There are currently 375,000 certified personal trainers working in the United States, so it goes without saying that you need to do everything in your power to stand out from the crowd and overdeliver on your services.
One of the best ways to do this is by adding a membership website. You can create and nurture an exclusive club for your clients, helping you enhance your service, reach new audiences, and increase your profits.
You may have dismissed this option, assuming it's too complicated or expensive. However, this is not the case. A membership website can deliver an impressive ROI! The secret is finding a way to make the onboarding, payments, and accessing of the content for members a seamless process where you don't need to interfere manually.
That's where a comprehensive online training software like PT Distinction can make a real difference. Creating a membership website that integrates with PT Distinction will deliver your clients a sleek, stylish, and seamless membership experience. Let's see how you can make that happen.
What is a Membership Site?
A membership website is a gated site that incorporates members-only content. As a personal trainer, this can include bespoke client workouts, nutrition programs, member-only workout videos, articles, and additional resources.
You can offer other perks, such as early-bird access to new programs and exclusive deals with partners like supplement companies, workout gear, or even exercise equipment.
People will pay a monthly subscription fee to be part of your fitness community, helping you to create another revenue stream for your business.
You can offer other perks, such as early-bird access to new programs and exclusive deals with partners like supplement companies, workout gear, or even exercise equipment.
People will pay a monthly subscription fee to be part of your fitness community, helping you to create another revenue stream for your business.
What is PT Distinction?
PT Distinction is a powerful app that enables you to manage your clients from anywhere in the world.
Unlike many other solutions, PT Distinction has been created by experienced personal trainers who know what is essential to personal training businesses.
Unlike many other solutions, PT Distinction has been created by experienced personal trainers who know what is essential to personal training businesses.
You can leverage various tools to create custom training programs and nutrition plans on PT Distinction. You can create specific programs only available to those on your membership service. The intelligent client management system allows you to easily add and manage new clients via sign-up forms and integrated payments.
PT Distinction also offers professionally made demonstration videos and 1000+ exercise varieties, meaning you have got all of the features you need to deliver elite online training membership content to your clients.
The company has received 4.9 out of 5 stars on Capterra, based on over 390 reviews, so you know that many training professionals worldwide appreciate their software.
What You'll Need
There are only three things that are required to establish a membership site with PT Distinction:
When creating a membership service, you first need a website. You can do it yourself if you have the time and skills to create a professional-looking DIY website or hire a web designer to ensure user experience and the latest design best practices are followed.
At My Personal Trainer Website, we create professional, stylish, and optimized websites for personal trainers that easily integrate with PT Distinction and manage them forever so our clients can focus on what they do best; help clients get results.
- A website (get in touch with us if you'd like help with this)
- A PT Distinction Account (start for free here)
- A payment gateway (we recommend Paypal)
When creating a membership service, you first need a website. You can do it yourself if you have the time and skills to create a professional-looking DIY website or hire a web designer to ensure user experience and the latest design best practices are followed.
At My Personal Trainer Website, we create professional, stylish, and optimized websites for personal trainers that easily integrate with PT Distinction and manage them forever so our clients can focus on what they do best; help clients get results.
You will need to register an account with PT Distinction if you'd like to make the most of its features for hybrid personal training, online coaching, and providing membership packages. If' you're already a PTD member, you're all set!
The last thing you need is a way to take payments. PayPal is an obvious choice if your clients are based all over the globe, and it can be integrated with the PTD sign-up forms easily. You can also use other options like GoCardless or Stripe and work out the best way to create the payment funnel via your fitness website.
Step 1: Add Your Service to PT Distinction's Pre-Made Packages Section
PT Distinction makes it easy for you to sell pre-made packages with recurring payments. There is a "Pre-Made Package" option in the top right corner under your account settings.
If you'd like to create a new membership service, hit the "Add Package" button in the top right-hand corner. Add the name of the package at the top of the pop-up window and read the instructions on how you can complete the setup.
By adding your service to their Pre-Made Packages Section, you can sell memberships on your website and have new clients added automatically to PT Distinction.
It's worth creating a dedicated group for those on a specific membership service and choosing that group in the Add To Group section.
By adding your service to their Pre-Made Packages Section, you can sell memberships on your website and have new clients added automatically to PT Distinction.
It's worth creating a dedicated group for those on a specific membership service and choosing that group in the Add To Group section.
If your membership is offered to clients only and you need them to be removed from a different group when they sign-up, you can do that in the Remove from Group option.
You can also manage all of your packages from this area. This would be applicable if you wanted to create different membership tiers or programs.
Once clients complete their onboarding, they can log into your app or access their account via the website and see all the content you have added for members.
