Gym Marketing Made Simple

Sherman Merricks
  • 4.0 (8)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Unlock success in gym marketing with practical insights and strategies to make you more money! Simplify your approach to attract clients and grow your business.

  1. 5D AGO

    How Data-Driven Marketing Creates Consistent Gym Growth | Episode 116.

    Most gyms don’t have a lead problem — they have a system problem. When marketing, follow-up, and messaging are disconnected, growth becomes inconsistent and unpredictable. Welcome to Gym Marketing Made Simple, the podcast dedicated to cutting through the noise around gym growth. Each episode focuses on practical marketing, sales, and leadership systems that help boutique gyms build steady momentum without relying on guesswork or constant outreach. Episode Highlights In this episode, Blake Ruff and Tommy Allen explain why boutique gyms need a complete marketing system that combines paid ads, organic efforts, and strong follow-up. They break down the risks of relying only on referrals or social content and explain how problem-based advertising and fast lead response improve conversions. They also highlights the value of working with experienced agencies that provide clear data and faster testing feedback. Episode Outline Importance of using multiple marketing channels Limitations of relying only on referrals and reactivations Common failures seen with underperforming marketing agencies Why paid ads provide faster feedback and scalability The impact of slow follow-up on lost leads Fixing sales systems before increasing ad spend Organic reach challenges and algorithm limitations Creating problem-based ads that resonate with prospects Importance of testing different ad creatives and copy Using data to guide marketing decisions Maintaining professionalism and honest client communication Setting realistic expectations for gym growth Episode Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:00 Setting the Stage: Beyond Referrals & Events 02:30 Podcast Intro & Purpose of the Show 04:00 Today’s Mission: Debunking Agency Myths 06:30 Responding to “Why Marketing Agencies Are Failing Gyms” 10:00 Lasso’s Origin Story & Power of Messaging 15:00 Evolution of Gym Marketing & Rise of Competition 19:00 Why Work With an Agency vs DIY Ads Action Taken Provide client training on follow-up and sales workflows Test client-owned images in ad creative and compare performance Review inbound discovery calls and determine fit after each call Conclusion Consistent gym growth comes from alignment between marketing, messaging, and follow-up. When gyms rely on a single channel or ignore speed-to-lead, conversions suffer. A balanced, data-informed system creates more predictable results. CTA Listen to the full episode and follow the show for more gym marketing clarity. 👉 Book a free strategy call: https://www.lassoframework.com/ Thank you for listening to Gym Marketing Made Simple. The time and attention given to this episode are truly appreciated. The goal is to continue providing clear, practical insights that support stronger marketing, sales, and leadership systems for boutique gyms. Hope the episode delivered value and a useful perspective.

    49 min

  2. FEB 11

    Why Automation Alone Fails Gym Sales for Boutique Gyms | Episode 115.

    Automation made responses faster. It didn’t make people care more. Most gyms aren’t losing leads because of systems, they’re losing them because they feel interchangeable. Welcome to Gym Marketing Made Simple, a podcast focused on removing noise from gym growth. Each episode breaks down practical marketing, sales, and leadership systems that help boutique gyms create consistent momentum without relying on guesswork or nonstop outreach. Episode Highlights In this episode, the focus is on why response rates drop in competitive fitness markets and how gyms can stand out by combining automation with real human interaction. The conversation breaks down competitive advantage, consumer behavior, lead nurturing systems, and the role of personalized communication in increasing engagement and revenue. Episode Outline Why competitive advantage matters more when multiple gyms offer similar services. How low response rates are often tied to lack of prioritization, not lead quality. The importance of speed to lead and consistent follow-up. How modern consumers shop for fitness services like any other service. Why automation is now expected—and why it no longer differentiates. Using human touchpoints like voice memos, video, and education to build trust. How engagement scores help prioritize leads effectively. The risks of relying only on transactional automation. Balancing educational content with direct outreach. Building long-term relationships through structured lead nurture systems. Episode Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:05 Understanding Competitive Advantage in the Fitness Market 02:08 The Role of Consumer Behavior in Lead Engagement 03:07 The Impact of Automation on Consumer Engagement 05:39 Strategies for Humanizing Marketing Efforts 07:43 Balancing Automation and Human Touch 08:16 Building Long-Term Relationships with Leads 08:33 The Role of Social Media in Lead Generation 09:18 Implementing Effective Lead Nurturing Strategies Action Taken Sit down with current and prospective leads to review the nurture process. Ensure all messaging is aligned and intentional. Set up engagement score tracking inside GoHighLevel. Define outbound processes for text, voice memo, email, calls, DMs, and video. Use engagement data to prioritize outreach and conversations Conclusion Competitive markets reward gyms that feel intentional, not automated. The real difference comes from combining structured systems with thoughtful human interaction. When leads feel seen, educated, and prioritized, conversations happen and conversions follow. CTA Listen to the full episode and follow the show for more gym marketing clarity. 👉 Book a free strategy call: https://www.lassoframework.com/ Thanks for listening. Remember, systems get attention, but human connection is what turns attention into action.

