Answers (6)
1
I think you need to try it, or some form of social media marketing you do yourself. If not now, chances are in the future you will and may wish you had done so sooner. It reaches a whole other market and this one is going to grow- not shrink.
Make sure you keep your integrity and create a winning situation for yourself with a thoughtful offer.
We do Facebook offers the day of for a trainer not full- if they lose their time- they lose it forever. So we do a 50% off single session if they book between 11 and 2 for instance (or openings for the day) and payment is due upon booking so we know they'll show. Trainer then gets something over hourly for their time and we may bring in someone who was thinking about it anyway.
Make sure you keep your integrity and create a winning situation for yourself with a thoughtful offer.
We do Facebook offers the day of for a trainer not full- if they lose their time- they lose it forever. So we do a 50% off single session if they book between 11 and 2 for instance (or openings for the day) and payment is due upon booking so we know they'll show. Trainer then gets something over hourly for their time and we may bring in someone who was thinking about it anyway.
0
I have done things I never would have tried if weren't for the groupon. And I know there are plenty of people out there like me. They are great for those who are unsure of a product or service and don't want to invest without testing it out first. I understand that. That's kind of the basis behind the complimentary assessment and first training session anyway. If I get people calling or emailing me from a groupon that wouldn't have called or emailed without it, I consider that a win. It's then up to me as the trainer to wow their socks off and help them realize that they need coaching to meet their goals. Even if they can't afford to keep it up, they will talk about me to their friends and someone else may become a client.
0
I think every business needs to make that decision for itself. I do recall reading a post on Sherri McMillan's blog a while back about her positive experience with Groupon (that may be of some interest to you). Our facility has used similar companies and also had good success.
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I am a big fan of Groupon and think it is a brilliant way to get the word out there and allow people to have the opportunity to experience your business! Yelp also has coupons available which are very similar to Groupon and they are very easy to set up. You can make a business account on there if you don't already have one :)
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Personal Trainers should utilize any and every method imaginable (within their own morals, of course) to promote themselves, their business, and the industry.
0
In my experience, fitness trainers operating boot camps or classes do better with Groupon type deals. The price point is much lower than a personal training session so appealing to the masses to fill classes is a good idea.
Personal means "one-on-one" and that comes at a premium to the client and the trainer. When you offer "discounts" for mass referrals, it doesn't allow you to get your ideal type of "client" that work best for your style of training and business.
The service you offer should dictate what type of offers you give, but after 17 years of being in this business, and just RAISING my rates and cutting discounts, I can attest that it will actually grow your business.
I do more personal incentives based on referrals or number of sessions purchased. You get more of a commitment (necessary) from the client when you charge appropriately. There is a perceived value when things are at a premium.
Kimberly
Personal means "one-on-one" and that comes at a premium to the client and the trainer. When you offer "discounts" for mass referrals, it doesn't allow you to get your ideal type of "client" that work best for your style of training and business.
The service you offer should dictate what type of offers you give, but after 17 years of being in this business, and just RAISING my rates and cutting discounts, I can attest that it will actually grow your business.
I do more personal incentives based on referrals or number of sessions purchased. You get more of a commitment (necessary) from the client when you charge appropriately. There is a perceived value when things are at a premium.
Kimberly
