As a personal trainer, offering promotions and deals can be a game-changer when it comes to attracting new clients and growing your business. But the key to making these deals truly effective isn’t just in the discounts you offer—it’s in how you market them. In a world filled with social media noise and endless fitness options, simply announcing a “10% off” special isn’t enough to turn heads. The trick is to get creative, make your promotions exciting, and use them as an opportunity to build your brand.
Let’s explore how you can craft and market deals that not only get noticed but also bring clients running to your inbox!
1. Create Time-Limited Challenges
One of the most compelling ways to market a deal is to tap into the psychology of urgency. Limited time offers create a sense of scarcity that encourages potential clients to act. But instead of just offering a short-term discount, why not create a fitness challenge that runs for a specific time?
Example:
- Offer a “21-Day Summer Shred Challenge” where clients get a discounted rate for signing up before a set deadline. Not only does this give you the opportunity to offer a deal, but you also build excitement around the challenge. It’s a fun and structured way for people to see results in a short time, all while getting hooked on your coaching.
Marketing Tip: Use countdown timers in your emails, social media posts, and website banners to build urgency. Show testimonials from past clients who have successfully completed similar challenges to highlight real results.
2. Bundle Services with Exclusive Bonuses
Instead of simply discounting your hourly rate, create value by bundling services or offering exclusive bonuses. People love the idea of getting something “extra,” and it can make your deal stand out from the crowd.
Example:
- Market a “New Year’s Total Transformation Package” that includes not only personal training sessions but also a free nutrition guide, access to a private group for accountability, and a virtual check-in session. Even if your main price remains the same, the added bonuses give the perception of a bigger, more attractive deal.
Marketing Tip: Promote this type of package with a focus on the bonuses. Use phrases like “Get $200 worth of bonuses when you sign up this month” or “Only 10 spots available for this exclusive package” to create excitement and urgency.
3. Run Holiday or Event-Themed Promotions
Holidays and special events provide a natural reason to run promotions, but to truly stand out, think outside the box. Tie your deals into the season or event in a fun way that aligns with your brand.
Example:
- For Valentine’s Day, offer a “Sweat With a Sweetheart” promotion where clients can sign up with a partner at a discounted rate. If you’re running virtual sessions, invite participants to post their sweaty selfies with their workout partner, tagging your business for a chance to win a free session.
Marketing Tip: Create themed content leading up to the holiday. Share quick tips on social media about how couples can motivate each other in fitness, or create a lighthearted video showing fun partner exercises.
4. Leverage Social Media Contests
Use the power of user-generated content to get your promotions seen by a wider audience. By encouraging your followers to participate in a contest, you’ll not only engage your current audience but also reach potential new clients through shares and tags.
Example:
- Announce a “Free Month of Training” giveaway for the person who posts the best workout video using a unique hashtag (e.g., #GetFitWithCoach[YourName]). For every entry, they get an additional discount code for your services—so even if they don’t win, they still get a deal. This keeps people engaged and eager to participate.
Marketing Tip: Promote the contest across your social media platforms and encourage your clients to share their entries in their Instagram stories or Facebook feeds, helping you reach a larger audience. Highlight the most creative or inspiring entries to build buzz.
For even more resources, check out TrueCoach’s Social Media Resource Bundle for tips, templates, and strategies to amplify your marketing efforts.
5. Offer a Flash Sale with a Twist
Flash sales are another way to capitalize on urgency, but you can make them even more enticing by adding a gamified element. This approach encourages interaction and engagement with your brand, even after the sale ends.
Example:
- Host a “Spin the Wheel” Flash Sale where clients can “spin” a virtual wheel (through an app or email opt-in) to get a random discount on personal training packages—ranging from 5% to 50% off. Everyone loves the feeling of winning something, and this adds an element of surprise to your sale.
Marketing Tip: Build excitement by announcing the upcoming flash sale with teasers and behind-the-scenes videos of the prize wheel. Promote the event through an email campaign, Instagram stories, and a Facebook event.
6. Collaborate with Other Local Businesses
Co-marketing with other local businesses is a fantastic way to expand your reach while offering clients extra value. By bundling your services with another brand’s offering, you create a more enticing deal for your audience. Check out some brands we’re proud to partner with here.
Example:
- Team up with a local smoothie bar for a “Fitness & Fuel Package.” Clients who sign up for a month of training sessions with you receive a week of free smoothies from the partner business. Not only does this make your promotion more attractive, but you’ll also get exposure to the partner business’s audience.
Marketing Tip: Work with the partner business to cross-promote the deal on social media, in email newsletters, and through in-store flyers. Highlight the synergy between the two businesses—“Train hard with us, then recover with a healthy smoothie at [Partner]!”
7. Reward Referrals with Special Offers
Loyal clients are often your best source of new business. By offering a referral program, you incentivize them to bring in new clients while giving them something special in return.
Example:
- Run a “Bring a Friend and Get Half Off” deal where current clients who bring in a new client receive 50% off their next session. You could even turn it into a friendly competition with leaderboard rankings for those who bring in the most referrals each month.
Marketing Tip: Promote this offer as an ongoing reward program, so your clients are always thinking about referring others. Use success stories from clients who have taken advantage of the program to further encourage referrals.
Conclusion: Don’t Just Offer Deals—Market Them Like a Pro
Offering promotions and deals as a personal trainer is a fantastic way to attract new clients, but how you market these deals can make all the difference. By getting creative with time-limited challenges, bundled services, holiday themes, contests, flash sales, and strategic partnerships, you can make your promotions irresistible. Ready to take your promotions to the next level? Download TrueCoach’s Guide to Offering Promotions to learn more about effective strategies and best practices for maximizing your marketing efforts.
Remember, the key is not just to offer a discount but to create an experience that clients are excited to be a part of. Your unique marketing efforts will not only help you stand out from the competition but also keep clients coming back for more.
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Author: Bobby O'Connell FRSA CSM
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First published: November 07 2024
Written by: Bobby O'Connell