Promoting your business doesn’t have to be complicated. Yet, just say the word “marketing” to a new personal trainer and they’ll be more lost than Gen Z driving without Google Maps.
While it might sound like a good idea to parachute out of an airplane with your brand logo tattooed on your chest or scale the Las Vegas Sphere wearing a “Personal Trainer” t-shirt, getting clients to notice you shouldn’t be that hard… or dangerous.
Let’s take a look at 5 proven ways to start growing your business.
Your brand is more than just a logo or a tagline. It's the collection of your skills, personality, and experiences. It's your story and how people connect with you.
Share your journey, your successes, and even your struggles. People want to know the real you.
Why?
Let’s face it. Most personal trainers have similar educations. The pool of knowledge is shared between all of us. We’ve been certified, attended workshops, and got to know that anatomy skeleton so well that if it felt wrong not to name it (I’ll never forget you, Skelly).
Your personal brand is what makes us different from the rest of the field. It’s the reason why someone chooses you over your equally qualified coworker. Developing your personal brand isn’t about asking your creative friend to sketch you up a logo. It’s about taking a look inside yourself and understanding what you can offer.
Who are you? What is your story? And how can you help people?
In a world where people cross busy intersections with their head down, scrolling TikTok, online visibility is everything. That’s where people’s attention is. So, if you’re not there, they won’t find you.
Here are a few quick and easy tips:
Don’t underestimate the power of old-school marketing methods. So, which one works best?
Channel that summer intern energy and work for free. Why? Offering free sessions has an incredible conversion rate. Don’t think of it as taking a loss, but rather investing in future capital. When you offer free sessions, you are creating an opportunity to prove yourself, spend time with a potential client, and accumulate invaluable experience.
Personal trainers tend to think they would be successful “if they were just given the chance.”
Instead of waiting for that chance, create it for yourself. So, what are you waiting for? Get on your gym’s intercom and announce a free session for the first five people who come up.
It’s not enough to be active on social media. Even your aunt Patty can do that. Instead, you have to post with purpose.
Social media for business isn’t about getting likes, comments, or followers; it’s about sharing valuable information, building trust, and organically growing a community interested in what you offer.
Share tips, success stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at your training. This is your proof of concept. It shows potential clients how you can help them.
It’s easy to get caught up in the game of growth. But remember that quantity of followers matters a lot less than the quality of them. Focus your attention on getting clients – not likes, not comments, not fame.
Okay, this one might sound extreme… but you have to talk to people. Like, in person. Face to face. I know, that’s soooo 2004. But it works!
Get to know the people in your gym, at surrounding businesses, and in your community. Don’t try to sell them anything at first. Simply build a relationship with them.
What’s the point? People need to know who you are and what you offer. That is the prerequisite to every sale in the history of personal training.
If you’re struggling with advertising yourself, simplify your marketing strategy down to these five tips. If it feels overwhelming at first, that’s okay. Start with one and work your way down.