Working in the wonderful fitness industry? Fitness professionals are often self-employed. That means as well as staying in peak fitness. They also need to promote their services.
If you’re a personal trainer (PT), you may be wondering how you can get new clients. In this snappy guide, we will cover everything that you need to know to expand your client base.
1. Get qualified
First things first, consider the qualifications you have. The fitness industry is wildly competitive. That means that the more certificates you have under your belt, the more business you’re likely to get. Whether you are a solo personal trainer or have a personal training business, it pays to invest in your professional progression whenever possible.
You may have already completed a course to become a personal trainer. Now it’s time to expand on that. Are there additional courses you can take? The more strings you can add to your bow, the more likely you are to attract new clients. There’s nothing wrong with expanding your horizons and gaining extra skills. It could help you expand your business.
Potential clients will be looking for the most qualified PT out there. Make sure that you fit the bill. The truth is that you can start your personal trainer career from your living room. However, the more time and energy you spend on your education, the better your outlook.
2. Broaden your knowledge
Broadening your knowledge may help you expand your business. Think about the types of qualifications that will complement your skill-set. For example, learning about nutrition means that you can share additional expertise with existing clients. With that in mind, it could be a smart move to take some nutrition courses online. The fact that you can advise new clients on their diet, as well as their fitness, is sure to help you expand your business.
3. Market yourself
Promoting yourself is a must when you work in the fitness industry. If you want to stand out to potential clients, you need to advertise your services. Fortunately enough, there are a few ways that you can get this right. Here are some of the options you should consider:
Social media marketing
Promoting yourself is a must when you work in the fitness industry. If you want to stand out to potential clients, you need to advertise your services. Fortunately enough, there are a few ways that you can get this right. Here are some of the options you should consider:
Introductory offers
While giving away free sessions may not sound all that appealing, it’s a smart move. When you’re trying to gain new clients, give them a taste of what you have to offer. You might want to run group sessions at a local gym now and then. Allowing people to try your services before they buy a whole load of sessions will help them make the decision.
Professional website
As a personal trainer, you need an online presence. When potential clients are considering hiring you, the first thing that they will do is Google you. Make sure that they find your well-crafted website first.
You can include client testimonials, information about your services, and an easy-to-use booking system. Your contact details should also be front and centre. The more straightforward the process, the more new clients you will get.
Flyers and business cards
Sometimes, the oldest approaches work the best. Flyering is exactly what it says on the tin. Get some business cards, or flyers printed and get to work. You can give these out at local gyms, community centres, or even in the street. The choice is yours. You may also want to add people to an email list when they get in touch and follow up with them too.
4. Get business savvy
How much do you know about the world of business? While you may be an expert when it comes to training sessions, don’t let this aspect of your business pass you by. Managing client relationships and general business management are skills that you will need.
Should you have no idea where to start, online courses could be the answer. There are plenty of qualifications that will give you a competitive edge over other fitness professionals. For example, you may want to get started with a business management course and then progress to a business communication qualification. Beyond that, you may want to look into a business finance course.
Nobody expects you to be Alan Sugar. However, when you work as a personal trainer, you will need to have some grasp of business strategy. Your personal trainer business rests on your ability to gain new clients. When you’re ready to take things to the next level, it’s worth spending some time learning about how to run a successful business.
5. Get word-of-mouth referrals
Your reputation is everything when it comes to your PT business. Whether you’ve helped people on their weight loss journey, allowed them to reach their fitness goals, or simply given them fitness tips, it all matters. Satisfied customers will help you maximise your career potential. Don’t make the mistake of letting them slip through your fingers.
If your client relationships are good, use them. Ask your existing clients for word-of-mouth referrals. You may want to give them something in return. For example, you can offer discounts or free sessions for any new business you get. You can even advertise this aspect of your PT business on your website or via social media. Spread the word.
Next steps
Running a successful personal training business means working hard. However, the results are well worth your time and effort. Within this ultimate guide, we have covered how you can grow your own business in five simple steps. Now that you’ve got the inside scoop, what are you waiting for? Use our top tips to take your fitness coaching career to the next level and gain new clients today.
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