3 steps to a profitable coaching business in 2024
If 2023 felt like running on a treadmill – lots of effort, but no forward movement – it's time for a change.
But before we start, let's identify the cycle.
It often starts with a strategy or tactic that seems promising. You implement it with high hopes, but the results don't meet your expectations.
Instead of re-evaluating or tweaking the approach, the cycle of repeating the same strategy – with the same underwhelming results – begins. This cycle can be frustrating, demotivating, and frankly, exhausting.
Persisting with a marketing strategy that doesn’t yield results can be likened to trying to fill a bucket with water, only to realize it has holes. No matter how much effort you pour in, if the strategy is flawed, the desired outcome – a thriving coaching business – remains unattainable.
Finding Your Social Media Sweet Spot
In the quest for the ideal marketing platform, it's not uncommon for coaches, especially those new to the digital marketing world, to find themselves bouncing between platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram. You might even find yourself in the Lure of Shiny Object Syndrome chasing the next big promise to attract paying clients but only to find disappointments.
The primary reason for this is the lack of a one-size-fits-all solution in social media marketing. What works phenomenally for one coach might not yield the same results for another.
Each platform requires a unique approach, a deep understanding of its audience, and a strategy tailored to its specific features and strengths. Without this specialization, even the most promising platform can fall short of expectations.
To truly find your social media sweet spot, it's important to craft an approach that aligns with your coaching style, your strengths, and most importantly, where your ideal clients are most active. This means understanding the demographics and behavior patterns of your target audience and matching them with the right platform.
It’s about leveraging your natural skills and preferences to create content that resonates with your audience and feels authentic to you.
3 Must-Haves for a Profitable Coaching Business
1. Consistency is Key
In the digital age, where new content is constantly being created and shared, staying visible is akin to reminding your audience that you exist and are actively offering value.
When you're consistent in your marketing efforts—be it through regular social media posts, newsletters, blog updates, or podcasts—you ensure a continuous presence in the daily lives of your potential clients. This regularity helps keep you at the forefront of their minds, making it more likely that they'll think of you when they need coaching services.
Consistency in your messaging and engagement also plays a vital role in building trust. When potential clients see that you are consistently providing valuable content, insights, and engagement, it establishes you as a reliable and credible source in your field.
This reliability is crucial in an industry like coaching, where trust and credibility are the cornerstone of client relationships.
2. Navigating the Work-Life Balance
Navigating the delicate balance between pursuing a passion for coaching and maintaining a full-time job is a scenario many aspiring coaches find themselves in. This balancing act is not just about managing time and energy but also about ensuring financial security during the transition.
For many, coaching starts as a passion project or a side hustle while they continue with their regular full-time jobs. This dual role can be both exciting and daunting. On one hand, coaching offers a fulfilling way to share expertise and make a positive impact. On the other, a full-time job provides the necessary financial stability and often, benefits like health insurance and retirement plans.
This security is crucial because building a client base and establishing a profitable coaching business often takes time – time during which bills and living expenses continue to accumulate.
“Content planning is like setting the sails of a great ship; with thoughtful direction and purposeful intent, you chart the course of your journey, turning the winds of creativity into the momentum that propels your dreams into reality.”
- Michelle Kuei
3. Strategic Planning
Strategic planning in the context of juggling coaching and a full-time job is more than just setting goals; it's about creating a comprehensive roadmap for your coaching business that harmoniously aligns with your current professional commitments and financial necessities.
Your strategic plan must also consider your current job responsibilities. It’s important to realistically assess how much time and energy you can devote to coaching without compromising your performance at your full-time job. This might involve setting aside specific hours for coaching-related activities, like early mornings, evenings, or weekends.
Strategic planning is not a one-time task. It requires regular review and adjustments based on your progress and any new developments in your personal and professional life. This flexibility allows you to stay on track toward your goals, even when circumstances change.
“Plan your content like you're planting seeds in a garden - nurture them with care, and watch your ideas bloom into success.”
-Michelle Kuei
3 Steps To Client Attraction Blueprint
Choose Your Medium Wisely
Identifying the medium that best suits your strengths and resonates with your audience. This choice is crucial as it forms the foundation of how you connect and communicate with potential clients. Are you more articulate and expressive in writing, able to convey complex ideas and evoke emotions through text? Or do you shine in front of the camera, where your personality, voice tone, and body language can create a more personal connection with your audience?
2. Crafting Your Brand Story
A good brand story is one that resonates with your audience. It should be authentic, relatable, and inspiring. This means being vulnerable and honest about your journey, including the challenges and how you overcame them. It's about showing your potential clients that you understand their struggles because you've been there. In a market full of coaches, your story is what can set you apart. It's your unique selling proposition. Use your story to highlight your unique approach to coaching, your methodology, and the specific value you provide.
3. Effective Content Creation
In content creation, consistency is as important as quality. Regularly producing content keeps your audience engaged and helps build your authority in your niche. Quality, on the other hand, ensures that your audience finds real value in what you share, establishing trust and credibility.
What's Next?
Join me from January 15th to 19th for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at these strategies. If you're a female coach looking to piece together a cohesive marketing strategy, this free event is tailor-made for you.
👉 Reserve your spot here and let's make 2024 a year of transformation and success!
