If you run a women’s fitness business—whether it’s a personal training service, online coaching, gym, or activewear brand—your online reputation matters. People trust reviews. They trust what they read on Google. And they notice when your name shows up on a complaint board.
These sites are public. They rank high in search. And once a listing is up, it can stay there for years. Even if it’s false or posted by someone who never used your service.
Here’s how to handle it, get it removed (if possible), and protect your brand.
Why Complaint Boards Hurt Fitness Businesses
Women’s fitness is personal. It’s about health, trust, and transformation. If someone searching for your name finds a post that says you’re rude, unsafe, or dishonest—even if it’s not true—they’ll move on.
A BrightLocal study found that 94% of people say a single negative review has made them avoid a business. That includes anonymous complaints with no proof.
One studio owner I know had a listing on a complaint site from a former friend pretending to be a client. The post accused her of “body shaming” and “unsafe workouts.” She lost four regulars before she even saw the post.
Step 1: Find Out What’s Posted
Start by Googling your business name in incognito mode. Look for:
- Your name + “complaint”
- Your gym or brand name + “scam”
- “[Business] review site”
- Your name on sites like Ripoff Report, ComplaintsBoard, or PissedConsumer
If anything shows up, screenshot it. Save the link. Make a note of what it says and when it was posted.
If you don’t own your name as a domain or haven’t claimed your Google Business profile, do that now. Controlling your name online helps in the long run.
Step 2: Check if It Breaks the Rules
Most complaint sites allow free speech. But they still have rules.
A listing can sometimes be removed if it includes:
- Hate speech or slurs
- Private information (like your phone or home address)
- Threats or harassment
- Fake claims from non-customers
- Duplicates posted over and over
Some posts violate the site’s terms without looking extreme. Always check the site’s reporting or content policy section.
One trainer I helped had a complaint that included her email and phone number. That post was removed in three days after she reported it for privacy violation.
Step 3: Try to Remove It Directly
Each complaint board has its own process. Here’s how to work with them.
File a content removal request
Look for a “report” or “flag” button. Or find a “Contact Us” page. Be specific in your message. Point out which rules the post breaks. Keep it short and professional.
Avoid writing long emotional responses. The goal is to make it easy for the site to say yes.
Ask the poster to remove it (if possible)
Some sites let users edit or delete their posts. If you know who posted it and think they were a real client, reach out calmly.
You can say: “I saw your post. I’m sorry your experience wasn’t what you expected. I’d love to make it right. If you’re open to removing the post, I’m happy to offer a refund or a free session.”
This won’t work every time. But it’s worth trying—especially if the post came from a misunderstanding or miscommunication.
Step 4: Suppress the Listing With Better Content
If the site won’t take the post down, your next move is to bury it.
Publish fresh content on trusted sites
Create content that ranks higher than the complaint. Start with:
- Your own website (use your name and brand name in headlines)
- Blog posts or testimonials from real clients
- Medium or LinkedIn articles
- YouTube videos about your workouts or fitness tips
- Guest posts on fitness or wellness blogs
Google ranks newer, relevant content higher—especially if it’s posted consistently.
One bootcamp coach started a weekly blog answering common fitness questions. After six posts, her new content pushed the complaint listing off page one.
Get listed on trusted platforms
Claim and update your profiles on:
- Google Business
- Yelp
- ClassPass or Mindbody (if applicable)
Positive reviews and active profiles help push down complaint links. They also build trust with new clients.
Step 5: Get Help From a Pro (If You Need It)
If the complaint is hurting your business and won’t come down, you may need outside help.
Some online reputation companies specialize in removing or suppressing complaint board listings. They work with lawyers, SEO experts, and public relations pros to clean up search results.
If you go this route, ask for real examples of past removals. Avoid companies that promise “instant results” or charge huge upfront fees.
Step 6: Protect Your Reputation Going Forward
Once the complaint is handled, build habits to protect your name.
Ask for reviews from real clients
After a great session, send a quick message with a review link. Focus on Google and Facebook.
Even a short “Loved the workout, felt strong and supported” builds trust.
Monitor your brand monthly
Set Google Alerts for your name, business, and top programs. This way, you’ll know if anything new pops up.
Check your search results once a month. If something bad is creeping up again, act fast.
Keep showing up
Don’t let one bad post stop you. Keep posting tips, updates, and wins. Share transformations, workout clips, and real moments from your classes. The more visible you are, the more control you have over what people see.
Final Thoughts
A complaint board post can feel personal. But you can fight back. Remove what you can. Bury what you can’t. Keep building content and trust.
You’re helping people feel strong, confident, and capable. Don’t let one angry post ruin that. Take action, own your space, and keep lifting others.
Your voice—and your fitness brand—deserves to be seen for what it is.
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
