Fitness Career Tools: What About Your Website?

Can you imagine a successful business without a website? Not in this day and age! Five to 10 years ago, having a business card and a friendly demeanor may have been enough to build your fitness business and bring in clients, but those days are gone. Today, you need to have an online presence in order to drive your fitness career. The good news is that you don’t have to be a computer whiz to do it. Here are some tips that helped me successfully create my own website without paying thousands of dollars.

Why Your Website Matters

There’s been a ton of research over the years that all points to the same thing: Consumers look online before they ever make a purchase. If your potential clients can’t easily find you online and learn about the services you offer, you don’t make a good first impression through your website, and your website can’t convince people to connect with you, then you’re missing out on a huge chunk of potential business.

Your Domain

If you have a business name already, then the easiest way to choose a domain is to use that. But if the domain isn’t available, what should you do? Don’t sweat it!

The key here is to be creative, but strategic. You don’t want to use obscure names or domain extensions, never use a hyphen, stay away from numbers, and use appropriate abbreviations. It’s also important to avoid words that are made up, like “worx” for “works,” it’s just too complicated for people to remember easily. Keep your domain simple and you’re off to a great start – just like lalofitness.com!

Choose a Host

In my book, Your Fitness Career, I provide information about web hosts that are great that won’t break the bank. When it comes to web hosting, the more expensive it is doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better. It’s OK in this case to go with the least expensive option you can find. Many web hosts offer a free domain when you purchase from them, but you should also look for included email, and unlimited bandwidth.

Many domains offer all sorts of upgrades and platinum packages, but in my experience, you simply don’t need these things. If you think you might in the future, you can always add other things in later.

Install Your CMS

After a domain name and web hosting service has been secured, you then need to choose a program that allows you to create your website. Don’t worry – you don’t have to be some kind of creative website superstar to create a nice-looking website! I was able to do it pretty easily with just a couple of days of work. The real key here is to choose the right content management system (CMS), like WordPress, to help you.

A CMS will help you find a theme and simple design for your website, just make sure not to choose the default theme offered. Remember, you want to stand out in the crowd.

These tips will get you started on your own website to help you propel your fitness career forward! Remember, it doesn’t have to be complicated to be good – just keep it simple!

Looking to become a successful personal trainer? Make it possible with my book. Your Fitness Career