The ultimate guide to standing out online: 5 proven strategies for gym owners

The ultimate guide to standing out online: 5 proven strategies for gym owners

The ultimate guide to standing out online: 5 proven strategies for gym owners

It’s Shelly.

She’s 31 years old, super fit and ready to try your gym. Magically, her long, red nails have clicked right across her phone — into your site. 

She’s here. 

And, she’s a perfect fit for your gym.

But, before she can fall in love with you … I mean, your gym, of course  … she runs headfirst into an outdated website.

Ouch.

Don’t let that happen to you. 

Be the sleek, sexy website—filled with glowing testimonials, easy-to-use forms, and an easy booking experience—so when Shelly goes to check out your gym, she sees how special it is.

Here’s the truth.

Your website isn’t a tool.

It’s your front desk, your storefront, your sales pitch, and your brand ambassador — all in one. 

It’s the difference between Shelly walking into your gym for the next 10 years — or walking out on you forever.

Before you even meet.

I know; it’s a whole lotta pressure. 

So, here’s how to make your gym her #1 choice.

Cut the friction

With a knife.

Landing on a slow website is like sliding across a rollerskating rink in rubber shoes. It just doesn’t work. Talk about friction. It’s the worst kind. 

Here’s how you fix it.

Start to see your website as a reflection of your gym: sleek, inviting, and professional. Think fast load times, simple menus, and an effortless flow that makes people want to stay. Bonus points for mobile-friendly designs — because most people, like Shelly, are scrolling on their phones.

And, here’s a secret.

The longer someone stays on your site, the more likely they are to become a member.

So, take your time, and make your website as awesome as you are. 

Want to see how seamless design works? Here you go.

Claim your spot at the top

Of local searches.

That’s right.

You deserve the top spot of Google searches, but the truth is there’s only one way to get it. You have to know quite a bit about SEO aka search engine optimization. That’s fancy marketing speak for the ability to be found …

By people like Shelly.

Here’s why.

If you’re not showing up in her search for “gyms near me,” someone else will. This isn’t just luck, my friend. Local SEO is what puts your gym on the map — literally.

So, you need to:

  • Claim your Google My Business profile.
  • Use location-specific keywords, like “[Your City] functional fitness classes.”
  • Gather reviews from members who love you.

When Shelly types her zip code into Google, your gym should be the first thing she sees.

Want to see how local SEO can change the game for your gym? Read this.

Let your members do the talking

Picture this.

You’re dying to try a new restaurant, so you pull up your phone to find one, and what’s the first thing you do?

Search reviews. 

Exactly.

The moment Shelly lands on your site she’ll want to read real stories from real people, about your gym. 

So, you need them. 

Those before-and-after photos and video clips of smiling members crushing their goals you put all over Instagram — put them on your site.

It’s not fluff.

It’s social proof. 

And it works, because it builds trust.

Create a dedicated page for testimonials or sprinkle them across your site. Let your members tell Shelly why she should join.

See how other gyms use social proof — and get a free member spotlight template

Make it easy

Hard work happens in the gym.

Not your website. 

The best gym sites make it easy to act. 

They offer bold calls-to-action like “Try a free class today” or “Join now.” So, whether she’s on your homepage, class schedule, or pricing page, Shelly knows exactly what to do next.

And don’t make her fill out a long, complicated form. 

Keep it simple.

She’s just a girl, looking for a gym to fall in love with.

Want to see how effortless actions can boost memberships? Check this out.

Stay fresh

And relevant. 

Shelly wants to know more.

So, make it easy for fun, fresh content to seal the deal. Regular updates like blog posts, event announcements, and fitness tips show Shelly your gym is alive and thriving.

Google loves fresh content, too. 

In fact, the more you update your site, the more search engines reward you, helping more people like Shelly find your gym.

If blogging feels overwhelming, start small. Focus on the questions your members ask all the time. Share quick tips or celebrate member milestones.

See how fresh content helps gyms thrive. Learn more here.

What’s next? 

It’s your time to shine.

Your website is more than just a page on the internet. It’s the heart of your business, working 24/7 to bring new people through your doors.

That’s why your gym deserves to stand out.

Ready to take the next step?

Wodify Sites turn clicks into clients. From easy-to-use designs to SEO tools built specifically for gyms, we know what it takes to stand out online—and we’re here to guide you.

For a limited time, we’re offering $300 off Wodify Sites.

Get your demo today

Ready to put what you’ve learned into practice?
Download a free PDF handbook with many of NCFIT’s gym management procedures and philosophies that you can implement in your gym today.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Join our community of one million fitness lovers.
Get weekly fitness news and expert advice sent straight to your inbox.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

You might also like…

No items found.
Thank - hope this helps you #BuildBetter!
If the download doesn't start automatically in a few seconds, please click here to access the PDF.
Welcome HybridAF users!
Mention HybridAF on your demo call for 20% off the first year of your Core subscription*!
*Discount applies to new customers only. Not valid with any other promotions.
GET THIS DEAL!
Brendan Rice
Get your free revenue calculator sent straight to your inbox
How about 65% off?
Book a demo with our team before the end of 2022 and get 65% off Wodify plus an exclusive Wodify Starter Pack.*
*Offer valid for new Wodify Core customers only