Publicity tips for fitness companies
The most common form of fitness publicity is based on the press release. This seems to be the method that is used exclusively by many companies. How do you do a press release?
A good press release is not very difficult to do. It should contain words that would be simple enough for a Junior High School student to understand. Your press release should not exceed one page and it should be double spaced. This will make it easier for the editor to read. You will also want to keep the layout easy to read. Make them real attention getters. Grab on to his interest from the very first sentence.
On each press release, you will want to include the following information:
Date - the editor wants to see that it is not an outdated document. Include a contact person where additional information can be obtained. It will be important to note that this is for immediate release.
Write your release on your own personal stationary. The editor will feel an air of professionalism from you.
After you have done all of this - where will you send it? You will want to send a copy to magazines, newspapers, radio and television stations and any other media you can think of. It would be a good idea to create a dada base on your computer for sending out future press releases.
As you make your list of media sources for your publicity, give them a phone call and ask them for the name of the editor and addresses. You want to make sure your press release gets into the right hands.
Some topics you might want to include in your press release are that you are offering a free bodyfat analysis. Include that you are having a grand opening or an anniversary celebration. Maybe you are having extended or new business hours. Let them know of your new up- to- date equipment. You could possibly want to sponsor a community program.
There are many things of interest about your business which are newsworthy and would fit well in a news release designed to attract fitness publicity. Add a spin to your articles and tie them to something of interest to the editor.
Some media will offer "free advertising." It is known as public relations. They do this because you present to them something that is newsworthy and even though they aren't making money from your advertisement, they get their circulation by providing readers with news they are interested in. This often leads to an advertising base.
Instead of just writing press releases on news which deal directly with your business, why don't you write up press releases on new studies or findings? Make known the main points of the study and who conducted it. You will also want to reference the publication.
If you're like most fitness professionals you have a great deal of information on weight loss. Write articles about fitness, weight loss or health and submit it to your local publications. This is an excellent way to be seen as an expert, and you'll find that clients will come to you through this source.
Sponsor an Event or have a fundraiser. Do this by teaming up with a media company. See if they would be willing to sponsor the event. Remember that every time a media company gives you publicity your name will be there along with the media company's name.
Always use a selling technique that makes people want to come to you. Make them want you over every other health club.
Recognize the value of referrals. They are your best prospects. Your clients friends will come to you pre-sold on your services. They are already familiar with your prices and packages. They will be comfortable coming to you and will probably stay with you longer.
Tell your new client or member that you'd like to send a gift pack to the friends they refer. You will probably want to include a gift certificate or a trial membership.
