Any advice on starting an online coaching business

You need someone with "credibility". Doesn't need to be elite but there have been a couple of ads popping up on my instagram of a 2:20 male runner. Keep in mind you'll be mainly marketing to hobbyjoggers.

E.g. a 2:20 male runner marketing his coaching business. "Runna" seems incredibly cringe but hobbyjoggers love it.

I'd love to change the world, but I don't know what to do. So I'll leave it up to you.

Any ideas?

If you are coaching regular people, you will need to double check the exertion levels they target. You will want some way to see their faces etc at least some of their sets. I did some online coaching, without this capacity, and when I showed up in person to see how they were doing I found they were completely missrepresenting their exertion levels in emails.

Shoot for the moon and start some coaching pyramid scheme

God forbid I ask anyone on this forum to give actual advice...

It`s easy.Create a facebook page , give yourself a lame name like Magic Wizard,spam letsrun under different names praising your coaching , lie about elite athletes you coached and post pictures of yourself dessed like a pimp - it`s magic ! 👋🧙‍♂️🇸🇪

In-person coaching encapsulates a multi-sensory experience that cannot be replicated through the cold clicks and pixels of a screen. The subtle nuances of your stride, the precise weight distribution of your footfalls, and the quirky peculiarities of your running form all require the keen eye and discerning touch of a seasoned coach. The interplay between coach and athlete, the push and pull, the immediate adjustments and corrections - these are the vital elements that elevate a good runner to greatness!

Online coaching, while seemingly convenient in our modern fast-paced society, lacks the personal connection that enables coaches to truly understand and nurture their athletes. I'm afraid technology cannot provide solace, encouragement, or real-time advice during a grueling race. A heartening pat on the back, a rousing cheer from the sidelines, or the occasional swift kick in the posterior are a few of a coach's secret weapons impossible to replicate from a distance.

So, dear original poster, before embarking on this online coaching endeavor, think long and hard about the invaluable aspects of genuine human interaction. Seek out those who have traversed the roads, trails, and tracks of running not only with sagacity but also with unwavering passion for the sport. Remember, there is no substitute for the guidance of a seasoned coach who can look into your eyes, read your soul, and fine-tune your technique. Be wise, embrace real-life connections, and never forget the power of genuine experience.

Warm regards,

Stan Hayes

Coach you suck ! Hey dik face, give me my refund! I’ve spent $900 on your “program” and now I’m injured , I’ve gained 8 lbs, and my times are slower. Very disappointed in your system. You have until Friday to give me a full refund or I will post a 1 star review. Your website says money back guarantee so you better honor this, or else I’ll report you to the BBB.

Spend a few bucks to consult with an accountant or attorney to help you set up an LLC or PC or whatever business entity is appropriate for your jurisdiction. There are big tax advantages versus being a sole proprietorship. And you will limit your liability in case a nutcase decides to sue you. Then, do some research and find a really good platform for accepting payments from customers. The key is cybersecurity and making sure that both your financial info and your clients' info will be protected and secure. Don't wing it by accepting Zelle, etc.

Marketing is all about social media these days. But understand who your market is going to be and make your social media presence appeal to your market. Most of the money in online coaching is in helping runners in their 30s and 40s finish a marathon or hit a time goal.

Is this for real? There are so many coaches out there.

Online coaching isn't a real career. Almost nobody is doing it full time. It's a side gig at best. If it were possible to do what you're trying to do, lots of people would do it. You'll be competing against actual pros and Olympians who supplement their income with coaching (and even they don't make all that much at it). Your clients will last for a cycle or two because they'll either lose interest, or if they stick with it, they'll join a real club and learn how to train themselves.

You have kids. It's time to be a grownup.

I am an entrepreneur by nature, so immediately I like hearing about other peoples desires to start a business. As you have mentioned, this forum can have some feedback that is less than helpful, but of course, it can also have some tremendously helpful feedback.

Starting at the basics you will need to come up with a business plan. This is the best way to make sure that you remain on track with your initial goals and don't get sidetracked by other market opportunities. Those can come later, but initially it is important to stay focused. If your community has a small business development center they can help you with this part, but you can obviously do this on your own as well.

Aside from the business items, name, registration, licensing, trademark, etc. you will want to differentiate yourself by becoming credentialed in coaching running, training, fitness, etc. anything that can make you stand out from other coaches. Connect yourself with a local fitness club, running communities, and other groups to get your name out.

Establish pricing to reflect your value but also keep in mind your target audience and your needs. If you plan on this being your primary income for you and your wife you most likely will need a good amount of contracts. Your contracts need to be a balance of your value (don't undersell yourself) and what your target market is willing to pay. You should do some research and see who is most likely to purchase the service your are offering. My guess is that lower to middle-aged women may be a big customer. Some customers just want to get off the couch and others want to break PRs. And depending upon the time of year you may want to market more heavily, for example, December and January, April and May.

These are just some thoughts for now. Good luck on your venture, keep us updated and let us know how it is working out!

I assume you will be mainly coaching remotely so having a good platform to proscribe and track workouts is important. I use Training Peaks with my athletes and it’s great for monitoring training and getting useful info like heart rate, pace, elevation etc. Final Surge also is a good option. Good luck!

Coach! Don’t ignore our messages!! My wife now has plantar fasciitis from those shoes you recommended for her over-pronation. We want our $900 back from your program for each of us $(1800) as well as our money back for the shoe purchase ($175) and her 2 cortisone injections that our insurance doesn’t cover ($4000). We are very disappointed and won’t let this go until you back your guarantee. Please send refund to our original form of payment (credit card) immediately.

Which unique skills do you possess that would draw someone to your services?