For many independent physical trainers, Facebook used to be the go-to platform for finding new clients.
But if you feel like the leads are drying up, you’re not alone. Algorithms have shifted, competition is fierce, and organic reach isn’t what it used to be.
So, how do you adapt? Better yet, you might ask, how do I increase my lead generation when Facebook is no longer delivering the results I need?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the best ways to grow your leads. From leveraging niche platforms to tapping into in-person opportunities, these ideas can keep your lead funnel full.
1. Encourage Client Referrals
Satisfied clients are your biggest advocates. Create a referral program that rewards existing clients for bringing in new ones.
- Offer a free session for every successful referral.
- Provide discounts on packages if they refer multiple people.
- Run a “Bring a Friend” month
This strategy not only helps with the question of how do I increase my lead generation, but it also strengthens relationships with your current clients.
“Referrals are the No. 1 indicator of how healthy your business is,” says fitness business coach Rachel Cosgrove. “If you’re getting referrals, your clients aren’t going anywhere and they’re bringing people in, so you’re growing.”
Pat Rigsby, also a fitbiz expert, says to expand your thinking about referral marketing.
“It can be creating charity events that allow them to introduce people to our business in a positive light,” he says. “It can be getting reviews from those clients so that they’re now becoming an ambassador for our business, even when they’re not proactively trying to.
“It can be getting them to share their successes on social media or share our content on social media. It can even be having creating situations where they’re wearing swag from your business out in public, so people see them, and they become billboards.”
Whatever you do to gain referrals, be intentional about it, says business coach Vince Gabriele.
“It’s the best day ever” when you get a referral, he says. “Have intentional things to do to drive new people to your business.”
2. Network ‘In Real Life’
“You gotta shake hands and kiss babies,” fitness coach Todd Durkin advises. He means: Get out there in your community, meet people, and promote yourself.
For many trainers, in-person networking feels more natural than digital marketing. So, ask yourself, how do I increase my lead generation while strengthening my local presence?
Attend fitness expos, local fairs, and other community events. Bring promotional materials like flyers or branded merchandise to leave a lasting impression.
- Volunteer at Events: Offer to lead warm-ups or cool-downs at charity runs or other fitness events.
- Host a Booth: Showcase your services at trade shows or expos where your target audience is likely to attend.
Also, approach other businesses that serve your same target market. Ask them to collaborate on promotions that will raise awareness of both businesses.
Offer to cohost events or offer exclusive discounts – or at least to promote each other in your company newsletters.
“How do I increase my lead generation?”
Sometimes just by asking directly.
Think about businesses your clients support, like car dealerships, country clubs, restaurants, shops, and others you might meet at, say, a chamber of commerce meeting.
Offer “lunch and learns” on fitness and nutrition at nearby large employers and offer incentives for employees to come check you out.
3. Don’t Neglect Your Website
Vince and other advisers say too many people no longer think websites are important. But, if you’re wondering how do I increase my lead generation, then you need a good one that helps people find you when they’re looking for a trainer. And it must be optimized for engagement.
Make sure you’re offering a lead magnet to get them to sign up for your email list, at least. A lead magnet is something of value that you give away for free in exchange for their contact information.
It can range broadly from, say, a few free sessions to three of your favorite healthy recipes.
Your website also needs to be clear about how you help people and what kind of special focus you have – for example, on helping new moms get back in shape or keeping time-strapped executives fit.
But keep the focus on them, not how awesome you are.
And, by all means, include “before and after” cases to show you really get results for your clients. That will go a long, long way to answer how do I increase my lead generation.
This is a great place to sell recorded videos, online coaching, and other alternatives. Particularly since Covid-19, many trainers are finding success by coaching people who live in different parts of the country (or even the world), or those who travel too frequently to be seen face to face regularly.
When punching up your website, ask yourself, how do I increase my lead generation in my local area?
One way is to make sure your website is working as hard as you are. Focus on local SEO (search engine optimization) to appear in searches like “personal trainer near me.”
- Google Business Profile: Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile. Include photos, services, and client reviews.
