17 min
If you’re a personal trainer looking to grow your TikTok account, you’ve probably realized by now that it’s not just about posting random workout videos and hoping they go viral.
TikTok is a beast of its own, and to truly stand out, you need a strategy that not only showcases your expertise but also grabs attention in a sea of endless content.
In this guide, I’m going to break down everything you need to know—from creating content that resonates to mastering TikTok’s algorithm—so you can grow your account as a fitness professional, and attract more clients.
Let’s dive in and get your TikTok game for your personal training business on point!
Why TikTok?
So, why TikTok? Why should you, as a personal trainer, care about yet another one of the many social media platforms?
This platform is a powerhouse, especially if you want to grow your personal training business.
Here’s why:
The Numbers Don’t Lie
TikTok has over 1 billion active users worldwide. Yeah, you read that right—a billion.
And it’s not just teens scrolling mindlessly; this platform spans across multiple age groups, but it’s particularly popular with younger audiences.
About 60% of TikTok users are between 16 and 24 years old.
This is the demographic that’s stepping into adulthood, getting serious about their fitness, and guess what?
They’re looking for guidance—guidance you can provide.
The Power of Video Content
TikTok is all about short, engaging videos.
This isn’t like other platforms where you have to produce long, polished content.
On TikTok, you’ve got 15 to 60 seconds to grab someone’s attention with engaging video content, and that’s it.
But why does this matter? Because short videos cater to our increasingly short attention spans.
People want quick, digestible content that they can consume in a flash.
This trend isn’t going anywhere—short-form video is the future of content.
If you can hook your audience within those first few seconds, you’re golden. And TikTok is built for exactly that.
Social Search is the New Google
Here’s something that might surprise you—new generations are using TikTok as a search engine.
Instead of Googling “gyms near me,” they’re hopping on TikTok to find recommendations.
They want to see real people, real results, and authentic experiences.
Your potential clients are no longer just browsing websites; they’re scrolling through TikTok looking for trainers like you who know their stuff.
Your Target Demographic is Getting Younger
As someone offering personal training services, you can’t ignore the fact that your future clients are getting younger.
This generation—Gen Z and young Millennials—is becoming your new customer base.
They’re digital natives who grew up with smartphones in their hands, and they’re using platforms like TikTok to make decisions about their health and fitness.
In other words, if you’re not on TikTok, you’re missing out on connecting with the very people who could be filling up your training schedule.
Grow Your Personal Training TikTok in 6 Simple Steps
Here are six simple, actionable steps to help you use TikTok’s massive reach and turn those views into loyal clients from your personal training services.
1. Make Content Consistently
Before you start making content for TikTok, understand that once you begin, you need to keep it up regularly and for the long run.
You can’t just post whenever you feel like it.
For example, posting 15 videos in one week and then going silent the next week won’t work—you have to be consistent.
TikTok itself recommends posting 1 to 4 times a day.
This means it’ll be hard to post spontaneously, so you need to plan ahead. Here’s what you can do:
- Set a Schedule: Start by committing to a posting schedule that you can stick to. It doesn’t have to be daily, but it should be frequent enough to keep your audience engaged—think at least 1 post a day.
- Batch Content Creation: Life gets busy, and before you know it, your content goes MIA. To avoid this, set aside a day to batch-create your content. Film several videos in one go, then drip them out over the week. It’s like meal prepping for your TikTok—get it all done in one session so you’re not scrambling last minute.
- Repurpose Content: Don’t reinvent the wheel every time. Repurpose your best-performing fitness content into different formats. Did a workout tip go viral? Turn it into a tutorial, a Q&A, or even a meme. The key is to keep your feed active without burning out.
Use AI Tools for Boosting Content Production
Luckily, in 2024, humanity has advanced to the point where you have a variety of AI tools at your disposal.
If you use them correctly, they can help you plan and create content for weeks and months ahead.
If you don’t, you’ll be at a disadvantage because most of your competitors will be using them.
Here are some options you can use:
- ChatGPT for Transcript Generation: Have you ever had a killer idea for a video but couldn’t find the right words? ChatGPT’s got you covered. Use it to generate scripts or transcripts for your videos. Just type in your idea, and boom—instant content. It’s like having a content assistant on standby 24/7.
