December 4

Do Flyers and Leaflets Work for Fitness Businesses?

Do Flyers and Leaflets Work for Fitness Businesses?

This morning, I had a chat with a fitness studio owner while discussing business growth strategies. They mentioned planning a flyer campaign to drum up more interest and boost their membership numbers. The plan was to distribute flyers to local tanning salons, hairdressers, and coffee shops within a 5 minute walk of  their studio.

At first glance, this might seem like a sound idea. However, there are two significant flaws that could make this approach less effective for fitness businesses.

These are common pitfalls that many gym and fitness studio owners face when trying to market their services.

Let’s break them down.

Fatal Flaw 1: Following the Crowd

One of the biggest challenges with using flyers is that everyone else is doing it, making it harder for your business to stand out. For many fitness businesses, this is why price becomes the default way to compete. It’s the easiest way to differentiate yourself in a crowded market. It’s also a race to the bottom.

If you want to rise above the noise, you need to go where others aren’t and take a more creative or strategic approach. Flyers can work, but only if you use them as part of a well thought out plan.

Here are a few ways to improve your flyer strategy:

  • Include a Call to Action (CTA): Don’t just ask people to visit your gym. Instead, send them to a specific landing page on your website where they can:
    • Claim a free trial pass or a consultation.
    • Sign up for a compelling offer (e.g., “Drop a Dress Size in 28 Days Challenge!”).
  • Focus on Your Target Market: Design your flyers to address the specific problems your target audience faces, and address their goals.

For example, if your ideal members are busy professionals, the flyer should highlight how your studio helps them achieve results efficiently. If you cater to new mums, focus on postnatal fitness benefits and a supportive community environment.

Fatal Flaw 2: The Wrong Audience

If you’re aiming to sell premium memberships or results focused personal or small group training, your target audience likely isn’t the same group hanging out in tanning salons or coffee shops. Instead, you need to identify where your ideal clients are spending their time and learn how you can get in front of them to connect with them there.

For a fitness business targeting higher-end clients, consider:

  • Partnering with Local Businesses: Collaborate with private physiotherapists, high-end car dealerships, or boutique retailers who attract affluent customers.
  • Corporate Connections: Approach nearby office complexes to offer workplace wellness programs or fitness memberships as staff perks.
  • Events and Networking: Sponsor or attend local events that align with your brand, such as charity runs, health expos, or yoga festivals.

A Modern Alternative To Flyers and Leaflets: Digital Marketing For Fitness Businesses

While flyers can still play a role in your marketing strategy, platforms like Facebook and Instagram ads make it easier (and often cheaper) to target your ideal audience with laser focused precision. With digital ads, you can:

  • Reach specific demographics, such as people within a certain radius of your studio or gym.
  • Target individuals based on income, interests, or fitness goals.
  • Test and tweak your message to see what resonates most without having to reprint thousands of flyers.

Digital ads save you the time and effort of printing and distributing flyers, and they provide clear data on what’s working.

Final Thoughts

Flyers can work for fitness businesses, but only if they’re part of a larger, more strategic marketing plan. Whether you’re using printed materials or digital ads, the key is to:

  1. Understand your target market.
  2. Craft a compelling offer that speaks to their needs.
  3. Distribute your message where they’re most likely to see it

By stepping away from generic approaches and focusing on strategies that truly connect with your audience, your fitness business can easily stand out from the competition and attract more of the right members.

Want to learn more about innovative ways to expand your reach and grow your fitness business? Get in touch today and discover how Accelerate Website Agency can help you build a roadmap for your fitness business success!

Discover How - Request an Accelerate Website Discovery Call


Tags


You may also like

Fit Pro Marketing: How to Grow Your Fitness Business with the Right Online Strategies

Fit Pro Marketing: How to Grow Your Fitness Business with the Right Online Strategies