How do I get online fitness clients? (44 Ways)

Posted by Tyler Spraul, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) on June 3, 2023 — Updated on November 24, 2023

Learn how to get online fitness clients with this guide. Learn how to get online fitness clients with social media, your website, and other content. The world of fitness has seen a huge shift in recent years, with more and more people opting for online coaching options. If you’re a fitness professional looking to tap into this market, you’ll need to know how to stand out from the crowd and attract clients. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting online fitness clients.

Exercise.com makes my life easier by providing an all-in-one solution and the opportunity to help those who otherwise would never have access to my programming!

Tony Gentilcore

Founder, Core Online

Once you learn how to get online fitness clients, 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, then 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.

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44 Innovative Strategies to Attract Online Fitness Clients

In today’s competitive fitness landscape, attracting and retaining clients is key to the growth and sustainability of your online fitness business. Leveraging digital tools, online platforms, and personalized strategies can be instrumental in bringing you closer to your ideal clientele. From social media marketing and SEO techniques to personalized virtual consultations and leveraging the powerful features of platforms like Exercise.com, here are 44 innovative ways to attract online fitness clients:

Establish an engaging social media presence: Use Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube to share quality content and engage with your audience.
Create a website: Your website is your digital storefront; make it appealing and user-friendly.
Leverage SEO: Use keywords your potential clients might be searching for to improve your website’s visibility on search engines.
Offer a free consultation: This allows potential clients to experience your services first-hand.
Run a blog: Share fitness tips, recipes, client success stories, and more to showcase your expertise.
Host webinars: Share your knowledge and interact with potential clients in real time.
Build an email list: Send regular newsletters and updates to keep your audience engaged.
Run online challenges: Use Exercise.com to create and run fitness challenges that can attract new clients.
Partner with other businesses: Collaborate with businesses that cater to a similar audience.
Offer online group classes: This allows clients to train with you from anywhere.
Create YouTube workout videos: This can showcase your training style to potential clients.
Publish e-books: Share your fitness knowledge and introduce potential clients to your methods.
Offer nutrition advice and meal plans: This can be a selling point for many potential clients.
Create workout playlists: Show your personality and keep clients motivated during workouts.
Start a fitness podcast: Share tips and interview industry experts to attract listeners who could be potential clients.
Develop a client referral program: Reward your existing clients for referring new ones.
Utilize the Exercise.com workout creator and logger: This tool allows you to create, market, and sell custom workout plans to a wide audience.
Offer personalized workout and nutrition plans: Personalization can attract clients looking for a tailored approach to fitness.
Develop a robust online presence in fitness forums and communities: Engage in conversations, answer questions, and offer valuable insights to gain visibility.
Implement a professional scheduling system through Exercise.com: A seamless booking experience can be a strong selling point for potential clients.
Create a mobile app with Exercise.com: Having a branded app can enhance your professional image and attract more clients.
Run social media ads: Use targeted advertising to reach potential clients on platforms they’re already using.
Collaborate with influencers: Reach new audiences by collaborating with influencers in your niche.
Offer special promotions: Limited-time offers can attract clients who are on the fence.
Use client testimonials: Showcase the success stories of your existing clients.
Offer a variety of payment options with Exercise.com: More payment options can attract a wider array of clients.
Start an affiliate program: Collaborate with brand ambassadors who can spread the word about your services.
Host guest posts on your blog: This can attract the guest author’s audience to your site.
Offer a satisfaction guarantee: This can alleviate potential clients’ concerns about investing in your services.
Set up retargeting ads: Reach people who have shown interest in your services but have yet to make a booking.
Offer seasonal promotions: Tailor your offerings to various seasons.
Host virtual workshops: Teach specific fitness topics in depth to attract a targeted audience.
Provide regular, free fitness advice on social media: This can establish you as a knowledgeable source and attract followers who could become clients.
Leverage the power of hashtags on Instagram and Twitter: They can make your content discoverable to people interested in fitness.
Offer family or group discounts: This can attract clients who want to work out with friends or loved ones.
Make use of direct messages: Reach out to potential clients directly but respectfully on social media platforms.
Offer a loyalty program: Rewarding regular clients can help retain them and attract new ones who value commitment.
Run a boot camp: Intense, results-driven programs can appeal to potential clients with specific fitness goals.
Use professional photos and videos: High-quality visuals can significantly improve the perception of your online presence.
Offer exclusive content to subscribers or members: This could be early access to new programs, bonus workouts, or personalized advice.
Promote the fact that you use Exercise.com’s assessment features: Offering personalized assessments can attract clients looking for a tailored approach to fitness.
Offer free trials for your services: This gives potential clients a no-risk way to experience what you offer.
Speak at online events or conferences: Share your expertise and gain exposure to new audiences.
Provide excellent customer service: Prompt responses and helpful communication can turn interested individuals into clients.

By leveraging these strategies and the power of Exercise.com’s comprehensive fitness business management software, you can attract and retain a wide range of online fitness clients, diversify your gym revenue streams, and grow your online fitness business successfully.

Exercise.com is amazing! Positively surprised by the efficiency at responding and helping out!

