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Do I need to start a blog to promote my coaching business?

by coolrunnings
19 replies
I want to set up a business based around interview coaching (mostly phone or skype based) for a certain field, and eventually an info product or two. I have tons of experience in this field and have helped countless people get jobs - I think I can add some real value. I have lots of good testimonials. Target market would be primarily US and UK students (w UK as primary focus). I imagine a lot of wealthy Chinese international students also (and those based in China / HK). In fact I imagine these would comprise probably 50% of demand.

Would a blog format be necessary to promote my coaching product and build trust, and also for SEO purposes?

I have 20 topics in mind that I could easily write blog posts on (or include in a book). What would be the best way to monetize this? A few blog posts accompanied by a book or course and also one on one coaching? Or make all the blogs available for free to drive traffic and then just do the coaching for cash? Should I drip feed these posts? Should they be a certain length or have certain keywords for SEO purposes? I think the problem w an ebook is that it will get ripped off...especially w students as the main market.

I have no idea where to start when it comes to web design, SEO, etc...any resources or help would be much appreciated ! Would targetted fb or Instagram advertising work?

Also, would a UK or US site be better in terms of SEO? How can I drive the Chinese traffic?

Thanks
#blog #business #coaching #promote #start
  • Profile picture of the author coolrunnings
    One more thing:

    One of the main sources of marketing will be through a couple of very targeted forums where I have started to build a presence as an expert. As I get further into these, I will add a link to my site in my signature. This will probably be a large source of business. Could this act as my "blog"?

    I don't want to build a blog just for the sake of it...but if it actually helps then I will do it!
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    • Profile picture of the author Steve B
      Originally Posted by coolrunnings View Post

      I don't want to build a blog just for the sake of it...but if it actually helps then I will do it!

      In my experience, yes, it actually helps. Blogging is easy and with WordPress and tons of free plug-ins, it's a great way to build credibility, gather an audience of subscribers (people you can contact by email later), show off your personality, expose your audience to your expertise, and build a property that can become your online home base. You just write about things in your niche that your audience will find relevant and helpful.

      It sounds like you're not wanting to put forth the effort to blog. It's easy to do and a great way to advertise your business.

      Steve
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      • Profile picture of the author coolrunnings
        Originally Posted by Steve B View Post

        In my experience, yes, it actually helps. Blogging is easy and with WordPress and tons of free plug-ins, it's a great way to build credibility, gather an audience of subscribers (people you can contact by email later), show off your personality, expose your audience to your expertise, and build a property that can become your online home base. You just write about things in your niche that your audience will find relevant and helpful.

        It sounds like you're not wanting to put forth the effort to blog. It's easy to do and a great way to advertise your business.

        Steve
        Cool, I will do it then! Interested to hear whether you think the site should be mainly a blog with products / coaching, or a product / coaching site with a blog attached? And what some good themes / plug ins would be?

        Thanks!
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  • Profile picture of the author Nico Puegher
    You do not need to create the best blog ever to start with, just start a basic blog and keep working on it, get it better each day and keep learning.

    You can target any traffic you want if you have a proper strategy doing free methods but you can always get some easy traffic with paid methods, the demographics are up to you so you will not need to worry about that.

    Think about who is your audience and where is your audience online, be active where your audience is to get some exposure.

    You will be doing mistakes, that's quite normal! Learn while doing it, if you want to make it everything perfect before going for it, you will never start.

    Also you can be active on other popular blogs inside your niche to get some exposure as well and traffic to your site . You can always find blogs to write as a guest to get noticed when you are new.

    The best way to promote your coachings are a blog and email list, where you have personal contact with all your audience and customers
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  • Profile picture of the author coolrunnings
    Great thanks!

    Should my site be primarily a blog with a products link on the top bar, you think? Or primarily a product site with a blog as one of the links on the top bar? Does that make sense?

    Also, what are some good wordpress themes? It doesn't need to be too swanky!

    How can I learn more about the "funnel" I keep reading about? I'd like to offer a regular coaching program and also a super exclusive high intensity bootcamp style thing, which will be a much more expensive upsell.

    Thanks!
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  • Profile picture of the author Write Now
    You don't need a blog (which is funny coming from a content provider). There are marketers that get by will a single page offer. HOWEVER, having a blog not only allows you to reach a much larger audience, but builds credibility as well. A blog provides marketers with a voice. That voice, in turn, shows potential consumers what their brand is about.

    People buy from those they trust. The best way to build trust is to show the consumer what you're about. A blog is the easiest way to go about this.
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    • Profile picture of the author Profit Traveler
      Banned
      Originally Posted by Write Now View Post

      You don't need a blog (which is funny coming from a content provider). There are marketers that get by will a single page offer. HOWEVER, having a blog not only allows you to reach a much larger audience, but builds credibility as well. A blog provides marketers with a voice. That voice, in turn, shows potential consumers what their brand is about.

      People buy from those they trust. The best way to build trust is to show the consumer what you're about. A blog is the easiest way to go about this.
      I agree a static page could give enough insights and proven testimonials to get people to at least sign up for more info.

      But you better deliver. Help them before you even get paid to do so with killer upfront content and or video.

      On the flipside Blogs are more alive and you can add new content that works for you in your sleep attracting new visitors.

