Did the word FREE grab your attention? For most people out there it absolutely does! As a small business owner, you are probably trying to scrap together every penny that you have especially when starting out. You want to let others in your community know what you do and to come to you for your fitness services, but sometimes you hit a wall after reaching out to friends and family.
Investing in your company with something that will spread the word outside of your immediate circle is key. You can do this with online advertising, however, you get short term exposure as people quickly scroll through their social media feed. Putting money towards products that will get your name out in a way that has longevity and doesn’t disappear as quick as a click!
Top 4 Ways Product Marketing Increases Revenue:
1. Open lines of communication
Do you have any wearable items such as shirts, hats or bags with your company name on it? I can’t tell you the number of times I have been waiting in line at the grocery store or at a coffee shop that people strike up a conversation with me. When I have one of my company shirts on, I get asked if I workout or what it is. This is a great conversation starter to promote your business, give a business card & get their email to forward info about what you do.
2.Cost Effective
You don’t have to break the bank and get name brand stuff. Just think of things that fitness minded people use on a regular basis such as water bottles, workout gear, sweat towels or gym bags. Many of these items can be personalized and purchased for $3-$10 each. My guess is that the cost of one training session or fitness class will more than cover this cost. Pick something that works within your budget and reduce costs by limiting the number of colors or sides that you are printing on. Keep it simple!
3. Attention grabber
The word FREE tends to get everyone’s attention. If you put up a table at a fitness store or online service to promote your company, you can use your marketing products to gain potential clients. Offer up the free item upon the first visit to your bootcamp or yoga class. At an info table in a store, you can offer the product after a 10-minute consultation and securing the person’s email. It is all about getting people to talk to you that may otherwise not. If you can connect with them in the short interaction that you have, you potentially will gain a new client.
4. Expanding your circle
As stated above, this can open the lines of communication. If every week, you chat with someone at the grocery store about your business when you are wearing your shirt, what does that look like if 10 of your clients are doing the same thing? 20? 50? Your clients will also be patrons to other businesses aside from where you shop. Let me tell you, there is no better referral for your business than coming from a client that loves you and has experienced your services firsthand.
What other ways do you use product marketing to expand your training business? Let us know in the comments on Facebook.
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Christine Oakes is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, Fitness Nutrition Specialist, Health Coach, NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist and 200RYT certified yoga instructor . She currently operates her own fitness company offering personal training, bootcamp and yoga classes in the Mountain View, CA area. Christine has had a love for being active since childhood and believes that true fitness comes from a balance of strength, nutrition, flexibility and a dose of fun. Learn more about Christine at www.fun2befit.org.
