The 30-second article
Forget about Tinder, RSVP and eHarmony,
this is the way to get the love you are
looking for.
Use your fan base to gain more
exposure
There is a simple but very true saying – content
is king. Make sure you post interesting, timely
and relevant content for your audience to
keep them entertained and engaged. Create
content that excites your fans to share it. And
make sure you include photos and videos.
Post consistently and regularly so you are
‘top of mind’ with your followers.
Make sure you ask your fans and followers
questions; doing so generates discussion,
which is a great way of connecting with your
current fans. Interesting conversations can
also pull in outsiders, who may then convert
into fans. A simple tip when it comes to
posting updates is, if you’re scraping for
content, ask a question instead.
Your current members and clients are
your best source of leads, and the same
goes for your fans, because they are more
likely to attract like-minded people. So, how
about giving them incentives such as ‘share
• When it comes to getting fans and
followers on social media, it’s more
important to get quality than
quantity
• Sing your social media presence
from the rooftops, include it in all
communications, advertising and
marketing, both online and offline
• Always provide a compelling reason for
people to like or follow your business
• Post quality content and reward current
fans for sharing it with their networks
• Reach new audiences by following
relevant local businesses, running
cross promotions and sharing
content with them.
or retweet this post to get a free protein bar
when you next come into the gym’, ‘Take
and tag a photo of you working out with
one of our personal trainers on Instagram/
Facebook to get an extra week free’ or
‘Comment on this post – tell us your best
way to stay motivated to train over winter
and receive a free water bottle.’
If you can get your members or clients to
tag, share, comment, or retweet your posts
or photos, then their friends will see them,
thereby providing a great source of exposure
to potential new followers – and customers.
choose the option that allows people to like
or follow your page directly from the ad.
Reaching new audiences
What about the outside world?
So, how can you get more followers outside
of your current fan network?
Look at liking or following relevant
businesses in your local area, such as hair
salons, physiotherapists, massage centres
and beauty salons. If you like and follow
them, chances are they will return the favour.
You could also consider some cross
promotions with these complimentary
businesses – it can be an effective way to
gain exposure to a whole new audience.
Explore the idea of running a contest –
because everyone loves winning stuff. If you
can get your hands on a good prize and make
entry as easy as becoming a fan of your page,
then you should see your fan base increase
dramatically. Consider offering your fans the
chance to win a prize by submitting a photo
to your page. Contests and giveaways are a
great way to reach out to people who haven’t
yet discovered your Facebook page.
Join relevant groups on Facebook and
LinkedIn and start contributing content.
Again, this is a gateway to reaching likeminded people who are more inclined to be
interested in what you have to offer.
Writing blogs that drive traffic and
increase leads is also a must, as it will drive
more people to your social media channels.
Try some online advertising through
LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. You can
be really targeted with who sees your ad
when you advertise online. Experiment with
different types of ads to see what works best
for your fitness business and make sure you
Ah yes, the real world! Almost forgot that one.
If you have a studio or gym, put a placard
on the front desk letting your members
know what social media networks you are
on. You can also give incentives to people
who like or follow your page right away via
their mobile device, giving them some sort
of instant reward when they show you/your
staff the confirmation that they are following
your page.
In any offline advertising or marketing
you do, such as print ads, posters, banners
or merchandise, include your social media
details. If you do an email or text campaign,
or a letterbox drop, make sure you also direct
people to your social media (remembering to
give them a reason to visit and like it!)
Attending relevant conventions and
seminars also provides opportunities to
network with people who would be fans
of your page if they only knew about it!
Speaking at an event will give you a lot of
credibility, but even attending as a delegate
can be an extremely beneficial networking
experience. By making more connections in
the real world, you’ll also gain more friends –
and business – in the online one.
Michelle Le Grand is the owner of Le Grand
Marketing, and is also a group fitness instructor
and personal trainer. She specialises in developing
marketing strategies and social media plans
for fitness businesses to help them generate
leads, increase memberships and build brand
awareness. legrandmarketing.com.au
NETWORK AUTUMN 2016 | 29