How to create gym ads that get results

Advertising is vital for all businesses if they wish to create more leads and raise awareness. For those in the fitness industry, this becomes increasingly important to drive up gym memberships.

Gyms & fitness studios have a lot of competition, so they need to get creative with their ads. This means that advertisements should be given as much attention as any other part of the gym business.

This article will explain the value of investing in gym ads and what you should consider when creating health and fitness advertisements for your gym. For inspiration, we've included a list of great examples while highlighting a few things to avoid.

Why do you need gym ads?

Your gym could have top-of-the-line equipment, but if people don't know it exists, you won't get any visitors.

And if your target audience is not visiting your gym, your revenue will suffer. 

In other words, every fitness brand needs a strong advertising strategy and social media marketing.

Moreover, the fitness industry is highly competitive. There are over 112,000 health and fitness clubs just in the United States.

Therefore, if you have a detailed fitness business advertising & marketing strategy, it will be easier to distinguish yourself from the others in your field.

Regardless of where you advertise your fitness studio, ensure your content is share-worthy.

For example, if you're pushing a poster series campaign, include a hashtag or social media profile in the copy so that people can easily share it on their profiles.

While there are endless ways to advertise in the modern age, every successful campaign starts with a plan.

Benefits of having fitness advertisements

Positive fitness advertisements are a fantastic way to attract new customers and promote your business. Some benefits of gym ads include:

Reach a wider audience

Gym ads can target potential customers through television, radio, and the internet.

By targeting these potential customers through different channels, gyms can reach a broader range of people and attract more business.

Affordable

Investing in gym or fitness ads makes you more likely to reach your target market than with other forms of advertising, such as print or television. Not only that, but they are often less expensive!

Target the right audience

You can target gym ads to specific demographics such as age, gender, and location. 

This makes it easy to reach people interested in your gym rather than wasting money on ads your target market won't see.

Increase brand awareness

Gym ads are a great way to reach a large audience and increase brand awareness for your gym. 

This can lead to more customers and revenue using gym print ads or fitness product advertisements.

So, consider using gym ads if you want a cost-effective way to reach a large audience.

How to use visuals in gym ads? 

Visuals are a powerful tool for creating engaging and memorable gym ads. Use bright, high-quality photos or videos to showcase your facility and capture viewers' attention. Additionally, consider using people in your visuals to make the ad more relatable. 

Best time to run gym ads 

The timing of your gym ads depends on your target audience. Consider when they are most likely to be online and active, such as during their lunch break or after work. 

You can use testing tools such as Facebook Audience Insights or Google Trends to identify optimal times for running your ads. 

How to create an effective gym ad

Creating effective health and fitness advertisements is key to reaching your niche audience and driving new business. 

A good gym ad will showcase the features of your gym, motivate people to join, and include a call-to-action that encourages customers to take action. Here are a few tips for creating a successful gym ad:

Set your goals

Before you begin your ad campaign, it's important to set measurable goals that will help you track the success of your ads. 

Set a goal for how many people you want to reach with your ad and what action you want them to take (e.g., join your gym or purchase a product). This will help you measure the success of your campaign and make adjustments as needed.

Conduct market research

The key to any successful ad campaign is understanding your target demographic. 

Conduct market research to understand who your target audience is and what their needs are. 

This will help you create content that resonates with them and encourages them to take action.

Plan your creative

Plan the creative for your ad. This includes everything from visuals and text to tone of voice and messaging. 

Make sure that every element of your ad communicates the message you are trying to send and makes it easy for potential customers to take action.

Plan your ad

Once you know what your ad will look like, it's time to plan it. Begin by setting a budget and timeline for your ad campaign. 

This will help you stay on track and ensure that your gym ad is effective.

Advertising can be costly, so plan your budget to ensure you spend your money wisely. 

Plan how much money you want to spend on different channels and platforms before starting your ad campaign.

