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400+ Gym Marketing Ideas That Work in 2024

400+ Gym Marketing Ideas That Work in 2024

Posted by Tyler Spraul, Certified Strength and Conditioning SpecialistĀ® (CSCSĀ®) on February 26, 2023 ā€” Updated on January 22, 2024

Read this big list of gym marketing ideas that work. Implement gym lead generation strategies to market your gym, get more gym leads, and increase gym revenue.

Gym Marketing Ideas

Every gym owner wants to grow their gym business, but coming up with new gym marketing ideas can be hard to do when inspiration runs dry. Learn how to market your gym with these successful gym marketing ideas that actually work, and then see how you can automate gym marketing best practices with the Exercise.com platform so you can have a successful gym business.

Creative marketing ideas for gyms are great, but you have to have a plan to put them into action! Use fitness automations to send gym marketing email, SMS, and in-app messages automatically based on key triggers.

Gym Marketing Automations

Offer fitness upsells, and much, much moreā€”all through your own custom-branded fitness apps.

Custom Branded Apps

View gym marketing reports and track gym marketing conversions with the best gym CRM softwareā€”all part of the best gym marketing software suite.

Gym CRM Software

Use this big list of fitness marketing ideas to grow your gym and bring in new revenue. Whether your need ideas for gym social media marketing, gym email marketing, gym SMS marketing, gym partnership marketing, gym video marketing, or even influencer marketing for gyms, we’ve got fitness advertising ideas to market a gym galore.

Fitness Income Ideas

And, of course, be sure to utilize the power of the best gym management software system and best personal training software that will help you implement your fitness marketing ideas at your gym and turn gym marketing ideas into an increase in gym revenue and profitability.

APEC
Exercise.com is simply the best. We were using three or four different apps or softwares to do what we can now do all in one with the Exercise.com platform.
Brandon Stroupe
Founder and President, APEC Sports Performance

Get a demo now!

Best Gym Marketing Ideas

Marketing is essential to the success of any gym, as it attracts new members and retains existing ones. Creativity in your gym marketing strategies can set your gym apart in a highly competitive industry. Exercise.com provides various features that can enhance and streamline your marketing efforts. Here are 50 creative gym marketing ideas, with explanations on how Exercise.com can help implement them.

  1. Fitness Challenges: Launch a fitness challenge using Exercise.com’s best gym fitness challenge software to track members’ progress, increase engagement, and attract potential membersā€”all in your very own custom branded fitness apps! Read our big list of fitness challenge ideas or even run a fitness challenge online to market a gym for cheap.
  2. Referral Programs: Encourage members to bring a friend in return for rewards. Use Exercise.com to track referrals with the best gym software with referral management tools. Learn how to create a gym referral program and get ideas for the best gym member incentives for more info.
  3. Social Media Contests: Run competitions on social media for best transformation photos or fitness routines. Use the Exercise.com platform with the best gym progress photo tracking software to build healthy habits as part of your custom branded fitness apps.
  4. Branded Merchandise: Sell gym-branded digital products, macro guides, and more via your online landing pages with Exercise.com’s best gym ecommerce software. Learn how to how to build a gym sales funnel and how to increase gym landing page conversions.
  5. Nutrition Seminars: Host online webinars on nutrition, promoting them online.
  6. Before and After Stories: Use your custom-branded web platform to showcase member testimonials and transformation stories.
  7. Community Events: Participate in local events and share your involvement via your app. Throw your own event and get inspiration from our big list of gym event ideas.
  8. Influencer Partnerships: Collaborate with local fitness influencers and track the success of these partnerships with best practices from the influencer marketing for gyms guide.
  9. Workout of the Day: Share a unique daily workout on your custom-branded Exercise.com fitness platform to engage members. Utilize the best gym habit tracking software and the best fitness assessment software to create custom sequences and automations.
  10. Email Newsletters: Send regular email newsletters with fitness tips and gym updates using Exercise.com’s best gym email software tools.
  11. Discounts for Local Businesses: Partner with local businesses to offer member discounts and advertise these on your platform. Utilize best practices in gym partnership marketing and learn how to increase gym word of mouth.
  12. Free Workout Sessions: Offer a free class or session and manage sign-ups via Exercise.com’s best gym booking software that is fully integrated with all of your marketing (yep, you can even add a Facebook pixel, work with Google Tag Manager, you name it).
  13. Charity Runs: Organize charity events and manage participation using Exercise.com’s best gym software with event management features. Learn how to host a live fitness event.
  14. Personal Training Packages: Promote special personal training packages on your web platform and in-person.
  15. Fitness Podcasts: Start a gym podcast and share it with your members on social media.
  16. Holiday Promotions: Offer special holiday promotions and advertise them online and in your gym. Get some ideas with our big list of gym promotion ideas.
  17. Themed Workout Days: Create themed workout days, like “Superhero Day,” and promote them via social media. Use this big list of gym theme party ideas.
  18. Partnerships with Health Food Stores: Partner with local health food stores and share exclusive discounts with your members.
  19. Birthday Rewards: Offer members a free class or personal training session on their birthday and automate these rewards through Exercise.com’s automations.
  20. Fitness Blog: Start a blog with tips and advice, and share new posts via messaging with your members.
  21. Free Guest Passes: Encourage members to bring friends for a free workout and track usage with Exercise.com’s best gym software with coupon codes.
  22. Live Stream Workouts: Use Exercise.com to learn how to live-stream fitness classes and workouts, reaching members at home.
  23. Family Fitness Classes: Offer family-friendly classes and manage registrations via Exercise.com.
  24. Corporate Wellness Packages: Use Exercise.com to manage corporate wellness programs, providing a source of steady clients.
  25. Outdoor Boot Camps: Host outdoor events and manage sign-ups via Exercise.com. Learn how to start a fitness bootcamp and use our big list of fitness bootcamp ideas.
  26. Promote Member Achievements: Celebrate member accomplishments and milestones on your platform.
  27. Limited-Time Membership Deals: Offer discounted memberships for a limited time and manage sign-ups through Exercise.com.
  28. Free Health Checks: Offer health and fitness assessments and manage bookings via Exercise.com.
  29. Online Personal Training: Use Exercise.com to offer virtual personal training sessions.
  30. Member Social Events: Organize social events and manage RSVPs via your website.
  31. Member Surveys: Send out surveys, gathering feedback to improve your services and increase gym word of mouth.
  32. Google My Business Listing: Keep your Google My Business listing up-to-date and encourage reviews. Learn more about how to create a gym Google My Business Listing and how to manage Google reviews for your gym.
  33. SEO: Regularly update your gym’s website with keyword-rich content. Read more about gym SEO marketing and how to use the best fitness and gym keywords for SEO.
  34. Video Testimonials: Share member video testimonials via your Exercise.com app. Learn how to get more gym testimonials and how to incorporate them into your gym video marketing strategy.
  35. Wellness Workshops: Host workshops on wellness topics and manage registrations through Exercise.com.
  36. Fitness Webinars: Host and promote fitness webinars to engage and motivate your members.
  37. Fitness Quizzes: Create fun fitness quizzes and share them online. Use these fitness quiz ideas.
  38. Interactive Social Media Posts: Post interactive content like polls or Q&A sessions on social media.
  39. Weekly Fitness Tips: Share weekly fitness tips with members via your custom branded gym fitness app.
  40. Online Fitness Classes: Use Exercise.com to provide online classes for members who can’t make it to the gym.
  41. Weight Loss Challenges: Host a weight loss challenge, using Exercise.com to track and share progress.
  42. Healthy Recipe Shares: Share healthy recipes with members via the Exercise.com platform.
  43. Specialty Class Promotions: Promote unique classes like yoga or kickboxing using Exercise.com.
  44. Anniversary Offers: Offer members a special discount or reward on their membership anniversary. Set up automations with Exercise.com to make this all happen automatically. You can even run a gym win back campaign on key dates (use this list of gym win back campaign ideas).
  45. Collaboration with Local Athletes: Host a special class or event with local athletes, promoting and managing the event via Exercise.com.
  46. Free Trial for Online Services: Use Exercise.com to offer a free trial of online workout programs.
  47. Promotion of New Equipment: If your gym gets new equipment, promote it using your Exercise.com platform.
  48. Senior Citizen Programs: Create workout programs for seniors and promote them in your community.
  49. Fitness Retreats: Organize a fitness retreat or day trip and manage sign-ups via Exercise.com. Get inspiration with this list of gym event ideas.
  50. Free Downloadable Workout Plans: Offer free downloadable workout plans via the Exercise.com platform as a lead magnet for potential new members. Offer fitness up-sells and sell workout plans online to make money as part of learning how to create multiple gym revenue streams.

Keep reading for even more gym marketing ideas!

And remember that Exercise.com can streamline and enhance your gym marketing efforts, leading to more membership sign-ups and a stronger community presence. These creative gym marketing ideas will help you learn how to promote a gym and make the most of Exercise.com’s features, boosting your gym’s success.

Our overall experience with Exercise.com is a breeze. We love how easy it is to integrate this app with our current workflow while providing great fitness programs for our customers and save us time in the process.
Julie Ledbetter
Owner, Ledbetter Fitness

Get a demo now!

Creative Gym Marketing Ideas

  1. Virtual Reality Workouts: Introduce VR workouts, using Exercise.com to manage bookings and sessions.
  2. Fitness-Themed Art Exhibit: Host an art exhibit at your gym featuring fitness-inspired art.
  3. Workout with Local Celebrities: Organize special classes led by local celebrities, promoting through Exercise.com.
  4. Gym Member Spotlight Series: Highlight members’ stories and achievements on your platform.
  5. Augmented Reality Fitness Trail: Create an AR experience for outdoor workouts, with Exercise.com tracking progress.
  6. Fitness Flash Fiction Contest: Host a short story contest related to health and fitness.
  7. ‘The Biggest Giver’ Charity Challenge: A challenge where members donate based on their workout intensity, tracked through Exercise.com.
  8. Fitness Graffiti Wall: Encourage members to share their fitness goals and achievements on a gym wall.
  9. Retro Fitness Night: Host a throwback workout night with retro themes and music.
  10. Community Mural Project: Involve members in creating a large-scale fitness-themed mural.
  11. Health and Fitness Expo: Host an expo, using Exercise.com for event management and ticketing.
  12. Interactive Gym Installations: Set up interactive, fitness-related art installations.
  13. Fitness Book Club: Host a book club focusing on health and fitness literature.
  14. Gym Member Recipe Book: Compile and publish a recipe book with members’ healthy recipes.
  15. Outdoor Movie Night with Fitness Theme: Screen fitness-themed movies outdoors.
  16. Mobile Gym Experience: Create a mobile gym setup for local events, using Exercise.com for scheduling.
  17. Fitness Scavenger Hunt in the City: Organize a city-wide scavenger hunt with fitness challenges.
  18. Gym-Themed Escape Room: Design an escape room with fitness challenges.
  19. ‘Train the Trainer’ Day: Let members lead workouts for trainers, promoting the event on Exercise.com.
  20. Fitness-Inspired Fashion Show: Host a fashion show featuring athletic wear.
  21. Health and Fitness Podcast Series: Start a podcast series, sharing episodes on your platform.
  22. Gym Art and Crafts Fair: Organize a fair showcasing fitness-inspired crafts and goods.
  23. Fitness Role-Playing Game (RPG): Create an RPG where members ‘level up’ with their workouts.
  24. Gym Photography Contest: Host a contest for the best gym workout photos.
  25. Dance Battle Event: Organize a dance competition in different fitness dance styles.

