EP.7: The Do's and Don'ts of Social Media for Gyms and Studios

Andrew: As a gym or fitness studio owner, it's important that you're using social media to reach out to potential members. In this episode, I'm going to share the do's and don'ts of social media for gym and studio owners so that you can be sure you're using it to its full potential.

Hey there! If we’ve never met before, my name is Andrew Wallis and I help empower fitness business owners to make an impact doing what they love and I do that by helping them grow and monetize their visibility so they can get clients on demand.

In this episode, I'm going to talk about the do's and don'ts of social media for gyms and studios so that you can be sure you're using it correctly and getting the most out of it. So stay tuned!

1. DO post interesting and engaging content that will make people want to visit your facility 

When it comes to promoting your gym or studio, social media is a powerful tool. By posting interesting and engaging content, you can attract new members and keep existing ones coming back. 

So, what kind of content should you post? Great question!

First, consider featuring photos and videos of your facility and members of your team. People like to see what they can expect when they visit a gym or studio, so give them a sneak preview! You can also post workout tips, healthy recipes, or anything else that would be of interest to your target audience. 

And don't forget to include calls to action, such as special offers or discounts, to encourage people to visit your facility. By following these tips, you can use social media to its full potential and make your gym or studio a success.

2. DON'T post anything that could be seen as negative or offensive

Social media has become a vital tool for businesses of all kinds, and gyms are no exception. 

Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram provide an easy way to connect with potential and existing members, promote class schedules and special events, and share helpful tips and articles. 

However, it's important to remember that anything you post on social media will be seen by the public, so it's important to avoid posting anything that could be seen as negative or offensive. 

If you're not sure whether something is appropriate to post, err on the side of caution and refrain from sharing it. 

By following this simple rule, you can help ensure that your gym's social media presence is positive and professional.

3. DO make sure all of your posts are relevant to your audience

Social media can be a great way to connect with your audience and promote your business. However, it's important to make sure that all of your posts are relevant to your audience. 

For example, as a gym or studio owner, you'll want to post content that is related to fitness and healthy living. This will ensure that your prospects are engaged with your content and more likely to take action. 

By posting relevant content, you can build trust with your audience and create a community of loyal followers.

4. DON'T just post about your gym or studio - mix it up with posts about health, fitness, and lifestyle topics too

Social media is a powerful tool that can be used to reach a wide audience. However, it's important to remember that not all social media platforms are created equal.

When it comes to promoting a gym, it's important to mix things up and post about more than just the latest workout routines or exercise classes. Instead, try to focus on posts that will help to promote a healthy lifestyle. 

This can include anything from healthy recipes and tips for staying active to articles about the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, motivation, mindset etc.

By mixing things up, you'll be sure to keep your audience engaged and encourage them to come back for more.

5. DO use hashtags to help people find your posts

Social media can be a great way to promote your gym and attract new members. One easy way to reach potential new members is by using hashtags. 

Hashtags are short keywords or phrases that make it easy for people to find relevant content on social media sites. 

When used correctly, they can help to increase the visibility of your posts and reach a wider audience.

For example, if you own a gym in London, you could use the hashtag #Londongym to help people find your post. 

In addition to using relevant hashtags, you should also try to use popular hashtags that are frequently searched for. 

By using both types of hashtags, you can maximize the number of people who see your content and potentially increase your member base.

6. DON'T overuse hashtags - 3 or 4 is plenty

Social media has become a powerful marketing tool for gyms and fitness studios looking to attract new members. 

Hashtags are a great way to reach potential customers who are searching for relevant content on platforms like Instagram and Twitter. However, it's important not to go overboard with hashtags. 

A few well-chosen tags will help you reach your target audience without coming across as spammy or desperate. 

So, next time you're sharing a post about your facility, remember to keep it relevant and use hashtags sparingly. After all, quality is always better than quantity.

7. DO run social media contests and giveaways

Social media is a great way to connect with potential and current members. It's a platform where you can share your brand's story, as well as highlight the products and services that you offer. 

For gyms and studios, social media can be used to promote special events, such as contests and giveaways. 

Hosting a contest is a great way to generate interest in your business, as well as increase social media engagement. When creating a contest, be sure to choose a prize that will appeal to your target audience. 

For example, if you're trying to attract new members, you could offer a free month of membership. If you're looking to increase customer loyalty, you could give away branded gym gear. 

Whatever prize you choose, be sure to promote the contest across all of your social media channels. 

By running a social media contest or giveaway, you can significantly increase interest in your gym while also building deeper relationships with your customers.

8. DON'T forget to respond to comments and messages from followers 

Social media is a great way for gyms to connect with their members and followers. It's a way to share tips, announce events and classes, and promote special deals. 

But it's also important to remember that social media is a two-way street. In order to build a strong relationship with your followers, you need to engage with them on a regular basis. 

That means responding to comments and questions in a timely manner, sharing relevant and interesting content, and just generally being present on your social media channels. 

By taking the time to connect with your followers, you'll foster a sense of community and loyalty that will keep people coming back to your gym again and again.

9. DO use images and videos to add interest to

Social media is a powerful tool that can be used to promote your gym and attract new members. Images and videos are a great way to add interest to your posts and give potential prospects a taste of what your facility has to offer. 

When selecting images, try to choose high-quality photos that accurately represent your facilities and staff. 

Videos are also an excellent way to show off your gym or studio, but make sure that they are well-produced and professional. 

Keep in mind that potential members will be looking at your social media posts to get a sense of your gym's culture and values. 

As such, it's important to ensure that all of your content is respectful, welcoming, and inclusive.

Conclusion

Social media can be a great way for you to connect with your members and promote your brand. 

However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using social media. 

First, it's important to be active and responsive. If you're not regularly posting updates and engaging with your followers, they'll quickly lose interest. 

Second, don't be afraid to mix things up. Social media is a great place to share exclusive content, such as behind-the-scenes photos or workout tips. 

Third, make sure your posts are relevant and interesting. No one wants to see a constant stream of ads and promotions.

 If you can find a way to organically integrate your content with the interests of your followers, you'll be much more successful.

Finally, don't forget to have some fun! Social media should be enjoyable for both you and your followers. If you keep these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to social media success.

What about you? What are your social media do’s and don’ts? Let me know @andrewwallishq