Get Personal Training Clients: Expert Tips to Grow Your Business
I've been a personal trainer for two decades, and appreciate that getting clients isn't always easy. But it's not impossible. With the right strategies, you can fill your schedule and grow your personal training business faster than you might think. I'm going to share some insider tips on how to get personal training clients.
These tips have worked wonders for me and countless other trainers I've mentored.
You became a personal trainer because you're passionate about fitness and helping others.
But passion alone won't pay the bills. You need a steady stream of clients to make your business thrive.
Let's explore some proven tactics to help you attract and retain more clients, allowing you to focus on what you do best: transforming lives through fitness.
Leverage Social Media to Attract New Clients
Social media is a goldmine for personal trainers looking to get personal training clients.
But it's not just about posting workout videos or before-and-after photos. It's about creating a connection with your audience and offering personal training services to a target audience.
I remember when I first used Instagram to promote my services. I was posting three times a day, sharing workout tips and motivational quotes. No one was engaging. I realized I needed to change my approach.
Instead of showcasing my expertise, I started sharing my fitness journey. I talked about my struggles, victories, and even my cheat meals.
People started responding. They saw me as a real person, not just another fitness guru.
Here are some tips to make social media work for you:
Social media is about building relationships. The more you connect with your audience, the more likely they are to become clients.
Offer Free Trial Sessions to Potential Clients
One of the most effective ways to get personal training clients is by offering free trial sessions and giving potential customers a free trial.
A free session gives potential clients a taste of what it's like to work with you. It's your chance to showcase your expertise, training style, and personality.
Once they experience the value you provide, they're more likely to sign up for a full package.
This is also a great way to show off any specialized knowledge and skills you have in fitness marketing or if you are a marketing expert.
When offering free trials, keep these points in mind:
I once had a client who was hesitant about personal training. She thought it was too expensive and wasn't sure if it was worth it. I offered her a free session, and she signed up for a 12-week package.
She also referred three of her friends to me. That's the power of a well-executed free trial.
Develop a Niche to Stand Out in the Crowded Fitness Market
In a sea of personal trainers, how do you make yourself stand out? The answer: find your niche.
When I first started, I was trying to be everything to everyone. I'd train anyone who was willing to pay.
But as I gained experience, I realized that specializing could actually help me get more personal training clients. I decided to focus on strength training for women over 40.
This niche allowed me to become an expert in addressing the specific needs and concerns of this demographic.
As a result, I became the go-to trainer for women in this age group who wanted to build strength and maintain their health.
Make sure when finding your niche you determine your training route you want to take with client testimonials.
Here's how you can develop your niche:
In a sea of personal trainers, how do you make yourself stand out? The answer: find your niche.
When I first started, I was trying to be everything to everyone. I'd train anyone who was willing to pay.
But as I gained experience, I realized that specializing could actually help me get more personal training clients. I decided to focus on strength training for women over 40.
This niche allowed me to become an expert in addressing the specific needs and concerns of this demographic.
As a result, I became the go-to trainer for women in this age group who wanted to build strength and maintain their health.
Make sure when finding your niche you determine your training route you want to take with client testimonials.
Here's how you can develop your niche:
Niching down doesn't mean you have to turn away clients outside your specialty. It just means you have a clear focus that sets you apart from the competition and shows prospective clients you are an expert.
Network with Other Health Professionals
Networking with other health professionals has been a game-changer in my quest to get personal training clients.
Physiotherapists, nutritionists, and even doctors often have clients who could benefit from personal training services.
I once met a chiropractor at a local business networking event. We got talking about how our services could complement each other.
She started referring her patients who needed to build core strength to me. I referred clients with back issues to her. It was a win-win situation that brought me a steady stream of new clients.
Here are some tips for effective networking:
Networking is about building mutually beneficial relationships. Always think about how you can provide value to others, not just what you can get from them.
Success doesn't happen overnight. It takes time, effort, and persistence. - Andrew Wallis, Founder of Fitness marketing Blueprints
Create a Strong Online Presence
In today's digital world, having a strong online presence is crucial if you want to get personal training clients.
Your website is often the first point of contact between you and potential clients.
This is especially true if you are an online personal trainer. It's your virtual storefront, and it needs to make a great first impression.
When I first created my website, it was pretty basic. Just a homepage with my contact information and a list of services.
I quickly realized that wasn't enough. I needed to provide value to visitors and give them a reason to choose me as their trainer.
So, I revamped my site. I added a blog where I shared fitness tips and success stories.
I created a resources page with free workout plans and nutrition guides. I even added a booking system so potential clients could easily schedule a consultation.
Here are some key elements to include on your website:
Your website should not only inform but also engage and convert visitors into clients.
Implement a Referral Program
One of the most powerful ways to get personal training clients is through referrals. People are more likely to trust recommendations from family members and friends than any advertisement.
I learned this lesson early in my career. I had a client who was seeing great results and was always raving about our sessions to her friends. I decided to formalize this into a referral program. I offered her a free session for every new client she referred who signed up for a package.
The results were amazing. Within a month, she had referred three new clients to me.
Not only did I gain new business, but these clients were also more committed because they came with a personal recommendation.
This will also expand your client base faster.
Here's how you can set up an effective referral program:
A referral program is not just about getting new clients; it's also about showing appreciation to your existing ones.
Provide Exceptional Service to Retain Clients
While getting new personal training clients is important, retaining your existing ones is equally crucial. It's far easier (and cheaper) to keep a current client than to acquire a new one.
Plus, satisfied clients are more likely to refer others to you. This will help you get more personal training clients in the long run and expand your training business.
I learned this lesson the hard way. In my early days as a trainer, I was so focused on getting new clients that I sometimes neglected my existing ones. I'd rush through sessions, fail to follow up, and not pay enough attention to their progress.
As a result, I had a high client turnover rate.
Once I realized my mistake, I made a conscious effort to provide exceptional service to every client. I started personalizing workouts more, checking in between sessions, and celebrating every milestone, no matter how small.
The result?
My retention rate skyrocketed, and my business became much more stable.
Here are some ways to provide exceptional service:
Your existing clients are your best ambassadors. Treat them well, and they'll not only stick around but also help you get more personal training clients through word-of-mouth referrals.
Conclusion
Getting personal training clients doesn't have to be a constant uphill battle.
By implementing these strategies—leveraging social media, offering free trials, developing a niche, networking with other professionals, creating a strong online presence, implementing a referral program, and providing exceptional service—you can build a thriving personal training business.
Success doesn't happen overnight.
It takes time, effort, and persistence. If you stay committed and consistently apply these tactics, you'll see your client base grow.
Keep pushing, keep learning, and keep helping people transform their lives through fitness. That's what being a personal trainer is all about.
Now, go out there and start putting these strategies into action. Your future clients are waiting for you.
This will lead to more training sessions booked and a successful business overall for you.