Monthly Gym Promotion Ideas

  1. New Year Resolution Special: Offer discounted memberships in January.
  2. Valentine’s Couple Workouts: Special rates for couples in February.
  3. Spring Into Fitness: Reduced fees for outdoor classes in March/April.
  4. Summer Prep Bootcamps: Intensive bootcamps in May at special rates.
  5. Family Fitness Month: Discounted family packages in June.
  6. Patriotic Workout Specials: Themed workouts for July 4th with promotions.
  7. Back-to-School Bootcamp: Special rates for students and teachers in August.
  8. Fall Fitness Festivals: Host fitness events with promotions in September.
  9. Halloween-Themed Fitness Challenges: Special challenges and classes in October.
  10. Thanksgiving ā€˜Turkey Burnā€™ Workouts: Post-Thanksgiving workout specials in November.
  11. Holiday Season Giveaways: Special offers and giveaways in December.
  12. Mid-Year Motivation Boost: Special rates and challenges in July to re-energize members.
  13. Women’s Health Month: Focused events and promotions in May.
  14. Menā€™s Health Month Specials: Promotions and events in June.
  15. Senior Fitness Specials: Discounts for seniors in May.
  16. Earth Day Eco-Friendly Fitness: Promotions on sustainable practices in April.
  17. Heart Health Month: Special classes in February focusing on cardiovascular health.
  18. Stress Awareness Month: Stress reduction workshops and classes in April.
  19. Motherā€™s/Fatherā€™s Day Specials: Special offers for parents in May/June.
  20. Black Friday Deals: Special offers on memberships and merchandise in November.
  21. Cyber Monday Online Specials: Promotions on online training packages in November.
  22. Easter Egg Fitness Hunt: A fun workout event with prizes in April.
  23. Veterans Day Specials: Special offers for veterans in November.
  24. Labor Day Weekend Bootcamp: Intensive workout sessions during the first weekend of September.
  25. Anniversary Celebrations: Special promotions and events to celebrate the gym’s anniversary month.

Online Gym Marketing Ideas

  1. SEO-Optimized Blog Posts: Regularly publish fitness blogs, using Exercise.com to enhance SEO.
  2. Live Q&A Sessions on Social Media: Host live Q&A sessions on fitness topics.
  3. Online Fitness Web Series: Create a series of workout videos or fitness tips.
  4. Interactive Online Workshops: Host webinars and workshops on various fitness topics.
  5. E-Newsletter with Fitness Tips: Send out a monthly newsletter with tips and gym updates.
  6. Targeted Facebook Ads: Use Facebook ads to target local audiences or specific demographics.
  7. Instagram Fitness Challenges: Host challenges and share results on Instagram.
  8. YouTube Workout Series: Post regular workout videos or fitness tips on YouTube.
  9. Online Fitness Quizzes: Engage your audience with interactive quizzes.
  10. Virtual Fitness Consultations: Offer online consultations or coaching sessions.
  11. Social Media Fitness Campaigns: Run thematic campaigns on various platforms.
  12. Online Membership Sign-Ups and Promotions: Use Exercise.com to manage online sign-ups.
  13. Digital Fitness Bootcamps: Host online bootcamps with live sessions.
  14. Google My Business Optimization: Regularly update your listing with photos and offers.
  15. Influencer Collaboration Videos: Collaborate with fitness influencers for content.
  16. Online Store for Fitness Merchandise: Sell branded merchandise through your Exercise.com platform.
  17. Virtual Tour of Your Gym: Offer a 360-degree online tour of your gym.
  18. Online Health and Wellness Seminars: Host and promote online seminars.
  19. Fitness App Integration: Integrate with popular fitness apps to expand your reach.
  20. Email Marketing Campaigns: Regular, targeted email campaigns to engage members.
  21. Pinterest Boards for Fitness Tips: Create and share content on Pinterest.
  22. LinkedIn Articles for Professional Audience: Publish articles targeting a professional audience.
  23. TikTok Fitness Videos: Short, engaging fitness videos on TikTok.
  24. Online Personal Training Packages: Offer personalized training plans online.
  25. Member Testimonials and Reviews: Share testimonials and encourage online reviews.

These ideas leverage a mix of creativity, seasonal relevance, and digital engagement to effectively market a gym, utilizing platforms like Exercise.com to streamline and enhance the efforts.

AMPD Golf Performance
“Working with Exercise.com and their team has been an amazing experience and a dream come true in terms of accomplishing a vision! Their workout technology has helped us effectively engage our community, and I highly recommend Exercise.com to grow your business!”
Andrew Banner
Co-Founder, AMPD Golf Performance

Get a demo now!

Gym Marketing Ideas to Get More Personal Training Clients

  1. Highlight Success Stories: Use your Exercise.com platform to showcase success stories of personal training clients.
  2. Free Initial Consultation Offers: Promote a free first session with personal trainers.
  3. Personal Training Packages Deals: Offer discounted packages for new clients.
  4. Social Media Trainer Spotlights: Feature your trainers and their specialties on social media.
  5. Collaborative Fitness Blogs: Have trainers contribute to a fitness blog with tips and advice.
  6. Trainer-Led Workshops: Host workshops led by personal trainers on various fitness topics.
  7. Referral Bonuses for Personal Training: Offer incentives for members who refer others to personal training services.
  8. Personal Training Gift Cards: Sell gift cards or vouchers for personal training sessions.
  9. Email Marketing with Training Tips: Send out emails with training tips from your trainers.
  10. Instagram Live Q&A with Trainers: Host live sessions where trainers answer fitness questions.
  11. Targeted Online Ads for Training Services: Use targeted ads to promote personal training services.
  12. Fitness Assessment Promotions: Offer free fitness assessments to introduce personal training.
  13. Virtual Personal Training Sessions: Promote online personal training options.
  14. Member-Exclusive Training Discounts: Special training rates exclusive to current gym members.
  15. Trainer Testimonial Videos: Share videos of clients talking about their training experience.
  16. Personal Training Demo Days: Host demo days where trainers showcase their expertise.
  17. Cross-Promotion with Local Businesses: Partner with local businesses to offer personal training deals.
  18. Interactive Social Media Fitness Tips: Share fitness tips from trainers in interactive posts.
  19. Collaborate with Health Professionals: Partner with dietitians or physical therapists to offer comprehensive packages.
  20. Trainer Profile Series on Website: Create detailed profiles of trainers on your gym website.
  21. Limited-Time Offers for Training Sessions: Time-sensitive deals to encourage quick sign-ups.
  22. Influencer Endorsements for Trainers: Collaborate with local influencers to promote personal trainers.
  23. Customized Training Plans Promotion: Advertise the ability to get personalized workout plans.
  24. Group Personal Training Offers: Promote group training sessions at special rates.
  25. Member Journey Features: Highlight how personal training has helped members achieve their goals.

Read More: Personal Training Marketing

Gym Event Marketing Ideas

  1. Open House Events: Invite the public to experience your gym and its offerings.
  2. Fitness Expos and Fairs: Host or participate in fitness expos, using Exercise.com for promotion.
  3. Seasonal Fitness Challenges: Create challenges related to seasons or holidays.
  4. Health and Wellness Seminars: Organize seminars on various health topics.
  5. Member Appreciation Days: Host special events to show appreciation for members.
  6. Charity Workout Events: Organize workouts where participation fees go to charity.
  7. Gym Anniversary Celebrations: Celebrate your gym’s anniversary with special events.
  8. Fitness Competitions: Host competitions like weightlifting or endurance challenges.
  9. Collaborative Community Events: Partner with local businesses for larger community events.
  10. Nutrition and Cooking Workshops: Offer workshops focusing on healthy eating.
  11. Family Fitness Days: Events designed for members and their families.
  12. Outdoor Bootcamp Events: Host boot camps in local parks or outdoor spaces.
  13. Fitness Fashion Shows: Showcase workout wear and gym merchandise.
  14. Guest Speaker Events: Invite guest speakers from the fitness industry.
  15. Virtual Fitness Marathons: Host online fitness events for a wider reach.
  16. Yoga Retreats and Workshops: Special events focusing on yoga and mindfulness.
  17. New Class Launch Events: Promote the launch of new fitness classes.
  18. Fitness Technology Demos: Demonstrate new fitness technology at your gym.
  19. Sport-Specific Clinics: Offer clinics for specific sports like running or swimming.
  20. Trainer Meet and Greet: Allow members to meet and interact with personal trainers.
  21. Social Media Event Teasers: Use social media to tease upcoming events.
  22. Fitness Movie Nights: Screen fitness-related documentaries or movies.
  23. Wellness and Spa Days: Combine fitness with wellness treatments.
  24. Local Athlete Workshops: Host workshops led by local athletes.
  25. Fitness Scavenger Hunts: Create a fun fitness-based scavenger hunt.

Read More: Gym Event Ideas

Gym Challenge Marketing Ideas

  1. Weight Loss Challenges: Host a challenge focused on weight loss, tracking progress with Exercise.com.
  2. Step Count Challenge: Encourage members to participate in a step count challenge.
  3. Workout Streak Challenge: Challenge members to maintain a workout streak for a set period.
  4. Fitness Bingo: Create a bingo card with different fitness activities.
  5. Virtual Race Challenge: Organize a virtual race where participants track their distances.
  6. Healthy Eating Challenge: Combine fitness with a focus on healthy eating habits.
  7. Transformation Challenge: A long-term challenge focusing on overall body transformation.
  8. Strength Gain Challenge: Track strength improvements over a period using Exercise.com.
  9. Yoga Challenge: Encourage members to participate in daily or weekly yoga sessions.
  10. Group Class Attendance Challenge: Reward members for attending the most classes.
  11. Hydration Challenge: Promote healthy hydration habits alongside workouts.
  12. Push-up or Plank Challenge: Challenges focusing on specific exercises.
  13. Mental Health and Fitness Challenge: Combine fitness activities with mindfulness practices.
  14. Family Fitness Challenge: Engage entire families in a fitness challenge.
  15. Cycling Distance Challenge: Track cycling distances over a month or specific period.
  16. Fitness Knowledge Quiz Challenge: Quiz members on fitness and health knowledge.
  17. Holiday-Themed Challenges: Tailor challenges around holidays or special events.
  18. Outdoor Adventure Challenge: Encourage outdoor fitness activities.
  19. Social Media Check-In Challenge: Reward members for checking in on social media.
  20. Rowing Machine Challenge: Set goals for distance or time on rowing machines.
  21. Swimming Laps Challenge: Track and reward progress in swimming.
  22. Corporate Fitness Challenge: Engage local businesses in a fitness challenge.
  23. Fitness Skill Acquisition Challenge: Encourage members to learn a new fitness skill.
  24. Endurance Challenge: Focus on endurance-building activities.
  25. Flexibility and Mobility Challenge: Encourage improvement in flexibility and mobility.

