How do I attract online fitness clients so that they come to me?

Posted by Tyler Spraul, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) on June 4, 2023 — Updated on November 24, 2023

Learning how to attract online fitness clients so that they come to you (instead of you chasing them) is the secret sauce of scaling an online fitness business. Attracting online fitness clients to come to you is a combination of showcasing your expertise, building trust, and creating a strong online presence.

With Exercise.com, I’m able to reach people around the world with the programs that I design, implement, and push out. You don’t have that opportunity working in a local gym. So that’s been huge.

Kellie Davis

Founder/Trainer, Fit Thrive

The online fitness industry is booming, and as a fitness professional, it’s a great time to take advantage of this trend by attracting clients online. However, with so many fitness professionals operating online, it can be challenging to stand out. In this article, we’ll explore the strategies that can help you attract online fitness clients so that they come to you.

Once you learn how to attract the best online fitness clients, identify some strategies to attract high-ticket online fitness coaching clients, and create irresistible fitness offers, then if you want to run an online fitness business with the best software for personal trainers, the best software for fitness influencers, and the best software for gym management, you can see why Exercise.com is the best software to run your entire fitness business all in one place. You can sell workout plans online, run online workout groups, start fitness challenges, do online personal training, and more, all from your own custom-branded fitness apps with the best apps for online fitness coaches.

Want to get started? Get a demo now!

How to Attract Online Fitness Clients (7 Ways)

Here are some strategies to attract online fitness clients:

Content Marketing: Share high-quality, helpful content on your website and social media platforms. This could include blog posts, videos, and social media updates that offer workout tips, nutrition advice, or insights into your training philosophy. Over time, this content can position you as an expert in your field and attract potential clients.
SEO: Optimize your website and blog posts for search engines. This can improve your visibility in search engine results and attract more visitors to your site. Incorporate relevant keywords, create valuable content, and ensure your website is user-friendly.
Social Media: Use social media platforms to connect with your audience and share your expertise. Engage with your followers by responding to comments and messages. You can also share client testimonials and success stories to build trust.
Email Marketing: Build an email list and send regular newsletters or updates. Provide value in your emails with useful tips, exclusive offers, or insights into your training methods.
Webinars or Online Workshops: Host free webinars or online workshops on relevant fitness topics. This can provide value to potential clients and give them a taste of what it would be like to work with you.
Partnerships and Collaborations: Partner with other fitness professionals or related businesses to reach a larger audience. This could involve guest blogging, social media takeovers, or collaborative events.
Use Exercise.com: With Exercise.com’s software, you can offer personalized workout plans, run fitness challenges, sell nutrition guides, and more, all under your brand. This makes your services more attractive and can draw potential clients to you.

The online fitness market is a rapidly growing industry, and it’s important to keep up with the latest trends and developments to ensure your services remain relevant to your target audience. With the rise of technology and the increasing popularity of online fitness programs, it’s become easier than ever for people to access fitness services from the comfort of their own homes.

But with so many options available, it can be challenging to stand out in the crowded online fitness market. In this article, we’ll explore some key strategies for understanding the online fitness market and attracting clients to your services.

Identifying your target audience

One of the most important steps in building a successful online fitness business is to understand your target audience. Who are your ideal clients, and what are their fitness goals? Are they looking to lose weight, build muscle, or improve their overall health and wellness?

To answer these questions, it’s important to conduct thorough research. You can start by surveying and interviewing your existing clients to learn more about their needs and preferences. You can also use social media analytics to better understand your target audience’s demographics and interests.

By understanding your target audience, you can tailor your services to meet their specific needs and preferences. This can help you stand out in the crowded online fitness market and attract more clients to your business.

Analyzing the competition

Another important step in understanding the online fitness market is to analyze your competition. Who are your main competitors, and what strategies are they using to attract clients?