- Editing with AI: Don’t waste hours editing videos. AI-powered editing tools like Descript can help you cut down the time it takes to polish your content. They can transcribe your video, auto-remove filler words, and even help with video effects.
- AI-Powered Hashtag Generators: Don’t sleep on hashtags—they’re key to getting your content discovered. Use AI tools like Hashtagify to generate trending hashtags that can help boost your visibility.
Find out how you can take advantage of AI tools to maximize your revenue.
2. Post Fitness Content That Resonates With Your Target Audience
Let’s break down some of the best types of content that will resonate with your audience, keep them coming back for more, and most importantly, help you grow your account.
Funny Content That Relates to Typical Exercise Struggles
Who doesn’t love a good laugh? Especially when it’s about something as relatable as the daily struggles of fitness.
Think about the moments in the gym that make you roll your eyes or laugh out loud—whether it’s that awkward grunt when you’re lifting heavy, the endless battle with the treadmill, or the sheer determination it takes to avoid the temptation of junk food.
Turn these moments into funny TikToks.
Humor makes you relatable, and relatability is what gets you those likes, comments, and shares.
Plus, when your followers see that you get them, they’re more likely to stick around for your more serious content too.
Educational Personal Trainer Content
People are hungry for knowledge. And guess what? You’re the expert they’re looking for!
Educational content is a goldmine on TikTok.
Whether you’re breaking down the science of muscle growth, explaining the difference between compound and isolation exercises, or giving tips on perfecting form, this type of content positions you as the go-to source for reliable fitness advice.
But here’s the key: keep it simple and actionable.
People don’t want a biology lesson; they want to know why they should do squats and how it’s going to get them those killer glutes.
Use TikTok’s quick format to your advantage—deliver bite-sized pieces of info that your audience can immediately apply in their next workout.
Fitness Challenges
Challenges are the lifeblood of TikTok.
They’re engaging, shareable, and perfect for creating a sense of community around your fitness brand among your followers.
Whether it’s a 30-day push-up challenge, a “no sugar for a week” challenge, or something completely wild like a one-minute plank while balancing a book on your head, fitness challenges encourage participation.
The beauty of these challenges is that they not only help you grow your following but also get your audience involved.
They start posting their own videos, tagging you, and before you know it, you’ve created a mini-movement around your brand.
Workout Tutorials
Let’s talk about showing off what you do best: training. Workout tutorials are a staple for any personal trainer on TikTok.
The trick here is to make them short, sharp, and effective.
Break down exercises step-by-step, focus on form, and provide quick tips that people can implement right away.
Remember, TikTok is all about quick consumption, so keep your tutorials under 60 seconds if you can.
And don’t just stick to the basics—mix it up with advanced moves, modifications for beginners, and even full workout routines.
Your audience should walk away from your videos feeling like they’ve learned something new and can’t wait to try it out.
Nutrition Tips
You’re not just a trainer—you’re a fitness guide, offering valuable nutritional tips along with your workouts.
Sharing nutrition tips is a great way to round out your content and give your followers the complete package.
Talk about the importance of protein, debunk common diet myths, or share simple meal prep ideas that make eating healthy a no-brainer.
And don’t be afraid to get personal—what do you eat in a day? What are your go-to snacks?
People love a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of those they admire, so give them a peek into your own diet.
Just remember to keep it real and relatable; you want your followers to feel like they can achieve the same results.
3. Engage with Your Audience
Growing your TikTok personal training account isn’t just about posting killer workouts and nutrition tips. It’s about building a community. That means engaging with your audience (potential clients) like it’s your full-time job.
Respond to Comments
When someone takes the time to drop a comment on your video, it’s like them saying, “Hey, I’m interested in what you’re doing!” Don’t leave them hanging.
Responding to comments is one of the easiest and most effective ways to build a loyal following.
Think of it this way: each comment is an opportunity to connect with your audience, show them you’re a real person, and keep the conversation going.
The more you engage, the more likely they are to keep coming back, sharing your content, and telling their friends about you.
Plus, the TikTok algorithm loves engagement. The more comments, likes, and shares your video gets, the more likely it is to be pushed out to a wider audience.
So, respond to those comments—even if it’s just a quick “Thanks for the support!” or answering a follower’s question. It can make all the difference in growing your account.
Use Polls and Q&A
TikTok isn’t just a platform for passive scrolling; it’s an interactive playground.