Each category presents unique and effective ways to market your gym and engage both current and potential members. Utilizing Exercise.com’s versatile platform can enhance these marketing strategies by facilitating event management, tracking challenge progress, and simplifying communications.

Read More: Gym Challenge Ideas

Gym Email Marketing Ideas

  1. Welcome Emails for New Members: Send personalized greetings and gym information.
  2. Monthly Fitness Newsletters: Share fitness tips, gym updates, and member spotlights.
  3. Workout of the Week: Email a weekly workout plan or challenge.
  4. Nutrition Advice Series: Regular emails focusing on diet and nutrition.
  5. Member Success Stories: Share inspiring stories of members’ fitness journeys.
  6. Personal Training Promotions: Highlight personal training packages and success stories.
  7. Upcoming Events and Classes: Keep members informed about new classes and events.
  8. Seasonal Fitness Tips: Tailored advice for staying fit during different seasons.
  9. Birthday Specials: Send special offers or messages on members’ birthdays.
  10. Health and Wellness Webinars: Promote online events or webinars.
  11. Exclusive Email Discounts: Offer special promotions exclusive to email subscribers.
  12. Survey and Feedback Requests: Gather member feedback to improve gym services.
  13. Referral Program Reminders: Encourage members to refer friends and family.
  14. Holiday and Event-Themed Emails: Themed emails around holidays and special events.
  15. Fitness Challenge Invitations: Invite members to participate in gym challenges.
  16. New Equipment Announcements: Inform members about new additions to the gym.
  17. Trainer Introduction Series: Introduce personal trainers and their expertise.
  18. Re-engagement Emails for Inactive Members: Encourage inactive members to return.
  19. Fitness Myth-Busting Series: Debunk common fitness myths.
  20. Community Involvement Highlights: Share the gym’s involvement in local community events.
  21. Tips for Maximizing Gym Visits: Offer advice on getting the most out of their gym time.
  22. Anniversary Milestones: Celebrate the gym’s milestones and member anniversaries.
  23. Corporate Wellness Programs: Promote corporate memberships and wellness programs.
  24. Guest Pass Invitations: Encourage members to bring friends with guest passes.
  25. Online Resources and Apps: Promote Exercise.com and other useful fitness apps.

Read More: Gym Email Marketing

Gym SMS Marketing Ideas

Gym SMS (Short Message Service) marketing can be a powerful tool for engaging members and promoting your gym’s services directly to their phones. Here’s how you can effectively utilize SMS marketing for your gym:

  1. Promotional Messages: Send texts about special promotions, discounts, or new services offered by your gym to keep members informed and interested.
  2. Class Reminders and Updates: Use SMS to remind members about upcoming classes or schedule changes. This can reduce no-shows and keep your class attendance high.
  3. Personal Training Reminders: Send reminders for personal training sessions, helping both trainers and clients stay organized.
  4. Fitness Tips and Motivation: Share short fitness tips or motivational quotes to keep members engaged and inspired about their fitness journey.
  5. Member Engagement Surveys: Send links to short surveys to gather feedback from members about their gym experience.
  6. Referral Program Alerts: Use SMS to promote your gym’s referral program, encouraging members to refer friends and family.
  7. Event Notifications: Notify members of upcoming events or workshops, increasing participation and interest.
  8. Flash Sales and Time-Sensitive Offers: SMS is a great channel for time-sensitive promotions, creating a sense of urgency and encouraging quick action.
  9. Birthday Wishes and Special Offers: Send personalized birthday greetings with special offers like a free personal training session or class.
  10. Health and Wellness Challenges: Invite members to participate in fitness challenges and send regular updates or encouragement via SMS.
  11. Gym Announcements and News: Keep members updated with any important news or announcements about your gym.
  12. Emergency Alerts: In case of an unexpected closure or emergency, SMS can be used to quickly inform members.
  13. Re-engagement Campaigns: Reach out to members who haven’t visited the gym in a while with special offers or updates to re-engage them.
  14. Nutrition and Diet Tips: Share brief nutrition tips or reminders to support members’ overall wellness goals.
  15. Success Story Highlights: Share short member success stories to motivate others.
  16. Mobile App Promotion: If your gym has a mobile app, use SMS to encourage members to download and use it.
  17. Personal Trainer Bio and Specialties: Introduce new trainers and their specialties to members via SMS.
  18. Membership Renewal Reminders: Send reminders about upcoming membership renewals.
  19. Seasonal Messages: Tailor messages around seasons or holidays with relevant fitness tips or promotions.
  20. Community Involvement and CSR Initiatives: Inform members about your gym’s involvement in community events or social responsibility initiatives.

When implementing fitness SMS marketing, ensure that you comply with all legal requirements, including obtaining consent from members to receive text messages. Also, keep the messages concise, relevant, and not too frequent to avoid overwhelming your members. Gym SMS marketing, when done right, can be a highly effective tool for enhancing gym member engagement and driving gym growth. And the best part is that using the best gym SMS marketing software from Exercise.com means that you can create gym SMS automations that send out your gym text message marketing campaigns automatically!

Read More: Gym SMS Marketing

Gym Social Media Marketing Ideas

  1. Daily Fitness Tips: Share quick fitness tips or facts daily.
  2. Member Spotlight Stories: Highlight member achievements and testimonials.
  3. Live Workout Sessions: Stream live workouts or Q&A sessions.
  4. Behind-the-Scenes Content: Share what happens behind the scenes at the gym.
  5. Interactive Polls and Quizzes: Engage followers with fitness-related polls and quizzes.
  6. Fitness Challenge Announcements: Promote and update about ongoing fitness challenges.
  7. Throwback Thursday Posts: Share the gym’s milestones or member transformations.
  8. Weekly Motivational Quotes: Post inspirational fitness and wellness quotes.
  9. User-Generated Content: Encourage members to share their workout stories or photos.
  10. Fitness Video Tutorials: Post short workout or exercise demonstration videos.
  11. Social Media Exclusive Offers: Provide special offers for your social media followers.
  12. Gym Event Live Streams: Broadcast gym events or workshops live.
  13. Partner with Fitness Influencers: Collaborate with fitness influencers for content.
  14. Health and Nutrition Advice: Share healthy recipes and nutrition tips.
  15. Instagram Stories Q&A Sessions: Host Q&A sessions on fitness topics.
  16. Facebook Groups for Members: Create a community group for gym members.
  17. Workout Playlist Sharing: Share motivational workout playlists.
  18. Fitness Myths vs. Facts Series: Educate followers with accurate fitness information.
  19. Time-Lapse Videos of Gym Activities: Show transformations or gym activities in time-lapse.
  20. Interactive Workout Challenges: Host challenges that followers can participate in.
  21. Celebration Posts for Holidays: Create festive posts for holidays and occasions.
  22. Trainer Takeover Days: Let a trainer take over social media for a day.
  23. Showcase Gym Equipment: Highlight the features of your gym equipment.
  24. Wellness Wednesday Posts: Focus on overall wellness and self-care.
  25. Social Media Contests and Giveaways: Host contests to engage followers.

Read More: Gym Social Media Marketing

Gym Referral Marketing Ideas

  1. Member-Get-Member Campaigns: Reward members for each successful referral.
  2. Referral Contests with Prizes: Run contests with prizes for the most referrals.
  3. Social Media Referral Promotions: Encourage members to refer friends through social media.
  4. Email Referral Requests: Include referral requests in regular email communications.
  5. Referral Discounts on Membership Renewals: Offer discounts on renewals for successful referrals.
  6. Bring a Friend Day Events: Host special days where members can bring friends for free.
  7. Referral Bonus Points Program: Implement a points system for referrals redeemable for rewards.
  8. Guest Pass Giveaways: Give members guest passes to distribute to friends.
  9. Personal Training Referral Rewards: Offer personal training session rewards for referrals.
  10. Partnership Referral Deals with Local Businesses: Collaborate with local businesses for mutual referral programs.
  11. Referral Acknowledgement Posts: Recognize successful referrers on social media or in the gym.
  12. Dedicated Referral Landing Page: Create a landing page on your website for referral program details.
  13. Exclusive Referral Events: Invite members and their referrals to exclusive events.
  14. Referral Program Flyers and Posters: Display referral program details prominently in the gym.
  15. Automated Referral Emails: Use Exercise.com to automate referral program emails.
  16. Referral Program Training for Staff: Educate staff on promoting the referral program.
  17. Video Testimonials from Referrers: Share videos of members talking about the referral program.
  18. Community Referral Challenges: Create community-wide referral challenges.
  19. Incentives for First-Time Referrers: Special incentives for members who make their first referral.
  20. Member Referral Appreciation Day: A day dedicated to celebrating members who have made referrals.
  21. Track Referral Progress Online: Use Exercise.com to track and display referral progress.
  22. Referral Incentives for Different Services: Offer varied rewards for different services like classes or personal training.
  23. New Member Welcome Pack for Referrals: Provide a welcome pack for new members who join through referrals.
  24. Referral Success Stories Blog Post: Share stories of successful referrals on your blog.
  25. Email Signature Referral Reminders: Include a referral program reminder in email signatures.

These fitness center referral marketing ideas are designed to help gyms attract and retain more clients through creative, promotional, and referral-based strategies. Use the best gym software with referral program management to scale your gym’s referral program. Utilizing Exercise.com’s software can streamline these efforts, making them more effective and easier to manage.

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Unique Gym Marketing Ideas

Elevating your gym’s marketing efforts requires innovation and creativity. These 25 unique gym marketing ideas, combined with Exercise.com’s comprehensive management tools, can significantly enhance your gym’s appeal and membership engagement.

  1. Virtual Reality Workouts: Offer cutting-edge VR fitness experiences, making workouts immersive and futuristic.
  2. Fitness Flash Mobs: Organize flash mobs in public spaces to create buzz and showcase your gym’s energy.
  3. Gym-Themed Escape Room: Design a fitness-based escape room challenge for team-building and fun.
  4. Augmented Reality Fitness Challenges: Implement AR technology in challenges that blend the physical and digital world.
  5. Community ‘Biggest Loser’ Contest: Host a community-wide fitness challenge with engaging activities and tracking.
  6. Instagrammable Gym Spaces: Create visually striking areas in your gym for members to share on social media.
  7. Fitness Scavenger Hunts: Organize local scavenger hunts that incorporate fitness challenges at each stop.
  8. ‘Workout and Wine’ Evenings: Combine light workout sessions followed by social wine tasting events.
  9. Fitness Concerts: Host workout sessions with live music or DJ sets for an energizing experience.
  10. ‘Train with a Pro’ Days: Offer days where members can work out with professional athletes or trainers.
  11. Themed Workout Parties: Host costume or themed workout events (e.g., 80’s aerobics, superhero workouts).
  12. Fitness Retreats and Trips: Organize retreats focusing on fitness, wellness, and adventure.
  13. 360-Degree Video Workouts: Create immersive workout videos allowing viewers to control their perspective.
  14. Health and Fitness Expos: Host expos with guest speakers, health food vendors, and fitness demonstrations.
  15. ‘Bring a Friend’ VIP Days: Members can bring friends for a VIP gym experience with special classes and perks.
  16. Interactive Workout Challenges: Utilize apps or wearables for interactive, gamified workout experiences.
  17. Pop-Up Gyms in Unique Locations: Set up temporary workout spaces in unexpected locations like rooftops or beaches.
  18. Celebrity Fitness Workshops: Invite celebrity trainers or fitness influencers for exclusive workshops.
  19. Eco-Friendly Workout Initiatives: Promote sustainability with eco-friendly initiatives and green gym practices.
  20. Partner with Local Festivals: Offer fitness sessions or sponsor activities at local festivals and fairs.
  21. ‘Fitness Journey’ Video Series: Document members’ fitness journeys and share as inspirational stories.
  22. Gym Art and Music Nights: Blend fitness with culture by hosting art exhibitions or live music nights in your gym.
  23. Fitness-Focused Podcasts: Create podcasts discussing health, fitness tips, and gym community stories.
  24. Nutrition and Cooking Classes: Complement workout regimes with classes on healthy cooking and nutrition.
  25. Fitness Adventure Races: Organize adventure or obstacle races that challenge participants in fun and unique ways.

