Establishing a personal training business can be a thrilling endeavour, particularly for individuals passionate about fitness and assisting others in reaching their health objectives. 

However, maintaining a successful business requires more than having a well-equipped gym and top-notch skills. In the fitness industry, you will lose all your money and investment if you don’t have any clients. 

So, how do you attract and retain clients for personal training? In this article, we will discuss how to get personal training clients and some fitness content ideas to keep your clients engaged and motivated.

Who are Personal Training Clients? 

Personal training clients are the foundation of any successful fitness business. They not only provide a consistent source of income, but they also play an essential role in the growth and success of a fitness business. 

How to Attract Customers For Personal Training 

Whether you’ve been in the industry for a while or are just getting started, having little to no foot traffic can be annoying. 

You may have hoped that people would notice your brand, but in reality, customers won’t just magically appear.  

So, what’s the deal with this lack of interest? Your prospective clients may need to become more familiar with your company, have a preferred gym or trainer, or prefer a different fitness option. 

However, whatever the reason, it’s time to think outside the box and learn how to sell personal training effectively.

Here are some pointers on how to get personal training clients:  

#1 – Identify your niche:

The first step in developing your personal training brand is identifying your niche. This entails determining your area of expertise in fitness and tailoring your brand to appeal to that audience. 

For example, if you have a background in sports training, check out Ben Bruno. He is well-known for his work with high-profile athletes.

#2 – Determine your target audience: 

To sell personal training, you must first identify your target audience. Who exactly are they? What are their objectives? What are their priorities? Understanding these factors allows you to tailor your services to their specific needs. 

#3 – Build a website and invest in SEO: 

Building a website for your personal training business and investing in SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is one of the most effective ways to establish your brand online.

But why should you invest in SEO? When someone searches for keywords related to your business, SEO helps your website appear on the first page of search engine results. 

This is significant because most people click on the first few results when searching.

Also, by using specific keywords, SEO allows you to target your ideal audience. For example, If you specialise in weight loss training, you can use keywords such as ‘weight loss personal trainer’ or ‘fitness coach for weight loss.’ 

composite of hand holding smartphone with maps graphic with store background

#4 – Invest in Google My Business:

Google My Business is a free Google tool that helps businesses manage their online presence across all Google platforms, including search and maps. 

But why should you invest in Google My Business? Investing in Google My Business has several advantages, including: 

  • Better visibility in Google search results: By creating a Google My Business listing, you ensure that your personal training services will appear in relevant search results, increasing your visibility to potential clients. 
  • Google Maps Integration: Customers can easily find you and get directions to your gym’s location, making it easy for them to contact you.
  • Reviews and Ratings: Clients can rate your listing on Google My Business. Positive feedback and high ratings can significantly influence potential clients’ decisions to hire you as their trainer. 
  • Analytics and Insights: This data can help you better understand your target audience and make more informed decisions about marketing your services. 

#5. Use social media to your advantage: 

Regarding social media marketing for gym services, the first thing to consider is where your target audience spends most of their time. Are they active on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or other gym social media sites? 

To answer this question, you must put yourself in their shoes. Where would you look first if you were a customer looking for similar fitness services? 

Well, the following are the best platforms to use: 

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Tiktok
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn

Furthermore, as a fitness social media manager, if you need help planning your social media marketing for fitness, consider getting professional help.

#6 – Use ads to boost your business: 

How can you market your brand using a personal trainer ad? The following are some effective strategies: 

  • Social Media Ads: Platforms like Facebook and Instagram provide targeted ad options that allow you to reach people most likely interested in your personal training services.
  • Google AdWords: Google Ads can help you promote your personal training business to people actively looking for fitness services in your area. 
  • Partner with Influencers: Look for fitness influencers in your area with a target audience similar to your company and approach them about collaborating. 
  • Print Advertisements: While digital marketing for personal trainers is becoming more popular, traditional print advertisements can still effectively promote your personal training business. 

#7 – Work with other fitness professionals:

Collaborating with other fitness professionals, such as nutritionists, physical therapists, or other personal trainers, can be an excellent way to broaden your network and reach new clients. You can offer complimentary services or refer clients to each other, resulting in a mutually beneficial partnership.

#8 – Provide a free trial session or discounts:

Here are a few ideas for how you can use free trial sessions or discounts to promote your personal training business:

  • Free Trial Session: You could offer a 14-day free trial session in which you introduce the client to your training methods and demonstrate some basic exercises. 
  • Discounts for First-Time Customers: Offering first-time customers discounts is another effective way to attract new customers. For example, you could offer a 20% discount for the first three sessions. 
  • Referral Discounts: Offering referral discounts to your current customers can help you tap into their social circle and attract new clients. 
  • Discounts for special occasions or holidays: You could, for example, offer a ‘New Year, New You’ discount at the start of the year or a ‘Summer Shape-Up’ discount during the summer months.

Top 10 Fitness Ideas For Your Social Media Content 

Do you need help developing new and engaging gym social media post ideas? If so, we’ve compiled a list of fitness content ideas for Instagram and other social media platforms to keep your followers engaged and motivated.

  • Share your workout tutorials: This content is a significant fitness Instagram post idea to invest in. For example, make a step-by-step guide for a specific exercise using Instagram’s carousel feature. 
  • Host a live workout session: Hosting a fitness class for your followers on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook Live allows them to interact with you in real-time and ask questions. 
  • Behind-the-Scenes Content: You could show your followers a tour of your gym or a day in the life of a fitness trainer.
  • Motivational Quotes and Images: You can make your graphics using free online tools such as Canva or share athlete quotes.
  • Q&A Sessions: By hosting a Q&A session on your Instagram story or Facebook page, you can encourage your followers to ask questions about fitness, nutrition, or your journey, and you can respond in video or written format.
  • Organise a challenge: Make a fitness challenge for your followers. A 30-day ab challenge or a daily workout challenge might be appropriate. 
  • Funny memes: Sharing memes with your followers will keep them entertained and help humanise your brand.
  • Before and after transformations: Encourage your fans to post their before and after photos so you can showcase them on your page. (FYI: Ask them first before posting it on your page.)
  • Organise a giveaway: Hosting a fitness-related giveaway on your page is a fun way to engage and attract new followers. 
  • Healthy meal ideas and nutrition advice: Since diet and exercise go hand in hand, providing your followers with some nutritious meal ideas or advice can be helpful.

Final Thought

Remember that acquiring and retaining customers is an ongoing process that demands constant effort and innovation. So, use the information and insights provided here to take your business to the next level and achieve your objectives. 

With determination and perseverance, you can attract and retain a loyal customer base and keep your business thriving in the ever-changing fitness industry.

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