Fitness Center Marketing: Ideas and Resources

This is the final article in a five-part series that details exactly what you need to market your fitness center and make it a success. Creative marketing generates buzz, delivers value to your clientele and increases profits for you. Try these creative fitness center marketing ideas and resources to boost your business this year:

Host an event - Connect current members with potential members by hosting public tournaments, leagues, classes and other events on and off site. Some gyms charge different fees based on membership status. You can also host free one-day events, or even all-nighters for children to generate family interest.

Partner with others - Consider partnering with complementary and non-competing businesses to host a citywide triathlon or other event. Set up booths and hand out branded items such as SIGG bottles to everyone who enters or watches. Other ideas include volleyball tournaments, softball tournaments, basketball tournaments, yoga days and anything else relevant to your target audience.

Creative message placement - We've already discussed placing posters and flyers where your target audience is likely to see them, especially at places of work. Seek out creative marketing opportunities whenever you can - the less distraction you have from competitors and the more unique your approach, the more likely your message is to be remembered. Stickers are perfect beacons, because you can stick them in creative places. How about placing stickers on waiting room magazines in doctors' offices: "Want to come here less often? Join Health Gym!"

Here are some helpful links to fitness center marketing resources you can use to bolster business: PsPrint - Full-service printing, direct mailing and mailing list generation. ]]>Small Business Administration]]> - Helpful guides, forms and sample marketing plans for small businesses. The SBA also supports Small Business Development Centers throughout the United States. ]]>SCORE]]> - The Service Corps of Retired Executives provides free advice in the form of online information and business counseling. Simply contact one of SCORE's volunteer members for business mentoring. ]]>IDEA Health and Fitness Association]]> - Resources and information for fitness professionals. ]]>President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports]]> - Government resources and links. ]]>International Health, Racquet and Sports Club Association]]> - A global trade association for the health and fitness industry. Many local communities and states also have fitness center associations and organizations. Run a quick Google search for your local, state, and regional fitness center associations and organizations for additional resources.