11 amazing tips on how to get clients for your personal training business

When you start your journey of creating your own personal training business, whether you will be using gym space or going into clients’ homes, you have to understand how to find and retain customers. No one will start out with a list of potential clients, so you have to do the work and research to find them. If you are wondering how to get clients for your personal training business, there are several tips you can follow. By doing so, you’ll understand the kind of marketing campaigns you should be creating or the kind of tools you should be implementing for your career. 

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These 11 tips act as a guideline for how to find clients for personal training business and keep them. While there is no definitive way to bring in clientele, there are definitely methods that have proven successful. In addition to following this guide, you can use the WeStrive platform in order to properly manage your clients, and get a leg-up on the competition. The personal training software available through WeStrive is exactly what your business has been looking for. For example, you can use the client dashboard and progress tracking features to keep up with each of your clients, and their individual journeys. 

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1. Offer Free Trial Classes

When you are just starting out your personal training business you won’t have the reputation of trainers that have been in the industry for yours. This means it is vital you start building trust with the community you plan to work in. A good way to start is through offer free trial classes. You can choose to offer just one session, or an entire week of classes, for new clients that are interested in hiring you. This lets them feel better about hiring a new trainer because they won’t be out any money. It also shows that you care about making sure you are the right fit for your clients, over just getting money from them. Even if you end up offering trial sessions to people who ultimately don’t hire you, they may refer you to other people they know. 

Through WeStrive’s calendar and scheduling programs, you can easily keep track of all the new clients you have scheduled for trial classes. The calendar feature is an easy way to keep track of every clients’ individual fitness journey. 

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2. Ask For Referrals

If you already have a client base then they can be one of your best assets for bringing in new clients. You can ask the people you already train to refer your business to their friends and family, or other people they know. For this approach, you can offer a discount for any referrals that turn into new clients. This is also a good way to work on the trust between you and your current clients. 

Asking for referrals is by far one of the best, yet most cost-effective ways of getting clients for your personal training business.

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3. Create A Website

You probably don’t need to be told how important a website is for any business, and personal training is no exception. A website is one of the best ways to spread the word about who you are and find clients for your personal training business. Through your website, you can share all of the information you need in an appealing way. You can share or create your own fitness related blog, and offer email newsletters for current and potential clientele. 

With today’s focus on technology and the digital world, your business virtually doesn’t exist until it has a website. WeStrive offers an easy way to make a website for your personal training business. The platform will provide you with a free website complete with the ability to show your pricing, sell packages, and more - so you can focus on getting new clients. 

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4. Invest Time In Social Media

While websites are critical to getting clients for personal training businesses, social media should never be ignored. In addition to websites, it allows for you to show all of the vital information about your business, and who you are as a trainer. Social media profiles will let people learn more about what you offer. You can these sites to share quick fitness tips, short clips of workouts, or motivational posts. 

Having multiple social media channels increases the likelihood that people in search of a personal trainer will find you. Most social platforms, such as Facebook or YouTube, also have their own marketing tools you can utilize. 

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5. Utilize Local Businesses

Employee wellness has become a major priority for many businesses, and now is a great time for personal trainers to take advantage of that. You can offer to do low-cost classes during lunch break, or virtual classes for local businesses. This is a great way to network with business leaders in your area and get in front of multiple potential clients with every new session. 

If doing in-person sessions, you can even leave a stack of business cards behind. The WeStrive program builder provides an easy way to design your routine for these short sessions. 

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6. Reach Out To Local High Schools

Teenagers are an audience base you shouldn’t ignore. Many young athletes will seek out personal training to help with their own fitness goals. By offering to lead short sessions during physical education classes, you can get in front of these student-athletes. Some schools may even hire you to do strength and conditioning training for their sports teams on occasion. Since many schools can’t employ full-time coaches, this can benefit both parties.

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7. Contribute Fitness Articles

If writing is one of your strong suits, you may want to consider contributing articles to well-known fitness websites, or local magazines in your area. This is a great way to establish yourself as a fitness expert while finding clients for your personal training business. As a contributing writer, websites or magazines will usually let you promote your own services or business at the end of your piece. This will allow you to get in front of a wide range of fitness lovers and enthusiasts. 

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8. Use Testimonials

Your current clients can be a great asset in getting clients for your personal training business. You can ask for a few testimonials that will be great to use on your website, or in your marketing efforts. When you have multiple testimonials from satisfied clients you show potential customers they can trust you. This is also a great option for personal trainers that might only have a small client base at the moment. 

You can even host these testimonials, along with progress photos and videos, on your WeStrive free website.

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9. Offer Special Deals

By offering special deal pricing every now and then you can get new clients for your personal training business. For example, you can offer summer specials for people that book four classes during May, or offer every third session for free. These kinds of specials can establish your brand in the fitness world while bringing in clients who may not have booked with you otherwise. Through WeStrive’s billing and financial services, you can easily keep track of your revenue, specials, and more. 

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10. Utilize Podcasts

Podcasts have become huge in the fitness industry, and you can find one focused on nearly any health niche imaginable. These podcasts will often interview personal trainers or other fitness experts. You can reach out to offer interviews, especially if you have established relationships with any podcasts hosts. If you have the tools and expertise, you can even start your own podcast. This can get you in front of an entirely new kind of audience, and bring in new clients.

Check out our article on the top 9 Personal Trainer Podcasts in 2022 to learn more.

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11. Have A Great Attitude

Perhaps the most simple way to get more clients for your personal training business is by having a good attitude. When you have a good attitude, your clients will be able to notice. They’ll have more fun during your sessions and enjoy showing up each time. It’s the best way to keep current clients coming back, and increases the chances they will refer you to their loved ones. 

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Are you new to personal training? Read these articles to get started on growing your business:

• How to price your online training
• How To Attract Clients as a Personal Trainer
• How to write a memorable and professional fitness bio

About the Author:

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Cory McKane

Cory is a huge fan of fitness - and an even bigger fan of helping you with your fitness. He's started on his journey with WeStrive back in 2015 and has been building it ever since.