Kickstart Your Gym’s Growth

Welcome to your ultimate getting-started guide, built just for gym owners like you.

Whether you're running a one-location studio, managing multiple gyms, or just opening your doors for the first time, this guide is designed to help you skip the guesswork and grow with confidence.

You’ll learn how to:

• Show up first on Google when locals search for a gym

• Instantly follow up with every lead (even while you sleep)

• Build a 5-star online reputation that attracts new members

• Launch simple ads that fill your classes without draining your budget

• Stay top-of-mind on social media without posting every day

Think of this as your cheat sheet to running a smart, modern gym that thrives without burning you out. Each section is packed with tips, automation shortcuts, and real tools you can set up today.

Let’s dive in and get your gym dialed in—step by step!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• 1. Get Found on Google & Dominate Local Search
• 2. Automate Follow-Ups & Capture Every Lead
• 3. Automate Reviews & Build a 5-Star Reputation
• 4. Launch a Simple, High-Converting Ad Campaign
• 5. Stay Top of Mind with Social Media
• 6. Need to Upgrade Your HighLevel Account?

1. Get Found on Google & Dominate Local Search

Why This Matters: When someone types "gyms near me" into Google, they’re ready to take action. But if your gym isn’t showing up—or worse, your listing looks outdated—you’re losing members before they even meet you. A polished, optimized Google presence makes you look trustworthy, active, and easy to contact.

What You Need to Do:

• Claim & Verify Your Google Business Profile: This gets your gym listed on Google Maps and search results.
• Set Up Service Areas: Let Google know which neighborhoods or regions you serve.
• Add a Call Tracking Number: So you know exactly where your calls are coming from.
• Automate Google Review Requests: Trigger review requests after new members sign up or complete a trial.
• Post Weekly Updates: Keep your Google listing fresh with photos, promos, or class announcements.
  
  Follow our Google Business Profile setup guide to get started.

2. Automate Follow-Ups & Capture Every Lead

Why This Matters: Your prospects are browsing your website, DMing you on Instagram, and calling after hours. But without fast, consistent follow-up, those leads go cold. Automation makes sure every single inquiry gets a response—whether you're training clients or sleeping.

What You Need to Do:

• Install a Chat Widget: Greet visitors on your site and collect contact info instantly. Follow our chat widget setup instructions.
• Enable Missed Call Text-Back: Follow up when someone calls but you can’t answer. Set up missed call text-back.
• Add a Booking Calendar: Let leads book free trials, consults, or classes without the back-and-forth. Learn how to set up online booking.
• Build Follow-Up Workflows: Send automated messages that build trust over time.
• Use ConversationAI or VoiceAI: Let AI handle FAQs, scheduling, and lead qualification 24/7.

  • How to build automated appointment follow-up surveys

  • How to set up Voice AI agents

  • How to set up Conversation AI
    
    

3. Automate Reviews & Build a 5-Star Reputation

Why This Matters: Before someone joins your gym, they’re looking you up online. Your Google rating, number of reviews, and what people say about you are often the deciding factor. Automating your review process helps ensure every happy member shares their story.

What You Need to Do:

• Set Up Automated Review Requests: Ask for reviews after trials, milestone achievements, or renewals.
• Use Email & SMS Templates: Save time and keep your messaging on-brand.
• Showcase Reviews Publicly: Add social proof to your site, landing pages, and ads.
• Reply to Every Review: Show appreciation and professionalism.

Learn more about reputation management.

4. Launch a Simple, High-Converting Ad Campaign

Why This Matters: You don’t need a massive marketing budget to bring in new members. A small, smart ad campaign can put your gym in front of people who are actively looking to join—or ready to make a change.

What You Need to Do:

• Create Facebook Ads in HighLevel: Promote challenges, discounts, or free trials with built-in tools. How to run Facebook ads via HighLevel.
• Track Leads by Ad Source: So you can see what’s working and double down.

5. Stay Top of Mind with Social Media

Why This Matters: Your Instagram or Facebook feed is the first place most people will check before they message you. If it looks outdated or inactive, they’ll move on. But if it shows energy, community, and transformation—it builds trust instantly.

What You Need to Do:

• Turn Reviews into Posts: Show real stories from real members.  Guide to sharing reviews on social media.
• Write a Gym Blog: Share tips on fitness, nutrition, and mental health. 
• Distribute Blog Content Automatically: Keep content flowing without extra effort.
  • How to Create a Blog
  • How to Set Up an RSS Feed for Blogs
  • How to Set Up an RSS Email Campaign
• Send Email Newsletters: Stay connected with past, current, and future members.
• Schedule Content with the Social Planner: Batch content creation so you stay consistent.
• Learn how to optimize your social media strategy.

Want help setting any of this up? Sign up for a free trial!