. Once they purchase, they’re automatically booked into the class. In other words, they don’t need to make their purchase then navigate back and restart the booking process.
- Accept Apple Pay & Google Pay on The Web – Newcomers are likely going to be booking their first class directly from your website—they haven’t yet downloaded your studio’s app. Mariana Tek has released an update that enables studios to accept Apple and Google Pay directly from a web browser. Rather than requiring a credit card just to take that first class, prospects can instantly book using their saved payment details.
- Instant Book Forms – Our new one-click forms on Xplor Growth eliminate the friction from the sign-up process, making it easier than ever for prospects to start their journey with your studio. With minimal fields to complete, leads can quickly provide just the essentials, while we automatically add a free credit or credit package to their account—no checkout required. From there, we seamlessly bring them to your schedule page, already logged in and ready to reserve their first class.
4. Pick a Comfortable Spot
Mariana Tek’s Pick-a-Spot feature is another user-friendly tool that can alleviate those first-timer nerves. Users are able to select specific areas or spots when booking a class (e.g., choose a specific cycling bike, reformer equipment, or place for your yoga mat setup), giving them more control over their workout experience. As a newcomer, they may want to be front and center to get a good view of the instructor, or they may want to stick to the back of the room while they get used to the class. Whatever their preference, clients can feel great about coming to class for the first time.
5. Automated Welcome Emails and Texts
Xplor Growth offers a range of marketing automations that can help engage with and gather feedback from first timers. A detailed welcome email can share all the details like what to expect, when to arrive, and what to bring – so newcomers feel extremely prepared. We also recommend a first-class follow-up text that’s personalized with their name and class details. Our latest ebook includes detailed recommendations and templates to follow.
6. In-Person Check-In
Many of our studios use Kiosks to enable easy self-check-in. This is great for regular clients, but may leave a newcomer feeling unsure what to do. Mariana Tek automatically prevents self check-in for first time visitors to your studio. Instead, next to their name they’ll see a welcome message and direction to visit the front desk. This ensures every client that’s brand new to your studio gets a personal experience and the support of staff as they get to know your team and learn the ropes of your workout!
Create Lasting Connections with All New Clients
These features are key to improving the first-timer experience and generating new business for your studio. But this is just the beginning of the customer journey! To understand all the key opportunities for your brand to stand out, and how Mariana Tek can help, read The Moments that Matter: Critical Engagement Points to Build a Strong, Vibrant Boutique Fitness Community. You’ll discover detailed strategies and product tips for creating meaningful connections throughout the entire member journey.
by Xplor Mariana Tek
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First published: March 04 2025
Written by: Xplor Mariana Tek