- Location-Specific Content: Create blog posts targeting local keywords, such as “best trainers in [city]” or “outdoor workouts in [city].”
- Contact Forms: Make it easy for visitors to inquire about your services with clear, user-friendly forms.
These are neglected but effective answers to the question, how do I increase my lead generation?
4. Use Other Social Media
If Facebook isn’t generating leads, don’t abandon social media altogether. A lot of content r does well on Instagram and TikTok, which are highly visual and can showcase your expertise.
Share short workout demonstrations, before-and-after case studies, and tips that will help people watching.
Provide value – don’t just try to make a sale all the time.
- Instagram Stories and Reels: Use Stories to share behind-the-scenes content and quick wins. Reels are perfect for bite-sized educational videos that can go viral.
- TikTok Challenges: Create fun challenges that encourage followers to participate and tag their friends.
With these platforms, the key is volume and consistency. Post a lot, using the currently trending hashtags. And remember that “social” is important on social media. Reply to contacts and direct messages, and comment on others’ content, too.
There’s also YouTube to solve “How do I increase my lead generation?” Some people prefer to watch videos rather than read content. You don’t need Hollywood-level production values to grow an audience and get your message out there.
The same goes for podcasts. Be consistent and focus on helping your listeners.
We’re not suggesting you must do all of this, of course if you’re asking how do I increase my lead generation. But search for the combination of channels that serve your business, your audience, and your resources (including your time, money and skill).
5. Build an Email List
Email marketing might seem old-school, but it’s one of the most effective tools for independent trainers wondering, how do I increase my lead generation? Your email list is a direct line to your potential clients, free from social media algorithms.
And best of all, you own your email list, no matter what happens with ownership of a social media platform or controversies it might cause.
- Lead Magnets: Offer a free resource, such as a “10-Day Workout Plan” or a “Healthy Eating Cheat Sheet,” in exchange for email addresses.
- Regular Newsletters: Keep your audience engaged with weekly tips, client success stories, and special offers. Vince Gabriele urges three a week – and he’s not out of the norm. Most people are reluctant to email enough. Don’t be!
- Automation: Use email marketing platforms like Mailchimp or ConvertKit to automate follow-ups and nurture leads over time.
- You’re Not a Spammer: Don’t hesitate to email because you’re afraid to be seen as a spammer. The simple solution to that is: Don’t send spam! Send useful, engaging content that the reader wants – and don’t push for a sale all the time.
6. Pay for Targeted Advertising
If organic reach isn’t cutting it, consider investing in paid ads on platforms like Google, Instagram, or TikTok. Ads allow you to target specific demographics and increase your visibility.
- Google Ads: Target keywords like “personal trainer near me” or “fitness coach for beginners.”
- Social Media Ads: Use carousel ads to showcase multiple aspects of your services, such as client testimonials, unique programs, or limited-time offers.
- Retargeting Ads: Remind people who’ve visited your site but haven’t converted yet.
Many communities have free weekly newspapers that – despite what you might think – still have sizeable readerships and affordable advertising rates.
If you’re serving a niche market, consider advertising with relevant print and online publications, from nightlife magazines to newsletters at large houses of worship.
Final Thoughts
It’s only natural and smart to ask yourself, “How do I increase my lead generation?”
That’s especially true when strategies start to lose effectiveness. And if Facebook has left you perplexed, don’t worry – you’re not alone.
But the good news is that there are countless other ways to grow your business. By implementing these strategies, you’ll no longer have to wonder, how do I increase my lead generation — you’ll see real results.
Play around with new ideas. Keep an open mind. Remember there’s no one magic bullet anymore.
Remember, too, that most of your money comes from current clients. So, focus on keeping them happy and getting them great results – which will increase their referrals!
Just stay true to your vision when asking, “How do I increase my lead generation” and do it in the way that supports your vision and values.
The answer is probably simpler than it might seem.
Want more ideas? We got plenty. Get “51 Ways to Acquire Clients without Facebook Ads” here for free.