By analyzing your competition, you can identify areas where there are gaps in the market or opportunities to differentiate yourself from other fitness professionals. For example, you may find that there are few online fitness programs that cater specifically to older adults or people with injuries or disabilities. By focusing on these underserved markets, you can set yourself apart from the competition and attract more clients to your business.

Trends in the online fitness industry

Finally, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in the online fitness industry. From wearable technology and health-tracking apps to virtual fitness classes and online coaching, there are always new developments that can help you better serve your clients.

For example, you may find that many of your clients are interested in using wearable technology to track their fitness progress. By incorporating these devices into your programs and services, you can provide a more personalized and engaging experience for your clients.

Overall, understanding the online fitness market is essential for building a successful and sustainable business. By identifying your target audience, analyzing your competition, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and developments, you can attract more clients and grow your business over time.

Building a strong online presence

Now that you understand the online fitness market, it’s time to build a strong online presence that will attract clients to you. Your online presence should be professional, consistent, and reflective of your brand identity.

Creating a professional website

Your website is often the first impression a potential client will have of your services. It’s essential to create a professional website that is easy to navigate and showcases your expertise and services. A well-designed website with a clear layout and easy-to-use navigation can make all the difference in attracting and retaining clients.

When designing your website, it’s important to consider the user experience. Make sure that your website is optimized for mobile devices, as many people browse the internet on their smartphones and tablets. You may also want to include a blog section on your website, where you can share valuable information and insights with your audience.

Furthermore, your website should include information about your qualifications and experience, testimonials from existing clients, and clear calls-to-action that encourage potential clients to get in touch. Make sure to highlight what sets you apart from other fitness coaches and why clients should choose you.

Utilizing social media platforms

Social media is an indispensable tool for attracting online fitness clients. By utilizing platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, you can establish a strong online presence, reach a wider audience, and build relationships with your clients.

When using social media, it’s important to post regularly, engage with your followers, and share valuable content that showcases your expertise and services. This can include workout tips, nutrition advice, and progress updates from your clients. You can also use social media to promote your blog posts, website, and other online content.

It’s worth noting that different social media platforms have different strengths and weaknesses. For example, Instagram is great for sharing visual content, while Twitter is better for short, snappy updates. Take the time to understand each platform and tailor your content accordingly.

Establishing a consistent brand identity

Your brand identity is a critical element of your online presence. Your brand should reflect your unique approach to fitness coaching and appeal to your target audience.

When establishing your brand identity, consider your brand values, mission statement, and target audience. Your brand should be consistent across all your online platforms, from your website to your social media accounts. This will help you build brand recognition and establish trust with potential clients.

You can also use branding elements such as logos, color schemes, and fonts to create a cohesive and recognizable brand identity. Make sure that your branding is consistent across all your online and offline marketing materials.

Overall, building a strong online presence takes time and effort, but it’s essential for attracting and retaining clients in the online fitness market. By creating a professional website, utilizing social media platforms, and establishing a consistent brand identity, you can set yourself apart from the competition and build a loyal client base.

Creating valuable and engaging content

When it comes to online fitness, creating valuable and engaging content is key to attracting and retaining clients. With so many options available, it’s important to establish yourself as a trusted authority in the industry by providing free resources and sharing your fitness knowledge.

Sharing your fitness expertise through blog posts

One of the most effective ways to share your fitness knowledge is through blog posts. By writing informative and engaging articles, you can establish yourself as an expert in your field and provide valuable insights and tips to your audience. Whether you’re discussing the latest fitness trends or sharing your personal journey, your blog posts should be optimized for search engines to attract more traffic to your website and generate more leads.

But writing blog posts is just the beginning. To truly engage your audience, you need to create content that resonates with them. Consider conducting surveys or polls to find out what your audience wants to read about, and tailor your content accordingly. You can also encourage reader engagement by asking for feedback or inviting guest bloggers to contribute to your site.

