![Climbing Gym: how to post engaging content [content idea list]](http://onlineyougrow.com/cdn/shop/articles/cov-marketing-plan-1_aae7a019-d47e-4192-a75e-e383bb6fd453.png?v=1715865445&width=1100)
Facebook and Instagram are not just for likes and fun—they're powerful tools that the best climbing gyms in the world use strategically to attract climbers.
We know you're busy running your climbing gym and the thought of managing social media might feel like another burden.
But here's the deal: you don't need to be a marketing expert or spend a fortune to make it work. Just a few minutes a day can bring a couple of new climbers to your gym.
To help you out we have built a free list of content ideas - also, for a full action plan, please check our strategy pack for climbing gym owners.
Get the content idea list made for climbing gym owners
A lot of climbing gyms manage to post engaging content on social media. Here is a free tool to to get you started.
Content that always work well for a climbing gym
We have studied dozens of climbing gyms’ social media accounts when building our strategy pack for climbing gyms - here is what seems to always work.
| Content Type | Why It Works to Get New Members in Your Climbing Gym |
|---|---|
| High-Quality Climbing Photos | Visually appealing images of climbers in action can inspire potential members to try climbing, encouraging them to visit the gym. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Videos | Showcasing route setting, staff, and gym maintenance builds trust and creates a connection with the audience. |
| Member Testimonials | Positive reviews and testimonials from real members provide social proof and encourage others to join the gym. |
| Specials and Promotions | Announcing limited-time offers, discounts, and membership deals can attract new members looking for value. |
| User-Generated Content | Sharing content created by members (photos, videos) engages the community and adds authenticity. |
| Local Collaborations | Partnering with local influencers or businesses can introduce the gym to a broader, local audience. |
| Event Announcements | Promoting upcoming events, competitions, or special climbing nights can attract new visitors interested in unique experiences. |
| Seasonal and Holiday Posts | Highlighting seasonal events or holiday-themed climbs can attract members looking for special activities during those times. |
| Interactive Content | Polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions engage followers and create a sense of community, encouraging them to visit. |
| Training Tips | Sharing training tips and techniques can intrigue climbing enthusiasts and motivate them to visit the gym for expert advice. |
| Daily Route Updates | Regularly updating followers with new routes and challenges keeps the gym top-of-mind and encourages spontaneous visits. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Staff Stories | Featuring stories about the staff members creates a personal connection and humanizes the brand. |
| Climbing Gear Tips | Sharing tips and tricks about climbing gear can engage followers who are gear enthusiasts and new climbers. |
| Sustainability Initiatives | Highlighting sustainable practices or eco-friendly initiatives appeals to environmentally conscious consumers. |
| Member Spotlights | Featuring regular members creates a sense of community and makes others want to be part of that group. |
| Contests and Giveaways | Running contests and giveaways can increase engagement and attract new followers, many of whom may convert into members. |
Some climbing gyms make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best climbing gyms in the world. Replicate them now!
How can climbing gym owners make great content on social media?
What to Prioritize
You probably know it already, but high-quality photos and videos of your climbing routes and facilities are essential.
People climb with their eyes first. Make sure the lighting is good, the routes look challenging yet achievable, and the gym environment is inviting.
Also, post regularly to keep your audience engaged. It doesn’t have to be daily, but find a schedule that works for you and stick to it. We have prepared a free social media planner for you.
Of course, respond to comments and messages quickly. People appreciate interaction and it makes them feel valued. Don’t just be another “bland” account.
Show the real side of your climbing gym. Behind-the-scenes photos, staff stories, and climber shoutouts can create a personal connection with your audience.
If you want to keep your potential climbers excited, highlight any special offers, events, or new routes. Make sure your followers know what’s new and exciting.
Finally, share positive reviews and testimonials. Social proof is powerful and can help attract new climbers.
What Doesn’t Matter as Much
Overly polished content does not really matter. Your posts don’t need to be perfect. Authenticity can be more engaging than highly produced content.
Also, don’t feel pressured to jump on every social media trend. Focus on what fits your climbing gym’s “image” and what your audience likes.
If you have a low budget to conduct marketing for your climbing gym, don’t immediately go for paid Ads. Organic reach can still be effective with good content and engagement. You will find tons of tactics and strategies in our strategy pack for climbing gym owners.
How to Do It Fast and Efficient
First, spend a few hours once a week taking photos, recording videos, and drafting posts. This way, you’re not scrambling daily.
Use Scheduling Tools - tools like Buffer or Hootsuite can schedule posts in advance, saving you time.
Repurpose and use the same content across different platforms. A photo on Instagram can be a post on Facebook or a tweet on Twitter.
Encourage climbers to share their own photos and tag your climbing gym. This is what we call “User-Generated Content”. Reposting these can save you time and build community.
