It took me a while to get used to using yet another social media platform to connect with current and potential clients. I’m not going to lie; for a while I was anti-Snapchat. This is simply because I couldn’t see how I would find time to post consistently on another social media platform, or how Snapchat would help me connect with potential clients. Well, boy was I wrong!

I’m not going to lie; for a while I was anti-Snapchat.

I initially started using Snapchat as a way to connect with my friends (it was not yet fitness-related), then I slowly started snapping videos of clients training, my group classes, the food I eat during the day–and what became of this was awesome! I was gaining more followers and getting feedback from clients saying that they stalk my Snapchat everyday and love all my posts. Snapchat has now become my favorite social media app (Instagram is still a close 2nd) for connecting with clients and potential clients. It gives people a inside look on what you do on a daily basis, what it’s like to train with you, and provides them with motivation throughout the day.

Here are 3 ways to build your Snapchat following, and at the same time, build your business:

1. Post Consistently and be real

People want the real you! They want to know that you are a real person just like them who has a social life, goes out for dinner, feels tired sometimes, forgets to pack a healthy lunch sometimes, etc. Show them your personal workouts, what you eat for meals, and (with client permission) snap a few quick videos of your clients training. Just like any other social media app, posting consistently is key to building a loyal following.

2. Promote your Snapchat account through other social media apps

Post a few of your snaps on your Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter profile and tell people to follow you on Snapchat. Show people what they might be missing out on if they don’t follow you on Snapchat, and you will rope them in.

3. Promote your online training through Snapchat

On top of my other entertaining posts on Snapchat, I sneak in a few pictures and videos of me creating programs in my Trainerize site, I show people what my online training videos are like, and pics of what they are missing out on if they aren’t training with me online. Just a warning, though: don’t be selling all of the time. Just like on all other social media platforms, you will get unfollowed very quickly if you are constantly trying to sell your followers something. Find a way to sneak the value of your business in without coming off as sleazy. See #1.

I hope this helps you build your training business. Just remember, it might take time to build a connection with your followers! Many people take time and just stalk you in secret before signing up for any of your programs. I have many people who have told me that they were following me on social media for 4 months (sometimes longer!) before I ever got an email from them, or they signed up for a program. Don’t get frustrated, stay consistent with quality posts, and they will come around eventually.