How to Create an On-Demand Marketplace for the Fitness Industry

Post-pandemic, the fitness industry has been on a roll. The world finally came to understand the importance of health and that resulted in a complete paradigm shift. When the globe shifted digital amidst all the shutdowns, so did the fitness industry. On-demand services app has been on the rise ever since and the numbers are almost mindblowing. According to a research paper by Allied Market Research, the worldwide online/virtual fitness market was assessed at $14.9 billion in 2022, with an estimated growth to reach $250.7 billion by 2032, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 32.7% from 2023 to 2032

As the fitness landscape continues to evolve, building an on-demand fitness marketplace becomes a strategic and rewarding endeavor, uniting passion for fitness with the boundless potential of technology. In this article, we take a look into this captivating industry and explain how you can create a successful on-demand service marketplace. So let’s flex those entrepreneurial muscles and set the stage for a fitness revolution that’ll get hearts pumping and spirits soaring! 

WHAT IS AN ON-DEMAND MARKETPLACE?

An on-demand service marketplace is a digital platform that connects customers directly with various service providers or sellers, offering goods or services in a convenient and flexible manner. It operates on the concept of “on-demand” access, allowing users to request and receive services or products whenever they need them and wherever they are, through mobile apps or websites.  This model has gained immense popularity in recent years due to its convenience, efficiency, and ability to cater to the demands of modern consumers seeking instant gratification and flexibility in their daily lives.

In an on-demand marketplace, the process usually involves users creating accounts, specifying their preferences, and searching for services based on their needs. Service providers, on the other hand, register on the platform, create profiles showcasing their offerings, and manage their availability.  When it comes to the fitness industry, the platform incorporates fitness professionals who provide various services/products as well as fitness enthusiasts looking for them.  The end users in this case, i.e., the fitness enthusiasts, can browse through a diverse range of offerings, including fitness classes, personal training sessions, yoga sessions, workout plans, and more. On the other hand, fitness professionals and gyms can leverage these marketplaces to expand their reach and attract new clients, while managing their schedules and services efficiently. 

Let’s consider an example. Take ClassPass for instance, it is a convenient on-demand marketplace for fitness enthusiasts, connecting users with a plethora of workout classes from partnering studios and gyms. After signing up and selecting a subscription plan, users gain access to a diverse array of activities, ranging from yoga and cycling to dance and strength training. The platform offers great flexibility and fitness lovers can explore various workouts, making it easier than ever to stay active, motivated, and engaged on their fitness journey.

THE ADVANTAGES OF AN ON-DEMAND MARKETPLACE FOR THE FITNESS INDUSTRY

There’s a reason why on-demand fitness apps  & services continue to grow more popular as days by – it’s flexible like a yoga instructor! No more fixed schedules. You get to choose when and where to join a class, giving you the freedom to dance to your own fitness beat. But to elaborate on a more detailed note, let us look at the key advantages of starting an on demand platform: 

1. Lucrative Market Opportunity: The fitness industry is vast and continuously growing, with a rising focus on health and wellness. By tapping into this market, you can capitalize on the increasing demand for fitness services and experiences, creating a lucrative revenue stream.

2. Convenience for Users: An on-demand fitness marketplace provides users with the convenience of accessing a wide range of fitness services and classes with just a few taps on their mobile devices. It eliminates the need for long-term gym memberships and allows users to choose and book fitness activities based on their preferences and schedules, promoting a more flexible and personalized approach to fitness.

3. Diverse Fitness Options: Building a comprehensive marketplace allows you to partner with various fitness professionals, gyms, and studios, offering users a diverse selection of workouts and activities. This variety caters to different fitness goals, interests, and skill levels, making it appealing to a broader audience.

4. Business Opportunities for Fitness Professionals: It provides fitness professionals, trainers, and studios with a platform to reach a larger audience and expand their client base. This exposure can lead to increased business opportunities and revenue for service providers.

6. Scalability and Growth Potential: Successful on-demand marketplaces can scale rapidly, allowing expansion into new cities or regions. With proper marketing strategies and customer support, you can attract more users and service providers, leading to further growth and success.

7. Building a Community: An on-demand fitness marketplace can foster a sense of community among users and service providers. Through user reviews, feedback, and engagement features, you can create a supportive environment where fitness enthusiasts connect, share experiences, and motivate each other.

