If you are a personal trainer and you are not using Instagram to promote yourself, you are missing out on a lot of potential income in the fitness industry.
All you need to do is showcase what you love and are good at, which is training people and educating them on different aspects of fitness and nutrition.
The idea is to give a glimpse of who you are as a personal trainer. When people see that and like it, they are likely to follow you for more content, growing your Instagram followers.
Over time, as they see you in your photos, videos, and Instagram reels, they develop trust in your ability.
At this point, if you offer something that can help them, like a paid transformation challenge, a digital fitness course, or an online class, they will sign up with you.
But to get to this point, you need to have an Instagram account.
In this article, we will help you set up your Instagram account and kickstart your journey on it, ensuring you effectively reach your target audience. Let’s begin.
Optimize Your Instagram Profile
The first step is setting up a compelling profile as a personal trainer. Here’s how to get started:
Begin by visiting Instagram.com or using the Instagram app on your phone. Opt for a business account instead of a regular one; this will give you access to valuable tools and insights about your audience.
Choose a Professional Profile Picture
Use a high-quality headshot that looks friendly and approachable. This helps potential clients connect with you personally.
Your profile picture is often the first visual impression you make. Choose a clear, well-lit photo where you’re smiling and looking directly at the camera.
Ideally, the photo should be taken in a gym or fitness setting to reinforce your profession.
Ensure your face takes up about 60% of the frame for optimal visibility, even in small thumbnails.
Create an Engaging Bio
Your bio is limited to 150 characters, so make every word count.
Here are five key elements to include for an effective Instagram bio:
- Describe Your Services: Highlight what you offer as a personal trainer (e.g., specialized training programs, fitness coaching).
- Show Your Personality: Infuse your brand’s unique personality into the bio.
- Call to Action: Direct visitors on what to do next (e.g., “Book your first session”).
- Add a Link: Provide a link to your website or a relevant landing page. Using a tool like Linktree allows you to include multiple links.
- Use Emojis and Hashtags: Enhance the bio’s visual appeal and searchability.
Here’s an example of what your bio might look like:
- 🏋️♂️ Transforming lives through fitness
- 💡 Custom training plans for all levels
- 📅 Book your first session now!
- 🔗 [linktree.com/YourLink]
- 💪 #FitnessGoals #PersonalTrainerLife
By beginning with “Transforming lives through fitness,” you immediately communicate your mission and passion.
Following this, “Custom training plans for all levels” emphasize the personalized nature of your services, attracting a wide range of clients.
The call to action, “Book your first session now!”, makes it clear what you want visitors to do next.
Make Use of Links in Bio
Providing a link to your Linktree ensures easy access to multiple resources, and the use of relevant emojis and hashtags boosts both the visual appeal and discoverability of your profile.
After your bio is set up, you can use the link to direct followers to various destinations, such as your main website for more information or a specific landing page for promotions.
For instance, if you’re offering a special discount for new clients, update the link to guide followers straight to that sign-up page.
A picture speaks a thousand words, and as a personal trainer, your Instagram photos are your primary tools for showcasing your fitness business.
In fact, photo posts on Instagram have an average engagement rate of 2.69%, which is significantly higher than many other social media platforms.
This high level of engagement means your content has a better chance of being seen and interacted with.
When followers engage with your posts, it can appear on their friends’ feeds too, increasing your visibility.
Use your Instagram feed to:
- Introduce Your Gym or Training Facility: Post pictures that give followers a tour of your gym or training space.
- Showcase Your Skills: Share images of you in action, demonstrating various exercises and training techniques, or share quick workout routines.
- Highlight Client Success Stories: Post before-and-after photos of clients to showcase their progress and the effectiveness of your training programs.
- Provide Valuable Tips: Create infographics and visuals that offer quick fitness tips, workout routines, and healthy lifestyle advice.
Highlight Your Personality
Let your unique style shine through your photos.
Post behind-the-scenes shots of your daily routine, photos of you participating in fitness events and images that reflect your training philosophy.
This personal touch helps followers connect with you on a deeper level, fostering loyal followers and trust.
Optimize Image Quality
Ensure all your photos are high-quality and well-composed.
Use good lighting (natural light when possible), focus on clear, crisp images, and avoid overly cluttered backgrounds.
Your photos represent your professional brand, so high-quality images reflect a high-quality service.
Make Use of Instagram Reels
Instagram promotes Reels based on what it thinks people will engage with the most.
It uses certain signals to decide which Reels get shown more.
To get noticed, you should make Reels that are fun, motivating, or unique.
Use creative tools like text, camera effects, and filters to make your Reels stand out.
To make sure that your Reels get maximum visibility, avoid posting content that is low-resolution, blurry, has already been posted on Instagram, contains borders, or is visibly recycled from another app.
Such Reels will be deprioritized, making them less likely to appear across the app.
How to Make a Reel on Instagram
- Open the Instagram App: Tap on the “+” icon and select “Reel.”
- Record or Upload a Video: Capture a new video or upload one from your gallery.
