How do personal trainers get new clients? (77 Ways)

Posted by Tyler Spraul, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) on June 4, 2023 — Updated on November 14, 2023

Learn how to get new personal training clients with this guide. Personal trainers can get new clients online and in-person with these steps.

If you want to offer an elite service for the end user you need to get with the times and use elite level software that is intuitive, visually appealing, and effective. That is exactly what Exercise.com delivers to its clients.

Jimmy Myers

Owner/Trainer, Relentless Sports Performance

Personal training is a highly competitive industry, where countless trainers are competing for the limited number of clients willing to pay for their services. With so many personal trainers available in the market, it can be difficult for a new or experienced trainer to get new clients. In this article, we will explore different strategies that personal trainers can utilize to attract new clients and build their business.

Once you learn different ways to get new personal training 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, 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.

Want to get started? Get a demo now!

Big List of Ways for Personal Trainers to Get New Clients

Creating a thriving personal training business depends heavily on attracting and retaining a solid client base. Here are 77 methods to consider for obtaining new clients:

Offer a free initial consultation.
Provide complimentary fitness assessments.
Teach a free group class at local community centers.
Partner with local businesses for cross-promotion.
Offer referral incentives to existing clients.
Speak at local health and wellness events.
Run a boot camp in a local park.
Collaborate with doctors and physical therapists for client referrals.
Use social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to promote your services.
Offer discounts or special rates for new sign-ups.
Teach a class at a local school or college.
Volunteer at local races or fitness events.
Write informative fitness articles for local newspapers or magazines.
Start a fitness blog or vlog.
Host a fitness challenge.
Create workout videos on YouTube.
Offer online training through platforms like Exercise.com.
Provide special packages for couples or groups.
Run a loyalty program.
Offer corporate wellness programs.
Teach at a local gym or fitness center.
Collaborate with nutritionists to offer diet and workout plans.
Offer home-based personal training.
Conduct fun competitions among your clients.
Ask for testimonials from satisfied clients.
Utilize email marketing to reach potential clients.
Start a podcast about health and fitness.
Partner with a local charity to host a live fitness event.
Offer holiday specials or seasonal discounts.
Teach a class at a local retirement community.
Become a guest speaker at local clubs or organizations.
Offer training sessions via video call.
Use paid online advertisements.
Sponsor local sports teams or events.
Offer gift certificates for your services.
Start a referral program with other personal trainers.
Offer specialized training for seniors, pregnant women, or other specific groups.
Write a fitness eBook.
Offer classes or personal training sessions at unconventional times for those with non-traditional work hours.
Use SEO techniques to make your website more visible.
Create an engaging and professional website.
Collaborate with local restaurants or cafes to offer a healthy menu and promote your services.
Offer a money-back guarantee.
Use client success stories as marketing material.
Offer free nutritional advice with your services.
Use flyers and posters in local businesses.
Run workshops on fitness topics.
Develop an app for clients to track progress.
Create a unique hashtag for your business on social media.
Use platforms like Groupon or LivingSocial to offer deals on your services.
Network with local health and wellness professionals.
Offer free or discounted sessions to people on their birthdays.
Host webinars on fitness topics.
Offer “buddy” training sessions where clients can bring a friend.
Use personalized email campaigns.
Attend trade shows or local business events.
Offer family discount packages.
Start a fitness newsletter.
Partner with a local clothing store for a joint promotion.
Start a fitness challenge at a local park.
Create merchandise with your brand for added exposure.
Create an affiliate marketing program.
Offer free consultations at local health fairs.
Use direct mail to reach potential clients in your area.
Host a Q&A session on a platform like Facebook Live.
Offer to write guest posts for fitness blogs.
Collaborate with local hotels to offer training services to guests.
Sponsor a healthy recipe contest.
Host a “bring a friend” day
Use social media ads targeting your local area.
Use Instagram Stories and IGTV for short training videos and tips.
Offer a free training session for every referral who becomes a client.
Host a virtual fitness challenge.
Collaborate with influencers in your niche.
Use client before-and-after transformations on your social media and website (with permission).
Offer a free group class at your local library or community center.
Start a referral program with local sports goods stores.

Remember, the best methods for you will depend on your business model, your target clients, and the resources available to you. Always monitor the results of your methods to understand which ones are most effective.

When it comes to growing and scaling your fitness business, having the right personal training tools is crucial. This is where Exercise.com comes into play. Exercise.com offers a comprehensive software platform designed to streamline the administrative tasks of running a fitness business, leaving you more time to focus on serving your clients.

From managing payments and client progress tracking to automating client communication and marketing, Exercise.com offers features tailored to the needs of fitness professionals. Perhaps one of the most powerful features is the ability to create a fitness app that is custom-branded to your business, allowing you to expand your reach and serve clients from anywhere in the world. You can deliver online training, run fitness challenges, and even sell workout plans directly through your app.

