THE 6 STEP SIMPLE MARKETING PLAN FOR NEW COACHES
Whether you're a new online coach, consultant, or service-based entrepreneur, it's important to establish a powerful marketing plan. You may question how you're supposed to attract clients without a huge email list, money for paid ads, or little time to be on social media. As a new business owner, your resources may be limited, but you don't need lofty expensive marketing tactics to find new clients. Below, I'll share a simple marketing plan for new coaches and consultants.
There's a time and place to invest in scaling your marketing efforts. But in the beginning, you just need a simple organic marketing strategy. This is the same strategy I used myself as a new service-based entrepreneur. I did not have a budget for ads or crazy sales funnels. Still, I scaled to consistent $3k months. My other clients used it to sell out courses, book out 1:1 coaching spots, and one even went on to scale to 6 figures! Remember, it's not just the strategies that attract clients, but the confidence, clarity, and mindset too. ;)
Simple Organic Marketing Plan For New Coaches & Consultants
1. Choose 1-2 Core Social Media Platforms
Yes, visibility is essential to promoting a successful coaching business. However, don't overwhelm yourself with visibility fatigue. In the beginning stages of your business, select 1-2 core social media platforms. This will make it easy for you to show up consistently and work to optimize your marketing strategy.
Questions To Consider Before Choosing Your Core Platform
Where can you show up consistently (at least 4-5 times a week)?
Where do you feel most comfortable and excited to show up?
Where do your ideal clients most likely live on?
Core Platforms: Examples and Pros and Cons
Pros: easy to establish a mutual connection (accepts friend requests), has targeted communities to find potential clients (Facebook groups), live videos are prioritized by the algorithm
Cons: low searchability, maxes out at 5k friend requests, Facebook business pages have limited reach due to algorithm
Pros: hashtag searchability, story highlights
Cons: live videos disappear after 24 hours, difficult to establish a 2-way connection (must follow you back)
YouTube
Pros: high searchability, video creates a more personal connection
Cons: cost of video equipment, time to edit and film content
Blogging
Pros: drives traffic to your website via Google search keywords, simple way to provide long-form valuable content
Cons: may be difficult to drive traffic without an established and optimized website
**Pro-Tip** I suggest starting with either Facebook or Instagram. They're the easiest ways to quickly create wonderful content on a low-budget. In addition, both platforms provide useful methods for locating your ideal clients (Instagram hashtags or Facebook groups).
2. Show Up Consistently & Give Value
Now, it's time to show up and let your ideal clients know what you're made of! Use content to educate, inspire, and story-tell. Remember, most online shoppers spend hours researching before making a purchase. Your content is a chance to establish your authority, and let ideal clients know, like, and trust you. That way, when they're ready to purchase, you'll be the first they consider!
Questions to Inspire Your Content Topics & Strategy
What is everything my ideal client needs to know about their specific problem?
How can I show them that I am an expert in this niche/industry?
How can I show them that my business/service is the best solution for their problems?
**Pro-Tip** Identify your 3 content pillars (the three main topics you talk about over and over again). For example, mine are sales, marketing (content and social), and personal development for entrepreneurs. You don't need to overwhelm yourself with content ideas. Just stick to your areas of expertise and align them with your core message, offers, and ideal clients.
Content Ideas
Educational how-to's
Inspirational quotes and stories
Client and/or personal success stories
Mini-trainings
And so much more
3. Build Meaningful Connections
Any successful marketing plan for coaches or service-based entrepreneurs must include this: build authentic relationships! Purchasers are more likely to buy from a brand they know and trust. Engage with your audience, start conversations, and reply to all of your comments! People who show interest in your content or offers are warm leads!
**Pro-tip** When starting conversations with new potential clients, always end with an open-ended question. This is how you keep the conversation going and invite them to share more. Remember, connections aren't about you - they're about your ideal client! The more they share about themselves, the more they'll feel like they can trust you.
4. Promote Your Offer 20% of The Time
No one likes to be asked more than they are given. Don't be that pushy salesperson. On the other hand, don't be the business owner that NEVER posts their offers. How else are clients supposed to know that you're open for business? Share value-giving content 80% of the time, and invite people to work with you 20% of the time.
**Pro-Tip** Lead with transformation. People don't buy the best product, they buy the best transformation. Instead of sharing the features of your offer, focus on selling WHAT'S POSSIBLE when they buy your service or product.
5. Ask for Referrals
Referrals are an excellent strategy to add to a successful marketing plan for coaches or consultants. It's likely that you know someone that needs what you offer. If not, you probably know someone that knows other people that need what you offer. Your current network is the best place to look for new clients. They already know, like, and trust you!
**Pro-Tip** Consider making a referral affiliate program from new, previous, or current clients. Offer an affiliate commission for any clients they send your way.
6. Create An Automated Marketing System
Once you've already found success with your marketing plan and referrals, it's time to set up a simple automated system. Create one piece of valuable content (a lead magnet). You'll give this valuable free offer in exchange for an email address. From there, you can email your leads about up-coming offers, new posts, or special announcements. This is a great way to nurture relationships until potential clients are ready to work with you!
Lead Magnet Examples
E-books
Video Trainings
Checklists
Guides
Challenges
Execute Your Marketing Plan With Consistency and Confidence
In summary, you don't need paid ads, crazy funnels, or a huge email list to grow your online business. A simple strategic marketing plan for coaches and consultants will do wonders. Just remember, stick to your marketing plan with consistency and confidence. It takes time to track and measure results. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results right away. Over time, you'll discover what's working and what isn't. Soon, you'll regularly attract clients with ease!