CREATING AN ON-DEMAND FITNESS MARKETPLACE

Creating an on-demand fitness app or marketplace can be a rewarding experience but it comes with its own set of daunting challenges. As so, it is necessary to take into consideration everything that could make or break the convenience factor for your target audience. Now, note that you have multiple options to choose from and may create your marketplace accordingly. 

For example, you could launch an on-demand service app for a weight-gain program, customizing your marketplace with weight training programs, recipe videos or on-demand accessory deliveries. On the other hand, you could opt for a more broader marketplace that incorporates everything from weight loss to even martial arts. The steps may vary a little depending on the kind of on-demand service marketplace that you are trying to build but on a broader scale, the fundamentals remain the same. This brings us to the first step: 

Step 1: Define Your Niche and Target Audience

Begin by identifying your niche within the fitness industry. Will you focus on yoga, high-intensity workouts, or a mix of different activities? Understanding your target audience’s preferences and fitness goals will guide your platform’s offerings and design. 

Step 2: Conduct Market Research

Conduct thorough market research to assess the competition, demand, and trends in the fitness industry. Speak with fitness enthusiasts, trainers, and studio owners to gather valuable insights that will shape your marketplace’s unique value proposition.

Step 3: Partner with Fitness Professionals and Studios

Forge partnerships with fitness professionals, certified trainers, and local gyms or studios. These partnerships are crucial as they’ll provide the classes and services that users can access through your platform. Establishing strong relationships will enhance your marketplace’s credibility and offerings.

Step 4: Choosing a Development Platform

When it comes to building your on-demand service app, you have two options: create a platform entirely from scratch or use an existing software solution that lets you launch one easily. In the first case, you’ll need to build a user-friendly mobile app or website that allows seamless browsing, booking, and payment. The platform should offer clear information about available classes, schedules, and fitness providers. However, this can be quite a challenge if you’re totally just starting out.

For the second choice, you need to choose the right software solution that offers great customization as well as a stable technical infrastructure. For mobile apps, look for scalable and customizable options that support both Android and iOS platforms, ensuring a user-friendly mobile experience. Prioritize software with robust security measures and seamless payment integration to instill user confidence. Technical support and regular updates are essential for maintaining platform functionality and user satisfaction. 

If you’re unaware or doubtful about what to go for, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Check out iScripts Uberfox, which is an on-demand service platform that empowers you to create your own marketplace for various industries, including medical, healthcare, automotive, food, domestic help, transportation, and more.

Step 5: Offer Flexible Subscription Plans

Tailor subscription plans to cater to various user preferences and budgets. Consider offering trial periods, pay-as-you-go options, or credits-based models. This flexibility will attract both occasional users and committed fitness enthusiasts, broadening your customer base.

Step 6: Personalization and Recommendations

Integrate personalization features that offer users tailored fitness recommendations based on their preferences and past activities. Use data-driven insights to help users discover classes aligned with their fitness goals.

Step 7: Marketing and Community Building

Spread the word about your platform with a strong marketing campaign to attract both users and fitness professionals. Connect with your community through social media, exciting fitness events, and informative newsletters. Additionally, consider collaborating with influencers or partnering with local fitness organizations to reach a broader audience and establish your marketplace as a go-to fitness hub. Emphasize the benefits of joining your platform, such as access to a wide range of classes, convenient booking options, and the chance for fitness professionals to expand their client base.

Step 8: Scale and Expand

As your marketplace gains traction and user base, explore opportunities to scale and expand to new locations. Seek partnerships with fitness brands and explore collaborations to grow your platform’s reach.

Remember, building an on-demand marketplace for the fitness industry requires dedication, passion, and a human touch. Strive to create a platform that empowers users to embrace fitness conveniently and joyfully, while supporting fitness professionals in their mission to inspire healthier lives. 

FINAL THOUGHTS

So far we’ve discussed the broader scope of an on-demand service marketplace, its advantages and how to get started with building it. As mentioned, plan how you want to pull it off; whether you are planning on focusing on a single niche or if you have ideas to accommodate a range of services. In case you are planning to go big, you need to attract a diverse audience interested in various fitness activities, which calls for a great platform to bring in ample business opportunities.

Building such an on-demand service app can often be a herculean task and it’s natural to be puzzled along the way. To make things easier, it’s always wiser to go for a premium software solution that lets you do the building easily. Check out iScripts Uberfox, an on-demand service platform that allows you to create your own marketplace no matter what industry you are focusing on. And the best part? All you have to do is download the package, install and you’re already halfway there!

Looking to get started? Check out our Free Demo here.