Offering free resources and guides

In addition to blog posts, offering free resources and guides is another effective way to provide value to your potential clients. By creating workout plans, nutrition guides, and other resources, you demonstrate your commitment to helping your clients achieve their fitness goals.

But don’t just create generic resources. To truly stand out, you should personalize your offerings to your audience. Consider creating resources for specific fitness goals or for different fitness levels. You can also offer personalized coaching or consultations to help clients achieve their goals more effectively.

Utilizing video content and live streaming

Video content is an engaging and effective way to showcase your fitness expertise and connect with your audience. By creating workout videos and sharing them on social media platforms, you can build a loyal following and attract online fitness clients to your services.

But video content doesn’t have to be limited to pre-recorded workouts. Live streaming workouts and Q&A sessions can help you establish a personal connection with potential clients and provide a more interactive experience. Consider hosting live workouts on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram, or using video conferencing software to host virtual training sessions.

Ultimately, creating valuable and engaging content is about providing value to your audience and establishing yourself as a trusted authority in the online fitness industry. By offering free resources, sharing your fitness knowledge, and utilizing video content, you can attract and retain clients and grow your business.

Implementing effective marketing strategies

Finally, to attract online fitness clients, you need to implement effective marketing strategies that reach your target audience and persuade them to choose your services over those of your competitors. With the rise of digital marketing, it is essential to have a strong online presence and utilize various marketing techniques to stand out in the crowded fitness industry.

Search engine optimization (SEO)

SEO is a critical element of any online marketing strategy. By optimizing your website and blog posts for search engines, you can increase your visibility and attract more traffic to your website. This can ultimately lead to more leads and conversions. To optimize your website, you need to conduct thorough keyword research to identify the terms and phrases that your potential clients are searching for. Once you have identified these keywords, you can incorporate them into your website content, meta descriptions, and title tags. Additionally, you can improve your website’s loading speed, mobile responsiveness, and user experience to enhance your SEO efforts.

Social media advertising

Social media advertising is a powerful tool for reaching your target audience and promoting your services. By creating targeted ad campaigns on social media platforms, you can reach potential clients who are interested in fitness and wellness and persuade them to choose your services over those of your competitors. To create effective social media ads, you need to understand your target audience’s demographics, interests, and behaviors. You can then create compelling ad copy, eye-catching visuals, and clear calls-to-action to encourage your audience to take action.

Email marketing and newsletters

Finally, email marketing and newsletters are crucial for building relationships with your existing clients and nurturing potential leads. By providing valuable content and keeping your clients informed about your services, you can build loyalty and encourage them to refer their friends and family to your business. To create effective email marketing campaigns and newsletters, you need to segment your email list based on your clients’ interests and behaviors. You can then create personalized content that resonates with each segment and encourages them to take action. Additionally, you can use email marketing to promote your services, offer exclusive discounts, and showcase client success stories to build trust and credibility.

Implementing these marketing strategies can help you attract and retain online fitness clients and stand out in the competitive fitness industry. By continuously evaluating and optimizing your marketing efforts, you can ensure that you are reaching your target audience and achieving your business goals.

Exercise.com has become an essential piece to our brand and business model. The ease of use and consumer reports have allowed us to maintain great client relationships and rebuild others.

Logan Zagrodnik

General Manager, Athlete Performance

Start Attracting More Fitness Clients Online

Attracting online fitness clients requires a multi-faceted approach that encompasses understanding the online fitness market, building a strong online presence, creating engaging content, and implementing effective marketing strategies. By following the strategies outlined in this article, you can attract more clients to your online fitness business and establish yourself as a trusted authority in the industry.

Want to get seeing how Exercise.com can help you get started taking your personal training business to the next level with software? Get a demo now!

Tyler Spraul is the director of UX and the head trainer for Exercise.com. He has his Bachelor of Science degree in pre-medicine and is an NSCA-Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®). He is a former All-American soccer player and still coaches soccer today. In his free time, he enjoys reading, learning, and living the dad life.

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