How do you create a fitness folowwing?
I am part of a smaller spin studio and I am struggling to create a following. It was easy when I worked at “big box” gym but I don’t know if it’s me, my teaching style, the market… but I am having a hard time creating a following and getting people to come to my classes. Do you have any suggestions/tips/recommendations to help people get excited and/or market myself?
Hi Maria,
Have you ever thought about adding a blog to your Spin Studio website? Blogging about spinning in general, your specific teaching style, as well as your own fitness history can pull people in and become interested. It does take awhile and is not an overnight solution. You can at least start to create a following, even if it is not immediately to your target market. Generating content will help with Google’s new algorithm and help with your search results if someone is looking for a spin class.
I would also suggest to flyer and promote yourself to the immediate area surrounding your studio. Offer incentives such as a couple free classes or lower discounts for memberships if flyers are brought in.
Every hold workshops? If you have a nutritionist come into your studio and hold a workshop, you could have people walking in through your door that may have never even thought they may be interested in a spin class.
These are just a few ideas for marketing. I blog too about fitness business related topics. For more specifics on these suggestions and more, you can visit http://www.gyminsight.com/blog.
I hope some of these ideas are helpful and I wish you health and success with your spin studio.
Best in Health,
Lawrence
Hello Maria Rice,
Don’t give up, keep the word of mouth going everywhere you go. You could ask your current clients to bring a guest, offer gift certificates, offer coupons, have a gift bag of goodies for the end of class, or a special themed class.
I hope this helps you; do not give up, they will eventually come around.
Take care,
Natalie
NAPS 2 B Fit
Make connections. Know the name of each student. Encourage the students to connect with each other; they will look forward to seeing you and each other and will keep coming to your class.
If you are not having people show up perhaps there is problem with the time of the class. If you have flexibility try another time.
Get feedback from those who are there, small studios have a different feel from the big gyms, maybe there is something about your class that students would prefer to be different. If they love the class ask them to invite a friend.
In smaller gyms, people are often looking for a connection. What are you doing or can you do to create a connection between the people that are coming to or may want to come to your class? Do you have a referral system with other related businesses (bike shops) or for clients (bring a friend and receive….)? Do you have any positive testimonials of your class that can be posted or used in advertising? Can you create a contest or class experience that will encourage participation?
In a smaller gym you often have to be a little more creative.
Jocelyn
One more thing you can try is to hold free classes once a week, so you can have people try out your classes, style and training philosophy. If they like it, then your classes will grow with paying clients. Also, offer gift certificates at a various events such as fundraising silent auctions and do a press release to let people know about your classes and any deals you are currently offer. And like others suggested, have patience :-)!