8 easy ways to get more clients

16 Feb 2012 10:49 AM

As a fitness instructor it’s vital that you provide positive results for your clients if you want to remain in business for any length of time. There will also come a point of time when you will need or want to expand your client base. This article will inform you of simple ways in which you can do this.

1. Social networking–Using social networks gives you the chance to reach a larger audience when advertising your business. You are able to invite people to become a fan of your network where they will be notified of the services and products that you have to offer. These sites are also a great way to advertise promotions and special offers.   
2. Call on past Clients– See how they are doing and offer them a discount price as a returning client. 
3. Kid’s clinic – Work with parents and their kids – discuss topics such as eating habits and what sports activities they like to take part in. This is becoming increasingly popular in Britaintoday.
4. If you are freelance, teach classes at local clubs and gyms. This may prove more expensive in the beginning, however, it will help you gain great recognition and hopefully a larger client base which will allow to you to cut down on the time spent in a local club and allow for more freelance work.
5. Take on a small amount of clients for free– Use these clients to provide testimonials and referrals in exchange for your training. Another useful tip is to take before and after photos to show what possible results they could gain.
6. Stand out from the crowd– Remember that you’re competing against thousands of other trainers, many who are as qualified, experienced and passionate as you are. What can you offer that no one else can? Sell not only your services but knowledge, experiences and abilities also.
7. Step out of your comfort zone– Are there situations that you avoid, like seminars, lectures, or workshops? You must learn to conquer your insecurities and introduce a variety of exercises into your business. This will increase the client experience.
8. Refer a friend scheme – Provide discounts to all clients that refer a friend to your business.  For example, recommend a friend who purchases 1 session and the referrer will receive 1 free session.

Marketing techniques

In order to gain more clients effectively you need have to make the most of your marketing techniques:

• Newsletters – Send out a monthly newsletter to your clients with new offers, news, hints and tips etc.  It will add value to your whole service.
• Advertising– as well as mentioned earlier, advertising is one of the most successful was to get recognition. Social networks are not the only way that you can advertise, get in contact with local newspapers, magazines and of course try and promote word of mouth through your current clients.
• Website surveys– Create a survey that will allow your students to rate the service that you receive. This is the perfect opportunity to ask them about ways in which you could improve your business.
• Fliers– Contact local establishments to ask permission to display a flyer detailing your business and what services you offer. This can be done at very little cost.

Remember it only takes a small amount of effort to get the ball rolling. 

Before you get carried away focusing on attaining more clients, you must never forget that client retention is often as important if not more so.

Once you have managed to attain new clients it is vital that you get them to stay. Below are useful tips on how to successfully retain your current clients. 

• Good communication
• Consistently exceed the client’s expectations
• Showing them how much you care
• Providing new and exciting services for them
• Continually educating yourself so that you get better and better
• By getting creative and inspiring the clients
• Be a great listener
• By simply helping them to reach their goals!