With the rise of social media, online platforms, and digital technologies, coaches now have access to a larger audience and more opportunities to connect with prospective customers.
However, the ever-changing nature of digital marketing can be challenging for those unfamiliar with the digital space.
So, whether you are a novice coach looking to create your online presence or an experienced coach wishing to broaden your reach, this article will give you vital insights on how to get coaching clients and how to use social media marketing for coaches.
How to use digital marketing strategies for your coaching business
Before we get into how to use digital marketing for coaches, let’s first define it. Digital marketing refers to the use of online media to promote and advertise your brand.
Now, you may be wondering, “Why should I bother with digital marketing? Can’t I just stick to my traditional methods?” Well, the world is changing, and so is consumer behaviour. Think about it: when did you last purchase a product without first searching on Google? Or without reviewing the brand’s social media presence? Exactly. Your ideal customers are the same.
So, if you want to know how to promote your coaching business and gain clients via digital marketing, follow these strategies:
#1: Define you and your brand
Have you noticed how competitive the coaching profession has become over the years? Every day, there appears to be a new trend or approach to coaching.
So, how do you differentiate yourself in a sea of competitors? Well, the key is branding.
Branding is more than just your logo or website design. Branding is your identity, distinguishing you from others in the business.
Now, let’s go into the top three branding tactics that can help you find and retain clients.
- Identify what makes your business unique: The hidden treasure could be your pricing, the method you provide services, or your brand’s underlying principles. For example, assume your competitor, Gym 1, charges $10 monthly for coaching services. You may differentiate your company by charging a cheaper monthly fee of $5.
- Identify your target audience and their unique characteristics: Understanding what your target audience needs allows you to personalise your services to meet them. For example, as a fitness coach, if your target audience is a busy professional, you can provide adaptable training programmes that work around their busy schedules.
- Identify how you differ from other coaches: Determine what you want to gain by the end of the day, and you’ll know how to sell your business effectively. For example, as a career coach who believes in work-life balance, you will advocate for it, and as a result, you will attract clients who share that belief.
#2 – Build a website
Your website is the first thing potential clients will notice while looking for your services. And, much like a real business, you want it to be visually appealing, informative, and easy to use.
Now, let’s discuss why your website should serve as your primary marketing hub. For starters, it is a one-stop shop for all your coaching needs.
You can demonstrate your skills, publish client testimonials, and even provide free tools and recommendations to your audience. Furthermore, with the correct SEO and marketing methods, your website will attract new clients and produce leads for your business.
Also, keep in mind that:
- Your website must be mobile-friendly.
- Your website must include a call to action, such as a ‘book a session’ button or a contact form.
- Your website must be updated regularly.
#3 – Create compelling search-optimised content
Every day, your target audience gets flooded with adverts and sales offers. So, how can you make your content stand out? The solution is simple: generate helpful, informative, and exciting content.
This could include blog entries, videos, social media updates, or email newsletters. Most importantly, make sure your content is optimised for the search engine.
This entails using keywords and phrases your target audience will likely look for. For example, if you’re a fitness coach, use keywords like ‘how to maintain fit,’ ‘fitness coach,’ or ‘how to lose weight’ in your content.
This way, when your intended audience searches for these topics, they will come across your content. And once they do, ensure your content is appealing enough to convert them into paying customers.
#4 – Use social media
With so many social media platforms and ever-changing algorithms, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unclear where to begin. But if you want to know how to market your coaching business online, here are some ideas and methods on social media for coaches:
- Understand your algorithms: To ensure your content reaches your target audience, you must first grasp how each platform’s algorithm works.
- Be consistent: Posting once in a blue moon isn’t enough to expect results. You must maintain consistency in your posting schedule.
- Use diverse platforms: Each platform has its own strengths and audiences, so choose the most relevant to your brand and target demographic. However, don’t limit yourself; you can utilise as many social media channels as you desire.
- Get coaching clients on Facebook: Because Facebook has the highest user base, it is only natural to use it to gain new clients. But how can you maximise your Facebook presence? Begin by joining Facebook groups that are relevant to your coaching speciality.
If you need assistance with your online presence, don’t hesitate to contact our team of expert social media marketers. In 50 Pound Social, we can help you create a customised marketing plan to reach your target audience and convert them into paying clients.
#5: Provide Freebies
We all know that people enjoy getting anything for nothing, so what better way to demonstrate your coaching skills than to provide some excellent content for free? Here are a few suggestions:
- Create a free e-book on a coaching-related topic.
- Hold a free webinar on a topic that your target audience will find valuable.
- Provide a discount: Offer a percentage off your coaching services or a discount on a specific package.
- Offer free coaching sessions through your social media platform. These sessions can be done in person, during a live session, or by sharing a video.
- Offer free coaching calls: In the coaching profession, delivering free 15-30-minute coaching calls is a highly effective tactic. So, to successfully handle these free consultations, use dependable systems like Calendly and Zoom.
#6 – Invest in online advertisements.
How can you grow a coaching business? Well, the answer is simple: use online ads!
Online ads are seen on websites (like pay-per-click ads), social media platforms, or search engines.
They can take many forms, including banners, pop-ups, and sponsored posts, and are intended to draw people’s attention and direct them to your website or landing page.
Furthermore, here are some benefits you get when you advertise coaching services:
- Online ads can help boost your web visibility.
- You can use online ads to reach a broader audience.
- When compared to other types of advertising, online adverts are comparatively inexpensive.
- Online ads enable targeting a specific audience based on demographics, interests, and behaviour.
- Online ads allow you to track and measure your results.
#7 – Create an email list.
If you want to learn how to market a coaching business through an email list, follow these easy steps.
- Create an irresistible opt-in offer, such as a free ebook, mini-course, webinar, or other valuable content for your audience. However, ensure that your offer relates to your coaching services and answers a specific problem your target audience may be experiencing.
- Create a visible opt-in form on your website and include a call-to-action in social media postings to encourage visitors to join your email list. Use lead magnets such as free resources or unique content to enable them to sign up.
Wrapping up: provide good customer service!
Digital marketing for coaches is an effective way to attract clients. However, remember that the work begins once you’ve captured their attention.
To retain customers and establish a loyal following, delivering excellent services and products is critical.
So, focus on more than just marketing; invest in the quality of your coaching services. After all, a satisfied client leads to a profitable coaching business.
