Word-of-mouth marketing is the best way to build your business because it is the least expensive, the most genuine and the longest lasting form of ongoing purchase. Once the ball gets rolling, you could feasibly bring in 95 percent of your business from existing clients, with no need to research new markets or desperately hunt for new prospects who are disgruntled with your competitors’ services. Here are some tips for encouraging your clients to let their friends know about how beneficial your fitness business is in their lives.
Join as many local forums, message boards and online communities as you can. Don’t overlook social media hotspots like Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter. Comment on posts regarding fitness issues regularly. Flex your expertise! You’ll quickly earn respect when people see how knowledgeable you are. You’ll be surprised by how many referrals come to you because something you said in a post really resonated with them.
Start up conversations and interact with your clients. Find out about their hobbies and build a rapport over shared interests. Send them cards or motivational text messages to show you care. Find out what topics they are interested in or what questions they have and send them well-researched information. Organize extracurricular activities for your group. Become an invaluable part of your clients’ lives. Then, when the timing is right, don’t be afraid to ask for their help. Let them know that your business runs primarily off referrals and offer them a special deal for referring a friend.
When you offer unparalleled customer service, people naturally will want to tell their friends what you did for them. Be sure you respond to inquiries through your website immediately. Send your clients free gifts to earn their loyalty. Put time and effort into creating an effective program that will ensure your clients see results fast. Remember people’s birthdays and major milestones. Change up your music every so often and take customer surveys to be certain you’re doing all you can to create the best environment for your crew.

It’s a dog-eat-dog world out there in the fitness industry. The same elements that will earn you word-of-mouth referrals are the same ones that make your business stronger and more competitive. Focusing on these core practices will generate a positive buzz surrounding your brand and help you build your enterprise through a rabid base of fans who are singing your praises like canaries.