Leveraging these innovative gym marketing ideas with the robust capabilities of Exercise.com can help you attract a diverse membership base and keep them engaged. From managing event sign-ups to tracking member participation in challenges, Exercise.com provides the necessary tools to bring these creative marketing strategies to life effectively. Remember, the uniqueness of your marketing efforts can set your gym apart and create a strong, vibrant fitness community.

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I sold a workout program and matched my yearly salary of in-person training within two weeks of selling to my community!
Paul Fabritz
Founder and BS, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, ACE, FMS, PJF Performance

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Best Marketing Ideas for a Small Gym

For small gym owners, effective marketing is key to attracting new members and retaining existing ones. Whether you’re wondering how to market a new gym, how to promote a new gym, or seeking general marketing ideas for a gym, the right strategies can make a significant difference. Below are some targeted marketing ideas for a small gym, each accompanied by a brief description, and incorporating the requested keywords.

  1. Social Media Campaigns: Use platforms like Instagram and Facebook to showcase your gym’s unique features and community. This is a great way to market a new gym and reach a wider audience.
  2. Referral Programs: Encourage your current members to refer friends and family by offering incentives. It’s an effective method on how to market my gym through word-of-mouth.
  3. Local Community Events: Participate in or sponsor local events to increase visibility. This approach answers how to promote a new gym by building local community ties.
  4. Email Marketing: Send regular newsletters with fitness tips, member stories, and special offers. This is a classic among marketing ideas for a gym to keep members engaged.
  5. SEO and Content Marketing: Optimize your website for search engines and create engaging blog content. This helps in how to market a gym business by improving online visibility.
  6. Targeted Online Ads: Use online advertising with precise targeting to reach potential clients in your area. This is a key gym marketing tip for reaching a specific demographic.
  7. Collaborations and Partnerships: Partner with local businesses for cross-promotion. This strategy can be part of how to market a gym business by tapping into existing customer bases.
  8. Special Offers and Discounts: Offer trial memberships or discounts to attract new members. This idea helps in how to promote a new gym by providing a low-risk option for potential clients.
  9. Customer Reviews and Testimonials: Encourage satisfied members to leave reviews online. Positive reviews are a powerful tool in gym marketing tips to build trust.
  10. Fitness Challenges and Events: Host challenges or special fitness events to create buzz. This approach is among the creative marketing ideas for a small gym to generate excitement.

Implementing these marketing strategies for a small gym can significantly boost the visibility and appeal of your small gym. Remember, understanding how to market a gym business isn’t just about broad strategies; it’s about finding what resonates with your target audience and what aligns with your brand’s identity. By applying these gym marketing tips, you can create a strong, engaged community around your gym. For gym owners seeking comprehensive tools to manage and grow their business, Exercise.com offers robust software solutions tailored to the fitness industry. To explore how Exercise.com can enhance your gym’s marketing and operations, book a demo today.

Best Fitness Marketing Campaigns from Large Fitness Brands that Gyms Can Learn From

Large fitness brands like Nike, Lululemon, Planet Fitness, and Peloton have set remarkable benchmarks in the fitness industry with their marketing campaigns. These campaigns offer valuable lessons for gym owners on health club marketing campaigns, fitness center promotions, and more. Here, we look at some of the best fitness marketing campaigns and explore why they worked and how their strategies can be adapted in marketing your gym.

Nike: Just Do It

Why it Works: Nike’s “Just Do It” campaign is iconic for its simplicity and motivational message. It resonates with a wide audience by encouraging people to overcome procrastination and doubt.

Gym Implementation: Emphasize motivation and empowerment in your health club promotions. Create a slogan that inspires action and can be easily associated with your gym.

Lululemon: Community Building

Why it Works: Lululemon excels in building a community around its brand through local events and ambassador programs. This approach creates brand loyalty and a sense of belonging.

Gym Implementation: Focus on fitness club promotions that foster community. Host events, workshops, and initiate a local ambassador program to deepen connections with members.

Planet Fitness: Judgment-Free Zone

Why it Works: Planet Fitness markets itself as a ‘Judgment-Free Zone’, appealing to those intimidated by the traditional gym environment. This inclusive approach broadens its market.

Gym Implementation: Adopt inclusive fitness promotional ideas. Market your gym as a welcoming space for all fitness levels to attract a diverse clientele.

Peloton: At-Home Fitness Revolution

Why it Works: Peloton transformed at-home workouts with its high-tech equipment and streaming classes, making fitness accessible and convenient.

Gym Implementation: Integrate digital offerings in your health club advertising ideas. Offer virtual classes or online training sessions to tap into the at-home fitness market.

CrossFit: Community and Competition

Why it Works: CrossFitā€™s emphasis on community and competition creates a loyal and engaged customer base. Their events and challenges foster a strong community spirit. There’s a lot that can be learned from CrossFit marketing strategies.

Gym Implementation: Include competitive elements in your best gym promotion ideas. Organize fitness challenges or community events to boost engagement and loyalty.

SoulCycle: Experience Beyond Exercise

Why it Works: SoulCycle offers an immersive experience that goes beyond just a workout. Their focus on creating an emotional and transformative journey attracts a dedicated following.

Gym Implementation: Elevate the workout experience in your fitness business marketing. Create themed classes or events that offer an emotional and physical journey.

Goldā€™s Gym: Transformation Stories

Why it Works: Goldā€™s Gym leverages transformation stories of real people, making their brand relatable and inspiring.

Gym Implementation: Showcase member success stories in your marketing ideas for fitness clubs. Use testimonials and before-and-after photos to inspire and attract new members.

These campaigns demonstrate the best marketing strategies for gyms, emphasizing the importance of creating emotional connections, building communities, and providing unique experiences. For gym owners, adapting these approaches in fitness club promotions, health club advertising ideas, and fitness promotional ideas can lead to increased engagement and membership growth. Incorporating elements of these successful campaigns into your gymā€™s marketing strategy can provide a significant boost in attracting and retaining members. Remember, effective marketing is about connecting with your audience and offering them value beyond just fitness.

How to Promote Gym Memberships to the Local Community

Promoting gym memberships effectively to the local community requires a blend of traditional and innovative approaches. By leveraging crossfit marketing strategies and focusing on local fitness marketing, gym owners can increase their visibility and appeal within the community. Here’s how to market your gym business and attract local members.

Utilizing Local Networks

Community Engagement: Participate in local events and sponsor community sports teams to boost visibility.

Local Partnerships: Collaborate with local businesses for cross-promotions, leveraging fitness center advertising to reach a broader audience.

Targeted Promotions

Referral Programs: Implement a gym bring a friend promotion to encourage current members to introduce new clients.

Special Offers: Utilize health club promotion ideas like discounted rates for local residents or group fitness marketing for specific community groups.

Direct Marketing

Health Club Direct Mail: Send out targeted direct mail campaigns with compelling offers and information about your gym’s unique features.

Local Media Advertising: Utilize local newspapers, radio, and community bulletin boards for marketing a small gym.

Digital Strategies

Social Media Campaigns: Use social media platforms for marketing gym ideas, highlighting member success stories and special events.

Local SEO: Optimize your website and online listings to ensure your gym appears in local search results, essential for marketing a gym effectively.

Community-Focused Events

Open House Days: Host open house events to showcase your facilities and services, a great tactic in health club marketing strategies.

Fitness Challenges: Organize local fitness challenges or charity events, aligning with health and fitness marketing principles.

Crazy Gym Marketing Ideas That Just Might Work

Sometimes thinking outside the box with crazy marketing ideas gym can yield surprising results. Here are some unconventional yet potentially effective strategies to consider.

Unusual Partnerships

Collaborate with Non-Fitness Businesses: Partner with local cafes, bookstores, or art galleries for unique joint events, blending the best fitness advertising campaigns with diverse community interests.

Interactive Campaigns

Augmented Reality (AR) Experiences: Create an AR campaign where participants can experience virtual fitness challenges around the city.

Fitness Flash Mobs: Organize flash mobs in public places, showcasing group workouts or dance routines, adding an element of fun in marketing gym ideas.

Novel Promotions

Themed Workout Events: Host workouts themed around holidays or popular culture events, tapping into new year fitness studio promotion ideas or new year gym advertising.

Guerilla Marketing Tactics: Use unexpected public displays, like setting up mini workout stations in public parks, for attention-grabbing health club promotion ideas.

Extreme Challenges

Record-Breaking Attempts: Host events aimed at breaking fitness-related records, creating buzz and media interest.

Adventure-Based Promotions: Organize extreme fitness challenges or treasure hunts around the city, blending adventure with group fitness marketing.

Promoting your gym business requires a mix of community-focused strategies, digital marketing, direct outreach, and sometimes, a bit of creative madness. Whether itā€™s implementing crossfit marketing strategies, leveraging health club marketing strategies, or exploring crazy marketing ideas gym, the key is to connect with your audience in engaging and meaningful ways. For gym owners seeking to enhance their gym promotional efforts, Exercise.com offers comprehensive tools and support. To learn more about how to promote your gym business effectively, book a demo with Exercise.com today.

Jimmy Myers Relentless Sports Performance
If you want to offer an elite service for the end user you need to get with the times and use elite level software that is intuitive, visually appealing, and effective. That is exactly what Exercise.com delivers to its clients.
Jimmy Myers
Owner/Trainer, Relentless Sports Performance

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Creative Marketing Ideas for Gyms to Make Your Gym Stand Out

Innovative and creative marketing strategies for gyms can set your gym apart in a competitive fitness market. Here are some unique gym marketing ideas to help elevate your gymā€™s profile and make your gym stand out:

  1. Virtual Reality Workouts: Offer VR workout experiences to attract tech-savvy clients.
  2. Fitness Scavenger Hunts: Organize local scavenger hunts that incorporate fitness challenges.
  3. Workout Web Series: Create a series of entertaining workout videos or vlogs that can be shared on social media.
  4. Interactive Social Media Challenges: Engage your audience with weekly fitness challenges on social media platforms.
  5. Wellness Retreats and Bootcamps: Host retreats or bootcamps with unique themes, like beach workouts or mountain fitness adventures.

