EP.9: Ways To Market Your Gym for Free in 2022 - No Ads, Social Media or SEO Required

Andrew: In this episode, I'm going to show you 9 ways that you can market your gym for free in 2022 without using any ads, social media or SEO.

Hi, 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.

I've been working in the fitness industry for years and have seen a lot of changes. One thing that hasn't changed is the need to market your gym effectively. 

So in this episode, I'm going to show you 9 ways that you can do just that without spending any money on ads, social media or SEO.

1. Sponsor a charity event or visit schools to talk about the importance of physical activity

Marketing your gym doesn't have to be expensive. There are plenty of ways to get the word out about your business without breaking the bank. 

One great way to market your gym is to sponsor a charity event. This will not only get your name out there, but it will also show that you're a business that cares about giving back to the community. 

You can also visit local schools and talk to students about the importance of physical activity. This is a great way to reach a new audience and let them know about the services that your gym has to offer. 

By getting creative with your marketing, you can generate new leads and grow your business without spending a lot of money.

2. Give away free trial memberships

One of the most effective ways to market your gym is to give away free trial memberships. 

This allows potential customers to come in and experience what your gym has to offer without any commitment. 

You can promote your free trial periods through local advertising, online directories, or by word-of-mouth. Be sure to list the benefits of joining your gym so that potential customers know what they're signing up for. 

For example, if you offer personal training, group classes, and state-of-the-art equipment, be sure to mention that in your marketing materials. 

Giving away free trials is a great way to get new customers in the door and showcase everything that your gym has to offer.

3. Create fun, themed workout classes (e.g., yoga for beginners, Zumba)

By now, you’ve probably seen a themed workout class or two. And while they may seem like another fitness fad, there’s actually a lot of benefits to be gained by incorporating themes into your workout routine.

For starters, themed classes can help to break up the monotony of a traditional workout. They can also provide a sense of community and camaraderie that can motivate participants to stick with their fitness goals. In addition, themed classes can be a great marketing tool for gyms and fitness studios. 

By offering unique and engaging workout experiences, you can attract new members and keep existing ones coming back for more. 

So if you’re looking for ways to add some excitement to your gym, consider offering themed workout classes.

4. Hold a fitness challenge and give out prizes

Marketing your gym doesn't have to be expensive. There are plenty of ways to get the word out about your business without spending a lot of money. 

One great way to market your gym is to hold a fitness challenge. This can be a competition to see who can lose the most weight, who can run the most miles, or who can do the most push-ups. 

Offer prizes to the winners, and be sure to promote the challenge through social media and local news outlets. You can also offer discounts or freebies to new members who sign up during the challenge. 

By getting creative with your marketing, you can attract new members without breaking the bank.

5. Partner with other businesses in your community (e.g., local restaurants, coffee shops) to offer discounts to gym members

Marketing your gym can feel like a full-time job. You're always thinking of new ways to bring in new members and keep the ones you have. 

And, on top of that, you have to find ways to do it that don't break the bank. But what if we told you there was a way to market your gym for free? Partnering with other businesses in your community is one way to do just that. 

For example, you could offer discounts to gym members at local restaurants or coffee shops. Or you could team up with a nearby business to offer a free class to their employees. 

Not only will these partnerships help to spread the word about your gym, but they'll also help to build good will in the community. 

So, if you're looking for ways to market your gym without spending a lot of money, partnering with other businesses is a great option.

6. Offer babysitting services while parents work out

There are plenty of ways to market your gym without spending a lot of money. 

One great way is to offer babysitting services while parents work out. This can be a win-win situation for both the parents and the gym. 

The parents get to have some time to themselves to focus on their workout, and the gym gets some free advertising. 

In addition, it shows that the gym is family-friendly and willing to go the extra mile to accommodate its members. 

Of course, you'll need to make sure that you have qualified staff members who are capable of safely caring for children. 

But if you can provide this service, it can be a great way to attract new members and show existing members that you're invested in their success.

7. Let people bring their pets to the gym

The gym is a great place to get in shape, but it can also be a great place to socialize. Exercise is known to release endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. 

So, why not make the gym an even happier place by allowing people to bring their pets? Dogs, in particular, are known for their ability to boost morale and create a sense of community. 

Plus, they provide a built-in walking buddy for those who may otherwise feel intimidated by the equipment or other gym-goers. 

Allowing pets at the gym could be a great way to market your business for free. Just be sure to put some rules in place, such as requiring that all pets be leashed and up-to-date on their vaccinations. 

With a little planning, you can create a welcoming environment for both people and pets alike.

8. Provide healthy snacks and drinks for sale at the front desk

As a fitness enthusiast, you want to do everything you can to encourage people to live a healthy lifestyle. 

When you own a gym, this means not only providing quality equipment and classes, but also making sure that your members have access to healthy snacks and drinks. 

By keeping a selection of healthy options at the front desk, you can make it easy for your members to grab a quick snack before or after their workout. 

Furthermore, by offering discounts on these items, you can provide an incentive for your members to choose healthy options over less nutritious alternatives. 

By taking these steps, you can help your members stay on track with their fitness goals and promote a healthy lifestyle at your gym.

9. Install TVs or streaming devices so people can watch their favorite shows while working out

As the owner of a gym, you're always looking for new ways to market your business and attract new members. 

However, marketing can be expensive, and it's not always easy to know where to start. Luckily, there are a number of simple and free ways to market your gym. 

One easy way to get the word out about your gym is to install TVs or streaming devices so people can watch their favorite shows while working out. 

This will not only make people more likely to come to your gym, but it will also give them a reason to stay longer and work out more often. 

In addition, you can use social media to promote your gym and offer special deals and discounts. 

By taking advantage of these simple marketing strategies, you can quickly and easily get the word out about your business.

Conclusion

So, what are you waiting for? Get started on your marketing plan today! 

Even if you only use a couple of the methods we’ve outlined, you should see a positive impact on your bottom line. 

And if you need help getting started or want more ideas, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to share our expertise and help you get the word out about your amazing gym. 

What free marketing methods have worked well for promoting your gym in the past? Let me know by connecting with me @andrewwallishq