    11 min

  3. FEB 9

    Scaling Gym Growth Without Relying Only on Referrals | Episode 114.

    Referrals feel safe. Until they stop coming. Most gyms don’t stall because they’re bad at what they do, they stall because the pipeline is too narrow. Welcome to Gym Marketing Made Simple — a show designed to clear the noise around gym growth. Each episode breaks down practical marketing, sales, and leadership systems for boutique gyms that want steady momentum without guesswork, gimmicks, or nonstop hustle. Episode Highlights In this episode, the conversation breaks down why referral-only growth eventually plateaus for boutique gyms and what a balanced marketing system actually looks like. It covers how different channels serve different stages of the funnel, why lead readiness matters as much as lead quality, and how gyms can combine referrals, organic marketing, and paid awareness without wasting money or effort. Episode Outline Why referrals work well—but only up to a point Differences between lead quality and lead readiness Understanding top, middle, and bottom funnel stages Limitations of referral-heavy strategies for older demographics Target member counts and churn benchmarks by gym model Role of social media storytelling in awareness and trust Website SEO and conversion fundamentals for local gyms Email lead nurture as the bridge between interest and commitment When paid ads make sense and when they don’t Comparing digital ads vs. tabling and pop-up events Case study on balancing awareness with high-quality leads Episode Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:05 Marketing Strategy for Boutique Fitness Gyms 00:48 Understanding Lead Quality and Readiness 03:24 Challenges with Referral-Based Marketing 06:35 Expanding Beyond Referrals 09:45 Evaluating Business Growth and Strategy 10:31 Using Paid Ads and Competitor Awareness 12:11 Case Study: Metabolic Studio Franchisee 13:14 Strategic Tabling and Community Engagement 15:36 Final Thoughts on Marketing Strategy Action Taken Create a referral and reactivation pipeline with tracking metrics Define target member counts by service model and churn assumptions Build a consistent outward-facing social media storytelling plan Optimize website messaging, SEO, and lead capture paths Launch an email nurture sequence with conversion tracking Evaluate paid ads only after organic channels are structured Measure ROI of tabling events and integrate them with digital campaigns Conclusion Sustainable gym growth comes from meeting people where they are, not waiting for referrals to do all the work. When awareness, consideration, and trust-building are aligned, referrals become a bonus—not the only lifeline. CTA Listen to the full episode and follow the show for more gym marketing clarity. 👉 Book a free strategy call: https://www.lassoframework.com/ Thank you for listening. If referrals have been carrying most of the load, this episode is one to return to when thinking about what comes next.

    18 min

  4. FEB 4

    Why Personalized Follow-Ups Convert More Gym Leads Wednesday | Episode 113.

