Answers (7)
1
#1-Social Media is THE WAY to market today. Study it, learn it and utilize it effectively and constantly!
#2- Get to know people in the business as well as professionals you can cross refer with.
#3-Do not take "no" personally. Press on and stay with it for the long haul. The more times people hear your name, the closer you are to opening the floodgates one day!
#2- Get to know people in the business as well as professionals you can cross refer with.
#3-Do not take "no" personally. Press on and stay with it for the long haul. The more times people hear your name, the closer you are to opening the floodgates one day!
0
Using multiple methods has worked great for my studio so far. A website linked to your social network sites (facebook, blog,..) and craigslist ads are a good start, but nothing beats meeting people face to face and showing value in your service. So, local chamber of commerce meetings, networking with physical therapists, other trainers, or people in grocery stores. Depending on your studio location, having a street-visible sign, tall flags, and windows so people can see what's going on inside helps. People are naturally curious. Hope this helps and best of luck to you in business!
0
I am an Ambassador for my local Chamber of Commerce, it's a great way to let other businesses know about your studio and to be involved with what's happening in town.
Always have cards/flyers with you.
Host an open house at your studio, or a grand opening event and give away classes.
Also renting your space out to other trainers/dance classes, or as rehearsal space is a great way to make extra money and promote from within.
Always have cards/flyers with you.
Host an open house at your studio, or a grand opening event and give away classes.
Also renting your space out to other trainers/dance classes, or as rehearsal space is a great way to make extra money and promote from within.
0
There is no magic formula to answer this question. I believe having a complete knowledge of the demographic and market you are targeting is the first step. Then utilizing the internet is key. How are you getting your name, services, and location out to the public? Social media is a must these days. Word of mouth is also huge. Ask long time clients for recommendations and possibly offer referral rewards.
Lastly- if you can handle the volume, sites like Groupon or Living Social could also help. With this last option be very careful. You will need to be very very specific in that service discount you are offering, the start/end date, cancellation policy, and restrictions. Also, don't give away the farm with these deals. You are looking to entice them to you, but you also want them to stay and pay your regular rates after the deal is done. Don't be surprised if you only retain 2 or 3 clients from this option. Most people who use discount sites like Groupon for fitness "chase the deal". It's not a bad thing, because it will get your name out there.
Lastly- if you can handle the volume, sites like Groupon or Living Social could also help. With this last option be very careful. You will need to be very very specific in that service discount you are offering, the start/end date, cancellation policy, and restrictions. Also, don't give away the farm with these deals. You are looking to entice them to you, but you also want them to stay and pay your regular rates after the deal is done. Don't be surprised if you only retain 2 or 3 clients from this option. Most people who use discount sites like Groupon for fitness "chase the deal". It's not a bad thing, because it will get your name out there.
0
Networking groups are a great way to get the word out. Chamber of Commerce meetings are good, I also use meetup.com to find groups close to me. I agree with not taking 'no' personally as well, just smile and keep spreading the word.
0
Hi Athman. Using the internet to market (e.g. email blasts, Facebook, Twitter etc) is an easy and inexpensive way to get the word out. Participating in a local health fair, or other civic event is another great way that costs very little. I would also not ignore your friends and family. For each friend or family member that you ask to help get the word out, ask them to ask that person to spread it to 5 more and so on - amazing how fast this can grow!
I hope that this helps.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
larue.cook@lecfitness.com
I hope that this helps.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
larue.cook@lecfitness.com
0
To answer your question with a question...where are you opening your business ...that should determine to a great extent which port you give the most attention. If you're in a smaller area or a niche market within a community you'll want to go through people and get connected literally much more so than virtually.
If you're in a large urban area then yes social media and getting your SEO optimized so that you come up first in a search for "personal training in XXX" or "fitness in XXX" ...think about the ways that your prospective clients would be searching. What would they type in as they sit in front of their computers? Who is your ideal client.
Include those key words throughout your website over and over again on every page and in your tags, and meta descriptions. Create a blog. Get on Fitness Connect and point that to your website and back; do the same with your social media sites- Facebook and twitter and YouTube. Introduce yourself to your new market on YouTube videos- post those on Facebook.
Then go meet and greet some key business leaders in your new town and give them a complimentary month or trade services with them. Ask them to "like" you - as the traffic and credibility on your site from those types of credible resources are valuable to moving you up the chain of first visible businesses in a search.
If you're in a large urban area then yes social media and getting your SEO optimized so that you come up first in a search for "personal training in XXX" or "fitness in XXX" ...think about the ways that your prospective clients would be searching. What would they type in as they sit in front of their computers? Who is your ideal client.
Include those key words throughout your website over and over again on every page and in your tags, and meta descriptions. Create a blog. Get on Fitness Connect and point that to your website and back; do the same with your social media sites- Facebook and twitter and YouTube. Introduce yourself to your new market on YouTube videos- post those on Facebook.
Then go meet and greet some key business leaders in your new town and give them a complimentary month or trade services with them. Ask them to "like" you - as the traffic and credibility on your site from those types of credible resources are valuable to moving you up the chain of first visible businesses in a search.
