Have you ever wondered why after investing hundreds or thousands of dollars on advertising and marketing yourself, you still don’t have the client base you want?

It’s not a reflection on your skill as a personal trainer, but let’s face it, the simple truth is most personal trainers aren’t professional sales people. Now that’s not necessarily a negative thing. 

Unlike personal trainers, sales people aren’t as worried about retaining new clients.

For you, a personal trainer, retaining your clients is the most important aspect to the success of your business. You retain your clients through outstanding service and helping them achieve unbelievable results.

So to help you, here are a few tips all personal trainers need to close new clients, and keep them.

• Don’t feature dump!  Remember that the potential client in front of you isn’t interested in listening to a feature dump on your services or programs (we know you practiced your pitch, and no matter how great it is, this remains true).  So remember to control the conversation with questions, especially those that focus on the client. Everyone loves talking about themselves right? Listen to their response and react.
• Identify the program that would work best for that client. Offer it! Ask questions about what kind of obstacles the client may be facing. What are the goals, motivations, and expectations of the client? Figure out what that client wants, and tell them how you are the best person to help them get it.
• Streamline your business. Nothing bad ever came from an efficiently run business. No training studio ever failed because they were too efficient at dealing with administrative work! Put an online management system in place. Let the program automate client payments, clean up your schedule, and give your clients the chance to create their own schedule.
• Go online. Having trouble closing? Show your potential client your schedule. With links to a class description on your schedule, your client can see what you offer, when you offer it, and how easy it could be for them to make an appointment with you!

Using studio scheduling software will allow you to automate your business.  You will have a completely organized schedule. Your clients will never be able to guess you don’t have a team of administrative employees making sure your business is running as smoothly as it is.  You’ll impress every prospective client with your professionalism and your amazing personal training, not turn them off with scheduling and billing mistakes.

Most importantly, remember that once you close your new client, ask for referrals!

The most cost-effective way to build your business is by word of mouth!