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If you blend in, you’re invisible. Sure, that might help the protagonist of a Western film—his face plastered on WANTED posters in every saloon—but it won’t do you any good as a personal trainer. So, how do you stand out? Figure out what makes you you, and then shout it from the digital rooftops. In other words, develop a unique hook. Because you either stand out or fade into the background.

But how? Well, is your training method unconventional? Maybe you’ve got a weird obsession with kettlebells or you’re a champion of corrective exercise. Whatever it is, make sure it speaks directly to what your clients need.

Provide Valuable Content: Don’t Just Post — Solve Problems

Stop filling up your feed with “motivational” posts. Everyone’s tired of hearing “just do it” for the 900th time. Instead, solve problems. Share real solutions. Share tips, hacks, and strategies that help people make progress. Whether it’s workout tips, nutrition advice, or answering that “how do I get rid of belly fat?” question with solid info, just make sure your content has value. And hey, don’t wait until you have 10k followers — engaged, small audiences are way more valuable than a sea of crickets.

Build Trust and Connection: People Buy from People They Trust

Newsflash: No one’s buying into your hype if they don’t trust you. Build trust like it’s your second job, because if you don’t, you might have to find a second job. Engage with your followers. Answer questions. Respond to comments. If people feel like you actually care about them and their fitness goals, they’ll come back for more. Trust is the magic ingredient in the “train your clients” soup. It’s the difference between them just being a like and a potential long-term client.

Be Authentic: Let Your Personality Shine Through

You’re not a robot. Let your quirks, humor, and personality shine through every post. Share your mistakes, your wins, and maybe even that time you got distracted and fell off the Stairmaster. People connect with people, not perfect personas. Show them who you really are — the goofy trainer who might’ve swung a kettle bell through a window but still knows their stuff.

Network with Other Pros: Your Network Is Your Net Worth

Want to grow your influence and get more clients? Team up. Find nutritionists, physical therapists, or even other trainers and start building that network. The more pros you know, the more value you offer your clients. Think of it like a dream team — each of you brings something different to the table, and together, you’re unstoppable. Collaborating opens doors.

Incremental Growth: Start Slow, Build Steady

Whether you’re going all-in on online coaching or building a local rep, start with a foundation. Don’t rush to jump into the deep end without learning how to swim first. Whether you’re working in a gym, doing freelance training, or just starting your online business, slow and steady wins the race. Focus on quality, build your skills, and by the time you’re ready to scale, you’ll have a solid base to grow from. If you are struggling to get clients at a box gym, starting your own studio will only lead to disaster. Be patient and hone your craft.

Consistency Over Perfection: Show Up Every Day

Perfection’s overrated. Show up. That’s it. Your clients need you to post, engage, and provide value regularly, even when you’re not feeling it. Don’t overthink it. Just show up and be consistent. The more consistent you are, the more your audience will trust you. As your clients keep showing up to train, you’ve got to show up for them in the content world. My advice to stay consistent? Don’t follow your mood. Follow the plan.

Leverage Client Testimonials: Let Your Results Speak for You

Your clients are your best marketing tool. Use them. Nothing gets you more street cred than real testimonials, before-and-after photos, and those “you changed my life!” comments. People trust the experiences of others more than your sales pitch. Share their success, amplify their voices, and watch how your credibility shoots up. Let your results speak louder than anything you can say.

Own Your Niche: Be The Expert They Can’t Ignore

The more specific you are, the more you stand out. Own your space — whether it’s fat loss, strength training, or working with postnatal clients. If you try to be the trainer for every person, you’ll just get lost in the shuffle. But if you dominate a niche, you’ll become the go-to trainer for that specific group. Be the expert. Carve your space out. Be unforgettable.

Engage, Don’t Just Sell: Create Conversations, Not Pitches

Selling’s awkward, but engaging isn’t. Instead of pushing a hard sell, start conversations. Answer questions, comment back, ask your followers about their fitness struggles. Build a community where people feel heard, not sold to. The more you interact with your audience, the more likely they’ll come to you for help. They’re not buying from a “salesperson”—they’re buying from someone who gets them.

Be Patient, Be Persistent: Growth Takes Time

Growth doesn’t happen overnight. Don’t be the guy who expects to wake up with 10,000 followers just because you posted a video of you deadlifting 300 pounds. Be patient. Show up every day, create great content, and keep pushing forward. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Keep at it, and soon enough, the results will follow. You’ll look back and realize all those small wins added up to a massive victory.