    Most gyms don’t lose leads because of price. They lose them because they sound like everyone else. When every option feels the same, attention becomes the real battle. Welcome to Gym Marketing Made Simple, a podcast built to remove confusion from gym growth. Each episode focuses on clear marketing, sales, and leadership systems for boutique gyms seeking steady momentum without relying on guesswork or constant hustle. Episode Highlights In this episode, the focus is on helping boutique gyms increase lead response rates in competitive markets by creating a clear competitive advantage through personalized engagement. Prospects often compare multiple gyms at once, which lowers response rates and stretches decision timelines. Automated messaging has made follow-ups easy to ignore, making human communication more effective when done well. Personalized voice and video messages, supported by educational content, help build trust before direct outreach. Engagement tracking enables prioritizing follow-ups based on real interaction, leading to stronger conversations and higher conversion rates. Episode Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:05 Understanding Competitive Advantage in the Fitness Market 02:53 The Role of Automation in Consumer Decision-Making 03:08 Strategies for Building Human Connection 08:50 Leveraging Multiple Communication Channels 09:04 Implementing Effective Lead Nurture Processes Episode Outline Why similar gym offers lead to comparison shopping How automation has trained consumers to ignore messages The difference between noise and meaningful follow-up Using voice and video messages to humanize outreach Building trust before asking for a call Tracking engagement scores to prioritize follow-ups Accepting longer sales cycles in competitive markets Action Taken Schedule a strategy call using the Lasso Marketing intake process Audit and align all lead messaging across text, email, calls, and DMs Implement engagement score tracking in GoHighLevel Create branded educational content tied to top client pain points Conclusion Standing out is no longer about sending more messages. It’s about sending the right ones, in a way that feels real. When communication feels human and follow-ups are guided by engagement, conversations happen more naturally—and conversions follow. CTA Listen to the full episode and follow the show for more gym marketing clarity. 👉 Book a free strategy call: https://www.lassoframework.com/ Thanks for listening. Hope this helped clarify how personalized engagement can improve lead response and conversions.

    11 min

  5. FEB 2

    Lead Readiness vs Lead Quality: Why Most Gym Leads Don’t Convert | Episode 112.

    Most leads aren’t bad leads. They’re just not ready. The real issue sits in the gap between awareness and commitment, and most gyms underestimate how wide that gap actually is. Welcome to Gym Marketing Made Simple, a podcast built to remove confusion from gym growth. Each episode focuses on clear marketing, sales, and leadership systems for boutique gyms seeking steady momentum without relying on guesswork or constant hustle. Episode Highlights In this episode, Tommy from Lasso Framework explains the importance of lead quality and readiness in the marketing funnel for boutique fitness gyms. The know, like, and trust gap is key in determining whether leads are ready to buy. Facebook ads are effective for building awareness, but often attract leads that are not immediately prepared to commit. With a typical lead-to-close conversion rate around 10%, most non-converting leads are simply not ready, rather than unqualified. Accurate ad representation and strong lead nurture systems, including personalized follow-ups, are essential to build trust and increase readiness. Episode Outline What lead quality and lead readiness actually mean inside a gym marketing funnel. How the know, like, and trust gap affects conversion rates. Why Facebook and Meta ads create awareness, not instant buyers. The reality behind the common 10% lead-to-close rate. How inaccurate ad messaging creates friction and mismatched expectations. The ethical side of selling high-ticket services. Why organic content and follow-up systems matter more than more leads. How consistent nurture builds familiarity and reduces hesitation. Episode Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:45 Lead Quality vs. Lead Readiness 03:30 Paid Ads & the Awareness Stage 04:55 Lead-to-Close Benchmarks & What 10% Really Means 06:40 When Lead Quality Is a Problem 08:05 Pricing, Socio-Economic Fit, and Ethics in Selling 09:25 Systems That Close the Know–Like–Trust Gap 10:24 From Marketing Problem to Sales System Problem 11:10 Lead Nurture & the Dating Analogy Action Taken Post consistently on organic social channels to build familiarity and trust Clarify website messaging with clear positioning, offers, and next steps Publish testimonials and real member photos to reduce hesitation Audit ad creative to ensure accurate representation of the gym Strengthen lead nurture systems with multi-touch follow-ups Conclusion Lead volume is rarely the problem. Most gyms are speaking to people too early in the relationship. When trust, clarity, and consistency are built into the system, readiness improves, and conversions follow naturally. CTA Listen to the full episode and follow the show for more gym marketing clarity. 👉 Book a free strategy call: https://www.lassoframework.com/ Thanks for listening and spending time with the show. Hope this episode gave clarity around why leads stall, and what actually moves them forward.