Moreover, with the power of robust reporting and analytics, Exercise.com gives you insights into your business growth, helping you make informed decisions to scale effectively. By streamlining your operations with Exercise.com, you can boost your efficiency, serve more clients, and ultimately drive your fitness business to new heights.

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

See if you are a good fit. Get a demo now!

Growing Personal Training Businesses with Exercise.com: Composite Case Studies

The following case studies are hypothetical, but they are based on actual strategies used by personal trainers to grow their businesses. In each case, the trainers leverage the tools and features of Exercise.com, the leading personal training software platform, to attract new clients, streamline operations, and expand their services.

1. John’s Story: Leveraging Social Media

John is a personal trainer who used Exercise.com to enhance his social media presence. He posted workout videos and nutrition tips on Instagram and used the platform’s scheduling tool to plan posts weeks in advance, creating consistency in his posting habits. He shared success stories from his clients using the software’s integration capabilities. His efforts paid off with a significant increase in followers, many of whom became paying clients.

2. Sarah’s Story: Referral Rewards Program

Sarah, another fitness professional, set up a referral rewards program using Exercise.com. She encouraged her existing clients to refer their friends to her services. Each time a referred friend signed up, the referring client received a discount on their next training package. This program brought Sarah a steady stream of new clients and helped her maintain high client retention rates.

3. Alex’s Story: Expanding Through Online Training

Alex used Exercise.com to transition his services online and broaden his client base. He was able to create and sell custom workout plans and offer virtual training sessions. By removing the geographical limitations, Alex attracted clients from all over the country, which substantially increased his revenue.

4. Emily’s Story: Content Marketing Strategy

Emily, a personal trainer specializing in pre- and post-natal fitness, started a blog through her Exercise.com account. She wrote about fitness and nutrition during and after pregnancy, and shared these posts on her social media channels. Her blog quickly gained popularity, leading to an influx of new clients seeking her specialized services.

5. Mike’s Story: Hosting Fitness Challenges

Mike decided to host a 30-day fitness challenge using Exercise.com. He promoted the challenge on his website and social media platforms, and interested participants could sign up directly through his Exercise.com account. The challenge was a massive success, with many participants deciding to continue training with Mike after the challenge ended.

These stories illustrate the many ways Exercise.com can support personal trainers in growing their businesses. Whether through social media, referrals, online training, content marketing, or hosting challenges, the platform offers a multitude of tools to attract and retain clients.

Understanding the personal training market

To succeed in the personal training industry, it’s essential to have a deep understanding of the market. As a personal trainer, you need to determine who your target audience is and what they are looking for in a trainer. In addition, analyzing market trends and competition will help you stay ahead of the game and stand out from the crowd.

Identifying your target audience

When identifying your target audience, it’s important to consider your strengths and niche in the market. For example, are you specialized in strength training, weight loss, or sports conditioning? Once you determine your niche, you can start narrowing down your audience by age, gender, location, fitness level, and lifestyle.

If you specialize in strength training, you may want to target individuals who are looking to build muscle and increase their overall strength. This could include bodybuilders, powerlifters, or individuals who are looking to increase their strength for a specific sport or activity. On the other hand, if you specialize in weight loss, you may want to target individuals who are looking to lose weight and improve their overall health. This could include individuals who are overweight or obese, or those who are looking to maintain their weight loss after achieving their goals.

Location can also play a role in determining your target audience. If you live in an urban area, you may want to target individuals who are looking for a convenient workout location, such as a gym or fitness studio. Alternatively, if you live in a rural area, you may want to target individuals who are looking for outdoor workout options, such as hiking or running trails.

Analyzing market trends and competition

Staying up-to-date with the latest market trends and competition will help you craft a unique selling proposition (USP), which is a key factor in building your brand and attracting new clients. Research your competition, learn from their successes and mistakes, and identify gaps in the market that you could fill.

One trend that has been gaining popularity in recent years is the use of technology in personal training. Many personal trainers are now using apps and online platforms to track their clients’ progress and provide personalized workout plans. This can be a great way to reach a wider audience and provide a more convenient and flexible training experience for your clients.

Another trend to consider is the rise of niche fitness studios, such as yoga or Pilates studios. These studios offer specialized workout options that cater to specific audiences, such as individuals who are looking for a low-impact workout or those who are interested in mindfulness and meditation.

When analyzing your competition, it’s important to look beyond just other personal trainers in your area. Consider other fitness options, such as gyms, group fitness classes, and selling online workout programs. This will help you identify what sets you apart from the competition and how you can provide a unique and valuable experience for your clients.

