If you’ve reached a point where your personal training business is thriving, congratulations! It’s not easy starting out, and you’ve made it through the hardest part. But what’s next? How can you continue to grow, earn more, and maybe even work a little less?
This blog will guide you through the next, exciting stage of your journey – the part where you scale your personal training business, so you understand exactly when it’s the right time to expand and the best ways to do it. Let’s get started…
How do I know if my fitness business is ready to scale?
Before we discuss how to scale in more detail, it’s important to consider if you’re ready.
Here are some telling signs that it’s time to take the next step:
- You’re fully booked: When your schedule is packed and you’re turning away clients, demand exceeds supply. It’s a good problem to have, but now you have to accommodate more clients without compromising on quality.
- You want to earn more without working more hours: Do you want to increase your income without burning out? If the answer is yes, it’s time to use your time and resources more effectively and find new revenue streams.
So, what’s the best way to scale a personal training business that’s already in demand? There are two main paths: expanding your service offerings or expanding your team.
Expanding your fitness service offerings
One effective way to scale is by diversifying what you offer right now.
Here are some ideas:
- More group sessions
You could consider increasing your number of group classes to accommodate more clients at once. This way, you’ll maximise your time and build a community.
- Online coaching
To reach a wider audience, you can offer virtual training sessions. These could include live virtual workouts, pre-recorded sessions, and personalised training plans delivered online.
- Memberships
Membership packages provide clients with easy, ongoing access to training. These could include a mix of in-person and online services and create a steady revenue stream.
Finding new ways to deliver your training will allow you to cater to different client needs and preferences. For example, some clients may prefer the social aspect of group sessions, while others appreciate the convenience of online coaching.
You can attract and retain different clients by offering various training options – and, crucially, without burning out.
Expanding your team
Another path that will allow you to scale is to grow your team. Hiring can help you manage more clients without increasing your workload.
- Hiring more personal trainers
Bringing in new trainers will allow you to take on more clients and offer specialised services. Look for trainers who complement your expertise and bring new skills to the team.
- Hiring for administrative support
Hiring administrative staff will free up your time. You can work with virtual assistants (VAs) who work remotely on a flexible basis or consider hiring someone in-house. Either way, they can handle scheduling, client communication, and other time-consuming daily tasks.
Expanding your team helps you serve more clients and allows you to focus on strategic business growth. With a strong team, you can delegate tasks and make strategic decisions.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when growing a fitness business?
Scaling a business comes with specific challenges. But you can learn from the experience of others.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Ignoring current clients
Don’t lose focus on existing clients while trying to attract new ones. Their satisfaction is crucial for your reputation. Always prioritise maintaining the quality of service as your client list grows.
- Poor financial management
Ensure you have a solid financial plan to support new growth. Budget for hires, monitor marketing costs and watch out for potential overhead costs.
- Scaling too quickly
Grow at a sustainable, manageable pace. Expanding too quickly could lead to burnout and quality issues. Put the right business infrastructure in place before taking on too much.
- Not aligning growth with goals
Make sure expansion aligns with your long-term business goals. For example, if you want to become a specialist in a certain area, expand into services that complement that vision.
- Poor market research
Always understand your market before introducing new services or expanding your team. Carefully research what your clients need and what competitors are offering.
- Hiring the wrong people
Any new hires must fit your business culture and values. Hiring the wrong person can disrupt your team and damage client relationships.
- Inconsistent client experience
Ensure the quality of your service across all trainers and services. This requires regular check-ins with your team and thorough training.
- Not taking client feedback on board
Listen to your clients’ needs and adjust your services when required. Client feedback is invaluable for improving your offerings and ensuring customer satisfaction.
You’re the leader of your team and the captain of your ship, so build a solid business and hire the right people who will work towards your vision and take you where you want to go.
Tips for expanding your service offer as a personal trainer
Shifting from one-on-one training sessions to scalable services will help you reach more clients without increasing your workload.
Here’s how:
- Fewer 121 clients and more 1-2-many
By offering more group sessions or online programs, you can train multiple clients at once and maximise your time and effort.
