Gone are the days when a business could rely solely on word of mouth to earn an excellent reputation, gain clients and yield profit. The Internet is the way forward and a successful marketing tool for most industries; including fitness.
With social media becoming an increasing presence in our daily lives, it has become an excellent tool not only for personal communication but business too.
The rapidly developing fitness industry is now reportedly worth over £3 billion and projected to expand further, with many hoping to make their personal training business a lucrative success.
Are you considering marketing your business online but are unsure as to make it a success?
Our seven online marketing secrets can ensure your personal training business goes from strength to strength:
1. Know your target audience
Any experienced marketer knows their target audience and their behaviour, and this is the key to devising and implementing a successful marketing campaign.
As a personal trainer you will already have a niche you want to work in or are building up a client base for, and these efforts should translate online too. That doesn’t mean you can only train one type of client, but rather that you have chosen to focus on building a reputation as an expert in a certain method of training or for a type of client such as a bodybuilder or an athlete.
2. Get yourself noticed
Although this might appear obvious, it’s important for a business to be visible in order to garner interest and encourage sales. Not only through the use of traditional marketing methods, but online in particular. An understandable website with clear contact details will make it easier for prospective clients to get in touch.
Consider options such as SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) and PPC (Pay Per Click) to improve the visibility of your website online. You don’t want your website to be lost amongst competitors so accurate copy and a targeted approach is key.
Alternatively if you would prefer to use a social media page to market your business, ensure that this is regularly updated. Your content is selling you and your business so choose your words wisely.
3. Use multiple platforms to reach your clients – new and old
There are now so many different ways to reach target audiences including video and images, that you don’t have to just settle on one tool.
LinkedIn is an invaluable tool for networking and building connections; ensure your profile regularly updated and reflects your services in a positive light.
4. Stay educated - don’t get left behind
Staying ahead of the competition is wise in any business, but especially the fiercely competitive fitness industry. With new training methods and nutritional studies constantly emerging, it’s crucial that a trainer is always up to date with trends and news – not only to stay ahead of others, but for their clients to benefit too.
Regularly reading influential blogs, websites and keeping up to date with the leading figures of the industry will ensure your expertise is constantly evolving. The more you know, the better you and your business will be.
5. Be visual and showcase your successes
Your hard work helping clients to reach their goals is what will attract future clients to you, so make sure you celebrate those well-earned achievements.
Social media platforms are a great way to earn praise and admiration for your achievements. Instagram and Pinterest have become firm favourites with many trainers and the ‘#fitspo’ trend is populated with thousands of posts each day showing progress, motivation and work out demonstrations.
YouTube is another website that can build your name as a trainer, your brand and allow you to interact with not only those located near to you but fellow trainers and fitness enthusiasts all around the world.
6. Reward your current client base
Every marketer relentlessly chases new business and the promise of additional clients and income, however, it is important to remember your current client base and those loyally using your services.
To encourage your current clients to refer friends, leave positive reviews or sign up for further sessions it’s important to offer rewards. Offers such as half price training or a bonus session can encourage your clients to refer new leads and business to you.
Happier clients will increase your retention rates and will improve your business’s development.
7. Retain those leads
Leads, leads, leads; when building a business leads are highly prized commodities. Manage your new contacts efficiently and keep up steady communication with them.
A prospective lead may not immediately sign up to a training session but by maintaining contact you can ensure that when they are ready to work on their fitness, they will come to you and not head to a competitor.
Any business needs a targeted approach in order for it to grow and see its profits increase. The internet is an essential tool to help market a business, especially for personal trainers. Utilising social media and platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn can help expand a business and are essential for future growth.
By Niamh Spence, content writer for Membr.
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