Step 2: Add a Payment Gateway to PT Distinction
A payment gateway is a mechanism for reading and transferring payment information from a customer's bank account to your own. In basic terms, you will need a payment gateway to accept monthly payments from your clients.
Many personal trainers like to use PayPal with PT Distinction because it can be directly integrated into the pre-made packages. To do this, head to "Add New Package" and click "Sell Online" in the left-hand menu. You will have 4 options here.
With a Sign-up Form
This is the option if you'd like to integrate PayPal payments into the on-boarding process. Before you can set this up, you'll need to create a standard subscription button in your business PayPal account, grab the code and add it here.
Many personal trainers like to use PayPal with PT Distinction because it can be directly integrated into the pre-made packages. To do this, head to "Add New Package" and click "Sell Online" in the left-hand menu. You will have 4 options here.
With a Sign-up Form
This is the option if you'd like to integrate PayPal payments into the on-boarding process. Before you can set this up, you'll need to create a standard subscription button in your business PayPal account, grab the code and add it here.
No Payment
No payment won't be taken during on-boarding when you choose this option. It can be a great way to create free trials and challenges. You will also need to select this option if your payment gateway isn't PayPal.
You can use any payment getaway you wish by using a service known as URL Redirect. This is more complicated as it involves creating a redirect URL and pasting some coding.
Once you click the option and set up all the other features, you'll need to hit "Save" and then return to this area. You will see that there is now a piece of code in the box underneath the radio buttons and description.
You can add that code to a hidden page on your website. Then you need to set up the payment via your preferred payment gateway, like WooCommerce or Stripe and redirect your clients upon purchase to that invisible sign-up form so they can create their account on PT Distinction.
Using PayPal Buttons
This process might not be as slick as the sign-up form. You can create a PayPal button that sends the client a voucher they can use to register their account on PTD. If you use PayPal, a sign-up form is a better choice.
Via PTD
Only suitable for one-off payments, not recurring membership payments, this option isn't relevant here.
If you get stuck, you can ask for help from PTD support and your web designer if you have one. The My PT Website team has helped many clients create a seamless experience for online coaching memberships and services via PTD.
No payment won't be taken during on-boarding when you choose this option. It can be a great way to create free trials and challenges. You will also need to select this option if your payment gateway isn't PayPal.
You can use any payment getaway you wish by using a service known as URL Redirect. This is more complicated as it involves creating a redirect URL and pasting some coding.
Once you click the option and set up all the other features, you'll need to hit "Save" and then return to this area. You will see that there is now a piece of code in the box underneath the radio buttons and description.
You can add that code to a hidden page on your website. Then you need to set up the payment via your preferred payment gateway, like WooCommerce or Stripe and redirect your clients upon purchase to that invisible sign-up form so they can create their account on PT Distinction.
Using PayPal Buttons
This process might not be as slick as the sign-up form. You can create a PayPal button that sends the client a voucher they can use to register their account on PTD. If you use PayPal, a sign-up form is a better choice.
Via PTD
Only suitable for one-off payments, not recurring membership payments, this option isn't relevant here.
If you get stuck, you can ask for help from PTD support and your web designer if you have one. The My PT Website team has helped many clients create a seamless experience for online coaching memberships and services via PTD.
Step 3: Create Service Pages for Your Packages
Now you need to create compelling service pages that will encourage visitors to want to become paid members. Many trainers offer tiered services, from basic memberships to advanced, with different levels of access and support. Alternatively, you may want to provide one flagship membership service for your niche that includes everything they need to succeed.
Here are some tips to help you pot together a compelling service page:
Here are some tips to help you pot together a compelling service page:
- Include testimonials - Testimonials are an excellent form of social proof. It will compel people to sign up if they see others achieving their desired results with your help. Make sure you get your customer's permission before posting your comments.
- Address customer pain points - Make sure you appeal to the ideal clients' unique needs and focus on solving their problems.
- Features vs. benefits - Do not just mention what they get when joining your membership, the benefits they will enjoy, and the results they get.
- Be specific - Make sure you display clearly what users will get if they sign up for your service. A lack of clarity could lead to people expecting a different service from what they get, which causes frustration.
- Avoid using industry jargon - Do not confuse people with complicated industry jargon. Keep it simple and talk in layman's terms.
- Use sub-headings and bullet points - Break up the information, so it is attractive and easy to read.
Step 4: Add the PT Distinction Login Embed Code
This PTD Ninja video gives you instructions for embedding the PT Distinction login form code to your website. Any website design platform that allows you to add new pages and embeds custom forms will work.
The process is straightforward, so long as you are familiar with adding extra pages to your website. If you get stuck, ask the support team of your platform for help. If you're working with a web designer, ask them to make it happen to you.
