Top 5 Keys to Your Fitness Industry Success

Specialize

With the growing success of fitness studios, chances are soon there will be many successful studios near you. An easy way to compete and to draw attention is to specialize in an area that makes sense for you and your market.

Learn to Adapt

The market adapts and grows constantly. Make it a point to see what others are doing and asking if there are good techniques and trends you can incorporate into your methods.

Master your Craft

Aim to be the best instructor in your discipline. Not only will you deliver great workouts, but you will also exude the experience and confidence that attracts clients and makes them want to follow your lead.

Don't Sweat the Competition

Keep an eye on the world but don't worry about the competition. There is a big market out there and the studio industry is booming. Focus on yourself, your product, your brand, your ability to help clients succeed and to keep them happy and motivated. If you consistently deliver a great experience you'll stay ahead of the competition.

Remember that modern clients are seeking:
- a better workout
- in less time
- in an personal setting
- with instructors they like and trust

Do these things correctly and you'll be able to maximize your potential and gain a long-term client in only two sessions.  

Communicate Openly

Be supportive and respectful, but always keeps your clients informed with honesty. You'll earn their trust and they'll be more inclined to follow your ideas. These skills are essential to generating client loyalty and in turn, client loyalty is the driving force behind your success.

Listen and Learn

Get feedback from your clients and really listen for their ideas, concerns and wants. The more you listen the easier it is to connect with them and help them succeed.

Understand THEIR Goals

You can set goals for your clients, but they will always have their own personal reasons for fitness. Develop enough trust and get them to open up to you and tell you their personal goals and reasons. Always remember that clients will measure success in their own way.

Make Sure THEY See Results

Even when results are hard to see, it is important that clients can recognize any improvement and stay motivated. Be honest and clear about expectations, but also help them recognize all the improvements and achievements as you go along. Make sure they are feeling those results.

Build a Tribe

Create a sense of camaraderie among your clients, particularly in a group setting. Let them feel part of a group that supports each other and advances together.

Understand the Business Side of Things

Learn to thrive in a competitive market.  Be consciously aware that you are part of a business. Embrace that you are responsible for delivering quality workouts and an excellent customer experience, and in a small studio everyone is responsible for helping to keep things running smoothly in terms of paperwork and operations.

Get Comfortable with the Administrative Work

There will always be budgets, timelines and metrics to measure. Keep it simple, stay organized and welcome the opportunity to use numbers, technology and paperwork to help you succeed.

Conquer Fear with Knowledge

Decisions can be hard and there always will be another decision to make. Don't let yourself be paralyzed or forced to make decisions without the right knowledge. Inform yourself and rely on your community of professionals to help you figure out the steps forward.

Build a Team You Can Trust

Surround yourself with dedicated, experienced and autonomous people. Build a work environment in which staff members trust and rely on each other.

Keep Up with Your Education

Attend industry events regularly, take advantage of online events like webinars and webcasts, and use the opportunity to earn CECs and CEUs while learning how to be great in your business.

Use Social Media

Social media is an inexpensive way to stay in touch with clients and attract new ones, and it works. AFS has found that studios that invest in online marketing generate more new clients than using traditional marketing approaches. But using social media is half the battle - streamlining your social media strategy is the key next step.  

Get Client Referrals

One of the most effective marketing tactics is also the most inexpensive: your satisfied clients can become a walking billboard for your services if you encourage them to spread the word and provide referrals. Look into referral programs and have a system for encouraging word-of-mouth promotion.

Have an Email List

Email is still one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your audience informed and get them motivated. And it is also inexpensive and can be pretty easy to keep up with once you get organized.

Try New Things

Don't be afraid to try something new, but always measure and track results. Other activities that work in this industry include: displays within your studio, internet advertising, and partnerships with local businesses to promote your services and generate leads.

Get Expert Help

Studio owners are not marketing professionals. Most studios that succeed at marketing use the help of a marketing professional or agency to develop a plan, execute it, and optimize the marketing efforts.

Community

You must have a strong community around you to support your efforts. Seek other studio professionals and be sure to participate regularly in peer online groups and round tables. Contribute to the conversation and don't be shy to bring up your ongoing problems.

Get a Mentor

It is impossible to overstate how important it is to have someone with experience in your corner. Find an expert willing to be your mentor, and schedule regular meetings to discuss your journey and get feedback and inspiring ideas.

Use the Library

Even if you are a seasoned expert there will always be questions, so make sure you can reach the best answers quickly. Gain access and learn to use a studio/business library to help with day-to-day issues as well as strategic planning.

Ask for Help

When the answers are hard to come by, don't let yourself get stuck and avoid trying to wing it. Reach out to your community and ask for advice. If you are a member of a good community then those in your group will be happy to lend a helping hand.