Let’s start by looking back a few months ago when clubs and studios were cranking out classes, packed with members, music pumping and Group Fitness Pros were doing what they do best – motivating, connecting and entertaining their members. Many of these trainers were running from Big Box to Boutique Studios teaching multiple classes and transforming lives for the better – both physically and mentally.
Fast forward to a month ago when club owners and instructors were scrambling to quickly get their classes and sessions up and out to their members without any real knowledge of what it takes to master the virtual play. Every other industry was doing the same, pivoting to offer their service or product within the digital space.
We in the fitness industry are blessed to still be able to offer our support, instruction and motivation through our smartphones, laptops and cameras safely from our homes while others have the daunting task of working in hospitals, grocery stores, factories and plants as front line first responders. Anything we can do for others is of equal importance, but it’s crucial to note and appreciate those that are risking their lives while we are safe at home.
Let’s now look at today and what we can do on Social Media to help match the “digital experience” to our brand and vibe. Social Media is a valuable and with the right added gadgets, gear and software you can create a more professional experience. CONTENT IS KING and your members and clients are tuning in their favorite instructor, their personality and unique touch, BUT let’s not forget it’s all about the immersive experience. Instructors and trainers can re-create that “studio vibe” in their home studio direct to their member’s living room.
The TOP THREE Social Media Platforms most Fitness Pros use are Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. These platforms are great tools that come with huge audiences. When using these tools, we need to start strategically thinking about these platforms as not only a marketing medium, but a channel development opportunity. In our last article,Facebook Make Upgrades That Will Allow Fitness Creators To Connect With More People, Monetize Your Business In App and In Our Opinion Allow You To Build Your Business Faster!, Facebook has made significant upgrades that will allow content creators to connect with more people and now be able to monetize within the app. These platforms now have payment options for FB Events, Multi-Person FB Live Streams, Group Video Chat (+50 People), Portal Available for FB Pages and Groups, IG Live from your Desktop, and now WhatsApp Group Calls for up to 8 people. Read the article in full to see the latest advancements that will make our job as fitness pros a lot easier.
But first let’s cover the basics. There are two approaches on the three platforms mentioned above. One is Live Streaming, the broadcasting of live video to an audience over the internet. It can also be a one-on-one live video chat. Unlike pre-recorded videos that can be cut and edited, live streaming is just that – live and uncensored. The second is Video-on-Demand, a system that allows users to select and watch video content of their choice on their TVs or computers. VOD provides users with a menu of available videos from which to choose.
