8 min
Ah, summer! The season of sun, sea, sand, and… strategizing for the busy September ahead. 😅
While your clients are enjoying lazy days and late evenings, as a fitness entrepreneur, you’re already deep in preparation mode for the fall.
Your gym might feel a bit emptier now, with everyone indulging in vacation treats in faraway places and instructors taking their well-deserved breaks.
But let’s be honest, these ‘quiet’ summer months are actually a blessing in disguise.
Now’s your chance to plan, polish, and promote without the usual hustle and bustle of daily operations.
So, how do you attract those sun-kissed, vacation-recharged folks who decide it’s time for a fresh, fit start after their summer adventures?
How do you ensure they choose your gym as their new go-to spot for transformation? And how do you turn that first encounter into a long-lasting customer relationship?
In this blog, we’ll dive into the art of enticing potential clients and optimizing your gym to offer the very best customer experience. ✨
Because September is just around the corner, and you’ll be ready with the best deals, the most energetic coaches, and the most motivating workouts that your customers simply won’t be able to resist.
Ready to kick things off? Read on!
Fire Up Your Marketing Engine NOW
First things first—don’t wait.
Sure, the summer sun might be calling for relaxation, but for savvy fitness entrepreneurs like you, this is the perfect moment to rev up those marketing engines.
The reality is, if you want potential clients walking through your gym doors come September, the groundwork needs to start now.
September is traditionally one of the busiest months in the fitness industry. It’s a time of renewal and fresh starts for many returning from vacations, eager to get back into their routines.
And here’s where your opportunity lies: many gym-goers are now “free agents,” ready to be swooped up by the most compelling offer.
During this critical period, these potential clients will be bombarded with promotions: lead magnets , spectacular discounts, and exclusive membership deals.
Every gym in town will be competing for their attention and loyalty.
Your goal?
You want to stay ahead of the competition—not just with a hybrid and comprehensive fitness offering, but by ensuring your business is top of mind for your potential clients.
Discover here which lead magnets you can use to attract more fitness clients.
Start Advertising Now
As a fitness entrepreneur, you know that the key to success isn’t just about offering great facilities and programs—it’s also about timing your marketing efforts just right.
With summer winding down, many people begin to reconsider their routines. That’s why August is the perfect time to spring into action.
Why start advertising in late August?
Back in Shape: Your potential clients are in the process of getting back into their daily routines, which often includes a renewed focus on healthier living and increased physical activity.
Your gym can offer exactly what they need to support these new habits.
Stay Ahead of the Competition: By launching your ads in August, you’ll avoid the clutter and higher costs that September typically brings.
This leads to lower campaign expenses and a greater reach for every dollar spent.
First Choice in Consideration: Starting your ad campaigns early on platforms like social media and Google ensures that your gym is one of the first options potential clients consider.
When the time comes for them to make a decision, your brand will already be a familiar and trusted presence in their fitness search.
Build Brand Awareness: Consistently advertising before the peak season helps build brand recognition.
Potential clients will gradually become familiar with your gym, increasing the likelihood that they’ll choose you as the place to achieve their fitness goals.
Essential Marketing Tools for September
In today’s digital world, the possibilities to reach and attract potential clients are almost endless.
Whether you’re running a small studio or a large gym chain, there are specific tools that can help you achieve your marketing goals.
Whether you choose to focus on social media channels, SEO, or both, mastering these tools is crucial.
1. Optimize Social Media Channels
Social media is more than just a platform for posting updates; it’s a powerful tool to boost your online visibility and build a community.
Platforms like Facebook and Instagram not only allow you to advertise broadly but also enable you to engage in meaningful dialogue with your audience.
By regularly posting engaging content that resonates with your target demographic, you create a loyal community. The marketing possibilities to attract potential clients are endless.
2. Build Emotional Connections
People tend to stay loyal to brands with which they can form an emotional connection. This sense of belonging is amplified when friends or family are also part of the same community.
Create campaigns that not only inform but also inspire and connect. Use stories of real people who have achieved success with your gym to strengthen these bonds.
3. Leverage SEO for Your Website
The power of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) cannot be underestimated when it comes to making your gym visible online.
