Tips for Getting Noticed in the Fitness Industry

by Diane McCabe Smith

Lots of people would like to be fitness models, but very few actually land in the field. One way to become sought after as a model is to get in the public eye as often as possible. The more you’re seen, the better the chances of getting noticed and being contacted by companies looking for models. Diane McCabe Smith’s tips can help you get exposure in the media.

You don’t have to place first in competition to gain exposure in the fitness industry. Having an interesting angle or a unique look can often prove more successful than contest placement alone. Persistent self-marketing may also be the key: to gain exposure in fitness media, you generally have to promote yourself. Rarely does an individual get “discovered.” Here are some tips that can help you receive more exposure.

1. Pick out things about yourself that are truly different. Once you figure out some potential angles (don’t limit yourself to just one), go through your targeted magazines to see if they publish similar topics. If you aren’t sure, call and ask them directly what subjects they are currently seeking.

2. Write articles about a variety of subjects. Develop an interesting, informative, or entertaining piece, even if it’s not about you. Chances are that a publication selecting something for use may want to print photos of the author along with the text. Articles aimed at helping other individuals or the sport, or ones that address common misconceptions can be more appealing to a publication wishing to fill its pages with useful information. Write about a subject with great appeal, and you may find much more success in getting yourself pictured within the magazine’s pages.

3. Introduce yourself to photographers. Collect photographer contact information from shows in which you compete or that you attend. Photographers often submit photos and stories to publications. Ask them for advice about how to get into magazines. Photographers may have relationships with staff of publications they have worked with, and may be able to pitch on your behalf. Photographers may be able to advise you on where you may be marketable too. 

4. Send in pictures and bios similar to other ones that have been used. They will likely be more to the taste of the person selecting what gets printed. Continue to submit materials and continue to update your information to increase the chances of having your submissions selected.

5. If you are the subject of an article, get someone else to write it. This will prevent readers from getting turned off from gaining the impression that you are self-absorbed or conceited. You can submit information about yourself to profile type columns however, like Oxygen’s New Faces, or Muscle and Fitness Hers’ Success Stories. Publications often edit submissions to fit their desired formats. Profile pieces typically are worded to appear like the publication is presenting the subject rather than the athletes writing about their selves.

6. Be sure to read over your submissions numerous times to check for errors. Errors will affect the reader’s impression of you, and could weigh in on an editor’s choice about using your contributions or not. You may be eager to get your information to the recipients as soon as possible, but shoddy work will look unprofessional and can sabotage your efforts. Have someone else proofread your work, if possible.  

7. Ask about the preferred method for submitting materials. Provide what’s easiest for them to work with. If they prefer email and digital images of photos, you can also save yourself the expense of reproducing images and paying to mail them.

8. Find out their deadlines. If you solely want to promote yourself for an upcoming competition, then it may not be of much use to read your promo article once the event has past, particularly if you had submitted a “how to” article based on your training for that particular competition. Again, the punch will have lost its sting if the magazine you targeted prints the article six months after you competed.

9. Have business cards or small print sheets of yourself readily available. At events, be sure you’re loaded with business cards or small print sheets so you can give them out upon request.

10. Make as many contacts as you can. You’ll always strike up friendships at competitions and expos. Friends are usually one of the best ways to get you connected, especially if they are already in the industry or connected to it in some way. Make good business contacts and keep in touch with them on a regular basis. Keep your name familiar to them. Let them know you are still interested and willing to be available for possible work.

11. Ask other competitors/models about how they received exposure. Most competitors are eager to tell of their successful endeavors, and you could learn more tricks for getting noticed.

12. Keep an eye out for future expos. Many companies seek fitness competitors/models to help sell their products at expo booths. Some pay, others don’t. Keep in mind that even if you don’t get paid (or you just receive a box or two of supplements), the exposure you get can make your time and effort worthwhile. Contact companies far in advance of the expo dates and have your updated resume ready to pique their interest.

13. Don’t fabricate details. Remember that new competitors and other people wishing to follow in your footsteps will look at you as a role model and will be seeking truthful tips and advice. A few half-truths discovered later can seriously damage your credibility and reputation in the industry.

Now, what would you do if a magazine editor takes a sudden interest and contacts you requesting information for a write-up? Would you be ready? It’s never too early to start creating your promotional package. It’s not unusual for publications to indicate they need materials within a few days after initial contact. You may need to send off some tidbits on short notice.

Start a resume listing your fitness and other health-related accomplishments. Indicate any television or magazine appearances, placements in competitions, work at expo booths, etc. If you rush at the last minute to compile these details, it’s likely you’ll forget items. 

Fitness competitors and models are often asked for their opinions on various health and fitness issues and beauty products. Get a head start by creating your own list of exercise and diet routines, as well as details about nutritional and beauty products you use. Again, start this now, because if you’re suddenly asked, you may not include all the information that could be beneficial. Some possible questions to get you started are:

What is your “must have” fitness product?
What hair, face and makeup products do you use?
Who makes your competition suits?
What is the best piece of advice you’d like to share with an aspiring competitor/model?

These tips, along with a little hard work and persistence, can lead to increased media exposure for any athlete.

Diane can be contacted through her website, FitIsInFreelanceWriting.com.