You’ve heard of the saying “It pays to be nice” yeh? Well I’m
going to change that for the sake of this article to: ‘It pays to engage’. I suppose engaging is kind of being nice
anyway…
There will come a time when every business needs the help of
those around it.
An example of this is one of our clients, Future Fitness – a gym
in the south side of Glasgow. They are currently trying to fight against a
juggernaut, soulless gym chain opening up right beside them, as it could
completely cripple their business. So, what are we doing about it?
Well many things… One being: gather the support of their totally awesome social media community! We’ve spent a lot of time and effort
communicating successfully with their community, and created an effective
monthly engagement plan. The result of this has been a 400% increase in weekly
engagement. So with all this action on their social media channels they can afford
to ask for some help and reciprocation, because everyone feels like they’re part
of the soul of the gym.
I think an example of this type of request may help some
people. So, here’s what we posted:
“Are you
aware that a 24 Hour unmanned Gym is planned for the Shawlands Arcade?
As I'm sure you'll understand this will have a load of negative consequences for our gym and fight club.
* The Future of our gym could be jeopardised.
* Increased noise levels at night.
* Anti-social behaviour and safety.
* Car parking issues - planned 7000 targeted members.
We don't often ask, but we need your help...
We have a fantastic community at Future Fitness and The Griphouse Southside. So please help us win our fight and grow our gym!
Please show your support, and have your say on this proposed application, by letting the Strathbungo & Shawlands Community Council know your views, as well as your local Councillors.
See the links below:
Facebook Strathbungo & Shawlands Community Council:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/25227713255/?fref=ts
david.meikle@councillors.glasgow.gov.uk
hanif.raja@councillors.glasgow.gov.uk
norman.mcleod@councillors.glasgow.gov.uk
Thanks guys!! Please share this post.”
As I'm sure you'll understand this will have a load of negative consequences for our gym and fight club.
* The Future of our gym could be jeopardised.
* Increased noise levels at night.
* Anti-social behaviour and safety.
* Car parking issues - planned 7000 targeted members.
We don't often ask, but we need your help...
We have a fantastic community at Future Fitness and The Griphouse Southside. So please help us win our fight and grow our gym!
Please show your support, and have your say on this proposed application, by letting the Strathbungo & Shawlands Community Council know your views, as well as your local Councillors.
See the links below:
Facebook Strathbungo & Shawlands Community Council:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/25227713255/?fref=ts
david.meikle@councillors.glasgow.gov.uk
hanif.raja@councillors.glasgow.gov.uk
norman.mcleod@councillors.glasgow.gov.uk
Thanks guys!! Please share this post.”
So what was the reaction?
The Future Fitness social media
community have stood together like bare chested, blood thirsty Spartan warriors
to fight against this potential attack to their beloved gym. People have been
emailing councilors, commenting on the community council page etc. It’s amazing
to see a team spirit such as this; the members will be dearly thanked and
repaid for their support.
I hope this story can inspire others,
either in their time of need, or to create a similar community spirit and
loyalty with their followers.
For tips on how to create a loyal,
supportive and engaging social media community follow us in the usual places:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DreamtheatreUK
www.dreamtheatremarketing.com