How to Market your Coaching Business — 12 Ideas to Land New Clients
Marketing is the hardest part of running an online business, according to our recent report that surveyed thousands of coaches, business owners, and creators about what made them successful.
It makes sense — coaching businesses are often a team of one (at least at first!) and start from the ground up. And marketing takes time, creativity, and patience, which isn’t easy when you have a million other tasks required to run a new company.
Whether your coaching business helps people with fitness, relationships, career goals, or something else, we have a fool-proof list of ideas to help you learn how to market your coaching business and attract new clients. Let’s get started!
1. Share client transformations on social media
One of the best ways to show the value of your coaching services is by showing the transformations your clients have achieved through working with you! Get their permission first, and explain the tangible results they accomplished thanks to your coaching program. This social proof can attract potential new clients.
2. Offer a free consultation
Offering a 15- or 30-minute free consultation allows you to get to know your potential clients, discuss their goals, and answer any questions they have before they commit to working with you. This is one of the best ways to show your value and expertise and for clients to see if you’re the right fit. You can also offer a discount on your coaching packages for anyone who books a consultation.
3. Host a free webinar that addresses the biggest challenge your clients have
Identify the #1 problem or frustration your ideal clients face. Then, offer to teach them proven strategies to overcome this during a free webinar. Provide value upfront while giving them a taste of your expertise, and end the webinar with a discount or bonus to those who sign-up for your coaching after.
4. Start a referral program
Word-of-mouth is still one of the most powerful ways to get new coaching clients. People are way more likely to listen to another human than they are a Google Ad or Instagram post. Once you start to build up a history of happy clients, consider reaching out to them and asking them to join your referral program.
5. Create a lead magnet
Develop a free downloadable resource like a checklist, guide, or toolkit that provides value to your audience. For example, if you’re a health coach, you could create a grocery shopping checklist for healthy eating. In exchange for an email address, give people access to download this lead magnet. Now you’ve captured a lead and can market to them through email campaigns.
6. Share your top tips in a YouTube video
Film a quick video sharing your five to ten top tips for your niche — whether fitness, nutrition, productivity, etc. Title it something like “10 Tips to Improve Your Sleep” or “7 Hacks for Losing Weight.” Keep it short and sweet while demonstrating that you have the advice people need.
7. Run an Instagram contest or giveaway
No matter the size of your Instagram following, contests and giveaways can be hugely successful and attract tons of potential business. Encourage people to follow you, tag friends, and engage with your content for a chance to win a free coaching session, gift card, or other prize.
8. Host a Facebook Live Q&A
Once you start to build up an engaged community on social media, consider going live on Facebook (this can work on Instagram, too!) to answer common questions from your target audience. This shows your knowledge and gives people a chance to get to know you.
9. Create a trailer for your coaching program
Make a one- to two-minute video that shows a preview of what your coaching program entails. Share client testimonials, an overview of what will be covered, and the results people can expect. This is a great way to get people excited about signing up! You can use this video in a variety of places — on your website, YouTube channel, email campaigns, etc.
10. Network with other coaches, influencers, and support people in your niche
Building a network of people in your industry that can refer their clients to you (and vice versa!) is a really powerful way to get a steady stream of new business. For example, if you’re a fertility coach, you might consider building relationships with chiropractors, midwives, or other holistic wellness providers focused on women’s health. Just be sure these people aren’t direct competitors, of course!
11. Start an email newsletter or blog
Share your expertise, stories, tips, and more through an email list and blog. This gives people ongoing value and is another opportunity to use your lead magnet in exchange for email sign-ups.
12. Get visual with Pinterest
Create engaging pins with tips, quotes, and advice for your niche. Make sure to link back to your site and services, and consider paying to boost your most popular pins! Pinterest is highly visual so take advantage of that.
Final Thoughts
Marketing a coaching business takes consistent effort, but it’s worth it to attract your ideal clients. With some creativity and planning, you can get your services in front of people who need them the most!
As you build your coaching business, you’ll also want to find the tools and software that make delivering your coaching programs smooth and simple. MemberSpace is an all-in-one platform designed specifically for coaches, business owners, and creators to run and scale their membership sites and sell digital products. Sign up for a free trial today!
