Competing against large brands with big budgets and extensive resources can feel impossible as a small fitness studio. However, with some strategic planning and creative out-of-the-box thinking, it is possible to level the playing field and even outperform your larger competitors. I opened my studio in 2016 as the only studio in town. Ten giant brands opened within two miles of my flagship within four years, and even their unending marketing budgets couldn't touch my membership. Here are some tips on what your boutique studio can do to compete against big brands:

Focus on your unique value proposition. 

One of the advantages of being a small studio is that you can be more agile and flexible than more prominent brands. Take advantage of this by honing in on your unique offering. What truly sets your studio apart from the competition and makes you untouchable? This could be anything from super personalized attention, a specialized niche, or a unique training philosophy, but it needs to be authentically and undisputably your "secret sauce" that your clients experience. By communicating and emphasizing your unique value proposition, you can attract and retain customers looking for something distinct from what the big brands offer.

Build a strong community. 

Large brands may have more resources to invest in marketing, but they can't replicate the sense of community and personal connection that small studios offer. Build a strong community in your studio by organizing member events- both inside and outside of the studio- forging friendships between your clients and creating a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere. By design, large brands struggle in the small "heart-based" studio vibe because it's hard to focus on market share and membership engagement. Present your studio as a true community to create a loyal customer base that will keep coming back.

Leverage technology. 

Technology has made it easier than ever for small studios to compete with more prominent brands, but it's also now a necessary expense rather than a nice-to-have. Clients expect the same level of ease and convenience that the chains offer, so consider investing in tools like online booking like fitDEGREE and automation software. These technologies can help you streamline your operations, reach more customers, and create a better customer experience - all of which can help you compete with the chains.

Collaborate with other small businesses 

Collaborating with other businesses can be a powerful way to grow your customer base and differentiate your studio. Partner with complementary businesses in your community, such as nutritionists, retailers, and juice bars, to offer joint promotions and events. To be effective, both partners should serve a similar ideal client without directly competing. By working together, you can tap into each other's customer bases and create a stronger presence in your community without a big marketing budget.

Focus on customer experience 

One of the most significant advantages of small studios over more prominent brands is the ability to offer a more personalized and attentive customer experience. Take advantage of this by making customer experience a top priority. Focus on building relationships with your members and get to know them on a deeper level than just first name and preferred class time. Clients want to feel important to the business and are less likely to look at the shiny new competition if they feel special and integral to your business. Member appreciation week, surprises, milestone programs, and attention to your clients' birthdays all go a long way toward keeping your clients forever. 

Go Guerilla

You don't need a big budget to make a significant impact with your marketing. Try on guerilla marketing! With this strategy, you want to think low-cost, creative, out-of-the-box marketing that catches the attention of your ideal client as they go about their typical day. Innovative signage that makes potential clients look twice, clever use of branded apparel, even chalk art in the shape of yoga poses outside your space to get walk-by traffic to look up, you can't compete on budget, but you can out-innovate your large competition who often don't have boots on the ground in your town like you do. 

Use Your Signage

Your studio windows are a billboard- use them to your advantage! Out-of-Home (OOH) marketing is some of the most effective advertising you can do, and the expense is already built into your rent. Get creative with your call to action, change your banners frequently, add window paint, and stock brochure boxes with QR code flyers for walk-by traffic to grab as they commute. 

While competing against larger brands can be daunting, small fitness studios can use their unique strengths to differentiate themselves and outperform their larger competitors. By focusing on your distinctive value proposition, building a solid community, striving for creativity in your advertising, and delivering an exceptional customer experience, you can create a thriving fitness studio that stands out from the competition for years to come.