If you haven't transitioned at least a portion of your coaching online, you’re still trading all your time for money! Online coaching has grown exponentially in all health and wellness fields, for this reason exactly; you can make great money, in significantly less time. All this can happen while making plenty money!

Let’s try and change that! Here is a 9-step game plan for you!

1. Choose Your Platform

What online lacks in face-to-face contact, it needs to make up for in a versatile, user-friendly platform. Whether you use excel spreadsheets, email, or a coaching app (what I recommend) - there needs to be a platform.

Start exploring the best apps on the market. You’re just starting off, so budget should be a major consideration. However, if this is a long-term game plan, you may want to use a better option.

Some of my recommendations include: 

• Trainerize: Customizeable training plans, client management built-in and multi-app integration
• True Coach: Client messaging optimized, progress tracking and ease of use
• My PT Hub: Custom branding, versatile program design and client engagement
• PT Distinction: Advanced coaching tools, automation and user-friendly design
• CoachAccountable: Comprehensive management, client accountability and automated workflows
• FitSW: Workout and nutrition tracking, customizable templates, client feedbac

2. Set Up Your Offers

I’m not just talking about your prices here. Everybody loves to jump to that. What’s more important is the structure of your online coaching.

You need to build program offers that suit you. Ask peers and other coaches in the field. What seems to work best with them? I coached for two years, doing live calls as check-ins, before finally asking other coaches and finding out about Loom! I now use Loom to send video check-ins, which takes a fraction of the time and scheduling, without taking away that personal touch. 

This gave me so much more freedom.

Some questions to ask peers include:

• How many months do you offer in your coaching programs?
• How much time do you generally spend each week on a client?
• Do you get a lot of direct messages from clients given you provide your phone number?
• What is something you would change about your coaching program if you were to start again?

3. Start Posting

Did you know that it is quite likely that you have a group of followers that have wanted to work with you for some time, but are not in the same location.

Starting to post about your online programs may just lead to a few immediate sign-ups.

After this, you should create a posting plan each week. I recommend four pillars for posting to rotate through: Value (Educational tips), Credibility (Testimonials from past clients), Relatability (Funny memes, or voice overs), and Marketing (Call to action with your coaching).

I also highly recommend posting a story 1-2x per day. This should be of you talking. I was once told by social media experts that people buy into YOU, not YOUR program!

If you do want some help with posting frequency and volume, we have a few bundles that might just be what you need! Check out our store to view some of our plug-and-play social bundles 

4. Develop a Strong Onboarding Process

The first impression matters, especially in online coaching. Develop a clear and welcoming onboarding process for new clients. This could include a welcome email, an introductory video, and a detailed explanation of how your online coaching works.

There should be no questions after a client signs up. Even though you should welcome questions from new enrollees, the onboarding process should be so airtight, there should be no major issues. 

Make sure to gather all necessary information from your clients through questionnaires or initial consultations. This helps in tailoring the program to their specific needs and ensures a smooth start.

5. Build a Library of Learning Resources

This separates good coaches from GREAT COACHES! It is also something that can promote client resigns and referrals because people don't want to lose access to these resources!

Create handbooks, videos, fact sheets and quick guides (cheatsheets) all within the app if possible, that your clients can refer to when they have questions. 

To really show that you have the clients' best interest in mind, you can assign them "homework". This shows that you are committed to their journey, and focused on improving their nutritional or fitness literacy. 

If you're interested in doing this, without working a single minute on content, check out our Ultimate Coaching Bundle!

6. Automate Where Possible

Efficiency is key when scaling your coaching business online. Utilize automation tools for scheduling, reminders, and follow-ups. This not only saves you time but also ensures consistency and reliability in your service delivery.

Apps like Calendly for scheduling, Mailchimp for email marketing, and Zapier for connecting different apps can streamline many of your administrative tasks.

7. Offer Different Communication Channels

While face-to-face interactions are limited online, offering various communication channels can enhance the client experience. Consider using video calls, chat apps, and email to stay connected with your clients.

Make it clear how and when clients can reach you, and establish boundaries to manage your time effectively. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions can help maintain a strong coach-client relationship.

I also recommend creating a group channel for all your clients. Try your very best to keep this channel interactive by offering weekly Q&A's, exclusive educational videos/resources and more! If you play your cards right, some people will sign-up and/or resign just to stay part of this group! 

8. Don't Allow Clients to "Fall Off"

This is a mistake that many first-time online coaches make! The lack of accountability.

This will present itself in clients "falling off". It happens more often in online coach-client relationships. And the main reason is because there is a lack of accountability and tracking for the client. When people sign up for in-person training, they want someone standing behind them pushing them forward. While you can't do this online, there's more ways to provide this support. 

Progress tracking and real-time feedback not only keeps clients motivated but also allows you to make informed adjustments to their programs. Celebrate their achievements and address any challenges they face along the way.

9. Seek Continuous Improvement

The online coaching landscape is constantly evolving. Stay updated with the latest trends, tools, and best practices in the industry. Attend webinars, take online courses, and join professional communities to keep learning and improving your services.

Solicit feedback from your clients regularly and be open to making changes. Continuous improvement is key to providing the best possible experience and achieving long-term success in your online coaching business.

By following this 9-step game plan, you can transition your coaching business online effectively and efficiently. Remember, the goal is not just to replicate your in-person services to solely make more money,  but to enhance and scale them in a way that offers even greater value to your clients.

Stay tuned for more tips and insights on our website tomorrow! 🔥