How to Get More Referrals for Your Personal Training Business

A Personal Training Referral Guest Post By Logan Strain

Some personal training business owners generally have a tough time handling word of mouth because, unlike other forms of marketing like web pages and advertisements, it can’t really be controlled or manipulated. Yet at the same time, referrals are really the cheapest and most effective way to get quality regular clients.  Here are few basis but successful ways that personal trainers can use to increase their referrals.

Direct Mail - Write a simple letter to your regular clients telling them how much you enjoy having them, and ask if they know anyone who they could refer.

Just Ask - If a client is enthusiastically telling you what great benefits they are experiencing from your program, take this as an opportunity to ask for a referral. Clients who get the most benefit from workouts are usually the ones most likely to give you more business, and just asking directly usually helps lead to a new client quicker.

Hang a Sign - It may sound obvious and low-tech, and it is, but a simple sign asking for referrals can yield a surprising number of new clients. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but some judiciously applied clipart is always a good attention grabber.

Client Appreciation Day – Every year, hold a “client appreciation day” where you can provide games for kids like horseshoes, pace painting, and bean bag toss, as well a traditional picnic foods.  The prospect of a cheap day out gets a lot of you clients to bring their family, which can lead to dozens of new clients.

Hold a Referral Contest – Every month, make a note of every client who came to you through a referral.  At the end of the month, place the names of the referring clients in a hat and draw a winner.  The winner can get something simple, like dinner and a movie for two.  Of course, you have to tell your clients you are holding the contest in order for it to work.

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