If you are a new personal trainer or planning to become one, here are some things to consider when attracting clients.
These are the top items customers look for when hiring a personal trainer or fitness instructor.
Certification
Proper certifications and qualifications are the first items people will ask trainers to provide. And that’s fair, right? After all, improper exercise can lead to unnecessary pain, excessive soreness and potential injury. Ouch. So, a certified personal trainer is a must.
College education isn’t necessary however, a certification from either the NASM, ACE or NSCA is required: National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), The American Council on Exercise (ACE), and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
Personality
Personality is everything. The problem is, there are a lot of different personality types in the world and -let’s face it- not all of them get along. The same is true for clients and trainers in the health and fitness world. Professional chemistry and compatibility should be obvious during the very first session.
You won’t always hit it off with everyone, (and that’s okay) but there are some things you can do to set each new session up for success.
Listening Skills
While it’s important for the client to get a feel for who you are and what you’re all about, be sure to listen too. You will need to take note of their fitness goals, what they hope to accomplish during your sessions and which style of coaching works best for them. Communication is a vital key.
Practice What You Preach
When you’re in the business of teaching others how to better themselves, they will look to see how you are bettering yourself also.
Practice what you preach by working on your own fitness goals in your downtime, including properly fueling your body with clean foods and scheduling time for workouts.
Patience
What works for one client won’t necessarily work for all clients. Some clients may need more encouragement, motivation and direction than others. Be patient.
Authenticity
Relax and be yourself! At the end of the day, of course you want new business and clients. But it should never come at the cost of sacrificing who you are or your values. So, just be you. When you are yourself and you’re comfortable with it, it shows. As a result, you will attract the right people for you.
Reputation
A solid reputation is another hot list item clients search for in a certified personal trainer. If you’re new to the industry, don’t worry. It isn’t impossible to get paying clients without one. But, you may have to work harder initially to earn their trust.
Once you’ve established a working relationship with a handful of people, word of mouth will take off and new clients will come knocking. One suggestion to consider is getting yourself on social media. Word of mouth is fast but in the age of social media, having an online presence is sometimes faster.
Cost and Availability
Cost and availability play big roles in deciding factors also. Open yourself up to more potential clientele by offering a flexible availability.
As for pricing, new personal trainers sometimes wrestle with how to set up their pricing packages. First, focus on your value and ask yourself what you offer to clients. Then, work on communicating that value to them. If it helps you to take a peek at competitors prices before you get started, do it. But at the end of the day, don’t be afraid to ask for what you feel your time and experience are worth. If clients are confident about your confidence, they will pay for your services.
For more fitness instructor or health and fitness industry related tips, check out more of our blog.