Pilates Business Podcast: Launching a Profitable Video-On-Demand Platform with Daniel Kosmala from Uscreen

Release Date: May 19, 2025

In this insightful episode of the Pilates Business Podcast, host Seran Glanfield engages in a comprehensive discussion with Daniel Kosmala from Uscreen. The conversation delves into the nuances of launching a successful Video-On-Demand (VOD) platform tailored for Pilates studios, offering actionable strategies and real-world insights to help boutique fitness studio owners expand their reach and revenue streams.

1. Introduction to Video-On-Demand in the Fitness Industry

Seran Glanfield opens the episode by addressing the common hesitation among studio owners contemplating the launch of a VOD platform. She emphasizes the significant shift to online platforms accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and introduces Daniel Kosmala, a seasoned marketing expert with over 15 years of experience, who has assisted numerous fitness creators in monetizing their content effectively.

"Video on Demand is actually a very powerful way to scale revenue for your studio business, but only when it's done right."
— Seran Glanfield [01:20]

2. The Evolution of VOD Platforms Post-COVID

Daniel Kosmala provides a historical perspective on the VOD landscape, highlighting Uscreen's growth pre and post-pandemic. He recounts how the onset of COVID-19 dramatically increased inbound interest, with leads surging from hundreds to thousands monthly as studios sought online solutions to sustain their businesses.

"We've seen quite the transformation... some of those studios were like, oh, actually we just realized we unlocked an entirely new revenue stream for the business."
— Daniel Kosmala [04:30]

He notes the maturity of the market by 2025, where Uscreen's value proposition is now easily understood, reducing the sales cycle from months to mere weeks.

3. Key Strategies for Launching a Successful VOD Platform

a. Mindset and Entrepreneurship

Daniel emphasizes the importance of viewing oneself as an entrepreneur rather than just a fitness instructor. He underscores the challenges of building an online business, comparing it to entrepreneurship where failures are part of the journey.

"Make sure people or entrepreneurs are able to come to terms with that early in the journey... it's just a part of the journey."
— Daniel Kosmala [09:15]

b. Practical Equipment Tips

For those starting out, Daniel advises against the obsession with high-end equipment. He suggests using existing tools, such as smartphones paired with quality microphones, to produce content without significant upfront investment.

"You don't have to go out and watch 100 YouTube videos about the best camera... the best camera you have is the one that you have. Like, this is perfectly fine."
— Daniel Kosmala [11:00]

c. Defining Your Unique Value Proposition

In a saturated digital fitness market, Daniel stresses the necessity of having a unique approach or niche. Whether it's a distinctive teaching method or a unique personality trait, differentiating oneself is crucial for attracting and retaining a dedicated audience.

"You have to figure out your unique approach that is going to draw people to, towards you."
— Daniel Kosmala [12:30]

4. Building and Optimizing Sales Funnels

a. Common Mistakes

Daniel identifies that many fitness professionals falter by not having a well-structured sales funnel. He explains that simply putting out content without guiding the audience through a strategic journey leads to poor conversion rates.

"What happens there is like that would be like if I got on a call with you... but most people just default to listing out features when that's not really what works and moves people to action."
— Daniel Kosmala [17:00]

b. Effective Funnel Structures

Exploring effective funnels, Daniel outlines a multi-stage process: starting with free content on social media, capturing email addresses through valuable freebies, nurturing the relationship via email, and finally converting subscribers into paid members. He highlights that the structure can vary based on the size of the audience and engagement levels.

"The core is like free content, email list, paid conversion."
— Daniel Kosmala [18:52]

He also introduces the concept of "funnels within your funnel," explaining how social media acts as the top of the funnel, leading users to engage further and eventually convert.

5. Monetization Potential and Revenue Expectations

a. Realistic Revenue Goals

When addressing potential earnings, Daniel provides a broad spectrum, indicating that revenue can range from hundreds to millions monthly, depending on audience size and engagement. He recommends a minimum online audience of 15,000 followers to realistically aim for high five-figure revenues annually.

"If you have at least that audience, I think it's feasible to build a high five-figure revenue business, digital business... maybe even into six figures or multiple six figures a year."
— Daniel Kosmala [29:00]

b. Importance of Audience Engagement

Daniel emphasizes that engagement and loyalty are more critical than sheer follower numbers. A highly engaged audience is more likely to convert, whereas large but inactive followings may struggle to generate meaningful revenue.

"The more engagement and loyalty that you can cultivate... the better off your business is going to be."
— Daniel Kosmala [31:30]

6. Consistency and Active Engagement

Reiterating the myth-busting notion that online income is passive, Daniel underscores the necessity of consistent effort and active engagement to build and maintain a successful VOD platform.

"There's nothing passive about this. You have to show up and be active, engaged and cultivate that relationship with the clients."
— Seran Glanfield [32:53]

7. Conclusion and Resources

The episode wraps up with Daniel directing listeners to Uscreen's resources, including their website and YouTube channel, for further learning and support. Seran encourages listeners to engage with the podcast by rating and reviewing it, fostering a community of boutique fitness studio owners striving for growth.

"There is no one way to do what you do, only your way. So whatever it is that you want to do, create or offer, you've got this."
— Daniel Kosmala [34:24]

Key Takeaways:

• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Transitioning from a fitness instructor to an entrepreneur is crucial for online success.
• Start Simple: Utilize existing equipment like smartphones and focus on audio quality initially.
• Unique Value Proposition: Differentiate your VOD platform with a unique teaching style or niche.
• Structured Funnels: Implement a multi-tiered sales funnel to guide potential clients from awareness to conversion.
• Audience Engagement: Prioritize building a loyal and engaged online community over merely accumulating followers.
• Consistent Effort: Active and consistent engagement is essential; online income is not passive.
• Resource Utilization: Leverage platforms like Uscreen and educational resources to enhance your VOD strategy.

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for Pilates studio owners aiming to expand their business through a VOD platform, highlighting the blend of strategic planning, consistent effort, and authentic engagement necessary for sustained growth and profitability.