First, you'll need to grab the website integration code from your PTD account. In the top right, hover over your account and choose My Website from the dropdown. Then on the window that comes up, click 'Embed Code' on the left.
You need to copy that code and paste it into that Client Login page you created on your website. Once you've done that and published the changes, you'll need to copy the URL of the login page and paste it back into the field on the website integration page in PT distinction and click 'Save'.
The process is straightforward, so long as you are familiar with adding extra pages to your website. If you get stuck, ask the support team of your platform for help. If you're working with a web designer, ask them to make it happen to you.
First, you'll need to grab the website integration code from your PTD account. In the top right, hover over your account and choose My Website from the dropdown. Then on the window that comes up, click 'Embed Code' on the left.
You need to copy that code and paste it into that Client Login page you created on your website. Once you've done that and published the changes, you'll need to copy the URL of the login page and paste it back into the field on the website integration page in PT distinction and click 'Save'.
Step 5: Connect Your Service Pages to PT Distinction
Congrats on making it to step 5! It will be easy from here! So, now you have a package setup in PT Distinction, you added the payment gateway and created your Services page.
Now that you have integrated PTD with the login code, your last step is to add your Pre-Made Package code to either a hidden sign-up page or the landing page.
The process is the same, just like with the login embed code.
Now that you have integrated PTD with the login code, your last step is to add your Pre-Made Package code to either a hidden sign-up page or the landing page.
The process is the same, just like with the login embed code.
- Copy the Pre-Made Package Code
- Paste it to the page where you want it displayed
- If needed, link the Call-to-Action buttons from the Services page to lead to that form OR send the link to prospects after the consultation.
Finally, if you'd like to make your membership services truly outstanding, check the bonus steps to help you build your online presence and grow a membership website.
Bonus Step 1: Create Your App
Your own app will make a huge difference as an online personal trainer. It makes it easy for you to communicate with your clients one-on-one, monitor training, and manage group programs.
An app is also excellent from a branding perspective. You will feature in the app store, giving you another avenue for reaching new customers. Also, an innovative, unique, professional app looks incredible and boosts your professional brand image. Once you have 3+ clients, you get your own branded app from PT Distinction on the Pro plan.
An app is also excellent from a branding perspective. You will feature in the app store, giving you another avenue for reaching new customers. Also, an innovative, unique, professional app looks incredible and boosts your professional brand image. Once you have 3+ clients, you get your own branded app from PT Distinction on the Pro plan.
Bonus Step 2: Set Up Outgoing Email
One of the most impressive features of PT Distinction is that you can use it for sending individual or group emails and creating automation for your membership service. Hence, you only have to add the content once.
This will only work if you set up your outgoing emails in PTD. You'll need to hover over your account on the top right and choose 'Account Settings'. Then on the left, you'll find the 'Email SMTP' option under 'Settings'.
This will only work if you set up your outgoing emails in PTD. You'll need to hover over your account on the top right and choose 'Account Settings'. Then on the left, you'll find the 'Email SMTP' option under 'Settings'.
You can choose the Email provider from the list, or if you can't find yours, you can select 'Other' and add in the SMTP settings manually. You can find these details from your business email provider.
You will also need to add the sender's email address and have an option to send a test email.
You will also need to add the sender's email address and have an option to send a test email.
Bonus Step 3: Add Other Trainers
If you run an online fitness business with multiple trainers working under your brand name, it's only natural that you'd like them to be able to access their clients' info and communicate with them.
PT Distinction has developed a feature still in Beta Testing. Their development team will be grateful for any feedback if you decide to try it out.
All you need to do is to select the 'Team Leader' option on the left in your account settings and tick the 'Make this account a Team Leader account' then 'Save'.
PT Distinction has developed a feature still in Beta Testing. Their development team will be grateful for any feedback if you decide to try it out.
All you need to do is to select the 'Team Leader' option on the left in your account settings and tick the 'Make this account a Team Leader account' then 'Save'.
Once you've done that, a small Team button is created on the bottom left that will follow you around. You can click that and choose Team Admin, where you'll be able to add additional trainers.
Boost Your Income with a Membership Website Integrated with PT Distinction
As you can see, it is not difficult to add a membership website to your business' armory using PT Distinction. If you're good at learning new tricks with your website, you can do it yourself, but if you'd like to save time, you can hire a website designer to sort it all for you.
If you need a professionally designed website that speaks to your audience and showcases your in-person and online fitness services, feel free to get in touch! We help you with all your integration needs, including ensuring PT Distinction integrates seamlessly with your personal trainer website.
If you need a professionally designed website that speaks to your audience and showcases your in-person and online fitness services, feel free to get in touch! We help you with all your integration needs, including ensuring PT Distinction integrates seamlessly with your personal trainer website.
