5 ways to get more personal training clients

Growing your personal training business doesn't require a marketing degree or big budget. These five strategies are proven to bring in new clients—and you can start implementing them today.

1. Master the gym floor approach

If you train at a gym, the floor is your goldmine. But there's a right way and a wrong way.

The wrong way:

• Interrupting people mid-set

• Immediately pitching your services

• Correcting form unsolicited

• Being pushy or salesy

The right way:

• Be visible: Train yourself on the floor (be impressive)

• Be helpful: Offer to spot, share equipment graciously

• Be friendly: Smile, make small talk, remember names

• Wait for invitation: Let them ask for advice

• Provide value first: Give one helpful tip, walk away

The natural progression:

They see you training/working with clients

Casual conversation over time

They ask a question about their workout

You give valuable advice (no pitch)

They ask about training with you

Offer a trial session

2. Build a referral machine

Your best marketing is happy clients talking to their friends.

Create a referral program:

• Referring client: 1 free session or $50 credit

• New client: 10% off first package

• Track referrals and thank clients personally

How to ask for referrals:

• After a great session: "Who else do you know who might want results like yours?"

• At goal milestones: "You've made amazing progress! Know anyone else ready to make a change?"

• In follow-up messages: "If you know anyone looking for a trainer, I'd love to help them too"

Make it easy:

• Give clients shareable content (their transformation, workout clips)

• Create simple referral cards they can hand out

• Offer to do a free partner workout with their friend

3. Dominate local SEO

When someone Googles "personal trainer near me," you want to show up.

Google Business Profile optimization:

• Claim and complete your profile fully

• Add photos (you training clients, your space, before/afters)

• Collect and respond to reviews

• Post updates weekly (tips, availability, success stories)

• Ensure your services and areas are listed

Get more Google reviews:

• Ask happy clients directly

• Send follow-up email with direct review link

• Respond to every review (positive and negative)

• Aim for 20+ reviews to stand out

Local keywords for your website:

• "Personal trainer in [suburb/city]"

• "PT near [gym name]"

• "[Specialty] trainer [location]"

4. Create valuable social media content

Social media is your 24/7 sales person—if you use it right.

Content that attracts clients:

• Transformation stories: Client results (with permission)

• Quick tips: 60-second technique videos

• Myth busting: Address common fitness misconceptions

• Day in the life: Show what training with you is like

• Personality content: Let them know the person behind the trainer

Platform focus:

• Instagram: Visual content, Reels for reach

• Facebook: Local community, older demographic

• TikTok: Younger audience, viral potential

• YouTube: Long-form educational content

Consistency beats perfection:

• Post 4-5 times per week minimum

• Use Stories daily

• Engage with comments within 1 hour

• Reply to DMs promptly

5. Offer a low-risk entry point

Not everyone is ready to commit to a package. Give them a way in.

Low-barrier offers:

• Free consultation: 30-minute goal-setting session

• Trial session: Single session at reduced rate ($40 vs. $80)

• Challenge: 2-week mini program at fixed price

• Seminar/workshop: Free educational event at gym

The strategy:

Get them in the door

Deliver massive value

Show them what's possible

Present next steps naturally

Sample trial offer: "Not sure if personal training is right for you? Try a single session for $50 (normally $85). No commitment, no pressure—just a great workout and a chance to see if we're a good fit."

Bonus: Leverage your current clients

Your existing clients can help you grow in multiple ways:

Testimonials:

• Written testimonials for website

• Video testimonials for social media

• Before/after photos (with permission)

• Google/Facebook reviews

Content collaboration:

• Feature them in workout videos

• Interview them about their journey

• Celebrate their wins publicly

Referral power:

• They talk to coworkers, friends, family

• Their transformation is visible

• Their enthusiasm is contagious

Implementation plan

Don't try everything at once:

Week 1: Optimize Google Business Profile, start asking for reviews Week 2: Create referral program, tell every client Week 3: Commit to consistent social media posting Week 4: Implement gym floor strategy or launch trial offer

Track new client sources monthly. Double down on what works.

Growing your PT business is about consistent effort across multiple channels. Start today, stay consistent, and the clients will come.