Top Marketing Tips for CrossFit Gyms in 2024
When we first wrote this in 2020, the fundamentals of marketing your CrossFit gym were already well established, but things have changed slightly since then. Digital trends, tools, and consumer behaviour have continued to evolve, making it even more important to stay up-to-date with your marketing strategies. Below are five essential marketing tips for CrossFit gyms that are simple to implement and effective in today’s competitive landscape.
Why You Need These Marketing Tips for CrossFit Gyms
Effective marketing is essential for growing your CrossFit gym, keeping your community engaged, and standing out in a competitive landscape. Below are five key marketing tips for CrossFit gyms that are simple to implement and can make a significant impact on your business.
1. Post on Social Media Every Day
In 2024, maintaining a strong presence on social media is more important than ever. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook continue to dominate the fitness industry, making them ideal spaces to engage with your audience. With their easy integration, you can post on Instagram and automatically share content to Facebook, maximising your reach with minimal effort.
To build and grow your social media following, focus on consistent, engaging content. Fitness-related businesses have a unique advantage in that people love to see workout routines, success stories, and community spirit. Posting regularly, especially with video content like Reels and Stories, can significantly increase your visibility.
You don’t have to do it all alone—share the responsibility with your coaches. Encourage them to capture moments in the gym, whether it’s someone hitting a new PB or just a fun workout session. Content doesn’t have to be polished or perfect. In fact, “in the moment” videos or photos can often be social media gold, showing real, authentic moments that resonate with your audience.
For inspiration, here are some easy content ideas:
- Member Achievements: Showcase personal bests, first-time achievements, or member shoutouts. This highlights the diversity and success of your gym’s community.
- Promote Events: Whether it’s a social event or an in-house competition, social media is a great way to spread the word and get people excited.
- Daily WODs: Share the workout of the day, tips for completing it, or movement standards. This not only keeps current members engaged but also gives potential new members a glimpse into your gym’s culture.
2. Leverage Instagram Stories, Reels, and TikTok
Instagram Stories and Reels have become key tools for businesses looking to connect with their audience. Reels, in particular, offer a wider reach thanks to Instagram’s algorithm, which favours short, engaging videos. Use Reels to showcase your classes, offer quick fitness tips, or promote special events at your gym.
Similarly, TikTok has rapidly grown into one of the most influential platforms for video content, especially in the fitness industry. With TikTok’s algorithm also favouring short, dynamic content, it’s an ideal space to create engaging videos that can go viral. You can post workout tips, member transformations, or even fun behind-the-scenes content to help your gym reach a broader, younger audience.
Instagram Stories are equally powerful because of their real-time, casual nature. You can show behind-the-scenes moments, members in action, or short clips of workouts. Remember to tag your members (with permission) to encourage them to share the content on their own profiles, extending your reach even further.
You can also use Stories and TikTok to promote products, announce events, or simply give a shoutout to your gym community. This interactive content fosters a stronger connection with your audience and helps potential members see the positive, supportive environment your gym offers.
3. Send Regular Emails with a tool like MailChimp
Email marketing is far from outdated, and it continues to be a reliable way to engage your members. With platforms like MailChimp, you can easily manage your email lists and send bulk emails without spending a fortune. It’s free for up to a certain amount of subscribers, making it an ideal tool for most CrossFit gyms.
Use email campaigns to:
- Share Programming: Send out weekly or monthly programming updates to keep members informed.
- Promote Blog Posts: If your gym has a blog, send out your latest articles to offer helpful fitness tips or nutrition advice.
- Announce Events: Not all of your members are active on social media, so email is a great way to ensure everyone stays updated on upcoming events or special offers.
- Request Testimonials: Regularly ask your members to submit testimonials, either via email or through platforms like Google reviews. These testimonials not only boost your gym’s credibility but can also be reshared as content across your social media channels or even your website, helping attract new members.
Make sure your emails are engaging, concise, and valuable, offering your members the information they care about most.
4. Build a “Members Only” Facebook Group
Facebook Groups are an invaluable tool for fostering community within your gym. By creating a Members Only group, you offer a private space where members can interact with each other, ask questions, and get updates directly from you. Facebook’s algorithm tends to prioritise group posts, meaning your members are more likely to see updates posted in the group than on your business page.
Use your group to:
- Share workout challenges and motivate members to push themselves.
- Post daily updates or upcoming events.
- Answer questions from your members and encourage discussion on fitness tips, nutrition, and beyond.
Setting the group to private and manually approving members also creates a sense of exclusivity, which helps to deepen member engagement and loyalty.
5. Plan and Promote Events
Organising events is a great way to keep your members engaged and attract new ones. From in-house competitions to social gatherings, having a calendar of events shows your members that you’re invested in building a strong community. Sit down with your team to plan out the year, even if it’s just a rough outline.
Once the events are planned, it’s time to promote them! Use your social media, email marketing, and Facebook group to spread the word. You can also print posters to hang up in your gym for those who may not be as active online. Creating Facebook Events is another great way to gather RSVPs and keep track of attendees.
Conclusion
Marketing your CrossFit gym doesn’t have to be complex or expensive. By using these five simple strategies, you can engage your community, attract new members, and grow your gym. For more tips on optimising your gym’s website and digital presence, check out our guide on How to Create the Best CrossFit Website.
