The health and fitness industry is thriving, and standing out in this area requires effective marketing strategies. Whether you’re launching a new fitness class, looking to increase your class numbers, or aiming to build a stronger presence locally, the right marketing approach can make all the difference.

We’re here to help you explore a variety of strategies for digital, local community-based mindful marketing as well as some paid advertising suggestions.

1. Engaging Blog Posts
A blog is a powerful tool to share valuable content with your audience. If you don’t already have one, you’re missing a trick. Cover topics like fitness tips, stretching guides, and the mental health benefits of exercise. Use SEO to improve your blog’s visibility on Google and encourage readers to engage and share your content. Each single blog post can also serve as several social media posts over time. Your audience needs to see you as an expert in your field.

2. Local Networking Events
Networking is key in the fitness industry. Attend local events to connect with health and fitness professionals, local business owners, and potential clients. Building these relationships can lead to valuable partnerships and referrals. If your classes are female-based, think about joining a female or ‘mum’ -led networking group. Or consider volunteering for a talk such as Increase Productivity at Work With Fitness, at a mixed event.

3. Social Media Engagement
Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook and TikTok to share client transformations, workout routines, and health tips as well as snapshots of your classes showing people enjoying themselves. Interactive features like polls and Q&A sessions can boost engagement with your audience.

4. Email Marketing
Build a community through your email list. Send out newsletters with workout advice, nutrition tips, and special offers, adding a personal touch to keep your audience engaged and informed. You can use your blog contact to form the subject of your newsletter to keep your marketing aligned.

5. Influencer Partnerships
Collaborate with local fitness influencers to broaden your reach. Authentic promotion from influencers can attract a wider audience and build trust in your brand. Reach out to them inviting them to a class taster session.

6. Referral Programs
Encourage your clients to refer friends and family by offering incentives. This word-of-mouth marketing can be a powerful tool to grow your client base.

7. Local SEO
Optimise your online presence for local searches. Ensure your business is easily findable on search engines and local directories. Add your business info to the likes of Yell.com, hotfrog.co.uk, Google Business Pages and thomsonlocal.com, This is crucial for attracting the locals.

8. Fitness Workshops and Seminars
Host workshops and seminars in person or online, to showcase your expertise. Topics can range from nutrition to emerging fitness trends, helping you attract new clients and retain existing ones.

9. Client Testimonials and Reviews
Showcase positive experiences from your clients. Sharing these testimonials across your marketing channels can significantly influence potential clients’ decisions.

10. Offline Advertising
Don’t overlook traditional advertising methods. Utilise local newspapers, flyers, and community notice boards to reach more people.

11. Healthcare Collaborations
Partner with nutritionists and holistic therapy providers for a referral network. This can help reach individuals who are advised to start including fitness in their lifestyle for health reasons.

12. Online Fitness Challenges
Host online challenges and encourage participants to share their progress. This not only increases engagement but also encourages a sense of community among your clients. Examples in the past have been the press-up challenge. You could do a post a day for a week that teaches a trending dance move.

13. Collaboration with Health Food Stores
Work with local health food stores for mutual promotion. This can effectively target an audience that is already interested in a holistic approach to health and wellness. You could offer to pin up their flyers in your class in return for having your flyers by their tills.

14. Community Sports Events
Get involved in local sports events, either by participating or offering sponsorship. This can significantly increase your visibility and demonstrate your commitment to fitness and community wellbeing. Think Park Run, join in, chat with the people around you, let them know what you do, and keep fit at the same time!

15. Charity Work
Challenge yourself with a sponsored charity event such as a 24-hour danceathon, a 100-mile bike ride or 40 days and 40 nights of 40 press-ups! Contact the local press to let them know what you’re up to, you’re sure to get coverage.

16. User-Generated Content
Ask your class to take a photo of themselves going to, on the way home, or at one of your classes. Give them a chance to win a free class in return. Invest in some cardboard signs for them to hold up to the camera with your hashtag or your logo for more impact. All they need to do is tag your business.

Using a mix of the above marketing strategies can help recharge your health and fitness business, attracting more clients and building a stronger community presence.

Tailor these strategies to fit your specific audience and business goals for the best results.