Best Gym Marketing Examples from Successful Gyms and Fitness Brands

Several fitness brands have set remarkable benchmarks with their gym marketing strategies. Here are some examples:

  1. Planet Fitness – “Judgment Free Zone” Campaign: Planet Fitness successfully positioned itself as an inclusive gym with its “Judgment Free Zone” campaign, appealing to a broad audience and reducing gym intimidation.
  2. Peloton – At-Home Workout Revolution: Peloton revolutionized the fitness industry with its at-home workout equipment and streaming classes, appealing to those seeking convenience and community.
  3. Anytime Fitness – Community Focused Marketing: Anytime Fitnessā€™s emphasis on community involvement, including local events and sponsorships, has helped in building a loyal member base.
  4. CrossFit – Social Media Utilization: CrossFit’s use of social media to showcase intense workouts and success stories has created a cult-like following and a strong brand community.

How to Create a Marketing Plan for Gyms

Developing a comprehensive gym marketing plan is crucial for any gymā€™s success. Here are steps to create an effective gym marketing plan:

  1. Market Research: Understand your target audience and competitive landscape.
  2. Define Unique Selling Proposition (USP): Determine what sets your gym apart from competitors.
  3. Marketing Objectives and Goals: Set clear, measurable goals for your marketing efforts.
  4. Multichannel Marketing Strategy: Develop a strategy that encompasses various channels like social media, email, content marketing, and traditional advertising.
  5. Budget and Resources: Allocate a budget and resources for different marketing activities.
  6. Execution and Monitoring: Implement the plan and regularly monitor its progress, making adjustments as needed.
  7. Feedback and Adaptation: Collect feedback from members and adapt your strategies for continual improvement.

These gym marketing strategies and best in class gym marketing examples highlight the importance of creative and targeted marketing in the fitness industry. By learning from successful gym marketing examples and developing a tailored marketing plan, gym owners can effectively promote their services and grow their member base.

Read More: How to Create a Gym Marketing Plan

The Importance of Putting the Best Gym Marketing Ideas Into Action

One thing every gym owner knows (or will soon find out) is that their gym is only as good as their gym marketing plan. Unfortunately, you can have the best gym in the world, but if nobody knows about it then you wonā€™t be around for long. Learning how to market a gym is a very important skill for any gym owner. And this holds doubly true now with the importance of both in-person and online gym marketing; learning how to market a gym online is crucial!

Key learnings from our gym marketing ideas research:

  • Donā€™t be afraid to experiment and try new gym marketing strategies.
  • Summer is a key time to ramp up your gym marketing.
  • Not everyone that wants to train with a personal trainer has a schedule that will allow them to do so, but launching an online workout is a great way to upsell regular gym members.

Weā€™ve created this big list of fitness marketing ideas so that you can pick and choose new gym promotion campaigns, fire up your gym CRM, and see what works for your facility and market.

Every club is different, and not every idea will work for every gym. But donā€™t be afraid to experiment and try new things to get more gym leads. Ditch whatā€™s not working, and scale up the gym promotions that are having a positive impact on your business. We’ve got loads of gym membership promotion ideas, gym offers ideas, and tons of other marketing ideas for fitness studios that are tried and true.

With our Exercise.com software platformā€”the best gym management softwareā€”we help gym owners, trainers, coaches, and fitness professionals all over the world manage and grow their fitness businesses, so read on for some lessons learned in the ultimate guide to gym marketing ideas.

Schedule a demo now to brainstorm with the Exercise.com team on the best fitness center marketing ideas (we’ve helped our gym customers turn ideas into reality through our software platform for almost every type of gym marketing idea on this page!) and learn how to grow and manage your business better.

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Co-Founder, MBSC

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The Importance of Gym Marketing

Gym marketing is important because it helps you establish a relationship with your target audience. It helps you seek them out and, hopefully, turn them into paying customers. Where many fitness businesses get stuck is when they realize marketing should be ongoing. It is not a one-and-done ordeal. That realization can be daunting because it means that youā€™ll have to consistently spend time tweaking and implementing your marketing plan.

Here are a few gym marketing ideas to help make the process of ever-evolving gym marketing a bit easier. Read on for some of the best ways to promote a gym on social media, in-person, with partnerships, and more.

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Let’s go into detail on some of the top gym marketing strategies you can put into action in your gym today.

#1 ā€“ Gym Referral Program

The key to a good gym referral program is to incentivize referrals in a way that rewards both the referring client and the newly-referred client. In other words, if you offer a free training session to a current client if they refer a new client to you then be sure to tell them that their friend who they referred will also get a free training session.

This makes your client feel as if they are sharing a special deal with their friend, and holds more prestige and sense of value, of being an ā€œinfluencerā€ with ā€œspecial accessā€.

Everyone likes to share and recommend things that make them feel important and ā€œin the knowā€. A side benefit to this is that your referral source tracking will also improve because those who are referred will feel the need to mention who referred them in order to claim the special deal.

Read More: Best Gym Referral Program Management Software

#2 ā€“ Friend/Partner Pricing

This is a closely related cousin to a referral program, but it’s one of those health club marketing ideas that is tried and true, because it just works, over and over again. If you approach all of your current training clients and offer them special discounted pricing to bring a friend or a spouse/partner to train with them then many will say yes (this can also be just the excuse some clients have been waiting for to get their spouse/partner into the gym!).

The big bonus for you as the trainer is that typically they will both workout at the same time, so youā€™ve just increased your hourly rate without having to train any extra hours.

#3 ā€“ Gym Rewards Program

A gym rewards program is a great way to incentivize all of the behaviors that you wish your clients would take on your behalf to act as brand ambassadors and market on your behalf.

You can create an elaborate points schedule where clients can earn different levels of points for doing things like sharing your gym page on social media, liking your gym Facebook page or Instagram page, writing a review on Yelp, checking in to the gym, and of course, the highest point value should be for referring a friend to the gym.

However, sometimes a big, over-the-top referral program can actually get too complicated and backfire. Sometimes the simplest way to go is just to offer a direct and immediate swap of one action for one reward.

For example, place a table near your door with gym t-shirts, protein bars, energy drinks, etc. along with a sign that says, ā€œLike and share our Facebook page now on your phone for one free item.ā€ You can even train your front desk staff to make this part of your gymā€™s onboarding process for new members.

Read More: Best Gym Loyalty Rewards Software

#4 ā€“ Gym Co-Marketing

Think of a gym co-marketing campaign as a referral program but between professionals/businesses and bi-directional. For example, think about the businesses closest to your gym. Chances are you have other small businesses in your shopping plaza or within walking distance even who are also interested in ideas to get new customers/clients.

If you have a supplement store close by (if your gym doesnā€™t sell supplements in your gym) then befriend the store owner and ask if you can put up some flyers and ā€œspecial discountā€ referral cards in their shop, and offer to do the same in your gym.

Some of the same principles apply here as they do with structuring a good personal trainer/gym referral program: the more you can make the referred person and the referrer feel as if they are sharing insiderā€™s access to a special deal then the more successful your co-marketing campaign will be.

The same applies to you. Ask the shop owner if they can give your members 10 percent off everything in the store and you will feel better about recommending them to your gym clients.

If you really want to take this to the next level then you can hire a dedicated staff member to create, manage, and implement a robust ā€œgym perksā€ program where you offer your members a large assortment of discounts and savings from many different local businesses, all the while, getting the name of your gym out in the community and increasing the likelihood of other businesses referring new clients to your gym.

If you are desperately wanting to know how to get more referrals for your gym or personal training then this is a great strategy to implement.

A note of caution: This works particularly well if you concentrate on finding other co-marketing partners who offer complementary products/services to your gym members values.

Yes, you can probably strike up relationships with the owner-operators of the local fast-food restaurants and get your members discounts on burgers, fries, and pizza, but a better approach for your gym brand might be to talk to local health food stores, healthy restaurants, chiropractors, massage therapists, physical therapists, and other businesses with a healthy image.

#5 ā€“ Barter Agreement

An interesting twist on co-marketing is when you partner with other local businesses or service providers to exchange services on a swap/trade basis. For example, you may strike up an agreement with a chiropractor to trade an alignment for a personal training session or a massage therapist to trade a massage for a gym membership.

Donā€™t be afraid to get creative, and thereā€™s often not a better way of trying out local offerings so you can feel good about what you recommend to your clients, but just be sure to talk to your tax advisor about any applicable tax reporting related to barter agreements.

#6 ā€“ Community Events

Now that youā€™ve hopefully begun to build relationships with other businesses in the community, why not join together and organize a fun event for your community?

A gym has a natural tie-in with any type of community event revolving around the themes of fun, family, health, and fitness. Create a community health fair and family fun event.

Offer free food (talk to local restaurants, vendors, and food trucks), blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol screenings, fun games for the kids, obstacle courses and fitness challenges, boot camp workouts and other fitness competitions, local music, flu shots, giveaways, fundraiser tie-ins with a charity or local cause, and many other ideas are all things that you can feature at your event.

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#7 ā€“ Professional Referral Network

So, this is a little different than a standard gym client referral program where clients of yours refer new clients to your gym or to your personal training, and itā€™s also a little different than a co-marketing program where you and other businesses in the area co-promote each other to your members/clients/customers.

But instituting a professional referral network is different enough and important enough that itā€™s worth singling out. This is one of the best gym membership marketing ideas because if you are intentional about building out this network then you wonā€™t see results overnight, but you will see results for years to come.

A professional referral network is when you actively and intentionally solicit other professionals to refer people to you for personal training. Your goal is to be the first person they think of when one of their clients needs a recommendation for a gym or a personal trainer.

The classic professionals to target include physical therapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, doctors, corporate wellness directors (sometimes companies will even reimburse employees for gym memberships and personal training fees), and other similar professionals who routinely encounter people looking to make a change in their health, fitness, and lifestyle. YOU want to be their go-to recommendation.

So, how do you do this? Well, itā€™s worth taking a page from the classic pharmaceutical sales rep playbook. You need to:

  • Show up in person
  • Build the relationship consistently over time
  • Demonstrate your value (your certifications, credentials, and experience will be very important here, particularly to Doctors and physical therapists who need to trust that they are referring their clients to a competent professional)
  • Make it fun (could you drop off some goodies and gym freebies at a physical therapistā€™s office just like a pill-pushing pharmaceutical rep and likely get great results? Youā€™ll never know until you try.)

Yes, you can win friends and influence people in medical and other professional offices.

If you are curious to read more about how pharmaceutical reps build those relationships and influence the prescribing habits of physicians over time, here are some eye-opening strategies and statistics in this article: Following the Script: How Drug Reps Make Friends and Influence Doctors.

#8 ā€“ Walk the Gym Floor

This might sound low-tech, but speaking of winning friends and influencing people, one of the best marketing ideas for fitness classes is to simply walk around the gym, strike up conversations with regular gym attendees, and then invite them personally to attend one of your fitness classes.

Sure, you can hand out a flyer, or tack up a poster on the wall, but thereā€™s something about a personal invitation that will get results that might surprise you. Be sure to position the ask totally from their perspective:

ā€œYOU would love our Zumba class.ā€

ā€œYOU would be great in our HIIT class. We need some more people that can do those plyometric workouts you are doing.ā€

The same strategy holds for getting more personal training clients too, of course. Striking up conversations with people in the gym with the intent of upselling personal training sessions has long been a key tactic for personal trainers.

However, beware that you donā€™t come across as purely self-serving, mercenary, and transactional.

