The ultimate PT Business checklist: For any new personal trainer wanting to succeed in the PT industry

So you’ve either just got your qualifications or are about to and wondering “Shit I actually have to build, manage and run a business all on my own, where do i even start?”

We got you. It was daunting for us too and over the years, helping countless new PTs start their business, we’ve compiled the ultimate checklist that you can follow to help get you well on your way to building a successful business.

Let’s get straight into it…

1.   Register your business and obtain any necessary licenses or permits. This is the first step to cover yourself legally and legitimize your business. This is covered in more greater detail within the Real Gainz Playbook.

2.   Secure a location to train your clients, whether that be a commercial gym, niche studio or by travelling to client homes. For a new Personal Trainer, a commercial gym is your best bet. High potential client foot traffic and support from PT managers. There is also an on boarding program and discounted fees whilst you get yourself up and running. The only question is which one!? Fitness First, GoodLife, World Gym, Anytime Fitness… the choice is overwhelming!

3.   Develop a business plan that outlines your target clients, pricing, and marketing strategies.

4.   Create your Infrastructure – The back-end of your business is more important than anything else. If you don’t have the infrastructure you don’t have the basic fundamentals of running your business.

5.   Build a client base through networking, marketing, and advertising. We say it like it’s so straight forward…Click here to know our 3 SIMPLE tactics to build your client base!

6.   Create a set schedule + Manage yourself – Write out exactly the schedule you want to live each day, each week with how many clients and sessions. Make sure you think about the lifestyle YOU want and what working hours are going to be best for YOU. For example, some PT’s do a split (4 hours in the morning and 4 hours in the afternoon), some smash out a normal 8 hour day, and some prefer later starts and later finishes). Don’t forget to schedule in your own training sessions, managing the back-end of your business, days off and time for personal errands.

7.   Have a system in place to manage client information and payments. We recommend keeping your overheads as low as possible. There are plenty of resources out there for PT client management, but they cost money. You can easily keep records of clients in google docs and share their programs through google sharing.

8.   Rack up CPD points – Continuously educate yourself on new training techniques and stay current with industry trends to offer the best service to your clients. Continuing professional development points are mandatory for you to keep your registration as a trainer. Find topics that interest you and expand your expertise such as nutrition, different training styles (barbell, powerlifting etc), psychology; these don’t always have to cost thousands, some courses are free. Just do your research.

9.   Do a business course – This is a no brainer. You’re building a business. You need business knowledge. Choosing a course that is specific to personal training will save you from learning unnecessary broad topics and falling into pitfalls every new PT does. Click here for the Real PT Business Building Playbook.

10. Setup social media presence – Build your community of clients in an online space as well as in person. It is free exposure and is extremely effective at bringing in new clients if you do it well. You don’t need to be a social media expert. document your own personal journey with health and fitness. Once you have some clients on the books, ask if you can take photos or record their progress to put on your PT business page. Most clients are receptive and gives them a sense of pride and more motivation. It’s a win win.

And that’s it!! If you have any questions, please email us and we will schedule a free call to help get you up and running!

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