Running a fitness business is tough in today’s climate, regardless of whether it’s a gym, a yoga studio, or a group training facility. It’s not enough just to purchase the right equipment, create a comfortable and welcoming environment, and assume the rest will fall into place. It takes a solid marketing plan to make a fitness business successful. Read on to find out what gym owners need to know about fitness marketing in today’s world.
Why Marketing Is So Important
Marketing is how fitness studios develop brand reputations, attract new customers, and stay relevant in a quickly changing world. It’s no longer just about informing people about products or services. Marketing is about telling a brand’s story in a compelling way that both garners attention from newcomers and keeps loyal customers coming back for more. The good news is that gym owners can get help from UpSwell with understanding the complex world of fitness marketing.
Marketing Strategies vs. Plans
Every effective marketing campaign begins with a thorough strategy for reaching new customers and keeping those already attending the gym interested in the brand. The marketing strategy covers big-picture goals and offers broad definitions of messaging. It’s what drives the creation of a marketing plan. The marketing plan, on the other hand, dives into the logistics of how to achieve those big-picture goals.
Defining Objectives
As part of the initial market strategy, gym owners should take the time to define their objectives. They can be as broad as increasing brand awareness among members of a target audience or as specific as trying to get both new and existing customers to sign up for new programs. Be specific when defining objectives. Marketing professionals can help gym owners come up with effective strategies and plans for meeting their goals, but only if they understand what those goals are.
Getting Priorities Straight
If one group of people makes a given gym or fitness studio a success, it’s the current members. Be sure to put current clients at the top of the list when it comes to maintaining brand awareness and loyalty. If the current members are happy, they’ll be more likely to interact positively with the brand online and offer word-of-mouth recommendations to their family, friends, and coworkers. They’re also the most likely targets for specific campaigns aimed at boosting program attendance, driving interest in new products, and otherwise increasing engagement with the brand.
The Importance of Using Multiple Tactics
There is no one method for drawing in new customers and acknowledging the importance of a gym’s current membership base. It takes a variety of tactics, from digital marketing and social media engagement to affinity marketing and print materials, to accomplish marketing goals. People respond differently to advertising depending on their demographics, though, so it’s always a good idea to consult a marketing expert who can help with not just executing campaigns but also brand development and promotional analytics.
It’s Time to Make a Change
Gym owners aren’t ever going to see a sudden, precipitous increase in membership without putting in some work to reach new clients and keep existing ones feeling connected to the brand. It takes carefully crafted marketing campaigns to accomplish that goal. If a fitness studio’s current marketing strategies aren’t working, it’s time for a change. Start by scheduling a consultation with a marketing expert who can help.