Building a strong personal brand

Your personal brand is an extension of yourself, and it’s what sets you apart from other trainers in the market. Developing your unique selling proposition and creating a professional online presence can help you establish your brand and attract new clients.

As a personal trainer, you have a unique set of skills and experiences that make you stand out from the crowd. Perhaps you specialize in helping clients overcome injuries or have a background in nutrition that allows you to offer personalized meal plans. Whatever it is that sets you apart, it’s important to communicate it clearly to your potential clients.

Developing your unique selling proposition

A unique selling proposition is a statement that explains what makes you different from other trainers in the market. It should be concise, clear, and compelling. Think about your niche, your strengths, and the unique benefits that you can offer to your clients.

For example, if you specialize in working with seniors, your unique selling proposition might be: “As a personal trainer with over 10 years of experience working with seniors, I understand the unique challenges that come with aging and can help you stay active and healthy for years to come.”

Remember, your unique selling proposition should be something that resonates with your target audience and sets you apart from other trainers in your area.

Creating a professional online presence

Your online presence is a reflection of your personal brand. It’s crucial to have a professional website that showcases your services, your credentials, and your success stories. In addition, you can create a blog, a podcast, or a YouTube channel that provides value to your potential clients and establishes you as an expert in the field.

When creating your website, make sure it’s easy to navigate and visually appealing. Include information about your services, pricing, and contact information. You may also want to include testimonials from satisfied clients to help build trust with potential customers.

Creating content such as blog posts, podcasts, or videos is a great way to establish yourself as an expert in your field. By sharing your knowledge and expertise, you can build trust with potential clients and position yourself as a go-to resource for health and fitness information.

Showcasing your expertise through content

Creating valuable content is one of the most effective ways to attract new clients and build your authority in the field. You can write articles, post videos, or record podcasts that offer tips, advice, and insights related to health, fitness, and wellness. Your content should be informative, engaging, and relevant to your target audience.

For example, if you specialize in working with athletes, you might create content that focuses on sports-specific training techniques or nutrition strategies for peak performance. If your niche is weight loss, you might create content that offers healthy meal plans or tips for staying motivated on a weight loss journey.

Remember, the key to creating effective content is to provide value to your audience. By sharing your expertise and offering helpful advice, you can attract new clients and establish yourself as a trusted authority in your field.

Networking and building relationships

Networking and building relationships with other fitness professionals and potential clients is an important aspect of growing your business. By connecting with others in the industry and providing value to your clients, you can create lasting relationships and generate new referrals.

Building relationships in the fitness industry is all about creating a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about health and wellness. By sharing your knowledge and expertise, you can help others achieve their fitness goals and build a strong network of supporters.

Connecting with local fitness centers and gyms

One way to build relationships in the industry is by networking with local fitness centers and gyms. You can offer to teach a class, provide free consultations, or collaborate on an event. By showcasing your skills and providing value to their clients, you’ll increase your exposure and attract new clients.

When connecting with local fitness centers and gyms, it’s important to be genuine and authentic. Show a sincere interest in their business and their clients, and be willing to offer your services without expecting anything in return. By building a relationship based on trust and mutual respect, you can create a long-lasting partnership that benefits both parties.

Attending industry events and conferences

Attending industry events and conferences is another effective way to network with other fitness professionals and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the field. You can learn new techniques, meet new people, and establish yourself as an expert in the industry.

Industry events and conferences are also a great way to gain inspiration and motivation for your own business. By hearing from successful fitness professionals and learning about their strategies for growth and success, you can apply these principles to your own business and take it to the next level.

Collaborating with other fitness professionals

Collaborating with other fitness professionals can help you expand your reach and provide new services to your clients. You can partner with a nutritionist, a massage therapist, or a yoga instructor to offer a holistic approach to health and wellness. By working with others in the industry, you’ll broaden your skillset and attract new clients.

Collaboration is all about finding the right fit. Look for other professionals who share your values and your vision for the future of the fitness industry. By working together, you can create a unique and comprehensive approach to health and wellness that sets you apart from the competition.

Utilizing social media platforms

Social media is a powerful tool for personal trainers to showcase their services, engage with potential clients, and build a community around their brand. By utilizing different social media platforms, you can reach a wider audience and attract new clients. In this article, we’ll explore some of the ways you can use social media to grow your personal training business.

Engaging with potential clients on Instagram

Instagram is a visual platform that’s perfect for showcasing your personality and your services. You can post pictures and videos of your workouts, provide tips and advice, and engage with your followers through comments and direct messages. But how can you stand out from the crowd and attract new clients?

One way to do this is by creating a consistent brand image. This means using the same color scheme, fonts, and style in all your posts. You should also use relevant hashtags to make it easier for potential clients to find you. For example, if you specialize in weight loss, you could use hashtags like #weightlossjourney or #fitfam.

