I need advice 'bout how I should obtain memberships (mainstream)
 

so, some of you know i'm creating a new fitness site that basically serves as a fitness journal (which will provide users with graphical statistical charts that'll show progress, strength, endurance, nutritional information, etc etc) and then a fitnesswizard that will point them in the correct direction as far as their goals are concerned (based on their body information and daily routines)... its gonna be pretty advanced and we're almost ready to launch a beta!

so.. we're going to sell this as a service to gyms, but also have a general internet version...

i'm wondering what would be the best way to go about selling this.. i'm thinking a 1 month free membership, and then after that 1 month, make them pay $9.99 per month.

any other methods that might be better for what i'm aiming to do?

thanks.

Get another opinion about this, but here's my thoughts:

Don't do the initial month free. The mainstream market needs to spend their money and feel like they're getting an equal value in return. The word 'Free', for whatever reason, is associated with 'zero' value.

From the description you've given, I'd say your value is probably greater than your asking price...

Give the third month free, instead of the first and increase your pricing appropriately for any future improvements.

:2 cents:

Fyrflygrl!

Yeah, I'd charge them from the start, but let them walk through a tour of the system. Maybe even give them a demo account or a 3-day free trial, with approved CC or check.

If the service is good. Get them to register for free then try to convert them.

If you don't think they will convert, they charge them on entrance.

I also recommend you use better colors, those dark colors don't really portray, health, fitness, and living.

the service will definitely be good :)

and you're a tad bit wrong about the colors. unfortunately most people like to associate fitness with fun, happy, laid back easy living...

and it's not.. its about intensity, desire, MOTIVATION.. .DETERMINATION... hard colors, black, red. :winkwink:

I agree to disagree..

First I'm not knocking you at all, just giving my advice.

people that have motivation and determination won't need a website like yours to keep them going.

the people who can't discipine themselves will need your service and I'm betting they want something upbeat. Not a hitler program.

:2 cents:

make sense actually.

:glugglug

i also think you should use more happy colors. as for the free first month. do some beta testing and see which works better.

nope, you're wrong ;)

Arnold Schwarzenegger says in his body building encyclopedia, "It is in everyone's best interest to keep a detailed journal of their workouts and diets".

the thing about this site is, is it serves the purpose of a journal, but MUCH MUCH more than your ordinary pencil/paper journal. its a LOT more organized and a LOT more informative.

which is exactly why nearly every fitness involved person i've talked to said they would use it, all of which are very motivated ;)