Personal web blogs, to Attract Clients
Q: I’ve got a Web site that describes what I do. Why do I need a blog?
A: Because a Web site tells clients what you do. But, a personal training blog will tell them what you can be for them. In short, it stresses the “personal” in personal training.
To expand: It isn’t about you – except when they want it to be. And, a lot of folks want it to be.
The best product: Personal web blogs. Pique your interest!
In this day and age, consumers are picky. They either want it cheap or, to make sure it’s worth paying top-dollar for. They want the best training from the best trainer. They also want to know, not just what they’re getting but who they’re getting it from. That’s where a blog comes in.
The freshest news about personal web blogs.
It’s the personal touch. And, you know you need to project that. After all, personal training is, for the most part, one-on-one. Clients who have had personal trainers know how important the compatibility factor is. Those who haven’t need to be convinced that paying for your undivided attention will, not only going to give them the results they want, but an experience they both need and deserve.
The blog will also help you develop relationships with your clients. It’s your way of staying in touch with them, at any time. It’s a form of conversation that’s available 24/7 and a way of continuing and intensifying the “personal” training relationship you’ve already established with them.
What’s a Blog?
Many blogs (Web log) are online diaries but many in the business world have seized on it as a way to transmit our expertise, passion, philosophy and values. A first-time visitor to your site will want to learn what you do and the blog lets you convey a lot in a subtle, low-key way.
What to Talk About
Keep it professional with just the right amount of personal. Your business blog isn’t the place to talk politics or the funny thing that happened to you on your way to the supermarket. Whatever you write for/about your Personal Training business should be relevant information that in some way applies to the needs of your existing and potential clients.
Case study: Eugene Thong
Let’s take a look at how a very successful personal training blogger does it. Eugene Thong is a busy guy; in addition to running his own training business, which includes training clients, he helps others run their businesses and is a family man. He spends about five hours a week writing his blog and manages to put up a new post almost every day.
“The actual writing isn’t all that difficult,” Eugene explains. “By the time I actually sit down to type, I’ve already got a topic in mind and the gist of what I want to convey outlined in my head. In terms of the creative process, I’m inspired constantly by my clients and my peers – you could say that I’ve got ample topics to write about, and limited time which to actually write!”
He says that he often spends more time trying to find free links to the full text of studies he describes rather than relying solely on abstracts, which are often too sketchy to be useful. But, a lot of the topics he covers are inspired by his interaction with peers and clients. He stresses, though, that the content has to be information that the visitors you’re targeting want to read and feel they need. In short, it has to be reader-relevant, so, know your audience. You’re not going to write for fellow trainers or potential investors the way you’re going to write for your clients.
It’s also an enormous credibility-builder, Eugene points out. “Blogging can help you by serving as a showcase for your expertise. By writing about fitness or explaining exercise concepts through your perspective with your unique voice, you can, not only help your prospective clients understand, [but] build your reputation as an expert,” he explains.
It’s also a great way to stay in touch with clients because visitors can post replies to your blog entries, you can have conversations with clients, Eugene adds. This shows that you’re keeping them in mind and checking in with them, even when they’re not working out with you; it shows you care. And, sometimes their responses or queries will give you an idea for a whole new post.
Eugene also stresses how easy it is to start a blog. There are a lot of easy-to-use blogging services, such as Blogger out there and the templates are already set up, he points out. It’s a lot easier than setting up a Web site. He also warns, however that if you want to use your blog to generate revenue, you may need a more sophisticated platform such as WordPress or Movable Type or hire a Web site designer to help you.
I agree with every point Eugene made. My blog has really helped me to reinforce my bonds with clients, motivated me to remain current on changes in the industry and educate my readers. It’s also improved my writing skills and given me a competitive edge. Every client who found my Web site said they decided to give me a call after reading my blog.
Now, granted, most personal trainers aren’t particularly tech-savvy, but then, why would we be? We’re too busy training. But, a lot of your clients are and they spend a lot of time online. If you want to get their attention, you need to talk to them on their turf and your blog will be the best way to do it.
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