When you think about marketing your coaching business, you probably think of several ideas, like:
- Online ads (like Google and Facebook Ads)
- Posting on Social Media
- Local listings ads
- Press releases
- Blogging
- Joining industry directories
And do you know what?
All of these are great ways of marketing your business.
However, one of the most underrated and powerful ways of marketing your business is word-of-mouth. So, why do so many business owners, including coaches, fail to utilize what is arguably the best way to build your business?
Why do business owners fail to utilize word-of-mouth marketing?
Word-of-mouth marketing takes time, and as business owners, time isn’t something we always have.
So, when it comes to listening to advice about growing your business via word-of-mouth, especially when you’re a start-up, it sounds a bit vague, long-winded, and not worth the effort.
However, put in the effort, play the long game, and word-of-mouth will bring you more clients than advertising ever can.
So, how do you start building a brand that is worth your clients talking about?
Using word-of-mouth to market your coaching business.
Word-of-mouth is the simplest, cheapest, and best way to grow your coaching business. And to help you build yours, here are five ways to make sure you’re the name on everybody’s lips:
1. Know your niche
This is so important.
If you walk into a crowded, noisy room and cry, “Hey everybody!” It’s going to be hard for people to hear you over the buzz of all the voices.
Maybe a few people near you will turn their heads, but they may or may not be those you actually want to attract.
However, if you walk into a crowded, noisy room and yell, “Hey Jennie!” across the room at me, even if it’s noisy I’m much more likely to perk up my ears and look around at you.
That’s exactly the power niching down gives you. While it’s not required, having a niche gives you much more power to grow quickly because it’s easier to catch the attention of those you want to coach. They know you’re specialized for them.
2. Overdeliver for your clients
Although it might mean a little extra work, going the extra mile for existing clients will reap huge rewards. Whether that’s giving them a free workbook, more help, and information than they expect, or offering them a free or discounted session.
When people are working through their issues, it can bring up a little anxiety and stress, so if it feels right reach out after sessions to see how your clients are feeling via text, email, or a quick phone call.
You might consider sending them a physical gift after they purchase a coaching package. Or send them your list of favorite books that help with your niche’s particular problems.
However you choose to overdeliver, these extras mean a lot.
By overdelivering, your existing clients are more likely to start talking about your expertise and value to everyone they know.
3. Ask clients what you could do to help them more
There is nothing wrong with asking for feedback from your clients. In fact, it makes you an even better coach. By asking clients to complete a questionnaire or give you feedback in a follow-up call, email, or text, you will discover things you can implement to make your business better.
And by making it better for your clients, they are more likely to tell others about you.
4. Offer free sessions to get customers through the door
Okay, you should never work for free, but sometimes, offering a free first session can increase your customer base, especially when you’re a new coach.
Yes, some will come for the freebie and never return, but many will stick with you, especially if you’re perfect for helping them with their struggles.
5. Ask for referrals
It might sound a bit on the nose, but you should ask for referrals from your clients. Testimonials you can use on your website, and social media are fantastic ways to advertise your business.
It’s social proof.
But, word-of-mouth is even better.
Ask clients to recommend you to a friend, colleague, or family member who they think would benefit from your services.
If asking for testimonials brings you out in a cold sweat, don’t panic, I’ve written an article to help you: How to ask for client testimonials with confidence!
Things to remember.
Word-of-mouth takes time, but if you‘ve been slogging away on ads, social media posts, and blogging with minimal effect, you need to start working on your long game.
Never forget the power of word-of-mouth.
A study by Martechalliance shows:
- 83% of marketers use word-of-mouth marketing to increase brand awareness.
- 64% agree word-of-mouth is the most effective form of marketing
- 43% use word-of-mouth marketing to increase sales.
And it also found that word-of-mouth marketing brings in FIVE times more sales than paid media.
Can you afford to miss out on that many sales?
I know I couldn’t. Word-of-mouth has helped me to build my business to where it is today.
Are you ready to start building yours?
Until next time,
Jennie
