If you are struggling to get clients and leads, something is broken.

A new tactic or new strategy is the last thing you need, so don’t fall for the next new Shiny Object!

I will outline the seemingly unsexy steps essential to creating a strategy that speaks to your audience, sets you apart from your competitors, and ultimately, GETS YOU CLIENTS.

Building a strong and successful online coaching business requires a solid foundation. However, the foundation is often overlooked in favor of shiny marketing tactics and the next new thing that promises the moon.

Just as you can't build a castle on quicksand, you can't build a successful online coaching empire without first setting up a strong foundation.

In this article, we will outline the unsexy yet crucial steps to building a strong foundation for your success.

6 Straight-Shooting Steps to Breakthrough Online Coaching Success (Step-By-Step)

Step 1: Be Crystal Clear On "Who Is It For"?

Before diving into any strategy, it's essential to understand your target audience.

Niche down… You’ve heard this before and yet, VERY FEW of you do it to a level where you will become successful!

I’ve heard it all when I talk to coaches:  “I don’t want to limit myself…”, “I can help everybody…”, “ I don’t want to miss out on opportunities...”

STOP IT!

People are not looking for a generalist, heck they aren’t even looking for A specialist, they are looking for THE Specialist.

And believe me, the money is in the MICRO niche, you can always expand later, but start laser focused. PLEASE 😀.

This means in-depth avatar research that goes beyond demographics and includes psychographics.

You should know what your audience desires, three levels below the surface. What their deepest fears are, and why they want what they want.

Believe me, everyone wants more money, more time… but these are too vague promises and at a surface level. Meaning it won’t stick or convince anyone they need you.

You will uncover true desires by going deep into researching your audience and what you uncover will be the basis for all your marketing decisions, from messaging to advertising.

Step 2: Be Crystal Clear On "Who Brings The Solution"?

Once you understand your audience, you should be crystal clear on:

• What your brand is and what you stand for
• What your audience can latch onto and feel part of

This requires developing brand conviction codes, a mission statement that represents who you want to be, and a vision statement that projects the future you envision.

Additionally, you should have an attractive character in mind and their story, whose mission aligns with your brand's values and resonates with your audience.

Step 3: Be Crystal Clear On "What Is The Solution"?

Next, it's time to develop:

• The Big Idea behind your solution
• The Unique Mechanism that sets you apart from your competitors
• The Transformation you offer

Finally, list the befits and features of your solution, but keep in mind that they are the least important to your audience.

They do NOT buy the WHAT, they buy the PROMISE!

Step 4: Be Crystal Clear On "What Is The Offer"?

With your solution defined, it's time to package it as an offer that your audience can't resist.

This includes outlining the main benefits of your solution, crafting compelling copy that speaks to your audience's desires and fears, and developing a pricing strategy that aligns with your brand's values.

The “offer” is not just the price. It includes all the bonuses, your guarantee (risk reversal), etc.

Make your offer that compelling that the monetary value is far below the perceived value so that it becomes a NO Brainer for your prospects to open their wallet.

BTW, this doesn’t mean cheap!

Step 5: Be Crystal Clear On "What Are The Deliverables"?

To deliver your solution to your audience, you need to determine what type of deliverables you'll provide. Will it be a course, coaching, continuity program, or something else?

Determine the best method for delivering your solution, based on your audience's needs and preferences.

Step 6: Build Your Mean Client Generating Machine

Finally, it's time to determine your marketing funnel.

Will you use a lead magnet to attract potential customers, or will you go straight for a sales page? Or do both?

What type of funnel(s) will you use, and what pages will you include?

Determine your email follow-up funnel strategy and identify your traffic sources and advertising methods.

The Unsexy Conclusion

Building a strong and successful online coaching business requires establishing a foundation upon which to build your tactics.

The seemingly unsexy steps we've outlined here are essential to creating a strategy that speaks to your audience, sets you apart from your competitors, and ultimately, GETS you clients.

By taking the time to research your audience, develop your brand's mission and vision, define your solution, create an irresistible offer, and determine your marketing funnel, you'll be well on your way to a successful online coaching business.

Your Next Steps

Roll up your sleeves and get in the trenches! None of what I described is hard or difficult, it just requires work.

If you’d like to get some help, reach out! I’ve done this type of research for a hot second and can create your “Blue Island Marketing Blueprint” for you!