By optimizing your website with relevant keywords that your target audience is using, you significantly increase the chances that potential clients will find you when searching for fitness solutions.
4. Launch Your Campaigns
Want to see quick results without spending hours on your marketing? Google Ads is your secret weapon.
With this tool, you can quickly rise to the top of Google’s search results, ready to be noticed by people actively looking for a gym.
While Google Ads requires an investment, it can be worth it for the immediate conversions it delivers.
Focus your ads on specific keywords and local searches like “gyms near me” or “gym in [your city]” to attract potential clients who are ready to sign up.
5. Turn Your Customers into Ambassadors
And one more thing: your current customers might just be your best marketing tool.
Studies show that up to 92% of consumers trust word-of-mouth recommendations over other forms of advertising.
Turn your customers into ambassadors!
A referral program or ‘bring-a-friend’ campaigns are not only cost-effective but also one of the most effective ways to attract new members.
Read more about the best marketing methods for gyms here. 🚀
Embrace a Hybrid Fitness Offering
In the rapidly evolving world of fitness, the recent pandemic has taught us a valuable lesson: the power of a hybrid model.
This approach combines online and offline elements, and even incorporates outdoor sessions, giving clients more choice and flexibility.
This trend, which has made a lasting impact, allows gyms to continue providing services, rain or shine, regardless of restrictions or circumstances.
By integrating digital options alongside your physical gym, you ensure a continuous offering that isn’t limited by the walls of your studio or maximum capacity limits.
Online classes and workouts eliminate these restrictions, allowing clients to never miss a session, as they can always participate online.
A great way to digitize your offerings is through livestreams on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube.
This approach not only keeps your clients engaged but also provides them with more value for their money.
Livestreams make your fitness programs accessible, no matter where your clients are.
Additionally, clients’ personal circumstances can change, such as needing to quarantine due to a sick housemate or moving to a new location, but this doesn’t have to mean losing them as customers.
A hybrid model makes it easier than ever to adapt nutrition and training plans and offer them digitally, ensuring your clients stay connected to their trusted trainers and programs.
There’s a Fitness App for That 📱
In today’s digital age, providing a seamless customer experience is essential for any modern fitness business.
But how do you ensure that your clients stay engaged, have access to your services, and feel connected to your community, all from one central hub?
The answer is simple: with your very own fitness app.
A custom mobile app is not just a powerful tool to keep your clients active and motivated; it also enhances their overall experience by offering easy access to class schedules, video content, and direct communication with trainers and fellow gym-goers.
And don’t worry—implementing an app is easier than you might think.
Learn how entrepreneurs boost retention with technology
Take DAY ONE , for example. They use technology to provide their clients with full and personalized guidance remotely—and with great success!
By integrating wearables and smart equipment with platforms like Virtuagym, they maximize client engagement and motivation, leading to better results and higher customer satisfaction.
Fitness Software Saves You Precious Time
As a fitness entrepreneur, you know that a growing membership base is fantastic, but it also brings challenges—especially when you aim for a seamless customer experience.
You don’t want to waste your time on endless paperwork and administrative chaos—time that could be better spent on your clients and staff.
A gym management system is your secret weapon. It automates vital processes such as client management, scheduling, and financial administration.
Imagine: no more paperwork, no more confusion over missed payments, and no more time-consuming follow-ups with potential clients.
With everything in one place—from payments to member activity—you can quickly and easily access all essential information.
This makes it easier to respond to customer inquiries and deploy your staff more efficiently.
As September approaches and potential clients begin to seek information about memberships, trial classes, or referrals from current members, a robust lead management system becomes indispensable.
This fitness software not only helps you keep track of all interactions with potential clients but also efficiently converts these leads into new members.
Benefits of Fitness Software for September
- Automated Follow-Ups: Ensure no lead is overlooked with automatic reminders and follow-up emails.
- Integrated Payment Processing: Reduce the chances of missed or late payments with integrated payment options that make it easy for members to pay.
- Accessible Client Data: Centralize all client data to quickly respond to inquiries and provide personalized service.
- Improved Scheduling Features: Create and manage schedules online, both for staff and classes, resulting in less confusion and better customer satisfaction.
Want to Learn More? Discover the 10 benefits of having a gym management system.
