Before you build a website, there are a few things to consider in advance. Most coaches believe their first step in launching their coaching business is to invest in a website. They are ready to put their shingle out and they know, intuitively, that a website is part of the Big Picture.
We agree. However, there are other things you need to plan, develop and test that you probably need to do first.
Scheduling System
Getting appointments on your calendar is your highest priority as a new coach. You need to do what you do best! To make it easy for your ideal client to book an appointment, a scheduling system can be an immediate solution. There are many systems to choose from like Calendly or Acuity. You will need a scheduling system before you build a website, so you might as well start using one first.
As you are shopping, choose a system that you can grow into. Compare features for what you can use now and what you will want to add later.
Implementing a scheduling system can be done before you build a website.
The Right Messaging
Before you build a website, you will want to have clear messaging. This means knowing your ideal client, their challenges and what they want. It also means speaking it to them in a compelling way, the way they hear inside their heads. As Paul Buckingham writes in 14 Website Mistakes That Can Affect Online Presence And Client Attraction, “If there was one over-riding issue for life coaching websites it is that the content is all about the coach – not the reader. The visitor has come to you for help and, while they want to know about you what they REALLY want to know is that you understand their issue (in general terms) and that you can help them.”
Having the right messaging before you build a website will benefit you greatly. Besides, your web designer is going to have to have your messaging whole and complete, so get that done before meeting with them. You can test your messaging on your LinkedIn profile or Facebook (now known as Meta) business page before making a commitment on a website.
A Place to Land
What most new coaches are looking for is just a place to call home. They want to feel that they are Open for Business, which means getting booked and paid. A very simple place to start is a landing page. A landing page is usually a simple web page where a potential client a “land” after they click or type in a link. When they get there, they can buy from you or book your calendar, depending on what options you offer.
Creating a landing page can be the perfect place to start, rather than the time and expense of a full-blown website.
You can let people know you are Open for Business without a website.
Avoid Costly Mistakes
Today, people are conditioned to do research online. A website is usually very detailed with multiple pages. Keeping it simple when you first get started will serve the purpose of giving you a little piece of Internet real estate. Plus, you’ll avoid some of the costly mistakes that many coaches make. From there, you will change and grow as you get practice and make more narrow decisions on your coaching specialty and multiple services.
Check out The Coach Business Guide: The Path to Launch and Grow your Coaching Practice, Chapter 22 – Getting Your First Clients for more information and help.
I definitely like “keeping things simple” at first advice.
It’s so easy to get lost in the tech/design.
Yes to messaging too!
On the booking software, while it might give a high-end look,
I found that simple form worked equally well, when messaging is good.
I loved Acuity when I used to use it. ;D
Good stuff gals 😉
Thanks! Coaches are lost when it comes to what to invest in first. A website is usually recommended when they have a cache of content – videos, blog, etc. Otherwise, it’s just dead space unless it’s got a booking system within it. We are trying to get coaches up and running on a shoestring and into activity that lets them do what they do best — COACH!
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