Another way to engage with potential clients is by offering free content. This could be in the form of a free workout plan, a nutrition guide, or a Q&A session. By providing value upfront, you’ll establish yourself as an expert and build trust with your followers.

Sharing fitness tips and advice on YouTube

YouTube is a great platform for creating long-form content that provides value to your potential clients. You can create workout videos, Q&A sessions, or tutorials that showcase your expertise and establish you as an authority in the field. But how can you make sure your videos get noticed?

One way to do this is by creating eye-catching thumbnails. This is the first thing potential viewers will see, so it’s important to make it stand out. You should also optimize your titles and descriptions with relevant keywords to make it easier for people to find your videos.

Another way to get more views is by collaborating with other fitness YouTubers. This will expose your channel to a wider audience and help you build relationships with other professionals in the field.

Building a community on Facebook

Facebook is a powerful platform for building a community around your brand. You can create a group page that provides support, motivation, and accountability to your clients. By sharing your knowledge and expertise, you’ll establish yourself as an authority in the field and attract new clients. But how can you make sure your group is successful?

One way to do this is by setting clear guidelines for the group. This could include rules about posting frequency, acceptable content, and respectful behavior. You should also be active in the group by posting regularly and responding to comments and questions.

Another way to build a community is by hosting challenges or contests. This could be a fitness challenge, a nutrition challenge, or a social media challenge. By encouraging participation, you’ll create a sense of community and motivate your clients to reach their goals.

In conclusion, social media is a powerful tool for personal trainers to grow their business. By utilizing different platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook, you can reach a wider audience, establish yourself as an expert, and build a community around your brand. So why not start today and take your personal training business to the next level?

What are effective strategies for personal trainers to attract new clients?

Offering free consultations or fitness assessments can attract potential clients who might be unsure about hiring a personal trainer. Additionally, creating a strong online presence through a professional website and active social media accounts can also attract new clients. Exercise.com can enhance these efforts by providing a platform for online training, workout logging, and client communication, making it an attractive choice for clients seeking convenient and comprehensive fitness solutions.

How can personal trainers use social media to get new clients?

Social media can be an excellent platform for personal trainers to showcase their skills, share client success stories, and provide valuable fitness content. These efforts can attract potential clients and establish a trainer’s expertise. Exercise.com can integrate with social media platforms, making it easier for trainers to share content, interact with followers, and convert them into paying clients.

Can personal trainers get new clients through referrals?

Yes, referrals from satisfied clients can be a powerful way for personal trainers to attract new clients. Providing exceptional service to existing clients can encourage them to recommend your services to their network. Exercise.com can help streamline this process by providing a platform where clients can easily share their progress and testimonials, which could inspire others to hire you as their trainer.

How can online personal training help attract new clients?

Online personal training can significantly expand a trainer’s potential client base as it’s not limited by geographical location. With Exercise.com, trainers can offer virtual training sessions, create custom workout plans, and monitor client progress online, making it a flexible and convenient option for clients worldwide.

How can personal trainers use content marketing to get new clients?

Content marketing, like blogging or creating workout videos, can attract potential clients by providing them with valuable and engaging content. Trainers can showcase their expertise, connect with their audience, and gradually build trust. Exercise.com supports this strategy by allowing trainers to integrate their content with their professional profile on the platform, which can be accessed by potential clients.

How can a personal trainer’s existing clients help them get new clients?

Existing clients can be powerful advocates for your personal training services. Encouraging clients to share their success stories, progress pictures, or testimonials on their social media accounts can help you reach a wider audience. Exercise.com supports this by providing an easy way for clients to share their achievements directly from the app.

Can a personal trainer get new clients by hosting fitness challenges?

Hosting fitness challenges can be a fun and effective way to attract new clients. These challenges can promote a sense of community and healthy competition among participants, encouraging them to engage more deeply with your services. Exercise.com makes it easy to create, manage, and promote fitness challenges online, potentially attracting clients locally and from around the world.

Our overall experience with Exercise.com is a breeze. We love how easy it is to integrate this app with our current workflow while providing great fitness programs for our customers and save us time in the process.

Julie Ledbetter

Owner, Ledbetter Fitness

Start Getting New Clients

Getting new clients as a personal trainer is not an easy task, but it’s not impossible either. By understanding the market, building a strong personal brand, networking and building relationships, and utilizing social media platforms, you can attract new clients and grow your business. Remember to stay authentic, provide value, and be consistent in your efforts. With time and dedication, you’ll achieve your goals and establish yourself as a successful personal trainer in the industry.

Ready to see if you qualify for the best software platform for fitness business owners serious about leveling up their business?

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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