Before joining a gym, people check its website: timetables, prices and a trial class

Every day, plenty of people in your town search Google for "gym near me" or "gym [neighbourhood]". Whoever shows up first usually gets the visit and the new member. Do you show up, or does the gym down the road?

You may have the best weights room in the area, but someone who doesn't know you yet only finds out if you appear on Google and your website shows them the classes, the prices and what it looks like inside.

What Instagram doesn't do for your gym

Instagram is good for sharing workout videos and daily gym life. It has clear limits:

You don't show up on Google. When someone searches "gym in Alicante" or "spinning classes near me", Google shows websites and Google Maps listings, not Instagram profiles.

The algorithm decides who sees you. Instagram shows your posts to a fraction of your followers, and that fraction changes from day to day. Visits from Google don't depend on a social media algorithm.

Timetables get lost. Stories disappear after 24 hours and a timetable post sinks in the feed. The person looking for your group class times can't find them and tries another gym.

Enquiries depend on DMs. Instagram has no contact form or one-click trial class booking. Everything goes through direct messages that get lost or answered late.

You don't get useful data. Instagram tells you how many likes you got. Your website tells you how many people searched "monthly gym membership price" and landed on your prices page.

What a gym website needs to turn visitors into members

Current class timetables. It's the first thing people look for. A clear weekly timetable with every activity (spinning, yoga, functional training, boxing), the instructor and the room. Change a time and you update it on the website.

Visible plans and prices. "Monthly membership from €X", "Student rate". People compare prices online before visiting any gym. If you don't show prices, they call the gym that does.

Free trial class form. Trying the gym is one of the easiest ways to get someone to join. A visible "Book your free class" button with name, phone and preferred time works well.

Real photos. Weights room, free weights area, studio, changing rooms. People want to see where they'll train, and stock photos of fitness models don't show them that.

Google map. An embedded map with the exact address and a "Get directions" button.

Visible Google reviews. People choosing a gym read what other members say. Show your reviews on your website and ask for them with your profile's direct link.

Floating WhatsApp button. For quick questions: "Are you open on Sundays?", "Is there parking?", "Do you have kids' classes?"

The Instagram trap for gyms

Instagram isn't yours. Meta can change the rules, cut your reach or close your account without warning. Your website is yours.

Instagram content rarely ranks on Google. A reel with 10,000 views won't make you appear when someone searches "gym with pool in Valencia". A page on your website about your heated pool can.

Instagram converts differently. On Instagram the action is a like or a DM. On your website it's booking a trial class, checking prices or calling you.

Use both. Instagram for your community, your website for new members from Google.

How much does a gym website cost?

For most gyms the one-off website from €349 covers timetables, prices and the trial class form. If you want trial classes booked online with WhatsApp reminders, the website with online bookings is from €700 one-off, depending on how many activities, instructors and timetables it needs. If you sell products online, the shop with up to 50 products costs from €990.

If you'd rather pay monthly, the Website Pack from €39/month covers the same website. The All-in-one Pack from €99/month plus €99 setup adds trial-class bookings with reminders and a 24-hour assistant in Spanish and English. Packs have a 12 months commitment (without commitment, +€10/month) and, once you complete it, the website and domain are yours. All prices exclude VAT and are on the pricing page.

All the details are on the gym website service page.

Local SEO for gyms

Rank for specific activities. "Yoga classes in Sitges", "CrossFit in Torrevieja", "gym with pool in Valladolid". People search for activities, so your website needs a section for each one.

A complete Google profile. Recent photos, correct hours, the right primary category ("gym" or "fitness centre") and replies to reviews. Every pack includes setting up your profile; if you want me to manage it every month and answer reviews, that's the Website + Google Pack from €59/month.

Content your audience searches for. "Best routine for beginners", "benefits of group classes", "how to choose a gym". Each article is a way in for people who don't know you yet.

Fast loading. A slow website loses visitors, especially on mobile, where most people search.

Signs your gym needs a website, or a better one

• You don't appear on Google Maps when you search "gym" + your town
• People ask basic questions like timetables and prices by Instagram DM
• There's no online form to book a trial class
• Your website is more than 3 years old and doesn't work well on mobile
• You don't show prices anywhere
• You rely entirely on Instagram and word of mouth for new members

If 3 or more apply, you're probably losing members who are looking for you online.