Gym Business - Business for Unicorns Podcast Episode 529: Should Your Gym Have a Free Trial? with G.R. Hoff
Mar 23, 2026
G.R. Hoff, founder of Gym Member Machine and paid-ads expert for boutique gyms. He breaks down why ads still work but need sharper funnels and better offers. They debate free trials versus high-ticket offers, compare Meta, Google, TikTok, and share practical ad and AI testing tactics. Practical, tactical conversation about lowering acquisition friction and building effective local campaigns.
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Episode notes
Paid Ads Still Work But Require More Precision
- Paid ads still work but the ecosystem is getting harder to win in.
- G.R. Hoff compares it to aging: you need more precision and multiple things dialed perfectly to get the same results as before.
Stop Relying On The Same Old LBO Offer
- Reconsider long-running low-barrier offers like 14 for $99 because they're losing effectiveness.
- G.R. Hoff recommends testing new offers when ad performance drops in competitive markets.
Use Free Trials Or Raise Front End Prices
- Try truly free trial offers or raise front-end price to match ad costs; both strategies can justify higher ad spend.
- Free trials reduce friction to book visits; high-ticket requires better sales skill and service.