Truly build up a relationship with people, show them that you care, take an interest in what their workouts and fitness goals are, and then when you provide them a laser-targeted personal invitationā€¦ theyā€™ll at least be polite when they shoot you down.

Kidding! Youā€™ll hear some nos, but do this the right way and you will also hear more yeses than you might suspect!

#9 ā€“ Offer New Classes

Speaking of inviting gym members to try a new class or sign up for personal training, whenā€™s the last time you added a new fitness class, boot camp, or challenge to your gym schedule?

One of the best ways to learn how to promote fitness classes in your gym is to talk to members and ask them what new classes they would be interested in attending.

Yes, I know, a revolutionary idea.

Talking to members and asking them what they want. I get it. Sometimes people donā€™t know what they want. But most of the time, they do. If you want new fitness class ideas then youā€™ve likely got an entire block of people milling around your gym right now who would be happy to share their opinions.

Everyone likes to be asked their opinion, and when you have a critical mass of people suggesting a similar type of class, then you have a built-in group of people you can sign right up.

Sometimes you may want to seed your list of potential fitness classes to create with some choices for your members to choose from, but be sure to always leave space for them to suggest their own free-form idea. Here is an example:

We are polling our members for new fitness class ideas to add to our gym schedule. Which of the following would you most be interested in attending? (you may select more than one):

  1. Cardio
  2. Dance
  3. Martial Arts/Boxing/Kickboxing
  4. Olympic Weightlifting
  5. HIIT
  6. Circuit Training
  7. Pilates
  8. Yoga
  9. Bikram Yoga (Hot Yoga)
  10. Spinning
  11. Zumba
  12. Barre
  13. CrossFit
  14. Boot Camp
  15. Booty Blaster
  16. Les Mills BODYPUMP
  17. Les Mills BODYATTACK
  18. Tai-Chi
  19. Strength Training
  20. Active Older Adults
  21. Family Fun
  22. Other: __________

But remember, the key is that you actually go out on the floor and TALK to people, face-to-face, and ask them what new fitness class they wish the gym had.

#10 ā€“ Staff Your Gym With Great People

Did you know that, on average, 1/3 of the members of a gym will cancel every year? This ~30 percent turnover rate means that there is a huge opportunity for additional revenue if you craft a gym marketing campaign aimed at improving retention. One way to do that is to hire great people.

You can have all of the best fitness center systems and processes, but if the people you hire are grumpy, rude, or unwelcoming to guests then your gym will leak people like a sieve.

Your gymā€™s marketing funnel can be honed and perfected to the extreme, but itā€™s good people who will keep your members around and even extract more revenue and more referrals out of your current members.

This is one of the best small gym marketing ideas because when you are a smaller gym then losing even a few members can have an outsized impact on your profitability.

Does that mean that sometimes your personal trainers will serve more like therapists than trainers? Yep.

Hire personal trainers who look and act the part. They should be interested in helping others and be exemplary role models for what a life that prioritizes fitness and health looks like.

No, this does not mean that every trainer must look like a Greek demi-godā€”in fact, itā€™s important to have a representation of different body types and different gendersā€”but each trainer should clearly be seen as someone that ā€œwalks the walkā€ and doesnā€™t just ā€œtalk the talkā€ when it comes to fitness.

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#11 ā€“ Launch a Summer Gym Marketing Campaign

Itā€™s time that you move beyond just January/New Yearā€™s gym marketing campaigns.

We all know that January is one of the best times of the year to get new member signups, but if you donā€™t engage members and reach out to new members throughout the year then your success in January can end up being a revolving door problem for your gym.

Summer is a key time to ramp up your gym marketing and make your gym stand out.

One of the best summer marketing ideas for gyms is to focus on all of the natural reasons why people start getting motivated to get in shape as summer rolls around: spring break, looking good at the beach, warmer weather = fewer clothes, cookouts, swimming, vacations, cruises, weddings, class and family reunions, and other special events.

Every piece of marketing collateral you create should be written with this in mind. Imagine your gym members planning for a special event coming up in the summertime; you want to be their go-to resource to help them accomplish their goals.

Another thing to keep in mind when planning out your summer gym marketing campaigns is that summer is a time where students are out of school, and often in the area just for a limited time period.

You can offer discounted or even free rates for students, as a gesture of goodwill, and also as a way of hopefully earning a client for life. Planet Fitness even went so far as to offer free student gym memberships in the summer.

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#12 ā€“ Run a Corporate Wellness Challenge

Appeal to business owners and local businesses by helping them motivate their employees to get in shape. All business owners are interested in having healthier, happier, and more productive employees, not to mention the cost-saving on health insurance premiums for a healthier workforce.

This will require buy-in from local business owners and wellness managers, but chances are, you already have people working out in your gym who have influence in their company were you to involve them.

#13 ā€“ Offer a Free Training Day

This is one of the best social media marketing ideas for gyms because the offer is so simple: come into the gym on X date and you can work out for free, and train with a trainer for free. Everyone likes free, and everyone understands free.

#14 ā€“ Create an Online Workout Group

People are busier and busier. Not everyone that wants to train with a personal trainer has a schedule that will allow them to do so, but launching an online workout is a great way to upsell regular gym members who want more personalized instruction but are unable to work out in person with a trainer consistently.

We have trainers and gym owners on the Exercise.com platform using online workout groups for many different purposes, but this is a great one to consider for your fitness center. Be sure to use the best gym online groups software to grow and scale.

You can create different groups with different goals. Here, trainer and gym owner Paul Fabritz uses his custom-branded iPhone and Android fitness apps and a custom branded web portal with online workout groups that offer vertical jump training.

PJF Performance
I sold a workout program and matched my yearly salary of in-person training within two weeks of selling to my community!
Paul Fabritz
Founder and BS, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, ACE, FMS, PJF Performance

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#15 ā€“ Start a Fitness Challenge

There are many different types of fitness challenges you can create to better engage your gym members while also serving as a magnet to attract new members. Choose a channel that you are comfortable with and that you (preferably) already have an audience.

This could be email, social media, your website, in-person, etc. Choose a time frame (8-12 weeks works well) and then choose a goal that is general enough to attract enough people while being specific enough to touch on a real pain point for people (losing weight, summer beach body, etc).

Use an automated software solution like Exercise.com to administer the challenge participants and onboard people to your apps and website or else be prepared to deal with the enormous new headache of manually helping people through the flow one by one. The best gym software with fitness challenge functionality built right in will typically provide enormous ROI.

Weā€™ve done launches with thousands and thousands of concurrent users, and so a software solution is a must here. Learn more about fitness challenge software.

Read More: Fitness Challenge Ideas for Your Gym

#16 ā€“ Use Instagram Hashtags

Instagram fitness marketing is worthy of its own in-depth guide. One of the best ways to learn how to promote a gym on Instagram is by using hashtags. Hashtags can even be used for engagement within stories. One easy strategy any gym can use is to make good use of the most popular Instagram fitness hashtags:

Popular Fitness Hashtags

#GetFit #Cardio #Cycling #FitFam #FitLife #Fitness #FitnessMotivation #FitnessAddict #GetStrong #LiftHeavy #GirlsWhoLift #GymLife #GymTime #NoPainNoGain #PersonalTrainer #Sweat #Weights #WeightLifting #Workout #TransformationTuesday #FitQuote #FitnessMotivation #MotivationMonday #Fitspo #GetFit #Goals #YouCanDoIt #FitnessGoals #TrainHard #GoHardOrGoHome #NoExcuses

And here are some of the most popular nutrition hashtags:

#Health #EatClean #EatLocal #FitFood #GlutenFree #HealthyEating #HealthyRecipes #Nutrition #Paleo #Vegan #GetHealthy #HealthyLife #HealthTalk #HealthyFoodPorn #IQuitSugar #Detox #Nutrition #CleanEating #AvocadoLove #CalorieCounting #MealPrep #MindBodyGram

Running Hashtags

#RunnersOfInstagram #FurtherFasterStronger #RunningMotivation #Marathon #MarathonTraining #SeenOnMyRun #TrailRunning #InstaRunners #CrossCountry #Instarunners #LoveRunning #RunnerLife #RunningCommunity #RunningShoes #RunItFast

CrossFit Hashtags

#crossfit, #crossfitgirls, #crossfitlove, #crossfitlife, #crossfitfood, #crossfitcoach, #crossfitmoms, #crossfitters, #crossfitgirl, #crossfitlovers, #crossfitcouple, #crossfitstyle, #crossfitter, #crossfitmen, #crossfitfamily, #crossfitforlife, #crossfitlifestyle, #crossfitstrong, #crossfitathlete, #crossfitwod, #crossfittraining, #crossfitbox, #crossfitopen, #crossfitphotography, #crossfitmotivation, #instacrossfit, #crossfittersdaily, #crossfitmasters, #crossfitcommunity, #crossfitgames, #wod, #crossfitaddiction, #crossfitquotes

Of course, unless you use the Exercise.com software platform to grow your fitness business online and offer online training and online workout groups then many of these general fitness hashtags will be a waste for you if you only offer training to the very narrow slice of the Internet that can meet with you in person.

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#17 ā€“ Upgrade Your Website

One of the best gym marketing campaigns you can ever launch is to give your gym website a makeover. This is something that will pay off for years to come. People are searching for your gym online and visiting your website every day. Approximately 70% of people will search online for a gym close to them before deciding to go visit in person.

Read More: Best Gym Website Builder Software

#18 ā€“ Optimize Your Local Gym SEO

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is key for gyms when competing for many local keywords (i.e. Austin Gym, CrossFit in San Francisco, Miami kickboxing, etc.) Adding and managing your gym in Google Business is a great place to start so that you can optimize how you show up in the local search results. Use the best gym and fitness keywords for SEO that are specific to your local market.

Learn more about local SEO in our guide, ā€œGym SEO: Local SEO Guide for Gymsā€œ

#19 ā€“ Retarget Your Website Visitors

When people visit your gym website and then leave without taking action, what happens to them? Do you lose track of them? What if there was a way to continue to market to those people throughout their journeys across the web?

Well, using the Facebook Pixel and other easy-to-implement code snippets on your website, you can do just that with a remarketing campaign. Retargeting marketing campaigns have some impressive statistics and should be at the top of your list for online fitness marketing strategies. This should be near the top of any list of marketing strategies for gyms.

#20 ā€“ Post Actively on Your Gym Facebook Page

You do already have a Facebook page for your gym, donā€™t you? How often do you post? What kind of engagement do your posts get? Post consistently and pay close attention to the types of content that resonate with your target audience.

When someone comments on your posts, do you interact with them? Pay a college intern to run your gym social media accounts, and work with them to create an SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) that you can use as a guide.

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#21 ā€“ Market to Ex-Members Who Have Moved Away

Every gym has ex-members who have left the gym due to logistics, schedule, or some other factor outside of their control. Many of these ex-members still love your gym, receiving training from your personal trainers, and all that youā€™ve worked so hard to build.

But if you can only ever help the people who are able to walk into your building during a set schedule then you are likely leaving a lot of money on the table. Use a professional software solution to grow and manage your fitness business by selling personal training workout plans online to anyone, anywhere in the world.

