3 Tools to Get the Most out of your Fitness Studio’s Instagram Strategy
One thing about social media - it’s ever changing.
It’s a known fact that if you wish for your fitness studio to be successful, you need to be active on social media. Social media is the easiest way to communicate directly with your clients, making consistent posting extremely important. However, it can be a challenge to stay informed on the latest trends while managing your studio full-time. This concept holds especially true when examining Instagram.
Instagram’s algorithm is forever evolving. With new additions of tools, what seems like everyday, the platform constantly keeps its users on their toes. Although it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what will work for your fitness studio, having a general idea of how the platform is progressing can be very helpful. Though, before you take the steps to implement new ideas into your social plan, you need to first evaluate where your studio’s account stands. Make note of what works for your social pillars as well as what doesn’t. By taking stock, you ensure that when choosing new techniques, they align with your client’s desires and studio’s brand.
Looking at the current state of Instagram, there are numerous ways for you to get your studio’s content in front of the right audience.
1. Threads
The most recent tool release from Instagram came in July, 2023, when Meta released their own version of Twitter through an extension platform called Threads. Gaining major attention in the first few days of its release, the new tool allows users to share their thoughts as well as photos and videos with one another in a public conversation style.
With every new social media platform release, there will always be an influx of users who flock to check out the new social network. This poses an opportunity that your studio can market on because of the large amount of eyes on the content being shared. Threads operates from your Instagram account, allowing you to follow the same people that you do on the main app and find new potential targets for your studio to reach—meaning once you set up your profile, you can communicate directly with your clients in a new way. This platform could possibly be used as an informal way for you to post updates regarding classes and events at the studio as well as an option for your clients to communicate with you more efficiently.
Since Threads is brand new, there is no clear strategy among users but it is certainly a tool to keep in mind when looking for a new way for your studio to reach an audience that has otherwise been untouched.
2. Instagram Reels
Instagram’s shift to video upon the release of Reels a few years ago only made the platform more desirable to users. Yet, there is a challenge to Reels—trend turnover happens rapidly. Not every trend will be right for your studio, but there may be a few that you wish to participate in. This is where the template option in Reels comes in handy! By using a template, you will cut down on your editing time, allowing you to share content in real time. Additionally, it has been observed that hand-held content does exceptionally well, boosting your viewership and overall engagement rates.
If you haven’t done so already, try out a template and experiment with how template Reels can assist in your fitness studio’s goals.
3. Carousels
If your engagement rates are at a stalemate, you might consider sharing content in the form of a carousel. Since the beginning of the year, users have noticed an increase in engagement on posts that utilize carousels. Despite Reels still holding on as a main driver in content being shared, traditional carousels offer your studio a way to return to the OG days of photo sharing, with a slight twist.
Informational carousels especially may be the key to assisting your clients in their understanding of your gym as well as building a lasting relationship that will boost your brand. Sliding graphics are a great way to utilize this method. By developing graphics that display content in a way that flows, you will engage your clients and drive interest back into your presence. On top of that, creating layered photos, where each slide leads into the next, draws in clients and allows you to tell a story about your studio. For instance, this would be a good way to recap a special session held by your studio by formatting your layout to showcase the interactions and memories made between clients and the instructor.
It is imperative that you acknowledge that just because a tool is popular and works for other businesses, it doesn’t mean it will automatically make your fitness studio go viral. Not every tool’s usage is appropriate for your gym or even worth your time. Be thoughtful in your strategy and, most importantly, remember to enjoy the journey.
Telomere Consulting provides business consulting and marketing services to studio owners in the boutique fitness and yoga space. The Telomere team helps you navigate business strategy from conception to implementation. We provide end-to-end marketing support and would love to hear from you. Click here to book your free intro call. We want you to treat your business the way you treat your body – making the right choices now to optimize its potential for a long and healthy life. Visit us here to learn more.