Use apps like Canva for quick and easy graphic design, or Lightroom for photo editing. These tools can make your content look professional with minimal effort.
Low-budget content ideas for climbing gyms on social media
Our team has crafted this list featuring very specific, low-budget content ideas tailored for climbing gyms, with practical tips to keep costs down and effectively use social media.
You might want to incorporate some of these ideas in the marketing plan of your climbing gym.
| Content Type | Tips to Make It More Affordable |
|---|---|
| Smartphone Climbing Photos | Use natural light by positioning climbers near windows or skylights during daytime. Enhance photos with free apps like Snapseed or VSCO. |
| Customer Testimonials | Ask satisfied climbers to leave a quick video testimonial on their phone. Offer a free day pass or a small gear item as a thank-you. |
| User-Generated Content | Encourage climbers to share their climbing photos by offering a monthly raffle for those who tag your gym on Instagram. |
| DIY Climbing Tips Videos | Film short, simple climbing tips or techniques using a smartphone and a basic tripod. Use free editing software like iMovie or OpenShot. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Stories | Use Instagram Stories or Facebook Live to give a real-time look at route setting or introduce the team during slow hours. |
| Daily Route Updates | Design simple, eye-catching graphics for new routes or challenges using free tools like Canva. Include a brief description and a photo of the route. |
| Staff Spotlights | Feature staff members with a casual photo and fun facts about them. Use your smartphone and a natural setting in the gym. |
| Simple Polls and Questions | Engage followers with free Instagram or Facebook polls about their favorite routes or suggestions for new features. |
| Local Event Promotions | Collaborate with local events by offering a small discount or coupon. Cross-promote each other's content to reach a wider audience. |
| Community Involvement Posts | Post photos and short stories about your participation in local charity events or partnerships with community organizations. |
| Customer Spotlights | Highlight loyal climbers with their favorite routes. Take a quick photo and share a short story about their experience at your gym. |
| Homemade Climbing Photos | Create attractive settings using inexpensive items like crash pads, chalk bags, and props from dollar stores. |
| Sustainability Tips | Share eco-friendly practices such as recycling climbing holds or using sustainable materials. Create simple infographics with free tools like Canva. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Prep | Record short clips of route setting or gym maintenance. Compile them into a quick video using free tools. |
| Simple Contests and Giveaways | Run social media contests where participants like, share, or tag friends to win a free climbing session. Use prizes that are cost-effective like a free chalk bag. |
| Seasonal Climbing Challenges | Highlight seasonal climbing challenges using natural light and your smartphone camera. Share the story behind the challenge to add interest. |
Copy the tactics of the best climbing gyms in the world!
There are climbing gyms that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!
Exceptionally creative and innovative content ideas specifically for climbing gyms
Investing in top-notch social media content for your climbing gym might be worth it because many other gyms won't bother, giving you a chance to really stand out, grab people's attention, and build a loyal community of climbers.
| Content Type | Why It Could Bring a LOT of Climbers |
|---|---|
| Virtual Climbing Workshops | Hosting live or recorded virtual climbing workshops where your instructors teach viewers techniques and tips can create a sense of community and attract a global audience. |
| Interactive 360° Gym Tours | Offering virtual 360° tours of your climbing gym, including the bouldering areas, top-rope sections, and training facilities, can provide a unique behind-the-scenes experience and entice people to visit in person. |
| Limited Edition Routes | Creating buzz with limited edition or seasonal climbing routes available for a short time can generate excitement and urgency, attracting new and repeat climbers. |
| Pro Climber Sessions | Offering exclusive sessions where customers can climb with professional climbers and get personalized tips can create a memorable experience and word-of-mouth. |
| AR Route Previews | Implementing augmented reality (AR) technology in your route previews where climbers can see a 3D representation of routes can enhance the climbing experience and attract tech-savvy customers. |
| Themed Climbing Events | Hosting themed climbing events, such as a Halloween climb or a neon night, can provide a unique and immersive experience, attracting groups and special occasions. |
| Climbing Challenge Contests | Organizing climbing challenge contests (e.g., fastest to the top or most routes completed in an hour) can create viral moments, attracting competitive climbers and spectators. |
| Collaborative Pop-Up Climbing Walls | Partnering with other local gyms or climbing brands to host pop-up climbing walls can introduce your gym to new audiences and create a buzz in the community. |
| Story-Driven Social Media Posts | Sharing in-depth stories about the origins of your gym, the journey of your instructors, or the personal achievements of your members can create an emotional connection with climbers. |
| Interactive Route Setting | Allowing customers to vote on social media for new route settings can make them feel involved and eager to try the routes they helped design. |
| Eco-Friendly Initiatives | Launching and promoting eco-friendly initiatives, such as using sustainable materials for holds or implementing recycling programs, can attract environmentally conscious climbers and media attention. |
| Mobile Climbing Wall | Operating a mobile climbing wall in different locations or at local events can expand your reach and attract new climbers who may visit your main gym later. |
| Climbing Gear Subscription Service | Offering a subscription service where customers receive monthly gear and training tips can create a loyal customer base. |
| Immersive Climbing Workshops | Hosting workshops where customers can learn advanced climbing techniques from your instructors can attract climbing enthusiasts and create a sense of exclusivity. |
| Flash Mob Climbing Events | Organizing flash mob climbing events in unexpected locations can create viral content and attract adventurous climbers looking for unique experiences. |
Content that never works well for climbing gyms on social media
Don't waste your time and resources on these ideas. We've seen many climbing gym owners make these mistakes, and they won't help you stand out from the crowd or bring in new members for your gym.