    12 min

  6. JAN 26

    How Data Analytics Boosts Gym Marketing Performance | Episode 111.

    Everyone wants custom marketing until the numbers stop making sense. When preference beats performance, something always gives. The real question isn’t creativity vs. control, it’s predictability vs. ego. Welcome to Gym Marketing Made Simple, the podcast built to cut through the noise around gym growth. Each conversation breaks marketing, sales, and leadership into practical systems boutique gyms can apply without relying on luck, burnout, or outdated playbooks. Episode Highlights Predictable results don’t come from personal preference; they come from proof. This breakdown focuses on why tested systems outperform custom ideas, how data removes guesswork from marketing decisions, and where flexibility actually belongs. It also clarifies what strong partnerships look like when both sides care more about outcomes than opinions. Episode Outline Why generating a specific ROI matters more than creative preferences. What gym owners actually want from a long-term marketing partner. A real-world case study of a gym owner who outgrew short-term agencies. How high-volume testing creates faster, clearer marketing insights. The trade-offs between custom creative and proven marketing systems. Why predictable outcomes require data-backed offers, copy, and assets. How agencies balance flexibility without sacrificing performance. The role of accountability in data-driven marketing decisions. Episode Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:07 Strategic Marketing Partnership for Gym Owners 02:41 The Role of Lasso as a Marketing Agency 03:21 Challenges with Personalization and Customization 07:29 The Importance of Data-Driven Decisions 12:23 The Role of Lasso in Guiding Clients Action Taken Clearly communicate ROI expectations and the risks of testing unproven creative. Confirm whether clients are willing to accept lower performance for preference-based decisions. Implement offers, copy, and ad assets backed by large-scale testing. Match marketing strategies to each gym’s business model. Allow creative testing only when ad budgets support experimentation. Keep proven campaigns running to protect performance while testing. Conclusion The real takeaway here is simple: marketing works best when decisions are earned, not assumed. Creativity still matters, but only when it’s supported by evidence. When gyms and agencies align on expectations, trust the data, and stay disciplined with what’s proven, clarity replaces confusion, and results become easier to repeat. CTA If this conversation resonated, follow Gym Marketing Made Simple and share the episode with a gym owner who’s questioning whether their marketing is actually working. Supporting Information 👉 Book a free strategy call: https://www.lassoframework.com/ Thanks for listening and for staying curious about what truly drives sustainable gym growth. Every episode exists to help gym owners make clearer decisions with more confidence, and that only works because of listeners like you.

    14 min

  7. JAN 19

    Outdated Gym Mentorship Is the Biggest Growth Mistake for Boutique Gyms | Episode 110.

    There’s a reason growth feels harder now than it did a few years ago. The market changed, but a lot of the advice didn’t. Some guidance that once helped gyms survive is now quietly limiting how far they can go. Welcome to Gym Marketing Made Simple — the podcast designed to cut through the noise around gym growth. Each conversation breaks marketing, sales, and leadership down into practical systems boutique gyms can actually apply, without relying on luck, burnout, or outdated playbooks. Episode Highlights In today’s episode, the conversation takes a hard look at why so many boutique gyms struggle to scale and how outdated mentorship advice plays a major role. The discussion challenges the long-standing belief that paid ads are unnecessary or risky, especially when the most successful fitness brands invest heavily in marketing. This episode reframes marketing as a requirement for modern gym growth, not an optional add-on. Episode Outline Why many mentorship companies discourage paid ads—and where that advice falls apart. How major franchises like Orange Theory and F45 actually approach marketing spend. The danger of staying loyal to advice that no longer matches the market. When “fundamentals first” becomes a ceiling instead of a foundation. Why bring-a-friend promos can’t replace consistent marketing systems. How professionalism and perception influence buying decisions. The importance of predictable marketing instead of reactive tactics. Recognizing when it’s time to find more advanced guidance. Episode Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:05 Marketing Strategies for Boutique Fitness Gyms 04:06 Challenges with Mentorship Companies' Advice 07:23 The Importance of Paid Ads and Marketing Investments 07:38 Strategic Planning for Gym Owners 23:31 The Role of Marketing in Gym Growth 23:44 The Impact of Marketing on Gym Success Action Taken Re-evaluate current marketing advice and where it’s coming from. Look at what successful gyms are doing, not just what’s being recommended. Clarify long-term goals: exit, expansion, or sustainability. Start treating marketing as an investment, not an expense. Track numbers and make decisions based on data, not opinion Conclusion What holds many gym owners back isn’t a lack of effort or commitment—it’s staying tied to advice that no longer matches the reality of today’s market. As competition increases and consumer expectations shift, the margin for outdated thinking gets smaller. This episode challenges gym owners to step back, question long-held assumptions, and make decisions based on where the industry is now, not where it used to be. CTA If this conversation hit close to home, take time to reassess the marketing systems currently in place and compare them to what thriving gyms are actually doing today. Supporting Information 👉 Book a free strategy call: https://www.lassoframework.com/ Thanks for spending time with us and being part of the Gym Marketing Made Simple community. The fact that you’re listening means growth matters and that mindset is where real momentum starts.

