So you're opening your own studio — amazing! 🎉 One of the first things you'll probably think about is getting a website and a booking system sorted.
And honestly? It's super exciting to finally have your own site and start putting yourself out there. But here's the thing — costs can creep up fast when your revenue is still pretty small.
Just starting out
Keep it simple. Set up a social media account and handle class schedules and payments manually.
Why? It's basically free while you grow your client base. Booking systems with online payments — even the ones that say they don't charge subscription fees — often hit you with transaction fees around 2.5%–5%. That adds up quick. Plenty of fitness studios actually stay at this stage and never even build a website. And that's totally fine!
Ready to level up
Once you've got a solid crew of regulars, a website gives your clients a proper place to find your services, certs, locations, and how to book. Here are your options:
- Get a pro to build it. One-off setup fee plus ongoing maintenance. Great if you're busy and want to outsource it. The downside? You won't fully control your content and you'll always depend on someone else for changes.
- DIY with a domain provider. GoDaddy, Crazydomain, or Wix let you buy a domain and use templates to get a site live fast. Perfect if you're tech savvy and want to update things on your terms. Domains are cheap, and you can use AI tools to connect payments and a booking calendar without figuring out the technical stuff yourself.
- Use an all-in-one platform. Honestly the move if you want booking, payments, and your website in one place. No fussing with integrations — it's all connected and changes go live instantly. Tools such as Slotbookt Fitness gives you exactly that flexibility without breaking the bank. 💪 Bottom line: match your tools to your stage. Keep costs lean early, then invest in the right setup when you're ready to scale.🔥