MARKETING
TOP 7 TIPS TO PROMOTE
YOUR GYM ON TIKTOK
TikTok used to just be a fun app for tweens, but this isn’t the case anymore. Personal trainers and businesses from within the fitness industry are all using it to promote their business and widen their audience. Steve Grant explains what you need to know about TikTok and how you can use it in your fitness business.
To determine if TikTok is right for your fitness business, ask yourself the following questions:
Is TikTok right for you?
The app currently has more than 30 million active users, the biggest chunk of whom are people between the age of 18 and 24 years, which suggests its main appeal is a younger audience. Although there are older adults on it, it is a tool that’s best suited for fitness professionals who want to target a younger age group. That said, if your target is an older audience, don’t rule it out because you’ll have less competition, which might make it easier to reach TikTok users who feel there’s not much in there designed for them.
If you're unsure where to start, check out accounts of other fitness businesses. Search using hashtags or start by looking into videos made by big names in the fitness industry.
Understand how TikTok works
If you think TikTok will help your business expand, then you have to learn how it works before you dive in. Essentially, TikTok is an app for creating and watching videos such as:
- Challenges: These often involve performing a particular dance using a specific style – this is always a great way to start when you are new to TikTok.
- Duets: These are collaborations with another TikTok user – another excellent way to get your feet wet on TikTok without having to prepare much.
- Reaction videos: This is like creating a review for something such as a product or service.
- Humour – There’s a tonne of funny stuff in TikTok. You could go on there and post some jokes about fitness and personal training, using something clever or witty to convey it.
- Knowledge sharing – Many users are on TikTok to give their audience short but enlightening information, so you definitely could use TikTok to share short nuggets of advice.
Creating your TikTok profile
If you’ve decided to try including TikTok as part of your fitness business’ marketing strategy, you need to create a profile. To do so, simply download the TikTok app and sign up using a valid email address and phone number. Then, just change your profile photo or use a profile video option. Be sure to choose a username that matches your other social media accounts so the people will know it’s you.
Check other gym’s TikTok videos
If you’re unsure where to start, check out accounts of other fitness businesses. Search using hashtags or start by looking into videos made by big names in the fitness industry. Once you know what you’d like to post, just tap on the “+” button to create your first video.
Find your own TikTok Style
With Tiktok, the theme is fun, casual, and entertaining. So, it’s totally okay if you make a mess during a dance challenge, or if you don’t have your hair and make-up perfectly done. Experiment with different types of videos and take note of the ones you enjoyed doing, and what you think relates the most to your target audience.
Cross-promote on TikTok
TikTok is great for cross-promotion. You can use your TikTok videos on other platforms like Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, through built-in integrations. Sharing your TikTok content on other platforms increases engagement, and will help you find more people to follow you or spark an interest in your business.
Finally, HAVE FUN!
Content doesn’t have to be serious all the time. Fun and silly videos will help you connect with your audience, and it will keep them engaged. This will make you appear relatable, and it may even make them curious about working with you. There’s nothing wrong with shaking things up a bit and having a little fun once in a while.
No matter what type of business model you have, there are an unlimited number of ways that you can use TikTok for your fitness business. Just keep these tips in mind, and you’ll have no trouble gaining a following on the app.
NEED MORE INFO?
Would you like to learn more about marketing strategies specifically for the fitness business? Steve is offering a FREE 90-day Gym Growth Plan Session to get you started. Click here for info.