| Content Type | Why It Never Works for Climbing Gyms | Do This Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Generic Stock Photos | They lack authenticity and can make the gym appear unoriginal or untrustworthy. | Use real photos of your climbing walls, staff, and members to create a genuine connection with your audience. |
| Overly Promotional Posts | Constantly pushing promotions can feel spammy and turn off followers. | Mix in engaging content like behind-the-scenes stories, member testimonials, and interactive posts to keep your audience interested. |
| Unrelated Content | Posting content that has nothing to do with climbing or the gym confuses followers and dilutes your brand. | Keep your content focused on climbing, gym events, training tips, and related topics to maintain relevance and interest. |
| Low-Quality Videos | Poorly shot or edited videos can reflect badly on your gym's quality and professionalism. | Invest in basic video equipment or hire a local videographer to produce high-quality videos that showcase your gym positively. |
| Political or Controversial Posts | These can alienate parts of your audience and lead to negative backlash. | Stick to neutral, positive content that focuses on climbing, community, and your gym's unique offerings. |
| Too Many Hashtags | Overusing hashtags can look desperate and reduce engagement by making posts look cluttered. | Use a few relevant, targeted hashtags to increase visibility without overwhelming your audience. |
| Automated Replies and Messages | They can come off as impersonal and frustrate customers looking for genuine interaction. | Respond personally to comments and messages to show that you care about your members and value their feedback. |
| Overly Staged Photos | Photos that look too perfect can seem inauthentic and less relatable. | Use natural lighting and casual settings to make your photos feel more genuine and inviting. |
| Constant Self-Promotion | Only talking about your gym can bore followers and reduce engagement. | Share user-generated content, collaborate with local businesses, and highlight community involvement to diversify your content. |
| Negative or Defensive Responses | Responding poorly to criticism can damage your reputation and discourage potential members. | Address negative feedback calmly and constructively, showing that you are willing to improve and value customer input. |
| Ignoring Social Media Trends | Being out of touch with current trends can make your gym seem outdated and unappealing. | Stay updated with social media trends and incorporate them creatively into your content strategy to keep your audience engaged and excited. |
| Excessive Posting | Posting too frequently can overwhelm your followers and lead to unfollows. | Maintain a consistent but moderate posting schedule, ensuring each post adds value and keeps your audience looking forward to your updates. |
| Complex or Confusing Promotions | Promotions that are hard to understand can frustrate customers and deter participation. | Offer simple, clear, and straightforward promotions that are easy for customers to grasp and engage with. |
| Ignoring Comments and Messages | Not engaging with your audience can make them feel undervalued and reduce their loyalty. | Regularly respond to comments and messages to build a strong, interactive community around your gym. |
Make your climbing gym more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best climbing gyms in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
Why social media can be a big pay-off for your climbing gym
We understand that as a climbing gym owner, you might feel hesitant about diving into social media marketing.
The world of social media can seem foreign and filled with confusing jargon. You might believe that it's more suited for big corporations rather than small businesses like yours.
The day-to-day demands of running a climbing gym are already overwhelming, leaving little time for additional tasks like social media.
It's common to think that social media marketing is an expensive endeavor, one that your tight profit margins can't support. Plus, the sheer number of social media platforms can lead to indecision and skepticism, especially if previous efforts haven't yielded the results you hoped for.
That's why we've created a "marketing pack" specifically tailored for climbing gym owners like you.
Our pack addresses all the issues you might face, offering simple, cost-effective strategies that don't require a marketing expert or a big budget for your climbing gym. These documents are straightforward and easy to understand, cutting through the jargon and focusing on what really works for small climbing gyms on social media.
We provide clear, actionable steps for creating engaging posts, building a loyal following, and boosting your climbing gym's visibility online.
With our marketing pack, you can invest in your climbing gym's growth without feeling overwhelmed or uncertain.
Your climbing gym could make more money!
Most climbing gym owners don't know how to grow their business. Let us teach you the right strategies.
