Welcome to the Brand Up Podcast! In this episode, Marian Esanu shares insights on how fitness coaches can effectively find and engage clients. Through snackable, value-packed episodes like this one, Marian answers questions from live Instagram sessions, offering real-time advice to fitness professionals aiming to grow their client base.
How to Stand Out and Get Clients as a Fitness Coach
For any fitness coach, finding clients is essential to building a sustainable business. In this podcast episode, Marian Esanu dives into strategies that every fitness coach can use to attract high-quality clients, specifically by leveraging platforms like LinkedIn and strategic profile optimization. These tips offer actionable steps to position yourself as an expert and generate interest from potential clients, even in a competitive market.
Key Steps to Building Your Client Base as a Fitness Coach
Identify Your Ideal Client
Knowing exactly who you want to work with is critical to your success. Marian emphasizes the importance of pinpointing a niche, such as busy CEOs, to help you design a profile and content that speak directly to your target audience. Identifying a specific client base not only makes your outreach more effective but also allows you to cater your marketing efforts and online presence toward those most likely to benefit from your services.
Platform Selection: Where Are Your Clients?
For a fitness coach targeting busy professionals, LinkedIn is an ideal platform to connect with decision-makers who value efficiency. By using LinkedIn’s tools, such as Sales Navigator, you can pinpoint CEOs and other high-ranking professionals within your area. This type of search functionality makes it easier for a fitness coach to narrow down potential clients based on location, company size, and role.
Optimize Your Profile for Impact
Your LinkedIn profile is often the first impression potential clients get. Marian suggests making it look professional yet relatable, fitting your niche as a fitness coach. Consider using a profile photo that reflects your fitness background, and choose a banner that showcases your offerings—whether it’s one-on-one sessions or group coaching. The objective is to make your profile visually compelling and informative to create immediate interest.
Creating Valuable Content That Speaks to Your Target Audience
Highlight Client Pain Points
A successful fitness coach understands their clients’ challenges, such as time constraints or maintaining a healthy lifestyle while managing a demanding career. Create content that addresses these issues directly—such as quick, effective workout routines or meal planning tips tailored for busy schedules.
Leverage Video Content to Connect
Marian advises fitness coaches to use video content that resonates with clients’ specific needs. For example, a short series on “Quick Exercises for Busy CEOs” or “Healthy Eating Tips for Professionals on the Go” can help you stand out. Upload this content on LinkedIn to showcase your knowledge, creating trust and positioning yourself as a go-to fitness coach in your niche.
Develop a Content Plan: 3-9 Core Videos
Three to nine core videos focused on your niche are ideal, according to Marian. For example, cover topics like “How to Fit a Workout into a Busy Schedule” or “Mistakes CEOs Make with Their Fitness Goals.” Not only does this make your expertise accessible, but it also creates a valuable archive of content that attracts potential clients searching for fitness advice.
Using LinkedIn to Connect and Build Relationships
Searching for Ideal Clients with LinkedIn Sales Navigator
Sales Navigator on LinkedIn enables a fitness coach to search for professionals by specific job titles, such as CEO, within a geographic area. Marian mentions this as an incredibly useful feature for fitness professionals who want to find clients in their local area or within a specific industry.
Send Thoughtful Connection Requests
Once you have identified potential clients, initiate contact by sending a thoughtful, personalized message. Focus on offering value rather than pitching your services immediately. Marian suggests providing a link to a free resource or inviting them to a live webinar, which not only introduces your expertise but also opens the door for future interactions.
Follow-Up and Engage with New Connections
After connecting, the key is to continue the conversation. Marian explains that a fitness coach should follow up with content that aligns with the client’s needs, such as a free workout session or a nutrition consultation. This helps build trust and creates a natural pathway for clients to explore your paid services.
Optimizing Your Profile as a Fitness Coach for Client Attraction
Profile Photo and Banner: Represent Your Brand
Marian advises that your profile photo should represent who you are as a fitness coach—professional but approachable. For example, choose a high-quality photo taken in a fitness setting rather than a business suit. Your banner should also include a clear call-to-action, such as an offer for a free consultation or access to a video series.
Write a Powerful Profile Description
Your LinkedIn profile description should be crafted like a sales letter, addressing the unique needs of your clients. Highlight the time-saving techniques or fitness strategies you offer, specifically tailored to professionals. For example, mention that you specialize in quick, effective workouts designed for people with busy schedules.
Building Trust Through Testimonials and Client Success Stories
Client testimonials provide evidence of your success as a fitness coach. Marian recommends adding brief case studies or quotes from past clients to your profile or as posts. This social proof increases credibility and shows potential clients that others have benefited from your services.
Final Thoughts: Take Action and Build a Client-Generating Profile
Building a successful client base as a fitness coach requires strategic steps. Marian’s advice encourages fitness coaches to:
- Clearly define their ideal client.
- Optimize their LinkedIn profile to attract those clients.
- Share valuable, targeted content that builds trust.
- Connect with prospects and offer value through personalized outreach.
By following these steps, any fitness coach can boost their online presence and attract a steady stream of clients eager to improve their fitness journey.
Resources mentioned by Marian:
Connect with Marian on Social:
►Instagram: @marianvesanu
►Facebook: @marianvesanulive
►Twitter: @marianvesanu
►LinkedIn: Marian Esanu