      But as someone mentioned...pro bloggers are putting in some time and effort.
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  • Profile picture of the author jpf239
    Well definitely outline your ambitions first. You should use WordPress like many of us do, but decide on domain name first. For SEO you could use a keyword rich domain name considering the most searched terms in what it is that you do.

    After you settle on a domain name you could use the SEO plug-in's that are available and utilize this when posting. I would theme your blog as the product and what it is you do, for the main page and have your blog posts in the menu but that's just me. So there is really no perfect answers to your questions but I hope this helps at least a little. I still think a good outline or mind map is needed for you. Just ask yourself the top 5 or 10 most important things that have to happen on your site and then you may begin to see a good direction...Best Luck!
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    • Profile picture of the author pawandave
      Banned
      It is easy to sell if you have good blog with quality content.Certainly not requiredbut impact a lots ...Try it
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    • Profile picture of the author coolrunnings
      Originally Posted by jpf239 View Post

      Well definitely outline your ambitions first. You should use WordPress like many of us do, but decide on domain name first. For SEO you could use a keyword rich domain name considering the most searched terms in what it is that you do.

      After you settle on a domain name you could use the SEO plug-in's that are available and utilize this when posting. I would theme your blog as the product and what it is you do, for the main page and have your blog posts in the menu but that's just me. So there is really no perfect answers to your questions but I hope this helps at least a little. I still think a good outline or mind map is needed for you. Just ask yourself the top 5 or 10 most important things that have to happen on your site and then you may begin to see a good direction...Best Luck!
      Thanks for this! So maybe products and coaching on main page and maybe top 2-3 blog posts at the bottom and as a link across the top? Makes sense. Thanks !
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  • Profile picture of the author danieldesai
    Short answer; no, you don't need a blog to run a successful coaching business.

    Better answer; building a blog can help you to attract leads, position yourself as an authority, help create networking opportunities, and it gets "easier" once you've developed a following (the hardest part for most bloggers is gaining that initial traction).

    Neil Patel uses blogging to land high-end clients and get paid speaking opportunities, so it definitely works for him.

    Regards,
    Daniel
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  • Profile picture of the author videobyemail
    If you have experience as you say you do then I think that would be a great idea.

    Create a blog and add a free gift offer with an optin form so that you build a list.

    ost a valualbe post atleast once a week and then send an email to your list letting them know you have posted a new post on your blog.

    Once you start your blog and have a few posts on it.

    contact your social friends personally and let them know you are starting a newsletter in your coashing filed and ask them if they would be interested in joining it.

    Then also ask them to invite anyone they know to join the newsletter.

    Then stay engaged with your list and commenters and be as helpful as you can.

    In time your followers will see the value you offer them and will be willing to buy anything you offer them.

    Good luck
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  • Profile picture of the author antidajjal
    what is your main focus on IM ? as an expert and being a coach
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  • Profile picture of the author ChrisBa
    I don't think it's necessary, but I do believe it will help with not only SEO, and getting visitors, but also to help sell your visitors as well
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  • Profile picture of the author ryanbiddulph
    I am hella biased CR buy yep, it could help.

    As with anything, no need to start a blog. I just see blogs as content central, one stop shopping for folks who are hungry to see what you've to offer with your coaching business.

    I did see a red flag. Alarm going off. Chaos sirens. LOL. Having a bit o' fun CR.

    Here's why: your fear of losing money or content or whatever is clouding your judgement on creating the freaking awesome, inspired content tool known as an eBook. I have 124 of them on Amazon. Bite-sized pieces. Help me to establish authority and gain some coin too.

    Hey, I've been there. Went thru the fear of being ripped along many lines. Just push that fear to the side, realize Amazon and other platforms do a good job securing your content, and know that if you want to rock it out with your coaching business, be at peace with giving info out for free and at a premium. In abundance, we can't lose, even if it appears to be so.

    Write that eBook. You'll thank yourself later. So will your business.

    But again, this blogger and author of a few eBooks is biased

    Ryan
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  • Profile picture of the author discrat
    I have been back anbd forth with Blogging. Its not one of those things that is necessary to be successful
    with

    BUT

    it sure can go a long way if you do it right and do it with consistency


    - Robert Andrew
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  • Profile picture of the author brekmokmung
    solo ads is your main concern if you want fast result
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  • Profile picture of the author albaser
    Better to have blog to drive the traffic too. It doesn't need to be anything special just full of good information and advice
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  • Profile picture of the author Hunter MI
    I would, but I wouldn't just blog for the sake of blogging. I also wouldn't create short blog posts.

    If you are going to start blogging, create valuable content that you can get links to. I think there is definitely an opportunity in the interview coaching space.

    1) I would take a look at blogs backlinko and quicksprout for examples of the types of blog posts you should try to create. They are also great resources for learning about SEO.

    2) Take the testimonials you have and turn them into blog posts. They are a huge opportunity to build trust and establish yourself as a leader. Here’s a post on backlinko that is based a case study, which you can do based on a testimonial, http://backlinko.com/seo-campaign.

    3) I’d invest time into twitter. Twitter I would think is a good place for you to give out some valuable quick tips on interviewing that would still help build trust with prospective clients.
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