Do It for the ‘Gram

Instagram’s billion active monthly users and 500 million active weekly users demand your attention. If you’re doing any marketing for your gym or fitness studio, it’s a platform you can’t afford to ignore.

But, being strong on the ‘gram doesn’t have to dominate your time.

The simple platform—you upload photos for users to engage with and post links for them to click—is easy to manage yourself, or you can delegate the task, once you get the hang of a few fundamentals.

So, let’s talk about a few ways to increase your revenue and bookings using the ‘Gram.

Get a Business Account

Instagram business accounts are free and simple to sign up for through the Instagram app on your phone.

The main difference between business and personal accounts is that, with a business account, you get real-time analytics about how your posts and stories are performing. You also get insights into your followers and the ability to add business contact information.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up an Instagram business account.

Be Consistent

Consistency is key.

Your posts should align with your brand. What does that mean exactly? Write your captions in the same voice that you use to speak to clients in your studio. Make sure the images feature your logo, colors or name somewhere in the shot.

Another aspect of consistency is frequency. Post at least a few times each week, and daily if you can. You want to show up frequently in the feeds of your clients, visitors and prospects so they remember to come in or to book classes.

Show Real People

You don’t need toned, tanned models for your imagery. Use photos of your members and instructors in your gym! Be sure to include a variety of ages, body types, genders and races.

This will help to make all sorts of prospects feel comfortable and will showcase the diversity of your staff and membership.

Be sure to get permission before posting anyone’s photo. If people are OK with it, see if they will share their photos on their Instagram account and tag you, as well! It’s a great way to use their network as a megaphone for your business.

Familiarize Your Followers

Your staff can be super-helpful when creating content for your Instagram page. You can post pictures of them, along with short bios or class schedules to encourage attendance.

Using Instagram’s Stories, Videos or Live features, you can allow your instructors to walk viewers through an exercise or a series of movements. This helps to give prospects an idea about what your studio is about and can deepen connections between members and their favorite instructors.

You’ve hired great people, so show them off.

Offer an Exclusive Deal

It’s possible someone will find your business for the first time on Instagram. In that case, you’ll want to roll out the red carpet.

If you have an intro offer, consider extending it to Instagram followers through a link in your bio.

Or, you could cook up an offer for Instagram followers only—think $30 for 30 days to get someone familiar with your studio. People love finding deals online and are more likely to book if the deal feels exclusive. Give it a shot.

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Like any sort of marketing tool, you’ll have to go through a little trial and error to find the Instagram voice, content and offers that work for you. But, the world’s most scrollable social network is well worth the effort.