Maybe the answer to the question of how to get more members to your gym is more Zen-like than you realized. What if you were to ask a different question: how can I still engage members that canā€™t make it into my gym anymore because of time or location?

Tony Gentilcore
Exercise.com makes my life easier by providing an all-in-one solution and the opportunity to help those who otherwise would never have access to my programming!
Tony Gentilcore
Founder, Core Online

#22 ā€“ Back to School Gym Campaign

When thinking about ideal times to market to potential new members itā€™s often helpful to think in terms of major life transitions and new life stages.

Some gyms target direct mail campaigns to new homeowners and other people new their area, so if you have a college or university close to your gym then a naturally related campaign would be to target these students with a back-to-school gym membership campaign.

Just note that you will often be competing against the (often free) campus rec center so hone your pitch accordingly. That being said, students are ideal marketing candidates for being interested in fitness and if you have amenities and marketing copy that appeal to this demographic then this can be a great way to get an influx of memberships every school year.

Of course, the downside to the student market is that this population tends to be a very transient one so your retention/churn metrics will suffer. Many times this is an acceptable tradeoff, but just be clear on what your expectations are for the student marketing before embarking on a back-to-school gym marketing campaign.

#23 ā€“ Run a Christmas Gym Promotion

ā€œGive the gift of fitness this Christmas!ā€ Ever heard that before? Most likely you have because Christmas time is a natural holiday for running a promotion. Donā€™t forget to target your marketing both at members who may want to sign up friends or family as well as other external potential members.

Read More: Christmas Gym Promotion Ideas

#24 ā€“ Advertise Your Fitness Classes

Do you only think of advertising in terms of advertising your gym brand and standard gym memberships? If you have a robust class schedule then donā€™t forget that many people join a gym just for a particular class so if you donā€™t highlight that class then how will other potential class attendees ever find out about it?

Think in terms of types of classesā€”Cardio, Dance, Martial Arts/Boxing/Kickboxing, Olympic Weightlifting, HIIT, Circuit Training, Pilates, Yoga, Bikram Yoga (Hot Yoga), Zumba, Spinning, etcā€”as well as individual time slots and specific classes. This is where affiliations and partnerships with other local groups and associations can pay off dividends too.

#25 ā€“ Run a New Yearā€™s Personal Training Promotion

New Year, new you. Pretty common marketing angle, huh? Itā€™s common because it works.

Say what you want about the hoards of New Yearā€™s Resolutions members who flood your gym in January and then seem to disappear off the face of the earth in February, this is a key time for people to evaluate their gym options and you want to be front of mind and top of their list. Just make sure you get that recurring billing set up.

Read More: New Year’s Gym Promotion Ideas

#26 ā€“ Gym Content Marketing

Can you provide fitness educational resources to your gym members and others in your circle of influence? Whether itā€™s a gym email newsletter, blog posts, or social media posts, content marketing is a great way to grow your audience. First, demonstrate value, earn their trust, and then recommend helpful ways for your audience to reach their fitness goals.

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#27 ā€“ November Gym Specials

Snag some new gym members early by launching your gym holiday promo campaign with a November gym marketing blast. Sometimes the key to success is simply timing. Yes, Christmas, New Yearsā€™, and other times are classic times for having a gym holiday sale, but give a Thanksgiving-themed gym sale a try and you might just be thankful for the results.

Read More: Monthly Gym Promotion Ideas

#28 ā€“ Gym Flash Sale

Flash sales are great because they incorporate an element of exclusivity and a ticking clock that can compel people to act. Letā€™s face it, your big, hulking gym isnā€™t really like a limited edition run of designer clothes or other fashion wear that can legitimately claim to be ā€œsold outā€, because today, tomorrow, next week, your gym will still be there.

A fitness studio flash sale is a great way to stir up some excitement and drive new members to your club. Here are some gym flash sale ideas: limit the time frame to 24 hours or 48 hours, offer ā€œbuy one, get one freeā€ promotions on sessions, use online billing to promote via social media.

#29 ā€“ Gym Brochures & Gym Direct Mail Advertising

In the age of online advertising, a funny thing has happened recently. People are actually paying attention to mail that is sent to them. Gym marketing has truly come full circle.

You might just be surprised at the ROI of printing out some informational gym brochures and launching a gym direct response snail mail marketing campaign.

If you need any additional confidence in direct mail as a channel, then you should know that even Google is a large direct mail customer, marketing their Google AdWords product to local businesses all across the world.

#30 ā€“ Funny Gym Ads, Posts, and Commercials

Humor sells. To clarify, humor done right sells. Be careful about coarse, tasteless humor that sacrifices your brand for cheap laughs, but if you can pull it off then humor has the potential to go mega-viral.

The fitness industry is uniquely suited to make this approach work, with the rise of gym prank videos, gym fail videos, and other funny fitness videos. There are loads of gym advertising ideas you can come up with just by mining funny gym memes and other similar humorous gym content. Again, tread carefully here though.

Read More:

BONUS: 100 More Gym Marketing Ideas

Check out this bonus list of gym marketing ideas and even some extra special creative gym ideas for some fresh inspiration on getting new gym members:

  1. Social media advertising
  2. Facebook or Instagram page
  3. Facebook or Instagram ads
  4. Gym Google My Business listing
  5. Google ads
  6. Email marketing
  7. Influencer partnerships
  8. Referral program
  9. Community outreach program
  10. Loyalty program
  11. Fitness blog
  12. Guest blog posts
  13. Online directory listings
  14. Gym website
  15. Fitness video tutorials
  16. Personalized fitness plan
  17. Client reviews
  18. Testimonials
  19. Facebook live workout sessions
  20. Instagram live workout sessions
  21. Fitness podcast
  22. Free guest passes
  23. Direct mail campaigns
  24. Customer appreciation events
  25. Partner with a local nutritionist
  26. Community clean-up days
  27. Join local business organizations
  28. Targeted online ads
  29. Mobile app development
  30. Yelp listing
  31. Snapchat geofilters
  32. LinkedIn advertising
  33. Referral discounts for existing members
  34. Host a booth at local events
  35. Sponsor a sports team
  36. Targeted social media posts
  37. Outdoor advertising (billboards, bus stops, etc.)
  38. Host a charity fundraiser
  39. Offer corporate memberships
  40. Host a fitness seminar
  41. YouTube channel
  42. Host an online challenge
  43. Promote gym merchandise
  44. Partner with a local gym apparel store
  45. Organize a fitness competition
  46. Host a fitness-themed event
  47. Offer group discounts
  48. Host a gym open house
  49. Attend local business expos
  50. Create a loyalty rewards program
  51. Host a fitness retreat
  52. Have a referral contest
  53. Free fitness classes for new members
  54. Targeted email campaigns
  55. Blog and social media collaborations with influencers
  56. Networking with other gyms and fitness centers
  57. Google AdWords
  58. Free fitness assessment for new members
  59. Co-marketing with local fitness-related businesses
  60. Offer a discount for multiple month sign-ups
  61. Social media content creation
  62. User-generated content campaigns
  63. Community event sponsorship
  64. Online influencer campaigns
  65. Targeted local print ads
  66. Offer a trial day or week
  67. Host a free wellness fair
  68. Promote gym gift cards or gift certificates
  69. Partner with a charity organization
  70. Create a YouTube workout series
  71. Host a challenge through social media
  72. Host a community sports event
  73. Create gym-branded clothing or merchandise
  74. Have a referral program for local businesses
  75. Partner with local schools to promote physical fitness
  76. Host a healthy food and beverage workshop
  77. Promote gym membership on local radio stations
  78. Host a fitness-oriented cooking class
  79. Create a virtual gym tour video
  80. Promote gym membership on local TV channels
  81. Host a member appreciation party
  82. Create a gym-branded fitness tracker or app
  83. Partner with local hotels to promote the gym
  84. Host a pre- and post-natal fitness class
  85. Offer a special discount for military personnel
  86. Host a social media photo contest
  87. Create an interactive website experience
  88. Host a charity workout event
  89. Sponsor a local sports team
  90. Create a referral program for existing members
  91. Offer a student discount
  92. Host a post-holiday fitness challenge
  93. Partner with a local outdoor recreation company
  94. Host a fitness-themed book club
  95. Host a fitness-themed event at a local bar or restaurant
  96. Promote gym memberships on online business directories
  97. Create a monthly newsletter
  98. Host a fitness-themed trivia night
  99. Offer free personal training sessions
  100. Host a fitness-themed podcast.
Jimmy Myers Relentless Sports Performance
If you want to offer an elite service for the end user you need to get with the times and use elite level software that is intuitive, visually appealing, and effective. That is exactly what Exercise.com delivers to its clients.
Jimmy Myers
Owner/Trainer, Relentless Sports Performance

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How do you attract customers to a gym?

Attracting customers to a gym involves a mix of targeted marketing strategies, such as:

  • Offering Compelling Membership Deals: Provide attractive membership offers or discounts.
  • Hosting Open Gym Events: Invite the public to experience your gym’s facilities and services.
  • Utilizing Social Media Marketing: Engage potential customers through regular, interactive content on social media platforms.
  • Leveraging Exercise.com: Utilize Exercise.com’s software for managing and promoting fitness challenges, referral programs, and tracking member progress.

How do I market my gym effectively?

To market your gym effectively:

  • Understand Your Audience: Tailor your marketing to appeal to your target demographic.
  • Utilize Digital Platforms: Leverage social media, email marketing, and your gym’s website.
  • Host Engaging Events and Challenges: Use events to attract attention and retain interest.
  • Track Campaign Success with Exercise.com: Monitor the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns using Exercise.comā€™s analytics tools.

What are the 7 P’s in service marketing to a gym?

The 7 P’s in service marketing for a gym are:

  • Product: Your gym’s services, equipment, and facilities.
  • Price: Membership fees, personal training costs, and other pricing strategies.
  • Place: The location and accessibility of your gym.
  • Promotion: Advertising, special offers, and other marketing campaigns.
  • People: Staff, trainers, and customer service quality.
  • Process: The efficiency and ease of membership processes and service delivery.
  • Physical Evidence: The tangible aspects that represent your brand, like gym cleanliness, layout, and branded merchandise.

How do I promote my fitness gym?

Promote your fitness gym by:

  • Creating Engaging Online Content: Share workout tips, success stories, and gym updates online.
  • Offering Referral Incentives: Encourage members to refer friends for rewards.
  • Hosting Fitness Challenges: Use Exercise.com to manage and promote fitness challenges for members and non-members.
  • Community Engagement: Participate in local events and collaborate with other businesses.

What makes a gym stand out?

A gym stands out through:

  • Unique Branding and Identity: Develop a strong brand that resonates with your target audience.
  • Exceptional Services and Facilities: Offer high-quality, diverse fitness services and well-maintained facilities.
  • Community Building: Foster a welcoming and supportive community atmosphere.
  • Innovative Marketing Strategies: Use creative and effective marketing approaches to attract and retain members.

Read More: What makes a gym stand out?

What makes a gym attractive?

A gym becomes attractive by offering:

  • State-of-the-Art Equipment: Provide modern and well-maintained equipment.
  • Diverse Fitness Programs: Cater to a wide range of fitness interests and levels.
  • Clean and Welcoming Environment: Ensure a clean, safe, and inviting atmosphere.
  • Personalized Member Experience: Offer personalized training and nutrition plans using platforms like Exercise.com.