- Edit Your Reel: Use Instagram’s editing tools to add music, text, effects, and filters.
- Write a Captivating Caption: Include relevant hashtags and a call to action.
- Share Your Reel: Post your Reel to your feed and explore the page for maximum reach.
Types of Instagram Reels
- Talking Head: Share tips, advice, or personal stories directly to the camera.
- Voiceover: Narrate a workout routine or fitness journey.
- Text-Based: Use text to highlight key points or instructions.
- Behind the Scenes: Give followers a glimpse into your daily routine or preparation.
- Vlog Style: Create a day-in-the-life video to connect on a personal level.
The Best Time to Post Reels on Instagram
A company called Later looked at thousands of Reels and found out that posting early in the morning works best.
Why? There are two reasons:
- Fewer people post early, so your Reel has less competition.
- Many people check Instagram first thing in the morning. Even if they see your Reel a few hours later, it’s still new to them.
So, try posting your Reels early - it might help more people see them!
Instagram Reel Ideas for Personal Trainers
- “Exercise swap”: Show how to modify a challenging exercise for beginners.
- 60-second core crusher: Present a quick ab workout routine.
- Gym myth busters: Debunk a common fitness misconception in an entertaining way.
- “Fit in 5”: Showcase a full-body workout using only 5 basic movements.
- Healthy snack attack: Prepare three easy, nutritious snacks for pre or post-workout, along with healthy recipes.
- Mobility minute: Demonstrate a quick mobility routine for better workout performance.
- Trainer’s challenge: Show yourself attempting a difficult fitness challenge.
- Gym equipment face-off: Compare two similar pieces of equipment and their benefits.
By making use of Instagram Reels, you can reach a broader audience, showcase your expertise, and engage with your followers in a dynamic and impactful way.
Use the Right Hashtags
Hashtags are a must for increasing your visibility on Instagram.
They help potential clients find your content and connect with your personal training services.
Select hashtags that accurately describe your content and relate to your personal training business.
For example:
- #PersonalTrainer
- #FitnessCoach
- #StrengthTraining
- #WeightLossJourney
- #HealthyLifestyle
Use relevant hashtags to help you reach people who are actually interested in general fitness, finding fitness professionals, and personal training.
This increases the chances of getting new followers who might become clients.
When you use hashtags like #PersonalTrainer, people searching for trainers can easily find you.
Mix Popular and Niche Hashtags
Use a combination of widely-used and specific hashtags:
Popular: #Fitness, #Workout, #HealthyLiving
Niche: #FunctionalTraining, #MindfulMovement, #PostpartumFitness
Popular hashtags can help you reach a big audience, but they’re also very competitive.
Niche hashtags reach fewer people, but those people are often more interested in your specific services. By using both, you can balance wide reach with targeted exposure.
For example, #Fitness might get you seen by many, while #PostpartumFitness connects you with new moms looking for specific training.
Use Location-Based Hashtags
Include hashtags specific to your area to attract local clients:
- #NYCFitness
- #LondonPersonalTrainer
- #SydneyGym
Local hashtags help you connect with people in your area. This is great for personal trainers because most of your clients will be local.
Using #NYCFitness, for example, helps New Yorkers interested in fitness find you. This can lead to more local clients seeking in-person training.
Create Your Own Branded Hashtag
Develop a unique hashtag for your personal training brand:
- #SmithFitMethod
- #FitWithJane
- #PowerPulseTraining
A branded hashtag is like your own special tag. It helps build your brand and creates a community around your training style. Clients can use it to share their progress, which gives you a free promotion.
For example, #FitWithJane could be used by all of Jane’s clients to show their workout results.
How Many Hashtags to Use
Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, but using 5-15 relevant hashtags is often more effective. Avoid overusing hashtags, as they can appear spammy.
Using too many hashtags can make your posts look messy and desperate for attention. It’s better to use fewer, more targeted hashtags.
This looks more professional and can actually help you reach more of the right people. Try to use different hashtags for each post to reach varied audiences.
Be Consistent On Instagram
If you post sporadically, like once a week, and then disappear for a few weeks before posting again, it will be difficult to build a meaningful audience that likes all your posts and respects your opinion as a fitness professional.
On Instagram, every post, like, comment, and share boosts your visibility through their algorithm.
The CEO of Instagram, Adam Mosseri, recommended posting two feed posts per week and two stories per day.
But when you post, it matters a lot too.
An analysis of millions of Instagram posts showed that the best time to post for engagement is generally between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM on weekdays.
You can also use Instagram’s own analytics to get the sense of when you are getting the most engagement. Here is how you can do that:
- Go to your Instagram profile within the app and click on the three horizontal lines on the top right of your screen.
- Tap on ‘Insights’.
- From there, click on ‘Total followers’
- Scroll down to the bottom of this page and look for ‘Most active times’. You’ll be able to toggle between hours for every day of the week or look at specific days.