Choose the right platform

It would be best if you optimized your gym ads for the platform where you plan to advertise. Different platforms have different requirements for images, text, and length. Be sure to read the guidelines before you create your ad.

Test your ads

Before launching your ad, test it on a smaller audience to see the response. This will help you refine your ad and ensure it reaches the right people.

Monitor performance

Once you have launched your ad, monitor its performance throughout the campaign. 

This will help you determine your gym ad's best platforms and channels.

By monitoring your ad's performance, you can ensure you get the most out of your campaign and optimize your budget.

Analyze your results

After tracking your performance, it's critical to analyze the results. Look at how many people saw the ad and took action (joined your gym or purchased a product). 

This will give you insight into what is working and what isn't so that you can make adjustments for future campaigns.

Things to avoid when creating a health and fitness advertisement

Avoid cliches, generic messages, and outdated visuals in your fitness ads. Be sure to use high-quality images and videos that convey a professional look and make your gym appear modern and inviting.

Additionally, don’t make promises that you can’t keep or exaggerate the benefits of your fitness business. Doing so could hurt your reputation in the long run. 

How to measure the success of fitness advertisements? 

The success of gym ads can be measured in a few different ways. Track the number of likes and shares on social media and views of your video ads on YouTube, look at the click-through rate for the ads and monitor any changes in membership numbers.

Further, you can use Google Analytics to measure website traffic from your ad campaigns. By tracking these metrics, you can gain invaluable insight into how effective your ads are. 

Further reading: Mistakes that can hinder fitness business growth

Optimizing gym ads for maximum impact

To optimize your ads, start by creating a target audience profile. Consider who you want to reach and what kind of message will resonate with them. Then, tailor the ad content accordingly and make sure it is engaging and visually appealing.

Finally, experiment with different platforms (e.g., social media, Google Ads) and different formats (e.g., video, text-based ads). By testing different approaches you can find out which ones are the most effective in driving more leads to your gym. 

Making gym ads work

To stand out from the competition, focus on creating unique and compelling content for your ads. Highlight what makes your gym special, such as cutting-edge equipment or specialized classes.

Also, consider using humor or incorporating personal stories in your ad campaigns to capture attention.

6 of the best fitness ads examples

Equinox

Equinox is known for its catchy and thought-provoking ads. Their luxurious branding materials make it clear that they see themselves as a luxury fitness studio.

One of their gym Facebook ads featured their tagline, 'It's not fitness, it's life,' next to pictures of people who have made fitness an essential part of their lives.

The ad exudes luxury and exclusivity - they don't even refer to themselves as a gym but as a studio.

These inspirational videos make potential customers feel they would be getting access to an elite and restricted group if they were to join. 

They included a $100 gift card to make the offer more enticing.

Keep your target market in mind when creating advertisements for your gym.

For example, this luxury-focused ad won't work if you want to attract people from middle-income neighborhoods.

However, it's always a good idea to include an enticing offer!

ClassPass

Facebook fitness ads are a fantastic way to increase app downloads. For example, ClassPass increased its app downloads by targeting new customers.

This unconventional ad effectively includes only the necessary information to capture a new customer's attention.

This gym focuses on the convenience of having thousands of classes available for one price rather than the cost.

ClassPass understands that this will spark curiosity in potential customers and entice them to click on the link to find more information about joining the gym and losing weight.

Blink Fitness

Blink Fitness's ads are realistic compared to those of other fitness centers. Most fitness companies' ads show people with perfect bodies who never sweat and always look elegant. On the other hand, Blink chooses to feature real people- instead- who work out in their gyms and have accomplished great results!

Blink Fitness used "everybody" in their marketing campaign to allow people to focus on being healthy, regardless of their current fitness level or weight. This kind of positive advertising makes people want to become healthier instead of feeling discouraged.  

Gold’s Gym

Image credit 

Gold's Gym is a well-known brand in the fitness community, and they have a reasonable budget for publicity and advertising. 

