Public Relations is a great tool to have when you are trying to market your own fitness or personal training business. The public relations firm will assist you in getting the word out and writing good reviews about your business.

Public Relations can be great for building credibility and prospect awareness, but generally does not result in an immediate surge of sales. The major benefit of PR is that it positions you a recognized fitness expert and creates awareness of you and your services.

Getting press coverage for your personal training business just for the sake of seeing your name in print is a complete waste of time. Public relations should be an integrated part of your overall marketing strategy.

As a personal trainer, the easiest way to get media coverage is to start locally with your neighborhood or regional newspaper. It's easier to get your message heard by them then the national press also they are always looking for good stories about local business owners. Getting local coverage can lead to larger coverage. Also, don't forget local newsletters and similar publications. They are generally much easier to get into and can help set you apart as a recognized fitness expert.

When you pitch a story have an angle. Ask yourself, why is my story newsworthy? What's different about my service or my business that goes against the norm? Don't try to use the reporter as your sales person. They hate a slick sales pitch. If you simply want to sell your personal training services - buy an advertisement.

A great way to go about this is to piggyback current events or to make your pitch about one of your clients and how you have helped them. Make your client the subject of the story. This approach has the added benefit of giving you a client for life. Like I said - whenever possible, try to tie it into a national event or trend.

Here are 6 ways you can leverage the press you get for maximum effect:

1. Create a press kit that includes your bio, company overview, services offered, and all the interviews or fitness articles you have done.

2. Send out a press release when your fitness article or interview comes out.

3. Put your press kit on your website by making it electronic.

4. Get reprints of your fitness article and send it to your prospects as part of their direct mail package.

5. Send your press coverage to your local chamber of commerce if you belong. They are always looking for good stories about their members to print up in their newsletters.

6. Use your coverage to land speaking engagements. Send a reprint of your fitness article to pertinent meeting planners and associations you want to speak at then follow up with a phone call to pitch your presentation.

By using these tips, public relations will be able to increase your marketability and sales, and help you make the most profit for your company.