Starting an online fitness business from scratch can be a daunting prospect, especially if you're starting with no social media following or reputation. But don't worry, this comprehensive guide is designed to help you navigate through the initial stages and beyond. And remember, the strategies that get you started won't be the same as those that take you from making 10k a month to 50k.

This guide, designed for personal trainers and gym owners by Sean Garner Consulting, a certified StoryBrand guide and renowned fitness marketing company, will provide you with practical, proven strategies to grow your business. Get your notepad ready; this is a must-read!

Step 1: Assessment and Inventory

The first step when starting your online fitness business is conducting a thorough assessment and inventory of everything you have. Write down your entire client list, your leads, contacts, and past clients. Do not let anything live in your head. Document everything! As one of the leading fitness marketing agencies, we emphasize this step because it helps you understand the resources you have at your disposal.

Step 2: Evaluate Past Strategies

Next, evaluate your past strategies. What worked well in the past for client acquisition? Did you have success with live events or online marketing? Understanding what has been successful before can guide your future fitness business marketing efforts.

Step 3: Catalog Your Programs

Make a comprehensive list of all the training programs you've created. This resource can be invaluable as you begin your online fitness venture. With all these programs at your disposal, you will have a wealth of content to offer your clients.

Step 4: Gather Social Proof

As a new online fitness marketing agency, you need social proof. The best way to do this is through testimonials from past and current clients. This can help to establish your reputation and reassure potential clients of the quality of your services.

Step 5: Follow-Up and Build Relationships

Building a successful online fitness business isn't just about attracting new clients. It's also about nurturing relationships with existing clients and leads. Regular follow-ups are a crucial part of this process.

Step 6: Promote on Social Media

Once you've built up a base of clients and testimonials, it's time to start promoting your online fitness business on social media. Make sure to emphasize your experience as a fitness professional, rather than framing your online services as something completely new.

Step 7: Run a Survey

Running a survey is a fantastic way to engage your audience and gather valuable insights. Ask about your clients' goals, what they're struggling with, and what they want from a fitness program. The information you gather from a survey can be invaluable in tailoring your fitness marketing services.

Step 8: Build and Expand Your Network

Your network can be a powerful tool in growing your online fitness business. Engage with relevant Facebook groups, answer questions on Quora, and consider reaching out to fitness, health, and wellness podcasts. This will not only help you connect with potential clients but also give you ideas for content creation.

Step 9: Invest in Quality Content Creation

Content is king in the digital world. Consistently producing high-quality, relevant content is vital for engaging your target audience and building your brand. This could be in the form of blog posts, social media posts, infographics, podcasts, or videos. Your content should offer value to your audience, such as fitness tips, nutritional advice, workout plans, and client success stories.

Step 10: Leverage Email Marketing

One of the most effective marketing strategies for online fitness businesses is email marketing. It allows you to stay in touch with your audience, share valuable information, and promote your services. Start building your email list from day one. You can do this by offering a free resource, such as a workout plan or nutritional guide, in exchange for their email address.

Step 11: SEO Optimization

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is a powerful strategy for increasing your online visibility. By optimizing your website and content for search engines, you can attract more organic (non-paid) traffic to your site. This involves using relevant keywords in your content, optimizing meta descriptions and title tags, and ensuring your site is mobile-friendly.

Step 12: Use Online Advertising

Online advertising, such as Google Ads or Facebook Ads, can be an effective way to attract more clients. These platforms allow you to target specific demographics, making it easier to reach your target audience. Start with a small budget and gradually increase it as you start seeing results.

Step 13: Use Analytics and Track Your Progress

To understand what's working and what's not in your marketing strategy, it's crucial to track your progress. Use tools like Google Analytics to monitor your website traffic, conversion rates, and other important metrics. Adjust your strategies based on these insights.

Step 14: Constantly Update and Optimize Your Strategies

The digital landscape is always changing. What worked yesterday might not work tomorrow. Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques in fitness marketing, and don't be afraid to test new strategies. Always be optimizing and improving your marketing efforts.

Remember, scaling your online fitness business isn't an overnight job. It takes time, effort, and patience. But with strategic planning and execution, you'll be on your way to achieving your business goals.