This commercial gave us a good laugh. The tagline in Spanish, created by Jotabequ in Costa Rica, says, "The time is now!"

Many of us have experienced buttoning up shirts or pants that are too tight. With this advertisement, you now know how those buttons must feel!

This fitness advertisement is successful because it's viewed as uncluttered and to the point. The meaning is clear and relatable, so it doesn't need an extra explanation.

Crunch Fitness

The popular fitness chain Crunch Fitness, which calls itself 'The Original No-Judgement Gym,' launched its 'I Bet I Can' gym ad campaign created by Strawberry Frog. 

The point of the fitness ad campaign is to show how exercising at a Crunch Gym can be fun while still upholding the company's principle of 'No Judgments.'

When asked about the meaning behind their latest fitness commercial, the company's ad manager said, "Our goal was to show that not all forms of exercise have to be painfully boring." 

And they've succeeded in a big way. The new ad is inspirational and downright hilarious; Crunch Fitness has hit the nail on the head with this one.

Technogym

Technogym, an Italy-based company that sells fitness equipment and digital technologies for sport and health, recently came out with a new way to measure movement called MOVE as their marketing campaign.

The ad campaign's goal was to provide opportunities for fitness activities to everyone, regardless of age, sex, or physical ability. This idea was an immediate success.

The company also celebrated Let's Move for a Better World Day by streaming live workout videos from master trainers on its social media channels.

Advertisers must first understand their target demographic's needs, issues, and goals to create a successful ad campaign.

By learning about your audience, you can avoid disappointment and ensure that your campaigns resonate with them.

10 Tips to create the best gym ads

Creating a great fitness advertisement requires careful consideration of the target audience and understanding what will resonate with them. 

With the right approach, you can create an ad that stands out from the competition and motivates potential customers to join your gym. 

Here are some tips to help you craft the best fitness advertisements.

Make it visually appealing

Your gym ads should be visually appealing and easy to understand. Use bright colors, attractive fonts, and high-quality images that capture the attention of potential customers.

Use professional images and copy

Make sure to use professional images and copy in your ad that accurately conveys the message of your ad. 

Poor-quality images or copies can quickly turn potential customers away.

Use an attention-grabbing header

Include an attention-grabbing header in your fitness ads that instantly grabs the viewer's attention. Use powerful words and phrases that pique their curiosity about what you have to offer.

Include a compelling offer

Giving a compelling offer in your fitness ads to convince potential customers why they should choose your gym over others. Offer discounts, special deals, or loyalty programs that motivate them to sign up and become loyal members.

Share social proof

Share social proof, such as testimonials and reviews from existing customers in your fitness advertisements to show potential customers.

Highlight the benefits

Highlight the benefits of joining your gym in your ad campaigns. Showcase how they can achieve their fitness goals and live a healthier lifestyle with the help of your gym. 

Try and explain how you can help them stay motivated and reach their fitness objectives.

Minimize the risks

Minimize the risks associated with joining your gym by explaining what sets it apart from other gyms. 

Address any doubts potential customers may have about joining and ensure they make the right decision. 

It would be best to explain how you can help them achieve their fitness goals with your services.

Create an urgency

Creating a sense of urgency in your ads can help persuade potential customers to join your gym immediately instead of waiting for something better. 

Try giving them a limited-time offer or special deal that will be hard for them to resist.

Add contact information

Add contact information in your fitness ads so potential customers can easily reach out to you and ask any questions. 

You should include contact details such as a phone number, email address, and website URL for easy communication.

Use a call to action

Every gym ad should include a call to action that encourages people to take action. This could be signing up for a membership, finding out more information, or visiting your website.

Moreover, make sure the offer is easy to understand.

Bonus tip for creating successful gym ads 

Consistent Branding

Consistent branding across all of your ad campaigns is crucial. This will help ensure that people recognize and remember your gym when they see your ads. 