Using features like polls and Q&A is a must for boosting engagement. Why?
Because people love to give their opinions, and they love it even more when they feel like they’re part of something.
Polls are perfect for quick, fun questions that get your followers involved.
For example, ask them, “What’s your favorite type of workout—HIIT or strength training?”
Not only does this give you insights into what your audience likes, but it also keeps them engaged and coming back for more.
Q&A sessions are another goldmine. You can use TikTok’s Q&A feature to directly address your followers’ questions in your videos.
This shows that you care about what they have to say and are there to help them out. It’s a great way to build trust and establish yourself as an expert in the fitness space.
Collaborate With Other Fitness Influencers
Partnering with other fitness influencers can skyrocket your visibility and introduce you to a whole new audience.
When you collaborate, you’re essentially sharing each other’s followers, which is a win-win.
Here’s how to make it happen: reach out to other personal trainers or fitness influencers who have a similar or complementary audience.
Propose a fun collab idea—maybe a joint workout challenge, a duetted video, or a nutrition tips exchange.
The key is to create something that benefits both of you and your followers.
Collaborations not only help you grow your following but also position you among well-connected and respected fitness trainers in the community.
Plus, it’s a great way to keep your content fresh and exciting.
4. Make Good Use Of TikTok’s Inbuilt Features
To take your TikTok marketing and personal training account to the next level, you’ve got to know how to work the platform’s features like a pro. Let’s dive into how you can use them
Trending Hashtags and Sounds
TikTok’s algorithm loves fresh, trending content. By using trending hashtags, you’re essentially telling the algorithm, “Hey, this is relevant, show it to more people!”
The same goes for sounds. TikTok is all about that audio-visual experience, and trending sounds are what can make or break a video’s success.
When you use a trending sound, your video has a better chance of getting on more For You Pages (FYP), which means more eyeballs on your content.
Here’s how you do it:
- Find What’s Trending: Spend a few minutes each day scrolling through TikTok to see what hashtags and sounds are blowing up. You can also use TikTok’s Discover page to spot trends that are relevant to fitness and personal training.
- Make It Relevant: It’s not just about using any trending hashtag or sound—make sure it fits your brand. If a catchy song is trending, think of a creative way to tie it into your workout routine or a fitness tip. This way, it feels authentic to your audience and boosts your chances of going viral.
- Use Them Wisely: Don’t overdo it. Pick 2 to 3 trending hashtags and maybe one popular sound to feature in your post. You want to be seen, but you also want your content to stand out and not get lost in the sea of trend-chasers.
Duets and Stitch
Duets and stitches allow you to interact with someone else’s audience.
Let’s say a popular fitness influencer posts a challenge or a workout.
You can duet or stitch that video with your own take on it, whether you’re adding tips, showing your version of the exercise, or just reacting to it.
Suddenly, you’re not just creating content in a vacuum—you’re engaging with the broader ** ** TikTok fitness community.
Here’s the play-by-play:
- Find Content That Fits: Look for TikToks that align with your personal training niche. Maybe someone posted a fitness challenge, or there’s a motivational clip that’s gaining traction—these are perfect for a Duet or Stitch.
- Add Your Twist: When you Duet or Stitch, don’t just mimic what the original creator did—bring something fresh to the table. If it’s a workout, show your version of the exercise. If it’s a motivational post, add your thoughts or tips on staying motivated.
- Engage with the Creator: After you post, don’t forget to tag the original creator and leave a comment on their video. This not only boosts your post’s visibility but also opens the door for potential collaboration down the line.
If your duet or stitch is solid, you’ll not only attract their followers but also show that you’re an active part of the fitness conversation on TikTok.
This can lead to more followers and higher engagement on your own posts.
Live Streaming your Personal Training Business
TikTok loves it when creators go live because it keeps users on the platform longer.
When you’re live, your followers get notified, and your stream might even pop up on the FYP.
Plus, it gives you the chance to interact with your audience in real time, answer questions, and show off your expertise on the spot.
Here’s how to crush it on live:
- Plan Your Live Sessions: Before you hit that “Go Live” button, have a plan. Whether it’s a live workout, a Q&A session, or just a chat about fitness tips, know what you’re going to do and stick to it.
- Promote Ahead of Time: Let your followers know when you’ll be going live. Post about it on your feed, mention it in your Stories, and remind them a few hours before. The more people that know, the bigger the turnout.
