One of the most powerful ways to grow your personal training or online coaching business is also one of the most counterintuitive:

👉 Give away your best stuff for free.

Let’s break down why this works—and exactly how to turn free resources into paying clients.

💡 Why Trainers Hesitate (And Why They Shouldn’t)

Most trainers think their value lies in information.

But in today’s world—where ChatGPT, Google, and YouTube exist—information is free.

What clients really pay for is:

• Curation: You show them what actually matters

• Implementation: You help them apply it to their life

• Accountability: You make sure they follow through

So giving away free, curated solutions positions you as the expert—which builds trust and makes you the go-to choice when they’re ready to pay.

🛠️ Step-by-Step: How to Turn Free Resources Into Clients

1. List Every Problem Your Niche Has

Break it into three categories:

• 🔹 Common problems (e.g., tracking macros, warm-ups)

• 🔸 Mid-tier problems (e.g., gym anxiety, sticking to routine)

• 🟣 Niche problems (e.g., how to deadlift post-back injury)

2. Create Free Tools to Solve the Common Ones

Why? Because you’ll repeat these answers a lot—in DMs, sales calls, and check-ins.

So instead of starting from scratch, create:

• PDF guides

• Short video tutorials

• Swipe files or trackers

These become evergreen tools that save time and show value instantly.

💬 How to Use Free Resources in DMs & Content

Post them a few times a week.
Offer them in your conversations.

Instead of going straight for a pitch, say:

“Hey, I actually have a guide that could help with that. Want me to send it through?”

This gives before you ask—making prospects feel helped, not sold to.

🔁 The Follow-Up That Converts

2 days after sending the resource, follow up with one of three responses based on their feedback:

1. “I used it—it worked great!”

✅ Response: “That’s awesome! Want to chat about how we can make progress even easier and take things up a level?”

This turns the yes into a conversation about next steps.

2. “I haven’t tried it yet.”

✅ Response: “Totally get it. Would it help if you had some accountability and guidance to make it happen?”

Now you’re offering coaching as the missing piece.

3. “I tried it, but it didn’t work.”

✅ Response: “It works for most people, so something unique might be going on. Want to jump on a quick call to figure it out together?”

Now you’re positioned as the expert offering tailored help—not just pitching.

🔁 Nurture, Then Pitch

Sometimes they’ll be ready. Sometimes they’ll need more time.

But if you keep showing up with solutions—without pressure—you’ll be the only coach they think of when they’re ready to invest.

🎯 Final Thought:

If you want to:

• Attract more leads

• Close more sales

• Position yourself as the expert in your niche…

Start giving away free resources today.
The more value you give, the more value you’ll get back.