A/B Test your ads

Running A/B tests to compare the performance of different ads and identifying which strategies are most effective are great ways to make sure your ads are successful.

Further reading

User-generated content strategy for fitness businesses
Tips to motivate personal training clients

What to avoid when creating a gym ad

Poorly crafted ads can lead to wasted time and resources, so it's essential to do thorough research beforehand. 

Here are a few things you should avoid when preparing your fitness ads:

Refrain from over-promising on social media

One of the worst things you can do while promoting your gym is to make promises on social media that you know you won't be able to keep.

Would-be customers only want to give away their information once they're sure which gym is right for them, so any promises made on social media must be in line with what your actual practices are.

Use several channels to communicate instead of spamming emails 

Send reminders to your customers through other forms of communication instead of spamming them with emails. An effectively managed email database is key to maintaining good customer relations.

Don't spend your money on ads with a bad return

If you have an ongoing series of commercials, ask yourself how important the product is to you. Save money on ads if it's less crucial to your overall marketing strategy.

Further reading:

Cost of opening a gym
Gym membership pricing strategy
Best gym amenities
Marketing fitness studio on online directories
Personal Training Certification
Selling on-demand content

FAQs on how to create the best fitness ads

Why is advertising important for a gym?

Advertising a gym is important because it will help you acquire new customers and increase brand awareness. Effective advertising strategies can also help you stand out from the competition and reach more potential customers.

What types of ads should I use for my gym?

Popular ads for gyms include:

• Email campaigns
• Video ads
• Social media posts
• Search engine advertising
• Promotional videos
• Print materials such as flyers or brochures

How can I promote my fitness classes?

Apply some of the tips below to promote your fitness classes:

• Host an open house for current and prospective members
• Give away free trials or discounts as a way to attract new members
• Reach out directly to potential customers via email or phone calls
• Create exciting video content that showcases the benefits of joining your gym.

How do you attract customers to the gym?

• Offer discounts or special promotions for signing up
• Create a referral program for existing members
• Leverage influencers in the fitness industry to spread awareness
• Make sure your website is professional, easy-to-navigate, and informative.
• Set up an online store with gym apparel and other merchandise.
• Develop relationships with local businesses and organizations

How can I advertise my gym online?

To advertise your gym online, you should consider the following tips:

• Utilize social media channels to promote your gym and share engaging content.
• Use targeted ad campaigns on search engines such as Google and Bing.
• Invest in email campaigns to reach out to potential customers.
• Design promotional materials such as flyers, brochures, or posters to distribute at events or local hot spots.

What is the target audience for a gym?

Millennials use these services more than most.

A study revealed that self-care is vital to millennials. 38% of all respondents noted having a massage within the past year - which was even higher for millennials. 

Over half of millennial parents surveyed said they'd gotten a massage in the last twelve months.

The study found that when it comes to working out, millennials are more likely than the general population (70% vs. 50%) to hit the gym regularly – especially for millennial parents (82%).

How much should I budget for fitness advertisements? 

The amount you should budget for fitness advertisements will depend on the size of your business and your desired reach. Consider factors such as how well-known your gym is, how big your target audience is, and what kind of ad platform you’ll be using (e.g., Google Ads, Facebook Ads). A budget of around $500 - $1,000 should be sufficient for a small-to-medium-sized gym to start with advertisements.

How often should I run fitness advertisements? 

The frequency with which you should run your ads depends on the size of your gym and the type of ad you’re running. Generally, ads should be run regularly to maintain visibility and awareness of your gym. You may want to start with weekly or biweekly campaigns and adjust as needed based on the results you get.

What kind of content should I include in my health and fitness advertisements? 

Gym ads should include content that appeals to your target audience and conveys a clear message. Include images or videos of your facility, as well as any deals or specials you offer. Highlight the unique qualities that set your gym apart from the competition. Finally, ensure to include a call to action such as “Join Today” or “Sign Up Now” to encourage viewers to take the next step.