    25 min

  8. JAN 12

    Why Most Gyms Struggle to Grow With Low Lead Volume | Episode 109.

    Most gyms don’t fail because the owner isn’t working hard. They stall because the math doesn’t work and no one ever explains why. Welcome to Gym Marketing Made Simple, a podcast built to remove confusion from gym growth. Each episode breaks down marketing, sales, and leadership into clear, repeatable systems that help boutique gyms build steady momentum without relying on guesswork or constant hustle. Episode Highlights This conversation centers on the real numbers behind gym growth and why so many gyms plateau without realizing it. The focus stays on gym averages, churn, lead flow, and conversion rates, and how misunderstanding these metrics creates unrealistic expectations. Instead of relying on assumptions or feelings, the discussion brings everything back to data. Listeners walk away with a clearer picture of what sustainable growth actually requires and why paid marketing, when used correctly, plays a critical role in breaking growth ceilings. Episode Outline Why do many gym owners mistrust paid marketing after bad past experiences? The difference between average, mean, and median gym signups—and why it matters. Why four new members per month is common, but rarely enough to grow. How a 5% monthly churn quietly limits progress. The role of lead volume in creating predictable growth. Realistic conversion benchmarks for No Sweat Intros and free trials. Why organic-only strategies often cap growth. The hidden challenges inside free trial and volume-based models. How unclear messaging hurts lead quality and conversions. Why data beats gut feelings when making marketing decisions. How paid advertising fits into a long-term growth system. Episode Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:05 Gym Marketing Challenges and Misconceptions 02:26 Understanding Gym Averages and Metrics 06:15 Lead Generation and Conversion Rates 08:43 Challenges of Free Trials and Volume-Based Models 09:39 The Role of Paid Advertising in Gym Growth 17:40 Effective Messaging and Client Engagement 18:23 Overcoming Common Marketing Misconceptions 18:41 The Importance of Data-Driven Decisions 18:56 The Role of Paid Marketing in Long-Term Growth Action Taken Review current monthly signups and churn rate Compare actual lead volume against realistic growth targets Audit conversion rates for intros, trials, and consultations Evaluate whether current marketing efforts are volume-limited Shift decision-making from emotion-based to data-driven Conclusion Growth becomes predictable when the numbers are understood. When signups, churn, lead volume, and conversions are clear, decisions stop being emotional and start being strategic. The difference between feeling stuck and moving forward often comes down to knowing the math, respecting the data, and building around reality, not assumptions. CTA If clarity is missing around the numbers or the marketing system itself, book a free call to walk through the data and identify what needs to change. Supporting Information 👉 Book a free strategy call: https://www.lassoframework.com/ Thank you for listening and for being part of the Gym Marketing Made Simple community. The commitment to learning and improving is what creates long-term momentum, and it doesn’t go unnoticed.

    20 min
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4
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Unlock success in gym marketing with practical insights and strategies to make you more money! Simplify your approach to attract clients and grow your business.

Information

  • Creator
    Sherman Merricks
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    118
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Sherman Merricks
  • Show Website
    Gym Marketing Made Simple

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