What is the fastest way to obtain clients when you train at an apartment gym, client homes, outdoors, etc.?
I just started out in January 2017 and am having trouble getting clients. My focus is mainly on athletic training. I personal train part-time in the evenings in the weekends as I am a full-time CPA. I’ve been using Thumbtack and have obtained one client off it. Any other advice/ideas to get more clients?
Hi David,
There are a number of ways to market yourself, but building a client base can take some time… Best way is word of mouth, but since that takes some time, here are a few different approaches:
–Since your focus is mainly athletic training, I would start with networking and making connections in your area. Talk to people everywhere, and make connections at schools, sports facilities, physical therapists, physicians, local home fitness equipment stores, and even other box gyms in your area
–Have an online social media presence (IDEA, FB, Twitter, etc…)
–Write blogs or articles for your online media presence
–Run specials and promotions for first time clients. Make them short term so they don’t require a huge commitment, but let them test out your training
–Develop an athletic class or program for your client base (outdoors is fantastic!) and present it to local facilities or run it on your own.
–Conduct Lunch and Learn lectures
Once you start building a client base, don’t be shy about asking for referrals or testimonials.
Best of luck to you.
Christine
Also, I saw this yesterday and really liked the article. Hopefully you can pick up a few good points from it.
https://www.acefitness.org/blog/6322/why-it-s-important-to-work-on-your-…
Hello David Nguyen,
Congratulations and welcome to the business.
Over deliver your service to your current clients, do your best and be professional at all times everywhere. Don’t be afraid to small talk about health and fitness when you are in public with the people who you meet. Wear your logo attire everywhere possible to bring up conversations.
Be patient, it takes time for your reputation to make its rounds.
Take care,
Natalie aka NAPS 2 B Fit.
Do you work for yourself or for an accounting firm? If you work for a firm, would any of your coworkers be clients?
I’m a former CPA with a masters in tax. When I was doing corporate international tax, the company I worked for had a gym with fitness classes. My work hours were long and busy so I couldn’t teach regular classes during my lunch break, but I did sub there. So what I say isn’t completely crazy.
When you start a new business venture, it helps to tell anyone and everyone.