Creating a powerful presence on social media can be a daunting task, especially for the busy fitness studio owner. Posting high-quality content frequently and engaging with your followers on a regular basis helps to build credibility, spread brand awareness, and attract more clients. But building your social presence can also seem very time consuming and stressful—that’s why we’re here to help. Here are 13 ways to inspire your Facebook and Instagram audience to return to your brand, again and again.

1. Happy Clients

There is no higher compliment than a referral, so why not use that to your advantage? Posting photos of happy clients with a quote is perfect content for your Facebook or Instagram feed. Showing off smiles is a great way to gain social proof, and your clients will be delighted to be featured.

2. Products

If you operate a boutique inside your studio, be sure to snap a pic of the yoga mats, crystals, water bottles, towels that are available. Share photos on your social pages so clients and potential clients are aware that you have a shop component to your location. Get creative with the photos—arrange products with a creative flat-lay style photograph, or snapshots of instructors or clients using the products to help drive sales and foot traffic.

3. Your Team at Work

Say cheese! Showing off the hard-working staff and instructors at your fitness center will help clients connect with your studio on a more personal level. Include employee stories, testimonials, and behind-the-scenes shots and video to your social posts.

4. New and Ongoing Projects

Whether it’s your latest collaboration, a renovation to your studio, or a new class offering, sharing recently completed projects and happenings at your studio is exciting for your followers! Use Facebook Live and Instagram Stories to keep clients updated on ongoing projects.

5. Events

It’s party time! Everyone loves a fun event, and any function going on at your studio makes for a great Facebook or Instagram post opportunity. Be sure to show off your decorations, snacks, or a sneak peek of what attendees can expect.

6. Giveaways

Hosting a giveaway is a great way to engage with both your Facebook and Instagram followers. Upload a photo encouraging clients to like your post, follow your account, and tag a friend in the comments for a chance to win one of your services or free products.

7. Local Happenings

People enjoy supporting local businesses, so be sure to return the love back to your community by shopping local as well. Support your neighbors by snapping pictures at a local event, collaborating with other studios, or by sharing upcoming events near your studio.

8. Gift Certificates

Gift cards are one of the best ways you can get fast cash flow for your studio and spread brand awareness. If you offer gift certificates at your fitness center, promote them in your Instagram and Facebook posts (especially for holidays and around your busiest seasons) and encourage others to spread the word as well. Don’t forget to link to the landing page to learn more or to purchase one! You may even want to pin these posts to the top of your feed or include links to the gift cards directly during applicable holidays.

9. User-Generated Content

Do your clients post photos of classes or at your gym or studio? People love to see their posts appreciated, so show your gratitude with a repost. Sharing your fan’s content every now and then gives your audience a sense of community and shared value, especially from a studio they support.

10. Fill in the Blanks

Asking a fill-in-the-blank about your followers’ athletic journey is a great way to get your audience talking and an opportunity to learn more about them. Use these fill-in-the-blank examples to get started:

“The biggest thing that prevents me from getting to the gym is___.”

“_____ is my gym procrastination.”

“My favorite exercise/pose is _______.”

“Burpees make me feel _____.”

11. Quotes

A good inspirational quote can inspire a lot of emotion in an individual—this results in an effective channel of engagement. Whether the quote offers words of comfort, touches on your core business values, or gives the reader a laugh, sharing something fun or meaningful with your audience gives your business an authentic feel.

12. Questions

Your clients like to be heard and posting a question is a perfect opportunity for people to share their opinions and let you know what they think and want.

Try the following:

  • Opinion-based questions: Ask for opinions on your services, products, any specific idea or topic, etc.
  • Preference questions: Ask your customers about their favorites, whether it’s regarding your current class offerings or a more general topic, such as favorite yoga pose, studio time, or music to listen to during class.
  • Feedback questions: Ask your clients what you can be doing better—this can be anything from themed class suggestions to learning what their favorite moves are.
  • Trivia, polls, surveys: Give your customers a prize from your business for being the first to answer studio trivia correctly.

13. Client Stories

One way to inspire others and get more clients into your studio or gym is by sharing stories of those who have a powerful story to share. In every class, there is someone who has made a transformation, fallen in love with your classes, or overcome adversity. These real people who are loyal to your business are not only an inspiration to others, but also make for great human interest stories. Whether it’s the veteran who found yoga to help handle PTSD, a healthy weight loss story or the mom who met her mom-tribe through your classes, these are stories that will put faces to your business and can generate interest in your classes.

Final Tips

Identifying what makes a good post for your business and audience will take some trial and error, so the best thing to do is just start and let your analytics and audience guide you. Remember to keep your posts simple, relate them to your ideal values and interests, engage in the conversation and stay up on responses.

This post was contributed by ThriveHive. Click to learn more about how to bring your marketing to the next level.