Customers expect more from the businesses they frequent— they expect them to lead with purpose. In fact, 78% of Americans believe companies must do more than just make money; they must positively impact society as well (2018 Cone/Porter Novelli Purpose Study). Scott Haugen, owner of iLoveKickboxing (ILKB) in Oregon City, OR believes this to be true. Scott joined Causely in January 2019, one month before he opened his kickboxing studio. Scott understood and believed in the power of giving back and how it can build a strong community.
Causely, a cause marketing organization, helps businesses generate social media reviews and referrals by giving back. Research shows the two most trusted sources of information are friend to friend referrals and online reviews. Causely’s program incentivizes both by donating to charity for each Facebook check in at your business, review or recommendation, or post that @ mentions your business.
Scott’s studio in Oregon City is a Causely program powerhouse. On average, they generate 3,500 Facebook check-ins and about 8 Facebook reviews every month. Causely helps businesses reach more people for less than traditional advertising while creating a charitable reputation. Scott explained, “Since I’ve joined Causely, about half of my sales come from referrals and organic non-paid advertising. So, I look at Causely as an investment. One hidden benefit of Causely is the way it improves the member experience. When members feel connected and engaged, they are more likely to continue their membership at the gym. So, if I have 400 members at maturity and they choose to stay one month longer on average because of their connection to the cause, it makes a huge difference. Like $80,000 to the bottom line per year difference.”
Causely helps create a sense of community and synergy among customers by doing good together. “Causely helps me motivate people to check-in and tag all of their friends, which makes us famous in the community, and is really good for referrals,” stated Scott. “A Facebook check-in is simple, clear, repeatable, and scalable. I’ve taught my members how to check-in by doing so myself. I request that my members include a photo of themselves, the class, or a screenshot of their heart rate monitor and include our hashtag.”
Every month, Causely supports a new non-profit organization and communicates what each check-in provides. For example, in August 2021, every 10 check-ins provided a brick to build a school for a community in Senegal. Scott stated, “There is something for everyone to get excited about. Our members were really happy about the disaster relief opportunities and so excited about the animal focused nonprofits. My members who are teachers love the charities that provide books and the nurses love the child and care focused organizations.”
Scott uses the monthly causes to motivate his members to check-in and help them feel connected to something bigger than the gym. “My members come to my gym to help their anxiety and depression, lose weight, gain energy to chase around their kids, and help change the world, which is exciting,” explained Scott. Each month Scott sends the monthly cause to his members utilizing Causely’s templated content and graphics. He also includes his monthly goal for his community and provides a leaderboard progress report to motivate his members.
When COVID hit and gyms were forced to shut down, Scott didn’t let that slow his gym’s momentum. He allowed his members to take equipment home to build their own gyms. His instructors conducted live classes via YouTube throughout lockdown which helped him retain the majority of his members and continue check-ins.
“I’ve found there is a certain amount of equity you build over time with routines and practices. During COVID, there was so much disruption and so many things in people’s lives that were unhinged. Having a routine our members could count on helped with their anxiety and depression. The repetitive nature of taking a class, checking-in, and knowing what cause their check-ins supported helped build that equity,” Scott stated.
The positive and strong community Scott built and maintained throughout lockdown continues today. With members back in the gym, Scott creates a large poster each month to communicate Causely’s monthly cause, celebrate his kickboxer of the month, and promote events or incentives.
Causely’s Vice President of Operations, Jamie Zimmer, acknowledges Scott’s leadership, enthusiasm, and dedication to Causely. “Scott has done an amazing job of creating a strong community within his business and we are so proud to be a part of it. We are honored to help Scott create a positive ripple effect through charitable giving that carries through to his members. His gym community incites powerful impacts in the lives of others each month.”
Interested in cause marketing for your business?
Cause marketing allows you to do good which is also good for your business. Check out Causely’s website to learn more or follow the Causely Facebook page for updates on the charitable causes Causely supports each month. If you are interested in joining the Causely community, we want to hear from you. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]