Here is what your weekly Instagram posts can look like:
Mondays at 7 AM:
- Share a “Week Kickoff Challenge” - a simple exercise or healthy habit to start the week.
- Example: “This week’s challenge: 20 push-ups every morning. Who’s in?”
Tuesdays at 1 PM:
- Post a “Trainer’s Toolbox” feature, showcasing a piece of equipment and its benefits.
- Example: “Today’s tool: Resistance bands. Versatile, portable, and great for all fitness levels!”
Wednesdays at 5 PM:
- Upload a “Midweek Motivation” video, offering a quick pep talk or energizing exercise.
- Example: A 1-minute HIIT routine to boost energy levels.
Thursdays at 11 AM:
- Present a “Form Fix” post, demonstrating common exercise mistakes and corrections.
- Example: “Are you doing squats right? Watch this to perfect your form!”
Fridays at 3 PM:
- Share a “Weekend Warrior Workout” - a more challenging routine for the weekend.
- Example: “Try this 30-minute full-body blast to kickstart your weekend!”
Go Live
Going live is a great way to boost user interaction.
As we’ve established, more interaction on your account makes you more visible to a new audience.
It turns out Instagram live videos get 27% more watch time, averaging 24.41 minutes compared to 18 minutes for on-demand videos.
Another study showed that 82% of users prefer watching live content over videos.
This is also the reason that live streamers such as Ishowspeed and Karl Jacobs are so popular. People just love watching live content!
Here are some ideas for going live on Instagram:
- Real-time Q&A Session Host a live question and answer session where followers can ask fitness-related questions.
- Live Workout: Lead a 20-30 minute workout that followers can do at home in real time.
- Nutrition Talk: Discuss healthy eating habits while preparing a nutritious meal.
- Client Check-in: Go live with a client (with their permission) during a training session to show your coaching style.
- Form Clinic: Focus on one exercise and provide detailed form instructions, answering viewers’ questions.
- Fitness Myth Busting: Address common fitness misconceptions in an interactive live session.
- Partner Workout: Demo Team up with another trainer or a client to demonstrate partner exercises.
You can use Instagram Live to build a stronger connection with your audience, provide valuable content, and foster a loyal community, enhancing your visibility on the platform.
Use AI to Boost Content Production
If you are starting your Instagram journey in 2024, consider yourself lucky, as we now have many automated tools to help you create content for your Instagram account.
Before we get into it, keep in mind that AI is just a tool.
Whether you use it for Instagram stories or reels, it can help you create content faster.
But the core of the content has to come from you because you are the personal trainer with all the knowledge and expertise.
AI can only help you turn your ideas into practical content.
Here is what AI can help you out with:
- Caption Writing
- Content Ideas
- Hashtag Suggestions
- Image Creation and Editing
- Video Script Generation
- Workout Routine Planning
- Nutrition Tip Creation
- Engagement Prompts (Questions to Ask Followers)
- Scheduling Recommendations
How to Use AI for Your Instagram:
Now, let’s explore how you can utilize AI tools to enhance your Instagram strategy and which platforms can help you execute these tasks.
AI Platforms to Consider:
- ChatGPT: This AI can generate engaging captions, workout tips, and blog post ideas. It helps maintain a consistent posting schedule with fresh, creative content.
- Lumen5: Transform text into engaging videos. Input your blog posts or articles, and Lumen5 creates short videos perfect for Instagram.
- Canva: Utilize Canva’s AI-powered design tools to create stunning visuals and videos. Templates tailored for Instagram Reels and Stories make it easy to produce professional-looking content.
- Midjourney or DALL-E: Create unique, eye-catching images for your posts using these AI-powered tools.
- Jasper.ai: Specializes in creating marketing copy and can assist with longer captions or bio writing.
- Hootsuite Insights: Uses AI to analyze your audience and suggest optimal posting times.
If you’re new to AI, starting with ChatGPT is a great way to understand how AI works. Learn to give AI the right instructions to get the type of responses you need.
Once comfortable, you can explore other tools like Lumen5 or Midjourney.
Example AI Prompts You Can Use on ChatGPT To Create Instagram Content
- “Create a 7-day Instagram content plan for a personal trainer specializing in weight loss”
- “Generate 5 engaging captions for before-and-after transformation posts”
- “Suggest 10 hashtags for a post about functional fitness training”
- “Design a 4-week workout challenge suitable for Instagram Stories”
While AI is a powerful tool, it’s important to maintain your unique voice and expertise as a personal trainer. Use AI to enhance your content, not replace your personal touch.
Also, check out how you can boost your revenue using AI.
Conclusion
Growing your Instagram as a personal trainer takes time and effort, but it’s definitely worth it.
Remember to post regularly, use eye-catching photos and videos, and interact with your followers.
Try out different types of content like workout tips, healthy recipes, and client success stories to see what your audience likes best.
Don’t forget to use hashtags and Instagram features like Stories and Reels to reach more people. Most importantly, be yourself and show your passion for fitness.
Your unique personality and expertise are what will make people want to follow you and maybe even become your clients.