- Engage During the Live: While you’re live, keep the energy up and engage with your viewers. Answer their questions, give shoutouts, and keep the conversation flowing. This makes your livestream interactive and keeps viewers hooked.
- Save and Repurpose: After your live session, save it! You can chop it up into shorter clips and post them on your feed or even on other platforms. It’s like getting double the content for half the effort.
5. Promote Your TikTok Account
Unfortunately, just like any other social media platform, you can’t just rely on posting great content and hoping people will find you.
You’ve got to actively promote your account to get eyes on your videos.
Here’s how to do it:
Cross-Promotion via Social Media Platforms
You’ve put in the work to create killer TikTok content—don’t let it live and die on just one platform. Cross-promotion is your best friend here.
Think of it as giving your TikTok videos a second life.
Share them on your Instagram stories, Facebook page, Twitter, and even LinkedIn if that’s where your audience hangs out.
Here’s the thing: Different people use different platforms, so why not meet them where they are?
Post a teaser of your TikTok on Instagram with a “watch the full video on TikTok” call-to-action.
Drop a quick clip in your Facebook groups with a link to your TikTok.
The goal is to drive traffic back to your TikTok account and increase your followers from all angles.
And don’t forget to encourage your followers to share your TikToks too. User-generated promotion? That’s gold.
Paid Advertising
Organic reach on TikTok can only take you so far.
If you want to hit a larger audience and grow faster, consider throwing some money into the mix with paid advertising.
TikTok ads allow you to target specific demographics, interests, and behaviors, meaning your content gets in front of the right people—those who are actually interested in personal training.
Here’s how to make the most out of your TikTok ads:
- In-Feed Ads: These appear in the user’s feed just like organic posts. If your ad is engaging enough, users might not even realize it’s sponsored content until they’re already hooked.
- Branded Hashtag Challenges: Want to go viral? Create a branded hashtag challenge. Encourage users to post their own content using your hashtag, and watch as your brand visibility skyrockets.
- TopView Ads: These are the first thing users see when they open TikTok. It’s premium real estate and comes with a higher price tag, but the visibility is unmatched.
Start small with your budget, test different ad formats, and see what works best for your audience.
Collaborations and Shoutouts
Remember that old saying, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”? This couldn’t be more true when it comes to growing your TikTok account.
Collaborations and shoutouts are powerful ways to tap into new audiences and grow your following quickly.
Start by reaching out to other influencers in your niche.
Whether they’re fellow personal trainers, nutritionists, or fitness enthusiasts, find people whose audience aligns with yours.
The key here is a mutual benefit—what can you offer them?
Maybe it’s a feature on your account, a shoutout to your followers, or even a joint giveaway.
6. TikTok Marketing At The Right Times
TikTok’s audience is a bit of a mixed bag, but one thing’s clear: they’re mostly young, with over half of the users in the U.S. being under 25.
This means their schedules aren’t as rigid as someone working a 9-to-5. So, what does that mean for you? You need to hit them when they’re actually scrolling, not just when it’s convenient for you.
Based on what Buffer data tells us, the best times to post on TikTok are:
- Tuesday at 4 p.m.
- Friday at 8 a.m.
- Sunday at 2 p.m.
Notice something here? These times aren’t just random—they’re when your audience is most likely to be on their phones, diving into the latest viral trends or fitness tips (hopefully yours!).
But here’s the thing—TikTok isn’t as predictable as Instagram.
While Instagram engagement peaks outside of typical work hours, TikTok can be a bit all over the place.
This is probably because, well, not everyone on TikTok is tied down to a desk job.
High schoolers, college students, and young adults who are still figuring out their life’s direction are your prime audience here.
So, when you’re planning out your TikTok content, aim to post during these peak times. But don’t get too hung up on the exact hour—TikTok is a platform where experimentation is key.
Try posting at different times around these peaks and see what works best for your audience.
Conclusion
If you’ve made it this far, you’re already ahead of the game.
Growing your personal training business via TikTok isn’t about overnight success or going viral with every post—it’s about consistency, understanding your audience, and delivering value that keeps them coming back.
Implement these strategies, experiment with your content, and don’t be afraid to show your personality.
Remember, TikTok is all about connection, so stay authentic, keep pushing, and watch your following grow into paying clients.