- Scalable offers
Introducing options like online courses, downloadable workout plans, and subscription-based services will allow you to reach more clients and provide a scalable revenue stream.
Diversifying your service offerings makes your business resilient and adaptable. It helps you to grow your income and reduces dependency on physically and mentally demanding one-on-one sessions.
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How can I differentiate my services from competitors?
Standing out in a crowded market certainly isn’t easy, but it’s essential for attracting new clients.
Here are some tips:
- Know your audience
Who are your ideal clients? You can only meet their needs when you know the answer. Conduct surveys and gather feedback to understand their preferences and pain points.
- Market yourself effectively
Use social media, blogs, and testimonials to make sure your marketing is on point. Share success stories, behind-the-scenes content, and tips to engage your audience.
- Unique offerings
Develop programs or services that set you apart. This could be a specialised training program, a unique fitness challenge, or a signature class.
By tailoring your services to showcase your unique personality and expertise, you will increase your clients' perception of your value, making them more likely to choose your services.
What technologies can help streamline your business operations?
Using the right technology makes scaling your fitness business so much easier. Here are some important tools to consider:
- CRM systems
Manage client relationships with CRM software. It will help you keep detailed records of client interactions and progress so you can continually improve.
- Scheduling software
Automated scheduling tools will simplify your booking system and cancellations, reducing your workload and minimising scheduling conflicts.
- Online training platforms
When delivering high-quality virtual sessions, platforms like Trainerize or True Coach can help you manage client programs, track progress, and provide a seamless online training experience.
Technology is there to help you streamline operations, making it far easier to manage a growing client base and maintain a high-quality service. Use it!
Tips for expanding your team as a personal trainer
Growing your team is a significant step in scaling your business. But hiring for the first time is daunting. You need to hire people who fit your business culture and are invested in helping you grow.
Here’s how to do it right:
What should I look for when hiring new trainers?
- Cultural and values fit: Every new hire must align with your business values and culture. Ask questions to ensure they share your commitment to your clients and high-quality service.
- Experience and credentials: Look for qualified trainers with a track record. Certifications and relevant experience are important, but so is their approach to training and client relationships.
- Attitude: Hire energetic individuals who are passionate, motivated, and client-focused. A positive attitude and a strong work ethic are essential for a strong team.
How can you ensure the new PT delivers great results?
- Comprehensive training: Provide thorough onboarding for new starts and ongoing training to maintain consistency. Regularly update any training to keep up with industry standards.
- Regular feedback: Offer ongoing support and feedback to help your new trainers grow and improve. Schedule regular check-ins and provide guidance.
- Client feedback: Encourage your clients to tell you about their experience with new trainers. Use this feedback to make adjustments and improvements.
Don’t micro-manage; instead, put processes in place to ensure your team delivers excellent results and maintain your reputation and client satisfaction as you scale.
A real-life example of a successfully scaled personal training business
Seeing a real-life success story is always inspirational, and here’s one of my personal favourites:
James Smith
James Smith is an Australian personal trainer who successfully scaled his business after years of working on the gym floor. He started by building a strong social media presence with his no-nonsense approach to fitness and lifestyle coaching.
From there, James launched the James Smith Academy, offering a variety of online fitness programs, educational content, and personalised coaching from top coaches worldwide. The academy has become hugely popular, making fitness accessible and relatable with engaging content and straightforward advice.
James's success is a prime example of how leveraging social media and digital platforms can dramatically expand your reach and impact in the fitness industry.
Scale your PT business with support from Strong Collective
Scaling your personal training business can be a professionally and financially rewarding journey, but it’s not without challenges. At Strong Collective Mentoring, we’re here to help you navigate the process with tailored mentorship.
Whether you’re looking to expand your services or grow your team, our expert advice will help you make the right decisions and achieve your business goals. Book a call today to get the support you need to grow your business and smash your goals!
Free Personalised Report Reveals:
How To Add An Extra £3,000-5,000 Per Month, And Build A Tribe Of Followers Who Can’t Wait to Like, Save and Share Everything You Post.
