In the past, many coaching clients came from word of mouth recommendations and traditional advertising. But today’s clients look for a new coach online and use services such as search engines, social media, and online directories.

As a result, modern coaching practices have caught on to the need for an online presence. Read on to see how you can win with online marketing. Compare these strategies with what you’re currently doing and you may find areas where you can become more effective.

The Client Journey Begins With a Search

A search engine like Google is one of the most common places people search to find a coaching practice. According to Forbes, 93% of all online experiences begin with a search engine. Without top rankings, it will be difficult for future clients to find you online.

But showing up in search is only the first part of the problem. When people find you, they want to know your reputation with other clients. Reviews play a key role in bringing more clients to your practice.

One of the most effective ways to retain existing clients and secure new referrals is to proactively monitor your online reputation. This includes encouraging existing clients to review you on popular review sites and online directories and being responsive to reviews.

Mobile Search Means More Contacts

Almost half of all internet traffic worldwide now comes from mobile devices. You want to make sure that peoples’ mobile experience with your practice is positive.

If you practice coaching at a physical location, mobile websites can make it easy for people to contact your practice. They use contact methods like clickable address and phone numbers. This makes it possible for mobile visitors to contact your practice right away.

Many mobile searches result in users contacting a local business. 61% of mobile searchers are more likely to contact a local business if they have a mobile-friendly site.

Recommendations on Social Media

Many people use social media to ask for a local business recommendation. Social media may also be used as a local business search engine, and can help you promote your practice in social search and communicate directly with clients.

According to Facebook business, 1 in 3 people on Facebook uses the platform to look for recommendations and reviews.

Your practice should, at the very least, have a Facebook business page. This page can be used to share contact information, website, hours of business, and relevant content with your target audience

A social media profile can also be used to display reviews. Aside from helping your practice be found in social search, they also showcase the positive reputation of your practice.

Most People Still Trust Online Reviews

According to BrightLocal, 91% of 18-34-year-olds trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. This number is still an impressive 78% for the total US population.

The best first step is to take control of all your listings across the web, especially on Google MyBusiness and major directories. After this, collect and monitor reviews from clients.

Online reviews deserve your attention and already have the attention of future clients. If you handle them correctly and implement an online reputation management system, reviews can shed a positive light on your practice.

Vital for Success

An online presence is vital for success in today’s coaching landscape. This online presence should go beyond just a website and include multiple channels by which people can be led to that website, engage with that practice online, and establish a positive reputation through reviews, recommendations, and listings.

To learn more about how to make a more effective online presence or to build one for the first time, contact Coaching Websites.