Erica Nangle

Owner, Erica Nangle Fitness

Want to get started using the best software for running a fitness business online and in-person?

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Understanding the online fitness market

The first step in getting online fitness clients is to understand the market you’re entering. Online fitness coaching has become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks in part to the convenience and flexibility it offers. With people leading busier lives than ever before, the ability to access high-quality fitness coaching from the comfort of their own home is a major draw.

The rise of online fitness coaching

One of the key factors driving the growth of the online fitness market is the rise of social media. Platforms like Instagram and YouTube have made it easier than ever for fitness professionals to build a following and showcase their expertise.

For example, many fitness influencers have gained a large following by posting workout videos and sharing healthy recipes on Instagram. These influencers have become trusted sources of information for their followers, who often turn to them for fitness advice and inspiration.

In addition to social media, advances in technology have also made online fitness coaching more accessible. With video conferencing software and fitness tracking apps, coaches can provide personalized guidance and support to clients all over the world.

Identifying your target audience

Before you start trying to attract clients, it’s important to identify your target audience. Who are you looking to work with? What are their goals and challenges? Understanding your ideal client will help you tailor your marketing efforts and create content that resonates with them.

For example, if you’re targeting busy working professionals who don’t have a lot of free time, you might focus on promoting the convenience and flexibility of your online coaching services. On the other hand, if you’re targeting athletes looking to improve their performance, you might emphasize your experience working with high-level competitors and your ability to create customized training programs.

Analyzing your competition

Another important step is to analyze your competition. Who else is offering online fitness coaching in your niche? What are they doing well, and where are they falling short? This information will help you identify gaps in the market and differentiate yourself from other coaches.

For example, if you notice that many of your competitors are only offering generic workout plans, you might differentiate yourself by offering personalized nutrition coaching as well. Or, if you notice that many of your competitors are only promoting their services on social media, you might differentiate yourself by creating a website with detailed information about your coaching philosophy and approach.

By understanding the online fitness market, identifying your target audience, and analyzing your competition, you can position yourself for success as an online fitness coach. With the right strategy and approach, you can attract and retain clients from all over the world, helping them achieve their fitness goals and live healthier, happier lives.

Building your online presence

Once you have a solid understanding of the market and your target audience, it’s time to start building your online presence. This will be the foundation of your marketing efforts and the first thing potential clients see when they come across your brand.

Building your online presence is a crucial step in establishing your coaching business. With more and more people turning to the internet to find services, it’s important to have a strong online presence to attract potential clients. In this article, we’ll discuss the different ways you can build your online presence and establish yourself as a reputable coach.

Creating a professional website

The first step in building your online presence is to create a professional website. Your website will be the hub of your online presence and should showcase your coaching services and expertise. It’s important to have a website that is easy to navigate and visually appealing. Make sure to include your credentials, experience, and testimonials from previous clients. This will help potential clients understand your coaching style and the results they can expect from working with you.

Your website should also be optimized for search engines to ensure that potential clients can find you when searching for coaching services. This can be done by incorporating keywords into your website content and utilizing meta tags and descriptions.

Utilizing social media platforms

In addition to your website, social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook can be powerful tools for attracting clients. It’s important to have a consistent brand presence across all platforms and use them to showcase your expertise and connect with potential clients.

When using social media, it’s important to engage with your followers by sharing valuable content and responding to comments and messages. This will help build trust and establish you as a reputable coach.

Developing a strong personal brand

A strong personal brand will help you stand out in a crowded marketplace. Identify what sets you apart from other coaches and highlight those strengths in your marketing efforts. This can be done by creating a unique coaching style or specializing in a specific area of coaching.

It’s also important to be authentic and genuine in your marketing efforts. Potential clients want to work with coaches who are relatable and trustworthy.

Showcasing client testimonials and success stories

Social proof is a powerful tool for attracting clients. Make sure to showcase client testimonials and success stories on your website and social media platforms to demonstrate the value of your coaching services. This will help potential clients understand the impact your coaching can have on their lives.

It’s important to regularly update your website and social media platforms to keep your online presence fresh and engaging. By consistently showcasing your expertise and providing value to your followers, you’ll establish yourself as a reputable coach and attract a steady stream of clients.

“Developing an easy intake system with my apps and ways to scale the delivery of workouts has been huge. Working with 20-30 individuals who each have specific goals and restrictions can be challenging, but your platform makes it easy to organize everyone’s programs and put a plan together that will get them the best results possible. The simple, effective tools help expand and simplify my coaching process.”

Dean Somerset

Owner, Somerset Fitness

Creating valuable content

One of the most effective ways to attract clients is to create valuable content that showcases your expertise and provides value to your audience. By providing educational and informative content, you can establish yourself as a credible source in your niche and attract potential clients who are interested in your services.

Writing informative blog posts

Creating a blog is a great way to establish yourself as an authority in your niche. When writing blog posts, make sure to provide valuable information that is relevant to your target audience. Consider sharing tips and tricks, industry insights, or personal experiences that can help your readers achieve their goals. By providing actionable advice, you can help your readers see tangible results and establish trust with your audience.

