This series of articles focuses on social media and your PT Business. It’s easy to think that social media has nothing to do with your fitness business… How can it possibly help you?

The big news is this… it not only can help you, but it is imperative for the growth of your business.

Part Two will be about Social Media, what it is and other commonly asked questions.

Many years ago, marketing and finding new PT Clients meant picking up a telephone, hitting the pavement, and setting up in-person meetings. Today, social media and the Internet make it much easier to reach an array of potential customers all at once, and all from the comfort of one place.

While Social Media can be a great marketing tool for your company, you probably have questions about it and wonder whether or not it can really help grow your fitness business.

Whether you are already using Social Media or have yet to embark on the Social Media journey, here some popular Questions and Answers that most small businesses have about it:

1) What exactly is social media?

Social media is a term for websites where users can actively engage with friends, companies, brands, celebrities, and more. Distinct communities are formed on most social media sites where people with like-minded interests can share news, stories, updates, videos, and photos.

Unlike traditional media outlets such as television and newspapers, social media allows people to interact. In other words, news is no longer a “one-way street” as people can converse and engage in real-time.

For businesses, social media is a way to share product information, services, and specials. In addition, businesses have a way to find more customers and reach out to additional customers all at once.

Although social media sites all share the same goal in mind, each site offers unique tools. While one social media site may focus more on professional networking, another site may focus more on videos and chatting, while yet another one concentrates on short messages and updates.

2) What if my target audience doesn’t use social media sites?

Millions of people use social media sites on a daily basis. You may be surprised to learn just how many of your target market engages in social media regularly.

However, a good strategy to bring more people to your social media pages is to include your social media profile link on your business cards, company websites, and more. Just include a link like this… Like Us on our facebook page…https://www.facebook.com/createptwealth

3) I’ve never used social media. Isn’t it too late to get started?

There has never been a better time to get involved in social media. In fact, thousands of new users sign up for the major social media sites each week. Additionally, new concepts and tools are always being rolled out on social media sites, which drive in even more new users. It is never too late to get started.

4) What if these social media sites lose popularity once I get started? Is it worth it to put so much work into these sites just for them to disappear one day?

Social media sites are here to stay. With its simplicity of use and interactive social engaging, social media has completely changed the way the world communicates and does business. With the rising combination of smartphone use along with computer use, social media sites are predicted to grow even larger. There’s no reason to forgo social media sites on the assumption that these sites might one day go away.

In worst case scenarios, even if a social media site does one day disappear, the efforts you’ve put into your pages will pay off if you’re able to learn more about the fitness industry through relevant companies, acquire new customers, and personally engage with current customers.

5) I don’t know much about social media and I can’t afford to hire a professional. What should I do?

One of the best things about social media sites is the simplicity of use. Granted, all of the different tools and information may seem overwhelming at first, but once you’ve grown accustomed to how each social media site works, you’ll find that it’s not as intimidating as you once thought.

Make sure to read through the FAQS and tutorials that each site provides. Sign-up for each site is as simple as having an email address and contact information. Take time to check out the different tools and options that each site has before getting started.

6) Once I set up my social media accounts, what do I do next?

One of the biggest mistakes made by businesses and professionals is setting up their social media and forgetting about it. Social media sites are very much “hands on.” Each site will offer you unique tools to help you, but these sites require dedication and effort.

Once you understand how each site works, you’ll need to check your accounts daily, create interesting and industry-relevant content, and interact with customers and potential customers. Keep in mind that although this can be time-consuming, the end results may be financially rewarding.

7) I have a small business where I offer specialized PT services, not a brand or products. Would social media sites help me?

PT businesses will benefit from social media sites regardless of size. If you have a special service or fitness plan that you offer, then there is a probability of some social media users needing your unique PT service. The key is to implement a plan that will work for you and your fitness business. For example, while one business may benefit by posting product photos of their new line of clothing, your business may do better by offering weekday discounts, posting images and videos of workouts and workout groups and explaining the services that your fitness business offers.

8) I already have a good marketing plan set up. Why should I replace it with social media?

If your current marketing plan is working for you, there is no need to get rid of it. Instead, consider mixing your current plan with a combination of social media sites for better results. While it will take more time, the end results are well worth it as social media has the potential to drive in more new business that you may not have reached otherwise. How long will I have to work on my social media sites? I don’t have a lot of time.

How much you put into your social media sites will determine your success. As a good rule of measure, you should spend time daily answering any questions, engaging with like-minded users, creating new content, and reading up customer preferences and concerns.

Again, keep in mind that social media sites are time-consuming. Consider getting friends, family, your PT clients and other resources to join in and help you if you feel you don’t have a lot of time to work with

9) How many social media sites should I use and how do I get started?

Each social media site offers its own set of unique tools. Combining and using the top social media sites, such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and LinkedIn, would be the best way to get the most for your business.

For example, YouTube allows you to upload as many videos as you want. Lots of potential PT clients are visual people and would benefit more by watching your business videos.

On the other hand, some customers prefer short messages, letting them know about new deals, last minute spaces in classes and fitness/supplement product information. In this instance, Twitter would work best. Others may prefer to engage in conversations. Facebook is ideal for conversations and mingling. Want to find a simple solution to your social media marketing plan? Visit Social Media 4 Personal Trainers and discover how easy it can be once you have the right training and tools.