How do you market in a small town where word of mouth is better than the press?

It just takes one client that likes what you do... but what I do is offer free sessions for referrals. Because the gym I work at offers package deals I tell my clients to get a friend to buy a package with me and I will give them two free sessions in return, I eat some money but it keeps new clients coming and current clients willing to market for you. It is okay to sacrifice a couple of bucks for a good payout at the end. I do all kinds of stuff like that... Free Friday, a random friday out of the month give a free session to one of your clients. Get creative, the more creative you are the more the town will talk and news travels fast in small towns.

Hello Dale,
Word of mouth has always been successful for me. My clients are my walking billboard! Also, use IDEAFIT to your benefit as well...its a great resource!

Wishing You Great Success!
Michael

When you do your elevator speech, ask a significant question such as... Do you know anyone who'd like to look better in a bathing suit by then end of June? ... or whatever else might be significant to what it is you specifically do.

The people who are most remembered are those who receive laughs. I used to go to networking meetings where a guy who owned a dry cleaner gave the funniest :30 speech every time!

Meetup.com... Craigslist.... Throw away papers if you've got them...

Yes, word of mouth is great.

It's great to use social media but keep in mind, there is too much stuff on the internet.

Get some lettering on your vehicle like the UPS truck.
Also, put lettering on your clothing: baseball caps, t-shirts, sweatshirts, pants, etc. Wear your uniform 24/7

Get people talking about you! Consider approaching prominent public figures, like the mayor, school principals, on-air media personalities, and get them to sing your praises.

What about the medical/wellness community? Could you work with doctors and other therapists to create a network of support for people who need your skill set?

Also, what about partnering with the sport/athletic stores? Offer training, seminars, assessments. Maybe link it somehow with the events you're already involved with?

Take care,
Michelle

In a world of social media and internet marketing, the 'noise' can often drown out your efforts. You may have to get creative offline.

Here's a simple suggestion: Create a unique bumper sticker and convince people to put it on their cars. Sounds silly, but these days everyone is personalizing their rides with trendy car decals.

Example: There is a small barber shop in our town. If the owner sees that his clients do not have his decal on their cars, he'll personally walk out there with the sticker and Windex (with client permission, of course). There isn't a day that goes by where I don't see a car with his 'Barber Shop' logo when I'm out driving around. It's quite effective, actually. So, come up with something unique (a motto, logo, that represents a lifestyle) and tag the cars in your community!