How do I grow my small gym business?

To grow a small gym business:

  • Expand Your Offerings: Introduce new classes, training programs, or amenities.
  • Strengthen Online Presence: Enhance your website and social media engagement.
  • Build Partnerships: Partner with local businesses or influencers for mutual promotion.
  • Utilize Exercise.com: Leverage their software for efficient management and marketing.

How do you succeed in gym sales?

To succeed in gym sales:

  • Understand Customer Needs: Tailor your sales approach to meet the specific needs of potential members.
  • Effective Communication: Communicate the value and benefits of your gym clearly.
  • Follow-Up Strategies: Implement follow-up tactics to convert leads into members.
  • Use of Technology: Utilize Exercise.com to track leads and manage sales processes efficiently.

Read More: How to Sell More Gym Memberships

What is a target market example for a gym?

A target market example for a gym could be:

  • Working Professionals: Offering convenient class times, on-site showers, and location accessibility.
  • Young Families: Providing family-friendly classes and childcare facilities.
  • Seniors: Tailoring programs for older adults focusing on mobility and wellness.

Read More: Gym Target Market

What are the 4ps of marketing for gyms?

The 4Ps of marketing for gyms are:

  • Product: The range of services and facilities your gym offers.
  • Price: Your pricing structure, including membership fees and package deals.
  • Place: The location of your gym and how it’s accessed by your target market.
  • Promotion: The marketing and advertising techniques used to attract and retain members.

What are some cheap gym marketing ideas?

Cheap gym marketing ideas include:

  • Social Media Campaigns: Utilize free platforms to engage with potential members.
  • Community Events: Participate in local events to increase visibility.
  • Word-of-Mouth: Encourage members to spread the word about your gym
  • Email Marketing: Use email campaigns to reach out to potential and existing members effectively.

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What are some creative fitness marketing ideas for gyms?

Creative fitness marketing ideas for gyms could include:

  • Interactive Fitness Campaigns: Using social media for interactive workout challenges.
  • Themed Workout Days: Such as superhero or movie-themed fitness classes.
  • Collaborative Wellness Events: Partnering with local health businesses for joint events.
  • Fitness Challenges with a Twist: Unique challenges that stand out, like an ‘Amazing Race’ style fitness challenge.

How can you utilize gym campaign ideas effectively?

To utilize gym campaign ideas effectively:

  • Align with Member Interests: Ensure your campaigns resonate with your members’ interests and goals.
  • Leverage Digital Platforms: Use social media, email, and your gymā€™s website to promote your campaigns.
  • Track Campaign Success: Use tools like Exercise.com to analyze the effectiveness of your campaigns.

What are some summer and winter gym promotion ideas?

Summer and winter gym promotion ideas can include:

  • Summer Fitness Bootcamps: Outdoor bootcamps taking advantage of warmer weather.
  • Winter Wellness Workshops: Focusing on indoor activities and maintaining fitness during colder months.
  • Seasonal Class Passes: Offering special class passes for summer or winter themed classes.

Read More: Gym Promotion Ideas

How do you advertise a new gym opening?

To advertise a new gym opening:

  • Local Media Outreach: Utilize local newspapers, radio, and community boards.
  • Social Media Teasers and Countdowns: Build anticipation with regular updates leading up to the opening.
  • Influencer Collaborations: Partner with local fitness influencers to reach a broader audience.
  • Launch Event: Host an opening event with special offers for early sign-ups.

What are effective gym advertisement ideas?

Effective gym advertisement ideas include:

  • Testimonial Ads: Featuring real member stories and transformations.
  • Video Tours of the Gym: Showcasing the facilities and services offered.
  • Special Offer Ads: Promoting introductory offers or discounts for new members.
  • Event Promotion Ads: Advertising upcoming events or fitness challenges at the gym.

What are the best fitness studio marketing ideas?

The best fitness studio marketing ideas might include:

  • Niche Class Promotions: Marketing specialized classes unique to your studio.
  • Collaborative Events with Local Businesses: Partnering with local wellness businesses for cross-promotion.
  • Loyalty Programs: Rewarding members for frequent attendance or referrals.

Read More: Gym Loyalty Program Ideas

What are some good gym advertising ideas?

Good gym advertising ideas are:

  • Targeted Online Ads: Use platforms like Facebook and Google Ads to target specific demographics.
  • Fitness Blog: Create a blog to share fitness tips and promote your gym.
  • Local Radio and Newspaper Ads: Reach local audiences through traditional media.
  • Outdoor Advertising: Use banners, billboards, or local signage to promote your gym.

Is paid advertising for gyms expensive?

Paid advertising for gyms can vary in cost, depending on the platform and scope of the campaign. It’s important to balance the potential reach and effectiveness against the cost to ensure a good return on investment. Platforms like Exercise.com can help optimize your marketing spend by tracking campaign performance and member engagement.

How much should I spend on gym marketing per month?

The amount to spend on gym marketing per month depends on your budget, business size, and marketing goals. A common guideline is to allocate around 7-8% of your gross revenue to marketing. However, this can vary based on the specific needs and scale of your gym.

How can I increase my gym profit?

Increase gym profit by:

  • Expanding Service Offerings: Introduce new classes or personal training services.
  • Improving Membership Retention: Focus on member satisfaction and engagement.
  • Effective Upselling: Offer additional services like nutrition counseling or special classes.
  • Optimizing Operations: Use Exercise.com to streamline gym management and reduce costs.

Read More: How to Increase Gym Revenue and Profit

How do I know which is the best gym marketing idea to try first?

To determine the best gym marketing idea to try first:

  • Assess Your Audience: Understand what resonates most with your target market.
  • Consider Your Resources: Look at your available budget and staff capabilities.
  • Analyze Past Efforts: Review what has worked well or not in past marketing campaigns.
  • Start with Low-Cost Options: Begin with cost-effective strategies to test the waters.

What are the best marketing ideas for new gyms?

The best marketing ideas for new gyms include:

  • Grand Opening Event: Host an event to generate buzz and attract initial members.
  • Introductory Offers: Provide special deals for the first group of members.
  • Local Community Engagement: Get involved in local events and organizations.
  • Social Media Launch Campaigns: Utilize social media to build excitement and awareness.

Read More:

What do gym customers want?

Gym customers typically want:

  • Quality Equipment and Facilities: Well-maintained and diverse fitness equipment.
  • Convenient Hours and Location: Accessibility that fits their lifestyle.
  • Variety of Classes and Services: A range of fitness classes and personal training options.
  • Supportive Environment: A welcoming atmosphere with supportive staff and trainers.

Read More:

How do you advertise a gym?

Advertising a gym effectively involves a mix of traditional and digital marketing strategies. Utilize gym advertising campaigns that resonate with your target audience, like showcasing success stories or unique gym features. Embrace digital platforms for fitness marketing campaigns and create engaging content, such as funny gym video ideas for marketing. Implementing gym promotions ideas, including special membership offers or gym promo ideas, can also attract new members.

How do you create a marketing plan for a gym?

Creating a marketing plan for a gym involves several key steps:

  1. Identify Your Target Market: Understand who your gym serves, whether it’s busy professionals, families, or fitness enthusiasts.
  2. Set Clear Goals: Determine what you want to achieve, like increasing memberships or promoting specific classes.
  3. Develop Your Messaging: Use gym branding ideas and gym promotion examples that align with your gym’s ethos.
  4. Choose Your Channels: Decide on the marketing channels, like social media, email, or local advertising.
  5. Plan Your Campaigns: Develop fitness campaign ideas and gym membership offers ideas that will appeal to your audience.

Read More: How to Create a Marketing Plan for a Gym

How do I get new clients for my gym?

To get new clients for your gym, focus on outreach ideas for gyms and gym business marketing. Offer trial memberships or free classes to attract new members. Host open house events or fitness challenges to create buzz. Use social media and email marketing to share fitness class promotion ideas and updates about your gym. Collaborate with local businesses to reach a broader audience.

How do gyms advertise themselves?

Gyms advertise themselves through a variety of channels:

  • Digital Marketing: Utilizing social media, email newsletters, and SEO to reach a wider audience.
  • Community Engagement: Participating in local events or sponsoring community sports teams.
  • Referral Programs: Encouraging current members to refer friends and family.
  • Promotional Offers: Offering discounts or special membership rates as part of best gym promotions.

How do I promote my gym on social media?

To promote your gym on social media:

  1. Share Engaging Content: Post workout tips, success stories, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of gym life.
  2. Utilize Video Marketing: Share workout videos or funny gym video ideas for marketing to engage your audience.
  3. Run Social Media Ads: Targeted ads can help you reach potential members in your area.
  4. Interact with Your Audience: Respond to comments and messages to build a community feel.

Do gyms need marketing?

Yes, gyms need marketing to stand out in a competitive market. Effective marketing helps to increase brand awareness, attract new members, and retain existing ones. Implementing fitness club marketing strategies and fitness promotion ideas can significantly impact a gym’s success.

What is gym marketing?

Gym marketing is the process of promoting a fitness club or gym to attract and retain members. It involves a range of activities from fitness marketing campaigns to gym branding ideas, aimed at creating a strong brand presence and encouraging people to join and stay with the gym.

What is Planet Fitness’s marketing strategy?

Planet Fitness’s marketing strategy focuses on positioning itself as a judgment-free, affordable gym accessible to everyone. They emphasize inclusivity and comfort in their marketing, appealing to a broad demographic, especially those new to gym environments. Their promotional campaigns often highlight low membership fees and a welcoming atmosphere.

Read More: What is the Planet Fitness business model?

How do I attract female customers to my gym?

To attract female customers to your gym, focus on creating a welcoming and safe environment. Offer women-specific fitness classes or programs, and consider amenities like well-appointed locker rooms and childcare services. Marketing efforts should highlight these aspects and use fitness class promotion ideas that appeal specifically to women.

In all these gym marketing strategies, Exercise.com can be a pivotal tool in effectively managing and executing your gym marketing plans. From automating email campaigns to providing platforms for online class booking and membership management, Exercise.com offers comprehensive solutions to support your gym’s marketing efforts.

How can Exercise.com help me market my gym?

Exercise.com can help market your gym by:

  • Providing a Custom Branded Platform: To showcase your gym’s unique brand and services.
  • Offering Marketing Automation Tools: Streamline your email, SMS, and other marketing efforts.
  • Integrating with Social Media: Easily manage and track social media campaigns.
  • Analyzing Member Data for Targeted Campaigns: Use member data to tailor marketing strategies effectively.
Our overall experience with Exercise.com is a breeze. We love how easy it is to integrate this app with our current workflow while providing great fitness programs for our customers and save us time in the process.
Julie Ledbetter
Owner, Ledbetter Fitness

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Tyler Spraul is the director of UX and the head trainer for Exercise.com. He has his Bachelor of Science degree in pre-medicine and is an NSCA-Certified Strength and Conditioning SpecialistĀ® (CSCSĀ®). He is a former All-American soccer player and still coaches soccer today. In his free time, he enjoys reading, learning, and living the dad life.
We make fitness businesses happy and successful. We are a next-generation software platform dedicated to making it easy for fitness professionals to manage their entire fitness business in one place.
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