A personal training business is a good way to make money and keep your clients -- and yourself -- in shape. However, like many other small business types, it is not easy to get a personal training operation off the ground. While there is little in the way of start-up costs, it is a highly competitive business and a service that many people can live without. Building your personal training business involves proper marketing and promotion and the ability to cater to your target customer.
Instructions
1. Determine the target market for your business. Personal trainers often cater to different types of clients, including stay-at-home moms, business executives too busy to get to the gym and fitness nuts training for competitions. Figure out which customer type fits best with your style of training and business.
2. Promote your business directly to your target market. If your target customer is a stay-at-home mom, then pass out fliers at childcare groups, leave business cards at the front desk of local schools and volunteer with your community school district. If you want fitness hounds that are training for a competition, then promote at bodybuilding competitions and contract with a local gym for increased visibility.
3. Advertise your business in any way possible. Take advantage of TV, radio and newspaper advertising. Offer yourself as a source for fitness-related articles in your local newspaper or ask to do a segment on fitness on your local news affiliate. Don't overlook online advertising, as well, and make sure you have a presence on major social networking sites to get your name out there.
4. Contract with local wellness and medical facilities. Target weight loss clinics that have patients in need of personal training for weight loss purposes. You can refer clients to them, and in turn they can refer clients to you. This type of network is beneficial for all parties involved and helps to garner consistent business for your personal training endeavors.
5. Ingratiate yourself into your community. The more people know who you are, the more likely it is that they will think of you when they have personal training needs. Get involved in local events, particularly those that are fitness related. Use your expertise to coordinate charity walks and runs. Help to promote local marathons and fitness festivals. Generate a direct link between fitness-related activities in your town and your business.
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