Do you need mega-bucks (or masses of followers) if you want your marketing efforts to work? Sure, there’s a lot you can do with paid ads. And hiring a pilot to fly your logo in the skies would be great.
But before you worry about spending £££ on marketing, be sure to try the low-cost stuff first. There are plenty of ways to market your fitness business without an eye-watering budget.
11 free (or almost free) marketing activities for gyms, PTs, and fitness pros
1. Use your social media properly
Social media is a free way to show off your knowledge and personality. You don’t need an elaborate strategy or swanky visuals. Just be consistent, and remember to educate and entertain. Use your socials to give bitesize, relevant bits of value to your target audience. Share social proof. And let viewers see what it’s like to be in your gym, work with you, or be around your community.
2. Email marketing
Don’t neglect your email list, it’s such a valuable asset. Send a regular email newsletter (as often as you can commit to). Email clients, prospects, former clients, and anyone who’s popped in for a day pass or trial period. Like your socials, your newsletters should entertain, give value, and keep your brand top of mind. Don’t forget to talk about your current offers, too.
Not sure how to write a newsletter? Check out our monthly newsletter templates.
3. Write blog posts
Blogs are definitely still a thing! They’re a great way to demonstrate your expertise – and a powerful SEO tool. Come up with 3 or 4 categories most relevant to your business (i.e. nutrition, stress, muscle building, endurance training) to streamline the process. Promote your blogs on your socials and in your emails too.
4. Client reviews
Encourage clients to leave positive reviews on platforms like Google and Facebook. Show the reviews on your website and social media to build credibility and attract new clients. Encourage people to be honest and say things in their own words, rather than pushing for 5-star reviews all the time.
5. Local partnerships
Partner with relevant local businesses for cross-promotions. You might host joint events at your facility or their location, or offer bundled services to expand your reach and add value to the customer.
6. Collaboration
Collaborate with people who are well-known in the local area to promote your services. You know the ones we mean, people who somehow seem to know everyone, or have a big following on their local-area-themed Insta. These folk love to recommend local businesses, and can add credibility to your brand.
7. Referral programme
Create a referral program that rewards clients for bringing in new members. Offer incentives they’ll really love, like discounts, free classes, or merchandise. Motivate clients to spread the word about your services.
8. Host community events
Use your facility to host community events, workshops, or socials to attract potential clients and be visible in the local area. These could be fitness-based, but they don’t have to be. How about a party, a BBQ, or a family event?
9. Business networks
Every area has plenty of local business networks, and they can be great for awareness, visibility, and connecting with other professionals, It’s not all about directly getting new clients – although this will almost certainly happen.
10. Industry events
Make sure you keep attending fitness industry conferences and events to stay updated, have in-person conversations, and expand your network.
11. Online advertising
Finally, how about online ads? Yes, we promised low-cost tips, and even Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Instagram Ads can be done on a small budget. But don’t rush it (that’s when it does become a drain on your finances!) There’s an art to these things, so read up on it, or get help from an expert.