Another great way to engage your readers is to include personal anecdotes or stories that illustrate the points you are making. This can help your readers relate to you on a more personal level and establish a deeper connection with your brand.

Producing engaging video content

Video content is becoming increasingly popular on social media platforms, and can be a great way to showcase your personality and expertise. Consider creating short workout videos, educational content, or Q&A sessions to engage with your audience. When creating video content, make sure to keep it engaging and visually interesting. Consider using animations, graphics, or b-roll footage to keep your viewers interested and engaged.

Another way to keep your viewers engaged is to include a call-to-action at the end of your videos. This can be as simple as asking your viewers to like and share your content, or as complex as offering a free consultation or trial of your services.

Offering free resources and guides

Providing free resources like e-books, workout guides, and nutrition plans can help establish trust with potential clients and showcase your expertise. When creating these resources, make sure to tailor them to your target audience and provide valuable information that they can use to achieve their goals.

Consider including tips and tricks, industry insights, or personal anecdotes that can help your readers achieve success. By providing valuable resources for free, you can establish yourself as a credible source in your niche and attract potential clients who are interested in your services.

Hosting webinars and live Q&A sessions

Hosting webinars and live Q&A sessions is a great way to engage with your audience and demonstrate your expertise. When hosting these events, make sure to tailor your content to your target audience and provide value for attendees.

Consider inviting guest speakers or industry experts to join your webinar or Q&A session. This can help you provide a more diverse range of perspectives and insights, and can help establish you as a credible source in your niche.

By creating valuable content that showcases your expertise and provides value to your audience, you can attract potential clients and establish yourself as a credible source in your niche. Consider using a variety of content formats, including blog posts, videos, free resources, and webinars, to engage with your audience and provide value for your readers.

Developing your online fitness programs

With the rise of online fitness coaching, it’s important to develop high-quality programs that deliver results to attract and retain clients. However, creating effective programs requires more than just compiling a series of exercises. Here are some tips to help you develop programs that will keep your clients engaged and motivated:

Tailoring programs to different fitness levels

It’s important to offer programs that are suitable for a range of fitness levels, from beginners to advanced athletes. This will help you attract a wider audience and ensure that your clients are challenged at an appropriate level. When designing your programs, consider offering modifications or progressions for each exercise to accommodate different fitness levels.

Incorporating various training methods

While sticking to a single training method may be effective for a short period, incorporating a variety of training methods can help keep your programs interesting and effective in the long run. Resistance training, HIIT, and cardio are just a few examples of training methods you can incorporate into your programs. Make sure to customize your programs to each client’s specific goals and needs to ensure they get the most out of their workouts.

Providing nutrition and lifestyle advice

Offering nutrition and lifestyle advice alongside your fitness programs can help clients achieve their goals more effectively. As a coach, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest research and provide science-based advice. Consider offering meal plans, grocery lists, or supplement recommendations to help your clients achieve their nutrition goals.

Offering personalized support and accountability

Finally, offering personalized support and accountability is crucial for helping clients achieve their goals. This can include regular check-ins, progress tracking, or even one-on-one coaching sessions. By providing personalized support, you can help your clients stay motivated and on track towards their goals.

How can I attract my first online fitness clients?

When starting, it’s often best to leverage your existing network. Reach out to family, friends, and acquaintances about your online fitness services. Offering free trials, discounted initial sessions, or starter packages can also entice people to give your services a try. Don’t forget about the power of social media and content marketing. Sharing valuable, free content can attract potential clients to your services.

What’s the best way to convert social media followers into online fitness clients?

The key to converting followers into clients is to build trust and show your value. Share useful fitness tips, success stories from clients, and behind-the-scenes insights into your fitness journey. When followers see the value you provide, they’ll be more likely to invest in your services. You could also offer a special discount or promotion to your social media followers to incentivize them to become clients.

How can I use Exercise.com to get more online fitness clients?

Exercise.com’s software platform offers several features to help attract and retain clients. This includes the ability to offer personalized workouts and assessments, sell workout plans, create fitness challenges, and more. By promoting these features and the value they provide, you can attract new clients to your online fitness business.

How can I retain my online fitness clients?

Retaining clients often comes down to consistently providing value and building a strong relationship. Regular check-ins, personalized workouts, and responsive communication can all help to keep clients engaged and committed to your services. You could also consider offering a loyalty or rewards program to incentivize ongoing commitment.

How can I use online marketing to get more fitness clients?

Online marketing strategies such as search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, social media marketing, and email marketing can all help to attract new clients. SEO can improve the visibility of your website or blog, while content marketing can establish your expertise and attract potential clients. Social media provides a platform to connect with and attract followers, while email marketing can help to nurture those leads into clients.

Excellent choice for my business! I tried nearly all the “major” platforms and found Exercise.com to be the most intuitive.

Lani Hudgins

Certified Personal Trainer & Nutrition Coach

Start Getting More Online Fitness Clients Now

By following these steps, you can build a successful online fitness coaching business and attract clients from around the world. However, it’s important to remember that building a successful business takes time and effort. Stay patient and committed, and you’ll be well on your way to helping clients achieve their fitness goals!

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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