There are some traditionally off-line industries that are showing up and making a splash online. One of the industries to make this successful transition is the yoga and fitness industry. With it's growing popularity, we are seeing more and more yoga and fitness social media sites and interactive websites popping up.
As a fitness enthusiast myself, I am intrigued by the online marketing elements that some well respected instructors and studios are implementing. The fitness industry is highly competitive and saturated therefore it takes well planned marketing efforts to stand out.
Some popular first entry actions are creating personal websites for trainers; starting Facebook fan pages (see example), and writing for industry recognized publications to establish authority and reach captive audiences.
The best fitness instructors in each city are almost becoming celebrities in their own right due to the online marketing strategies they implement.
Key Online Marketing Elements Needed for Success
Facebook: Facebook is being used as one of the most effective marketing tools. Fitness and yoga instructors are able to use it as a platform to advertise to their clients on important updates such as; schedule changes, events, workshops, yoga retreats, special discounts and their personal lives.
Engaging their audience and maintaining their pages is equally important. Clients are looking to feel connected with their instructors and are interested in getting a better glimpse into their professional & personal lives.
Partnerships: Aligning yourself with the right studios and brands plays a huge part in building a personal brand. Becoming a product ambassador opens up big doors along with the priceless exposure it can provide to an instructor. Companies like Lululemon offer advantages that include guest writing spots on a company blog, featured profile on company website, complimentary in-store fitness classes and the list could go on.
Writing: Who knew you had to be skilled is the art of writing to become a fitness guru? Writing for industry recognized online publications can be one of the greatest tools for expanding your reach. When you write for a new publication you suddenly get in front of a new audience that now knows who you are and what you do.
Other Social Media: Linkedin, Twitter, Google +, Pintrest and the list goes on. Diversifying your social media presence means you expand your reach. Cast as many irons in the fire as possible and maximize your marketing scope by creating accounts across all social mediums.
Along with the factors above there are other small elements that make up the pieces of this pie. Offline marketing comes into play and can be just as crucial to success. One of the main characteristics I've noticed in successful instructors is their ability to network with their clientele. The best teachers reach out to each client and get to know them on an individual basis. Establishing this relationship is one of the key offline marketing elements that instructors should incorporate into their formula for success.
When you reach a good blend of online and offline marketing efforts is when your audience really grows.
