Answers (10)
1
Anne,
Referral seems to be the best way so far for me to get new clients. I have looked into Craigslist some, but what I've found is that the majority of people looking for a trainer on a site like Craigslist have no idea what a personal trainer really does. They have expectations that are too high, or they are offering 10-15 dollars for a 2 hour session...
Now, I'm the world's most expensive trainer, and I don't necessarily have a problem offering SOME free services. However, people get more out of it when they're shelling out a comfortable amount of coin to receive your services. They take it more seriously. I'm interested in serious clients. Most of the time, people on Craigslist are no such clients. Every now and then, I'll see an ad on Craigslist that is a legitimate, reasonable person who is looking to work hard with a serious trainer. That's my type of ad, and I jump on my email and start marketing myself in the most friendly and professional ways possible.
Always meet these people in a public place. You can even have a friend "shadow" you if you want. When safety is a priority, there are thin limits to what's unreasonable. My girlfriend, Breeann, got a really great summer job as a babysitter through Craigslist. The ad was by a man looking for a college-age young woman to babysit 3 children. After talking with the man on the phone, Breeann got a good idea of what type of person he was, and she asked if she could bring her boyfriend with her to meet him and the children. He said that'd be fine. When we got to this man's rather large house in the "country" we were a bit surprised. He turned out to be a very wealthy, respectable gentleman with really awesome kids. During her interview, he told Breeann that he thought it showed great judgement on her part to bring me along. He interviewed some other women for the job, but what ended up landing her the job was the fact that she brought someone with her. He said that he hired her because he felt like she made safety her first priority by bringing someone with her.
There is definitely a market for fitness on Craigslist, if you live in the right place, just use common sense and use your best judgement when evaluating the situation at hand. It doesn't have to be a scary thing. You are entitled to a certain amount of information, and usually people will be willing to share that information with you if they think you're going to fit the bill. You're entitled to safety as well, and most people respect that. In fact, asking to meet in a public place often shows the client that you are cautious and sensible!
I hope this helps you out a little. I'm interested to hear what other answers you'll get on this one!
Referral seems to be the best way so far for me to get new clients. I have looked into Craigslist some, but what I've found is that the majority of people looking for a trainer on a site like Craigslist have no idea what a personal trainer really does. They have expectations that are too high, or they are offering 10-15 dollars for a 2 hour session...
Now, I'm the world's most expensive trainer, and I don't necessarily have a problem offering SOME free services. However, people get more out of it when they're shelling out a comfortable amount of coin to receive your services. They take it more seriously. I'm interested in serious clients. Most of the time, people on Craigslist are no such clients. Every now and then, I'll see an ad on Craigslist that is a legitimate, reasonable person who is looking to work hard with a serious trainer. That's my type of ad, and I jump on my email and start marketing myself in the most friendly and professional ways possible.
Always meet these people in a public place. You can even have a friend "shadow" you if you want. When safety is a priority, there are thin limits to what's unreasonable. My girlfriend, Breeann, got a really great summer job as a babysitter through Craigslist. The ad was by a man looking for a college-age young woman to babysit 3 children. After talking with the man on the phone, Breeann got a good idea of what type of person he was, and she asked if she could bring her boyfriend with her to meet him and the children. He said that'd be fine. When we got to this man's rather large house in the "country" we were a bit surprised. He turned out to be a very wealthy, respectable gentleman with really awesome kids. During her interview, he told Breeann that he thought it showed great judgement on her part to bring me along. He interviewed some other women for the job, but what ended up landing her the job was the fact that she brought someone with her. He said that he hired her because he felt like she made safety her first priority by bringing someone with her.
There is definitely a market for fitness on Craigslist, if you live in the right place, just use common sense and use your best judgement when evaluating the situation at hand. It doesn't have to be a scary thing. You are entitled to a certain amount of information, and usually people will be willing to share that information with you if they think you're going to fit the bill. You're entitled to safety as well, and most people respect that. In fact, asking to meet in a public place often shows the client that you are cautious and sensible!
I hope this helps you out a little. I'm interested to hear what other answers you'll get on this one!
1
Word of mouth tends to work best for me. I have also had success with the ACE AARP Resource. My company secured a contract with four managed-care nursing homes. I've also have several clients that I've secured through IDEA Fitness Connect.
I have the fortune of having a 700-square foot space so I am able to provide both services mobile and at my studio.
I feel strongly that this resource can be very instrumental in securing new clients if one takes advantage of it's power.
I have the fortune of having a 700-square foot space so I am able to provide both services mobile and at my studio.
I feel strongly that this resource can be very instrumental in securing new clients if one takes advantage of it's power.
