Oh boy, here comes the hard part of running your own fitness business. Attracting new clients.
And we’re not talking about the people you already know, or leads who have been curious about your services for quite some time.
We’re talking about starting from scratch. Finding new people, ones you don’t know, and introducing them to your business. Here’s how to introduce brand-new people to online personal training and your fitness business as a whole.
How to Land New Clients
#1: Talk to people on social media
Think about it! You might not know a certain person, but when you’re on the gym floor, you might see them every day and want to engage them in conversation that goes past a friendly “Hello.”
Talking to people over time doesn’t automatically earn their trust, but it does make you more familiar with them and helps build rapport. That familiarity breaks down the barrier of being “just another trainer,” making it easier for them to consider working with you.
Now turn this into an online tactic, using the same method.
You’ve probably seen the same person liking and/or commenting on your posts. Now’s the perfect time to get out of your comfort zone and open a line of communication with them. Send them a DM saying:
“Hi there! Thanks for following me. Please let me know if there are any questions you want to ask me about fitness, nutrition, or general wellness.”
Or even go a step further and click on their profile to see a quick glimpse into their lives and what they’re like. Then simply message them, saying:
“Hi, I couldn’t help but notice we like the same type of outdoor activities,” and continue by asking open-ended questions, eventually asking about their fitness regimen. You’ll get a new lead just by putting in some effort to reach out!
#2: Create a downloadable freebie
These are sometimes called “lead magnets.” Basically, you offer something valuable for free in exchange for their email address.
Creating a simple, freebie geared toward your target audience can generate numerous leads. You’ll create a download page, where people can enter their email (just like subscribing to a newsletter). You can create a quick meal plan, a workout guide, or a checklist related to the paid offer you’re promoting.
Over time, you’ll build a solid list of leads you can reach out to whenever you’re ready to promote your services.
📝 Read More: My Favorite Digital Marketing Tactic: Lead Magnets
#3: Invite people to your closed Facebook group
If you don’t have a closed Facebook group yet, please create one ASAP! Being invited feels flattering and exclusive. But before just inviting every single person on your Facebook friends list, make sure you know your ideal client.
If you know people who would benefit from your knowledge in fitness, health, and nutrition, send them a quick private message.
Say something like “I see you’re interested in XYZ, I’d like to invite you to my closed Facebook group! I give members useful information about fitness and nutrition that you might find interesting and motivating.”
People appreciate the exclusivity! Plus, there’s a bonus that you aren’t jumping straight to the sales pitch.
Once they join, you can keep nurturing the relationship with valuable content and grow the connection over time.
#4: Get out in your community
You can create and host your own event or even join another event in the area where you think your target audience is hanging out. Don’t be afraid to talk about yourself and bring your business cards.
Use an app like Meetups to find events in your area where your ideal clients might be. You can even create and host your own event to attract the right crowd. Bring your business cards, introduce yourself, and don’t be shy about sharing what you do.
People seeing you face-to-face is more beneficial than solely from your online presence, because they can relate more to you while striking up a conversation. Make sure you play the role of listener, as your leads will be all around you.
#5: Offer a free mini-challenge
A short online challenge is a fun and low-pressure way to showcase what it’s like to work with you to potential clients. Think of something catchy, like a “7-Day Core Crusher” or “5-Day Clean Eating Reset.”
Promote it on your social media and have people sign up using their email addresses. It builds excitement, lets them experience your coaching style, and helps you start building a relationship.
At the end of the challenge, invite them to join your full program, and sweeten the deal with a special bonus or discount to make it even more appealing.
#6: Partner with a local business
Look for businesses in your area, such as coffee shops, juice bars, physio clinics, or spas, that cater to health-conscious individuals.
Offer to collaborate by providing discounts or free consultations to their customers, and in return, display their flyers or promos to your audience.
It’s a win-win: you both get exposure to new, like-minded clients who already value health and wellness.
📝 Read More: How to Grow Your Gym Using Influencer Marketing
#7: Share client success stories (even small wins)
Nothing inspires potential clients more than seeing real people succeed. Highlight your clients’ progress, big or small, with their permission.
Share photos, quotes, or updates like: “X Client ran her first 5K today!” or “Y Client prepped all his meals this week for the first time!”
These stories build social proof and help prospects imagine what’s possible for them. You can even ask your clients to tag friends or share your posts to reach a wider audience.
Ways to Land New Clients: Key Takeaway
These tactics are proven ways to generate a comprehensive list of leads that you can use to send emails, reach out to them personally, and even maintain a record of all conversations you’ve had with them.
Every trainer has their list of leads, not just their current clients. Keep them organized, remember where they came from, and categorize them to maintain efficiency. Keep in regular contact with your list, and soon you’ll have fewer leads and more new clients!
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