1 Simple Step to Help Blow Up Your Personal Training Business
Standing out in today’s crowded fitness market is a huge challenge for even the best personal trainers. In my decades as a certified trainer, coach, and writer in the personal training industry, I’ve seen countless talented professionals struggle to fill their schedules. The global fitness industry is a massive $257 billion market, and it’s growing every year, which means more competition for you. But what if I told you there’s one simple step you can take to separate yourself from the pack and dramatically grow your personal training business?
It’s not about having another certification, although the right ones are crucial. It’s about leveraging the incredible knowledge you already possess.
So, what’s the secret to help blow up your personal training business? In a word: writing.
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WRITE! Do This to Blow Up Your Personal Training Business
Writing is the single most powerful tool you’re probably not using. You’re a great trainer, but if your schedule isn’t full, you don’t have a stable career. Here is where writing comes into the equation.
Whether you work at a huge gym or health club or a small private studio, this strategy will get you slammed with clients. Writing opens doors for your personal training business in three major ways.
1. Adds credibility to you and your personal training business
You have the knowledge to get people results, but potential clients can’t see what’s in your head. Publishing articles allows you to share your expertise and prove you’re more than just muscles.
The key is to give away valuable tips without revealing all your secrets. You want to leave them wanting more, so they have a reason to book a session with you.
If you write regularly, you can share your work on your blog and build an email list using a service like Mailchimp. Send out a newsletter with links to your latest content to stay top-of-mind with current and prospective clients. You can also package your best advice into e-books and publish them on platforms like iTunes to grow your brand.
2. Creates a much larger reach
Working at a local gym limits your client pool to a specific territory where you compete with every other trainer. Writing shatters those geographical limits.
Your content can reach millions of people globally, opening the door for online personal training. The online fitness market is projected to hit $59 billion by 2027, and your articles are the gateway to that audience. You can create workout and nutrition programs for people across the globe from the convenience of your own home through simple writing.
Remember to promote all your content on your social media platforms. Using short-form video on Instagram Reels and TikTok is a fantastic way to engage followers and drive them to your website.
3. Additional income
Not only does writing help market your services, but you can also get paid directly for your articles. Many reputable fitness sites pay for high-quality content.
Initially, it might be tough to find paid writing gigs. You can start by building a portfolio on your own blog or by offering free content to build your name. Don’t give up. Keep reaching out to different publications like T-Nation or Breaking Muscle, and check out platforms like Upwork to get your work featured.
7 Tips to Beef Up Your Personal Training Business
Whether you’re just starting or you’re a veteran trainer, these seven tips can help take your personal training business to the next level.
1. Never Stop Learning
To stay ahead, you must perfect your craft by constantly learning new methods and techniques. The fitness world is always evolving, and you need to be at the forefront.
Go beyond a basic certification. Earning advanced credentials like the NSCA’s Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) or a Precision Nutrition certification allows you to specialize. This expertise lets you serve a specific niche, like athletes or clients with nutritional challenges, and command higher rates.
2. Get Social
Forget old-school flyers and radio spots. Your focus needs to be on growing an audience on social media, especially if you offer online coaching.
Related Article: Personal Training Secrets the Successful Don’t Want You to Know
Post valuable content on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to build your credibility as an authority. Social media is a free marketing tool that gives you incredible reach. Use client testimonials and before-and-after photos (with permission!) as powerful social proof to attract new business.
3. Be “Write” About Things
Your website shouldn’t just be a digital business card. You must use it to add value and educate potential clients through a blog.
Publish weekly articles on your site and promote them across your social channels. You can use free tools like AnswerThePublic to find topics people are searching for. This long-term content strategy brings traffic to your website, builds trust, and helps turn readers into paying clients.
4. Think Long-Term Personal Training Business Strategy
Relying on single-session clients creates an unstable income. Instead, create session packages to encourage commitment and build a predictable revenue stream.
Offer packages of six, twelve, or more sessions at a slight discount compared to your single-session rate. This incentivizes clients to commit to a longer-term plan. For managing this, I suggest using client management software like Trainerize or TrueCoach to automate billing and scheduling, which saves you a ton of administrative time.
RELATED: Did You Know We Have an In-Home Personal Training Service?
Always use a contract that requires upfront payment with a no-refund policy. This protects you financially and increases client accountability, making them more likely to show up and stay committed.
5. Personal Training Businenss Referral Program
Your happy clients are your best marketers. Create a referral program to incentivize them to spread the word about your personal training business.
Research from Nielsen shows that 92% of consumers trust referrals from people they know, making it one of the most powerful forms of advertising. Offer your current clients a free session or a discount for every new client they bring in. This creates a win-win scenario that grows your business organically.
6. Name Your Own Unique Exercise
If you’ve created a unique and effective exercise variation, give it a name! This is a fantastic way to set yourself apart and build your brand.
Think of the Meadows Row, created by the great John Meadows, or the Z-Press, named after strongman Zydrunas Savickas. Create a high-quality video demonstrating the exercise with perfect form. Then, share it on YouTube and social media to help it go viral and establish you as an innovator.
7. Do a Competition Yourself
Competing yourself is a powerful way to show that you don’t just talk the talk, you walk the walk. This could be a bodybuilding show, a powerlifting meet, or a CrossFit competition.
While winning is great, simply documenting your journey and competing demonstrates discipline and expertise. It proves you understand the process firsthand. Sharing your competition prep and photos on your website and social media can be a huge marketing asset, but be sure to present it tastefully.
This shouldn’t be your only focus, but it definitely adds a layer of credibility that can help grow your personal training business.
Frequently Asked Questions About Growing a Personal Training Business
How much should I charge as a personal trainer?
Your rates should depend on your location, experience, and certifications. Research what other trainers in your area with similar qualifications are charging. A good starting point is often between $50-$100 per hour, but trainers with specialized skills or in high-cost-of-living areas can charge significantly more.
What’s the fastest way to get new clients?
The fastest way is through referrals and networking. Actively ask your current clients for referrals and offer them an incentive. You can also partner with local businesses like physical therapy clinics, chiropractors, or supplement stores for cross-promotion.
Should I train clients online or in person?
A hybrid model is often best. In-person training allows for hands-on correction and relationship building. Online training offers scalability and allows you to work with clients from anywhere, breaking free of geographical limits.
What kind of insurance do I need for my personal training business?
You absolutely need general and professional liability insurance. This protects you in case a client gets injured during a session or claims your advice caused them harm. Look for policies specifically designed for fitness professionals.
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