1
I started an in-home fitness business in 2003 and I just sold it a month ago. What really helped me in the beginning was not only grass roots marketing to the areas/clientele that I wanted to target, but I also used a service called respond.com
In early 2002, IDEA used to give away free leads that were coming from respond.com, but then the lead company caught on that some of these leads were turning out to be great revenue streams for trainers. For example, one of the leads that I procured through IDEA/Respond.com cost me $1.00 and I had that client on and off for 5 years.
The other method that I used was advertising in the neighborhood newsletters/community newspaper that have your exact demographic. If you want high end clientele, then advertising in the penny save or craigslist is not going to drive you that type of business. Advertise and market where your client is. If you are looking more for large numbers, then craigslist may work.
Thanks,
Kisar
In early 2002, IDEA used to give away free leads that were coming from respond.com, but then the lead company caught on that some of these leads were turning out to be great revenue streams for trainers. For example, one of the leads that I procured through IDEA/Respond.com cost me $1.00 and I had that client on and off for 5 years.
The other method that I used was advertising in the neighborhood newsletters/community newspaper that have your exact demographic. If you want high end clientele, then advertising in the penny save or craigslist is not going to drive you that type of business. Advertise and market where your client is. If you are looking more for large numbers, then craigslist may work.
Thanks,
Kisar
1
I have found that donating a a few sessions for a school fundraiser or charitable auction to be quite successful. It gets your name out there and thus far everyone who has "won" the certificates has become a long term client. I now donate sessions every year to 5 different silent auctions (also a business write-off). A good idea to donate towards expensive private schools.
0
I believe that word-of mouth referrals are still the best way, however, I have gotten inquiries through IDEA FitnessConnect. I believe that this is a great source.
Years ago, I tried an ad in a newspaper (I am in busines that long :-) and the only person I got through this medium was the person at the newspaper who I talked to about this ad.
I found that being out in public events, clearly identifiable as a personal trainer, often starts a conversation. A lot of people are curious and may never have met a real personal trainer. Have plenty of business cards handy.
Teaching classes, of course, is another way to connect to people, and I see that you are also a fitness instructor.
Fortunately, I have my own studio and only go to the homes for existing clients if they have a change of circumstances that makes it necessary.
I really liked Marlan's suggestion to secure your personal safety, particularly if it is a lead that did not come through an existing client.
Years ago, I tried an ad in a newspaper (I am in busines that long :-) and the only person I got through this medium was the person at the newspaper who I talked to about this ad.
I found that being out in public events, clearly identifiable as a personal trainer, often starts a conversation. A lot of people are curious and may never have met a real personal trainer. Have plenty of business cards handy.
Teaching classes, of course, is another way to connect to people, and I see that you are also a fitness instructor.
Fortunately, I have my own studio and only go to the homes for existing clients if they have a change of circumstances that makes it necessary.
I really liked Marlan's suggestion to secure your personal safety, particularly if it is a lead that did not come through an existing client.
0
Referrals are my best advertising.
I also tend to get clients by training my clients outside on nice days. Other people see us training or see me lugging equipment in/out of the car and ask about my services. A good professional business card comes in handy here.
I've also placed on-line ads with local moms groups (I specialize in training moms with small children, pre/post-natal). I've gotten several clients this way as well.
The great thing about all these suggestions, most of them cost you nothing!
I also tend to get clients by training my clients outside on nice days. Other people see us training or see me lugging equipment in/out of the car and ask about my services. A good professional business card comes in handy here.
I've also placed on-line ads with local moms groups (I specialize in training moms with small children, pre/post-natal). I've gotten several clients this way as well.
The great thing about all these suggestions, most of them cost you nothing!
0
I joined a business networking group where there are other professions. This way, I am able to connect and get to know a large group of people who might be considering a trainer or know of other people considering training. I find some of them have not necessarily been previously exposed to fitness other than television or basic fitness magazines.
0
Some clients find me through a google search. I have worked very hard reading about google business places to get my get my website to the top of the list. It does not take money if you truly invest your time into research. The main thing is to make sure that all social media is link back to your google listing.
0
Hi Anne,
Word of mouth has been a good resource for client referral. Also, joining various networking groups around my area has helped and then using meet-up groups as well. There have been numerous time where I got some individual clients from teaching classes and outdoor boot camps. People have also found me thru YELP and by visiting my web site and IDEA profile. I have never advertised in Craigslist, so I have no experience with that option.
Best,
Harris
Word of mouth has been a good resource for client referral. Also, joining various networking groups around my area has helped and then using meet-up groups as well. There have been numerous time where I got some individual clients from teaching classes and outdoor boot camps. People have also found me thru YELP and by visiting my web site and IDEA profile. I have never advertised in Craigslist, so I have no experience with that option.
Best,
Harris
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