You don't need 50 automations. You need five that run flawlessly. Build these first, in this order, and don't move on until each one is earning. Most gyms skip the basics and try to build clever workflows — that's exactly why they get nothing.
1. Speed-to-lead auto-reply
New lead hits any source — web form, Instagram DM, Meta lead — auto-text within 60 seconds: 'Got your message! [Coach] will reach out within 2 hours. Reply with your goal if you'd like a faster response.' Single biggest close-rate lift in the playbook. Build this first, before anything else.
2. Trial follow-up sequence
Trial booked → Day 1 thank-you text. Day 3 'how was it?' email with class recommendations. Day 7 SMS check-in. Day 14 final email with founding-member offer. Most gyms stop at one touch. This sequence alone closes 25 to 40 percent more trials from the same lead pool.
3. Tour reminder plus 'door's open' text
Day before: confirmation text. Morning of: 'we'll be ready at 6pm.' Twenty minutes out: 'on the floor, ask for [Coach].' Cuts no-shows by 60 to 70 percent and makes a small studio feel like a 50-coach brand.
4. Post-class review request
Member finishes a great session → 2-hour wait → SMS plus email with one-click Google review link. Hyped member is never more ready than that day. Wait a week and conversion drops 80 percent.
5. Inactivity win-back ping
Member hasn't checked in for 14 days → automated 'we miss you, here's a free PT session' text. Saves an estimated 20 to 30 percent of churners — pure MRR rescued from members who would have quietly cancelled.
Stop building automation #6 until automations 1 through 5 are running and earning. Most gyms skip 1 and try to build 6. That's why they get nothing.