Building a clientele isn't easy. In fact it can be extremely difficult. However, the more irons you put in the fire the more clients you will attract, making your job as a trainer easier. To develop a consistent and large clientele there are several avenues you need to approach:
Social Media - One of the easiest and most important ways trainers can brand themselves and attract new business is by using social media. Clients photos/videos, customer testimonials, inspirational quote all contribute to building your brand. If done correctly, clients will seek you out instead of them seeking you.
Restaurants - Find a restaurant you like and go eat there regularly. Get to know the staff and the management. Present an opportunity for the restaurant where you make a healthy menu and place your contact information. Now everyone that picks up that menu will see your contact information. This will help drive customers toward you.
Community Events - To be a successful trainer you must get out in the community. Join a toastmasters or networking group to develop relationships with potential clients. Do a charity fitness event that could drive the local media to your gym. Go to talk to a middle school class about fitness or to a support group to speak about how fitness and nutrition can help in a crisis or illness.
Writing - Writing for your local newspaper or promotional magazines gives you exposure to thousands of potential clients. Also, writing for industry magazines enhances the credibility of you as a trainer.
The last thing you can do as a trainer is to wait. Waiting for something to happen most likely means nothing will happen. Be proactive and be creative to your approach. Let your passion show and current and formers clients will see you and everything you are doing.
Josh 'JB' Bowen, BS, CSCS*D, NSCA-CPT*D is the former Quality Control Director of Personal Training for Urban Active Fitness and is currently a personal trainer for Fitness Plus II in Lexington, KY and a consultant and National Fitness Director for Compel Fitness.
Social Media - One of the easiest and most important ways trainers can brand themselves and attract new business is by using social media. Clients photos/videos, customer testimonials, inspirational quote all contribute to building your brand. If done correctly, clients will seek you out instead of them seeking you.
Restaurants - Find a restaurant you like and go eat there regularly. Get to know the staff and the management. Present an opportunity for the restaurant where you make a healthy menu and place your contact information. Now everyone that picks up that menu will see your contact information. This will help drive customers toward you.
Community Events - To be a successful trainer you must get out in the community. Join a toastmasters or networking group to develop relationships with potential clients. Do a charity fitness event that could drive the local media to your gym. Go to talk to a middle school class about fitness or to a support group to speak about how fitness and nutrition can help in a crisis or illness.
Writing - Writing for your local newspaper or promotional magazines gives you exposure to thousands of potential clients. Also, writing for industry magazines enhances the credibility of you as a trainer.
The last thing you can do as a trainer is to wait. Waiting for something to happen most likely means nothing will happen. Be proactive and be creative to your approach. Let your passion show and current and formers clients will see you and everything you are doing.
Josh 'JB' Bowen, BS, CSCS*D, NSCA-CPT*D is the former Quality Control Director of Personal Training for Urban Active Fitness and is currently a personal trainer for Fitness Plus II in Lexington, KY and a consultant and National Fitness Director for Compel Fitness.
