insights for success

First off, some people will tell you, "Oh, you don’t need a website." But let me tell you, if you’re serious about growing your business online, a website isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the backbone of your whole operation. Without one, you’re going to end up juggling multiple systems just to achieve the same result. It’s like trying to put together a puzzle with pieces from different boxes. A good website ties everything together and becomes the hub for your business.

A solid website lets people know who you are, what you do, and why they should care. But it shouldn’t just stop at being an online business card. It needs to be functional. You should have features that handle your bookings/payments, especially if you’re doing online coaching. You’re going to be using Zoom or some other video platform to meet with clients regularly, and you’ll likely have a variety of packages—some for beginners, some advanced, maybe even a VIP tier. Your website should be able to handle all that without you having to lift a finger every time someone books a session.

It’s not just a pretty face for your business; it’s where all the magic happens. First off, your website should definitely have a blog section. Why? Because that’s where you can dive deep into relevant topics and really show off your expertise. You can break down complex fitness concepts, share success stories, or give detailed advice on nutrition or training techniques. This not only helps build trust with your audience but also boosts your SEO, making it easier for new clients to find you online.

But we’re not just talking about blogs here. Your website can also host a video channel, podcasts, and a whole variety of content that you might want to share with your visitors. Think about it—having all this in one place makes it super easy for your audience to consume your content and keep coming back for more. You want them to think of your website as the go-to spot for valuable information and inspiration.

And if you’re thinking about setting up an online group program or course, your website is the perfect place for that too. Let’s say you’re putting together a course where the content doesn’t change—a solid website can easily host that. It can serve as a hub where all your clients access course materials, watch videos, complete assignments, and even engage with you and other participants through comments or forums. It streamlines everything, making the experience seamless for both you and your clients.

Now, let’s talk about the magic of email marketing. A good website isn’t just a content platform; it’s also a powerful marketing tool. It can help you sort and segment your contacts—maybe by location, fitness level, or specific goals—so you can send out super-targeted email campaigns that really speak to people. And here’s where it gets really good: you can automate all of this. For example, someone signs up for a beginner package, and your website immediately sends them a welcome email, a follow-up a few days later, and a reminder to book their next session. All this without you lifting a finger. It’s about working smarter, not harder, and a good website makes that happen.

COACHING APPS ARE A MUST

If you’re going into online coaching, you’ll need a dedicated coaching app. Sure, you could try to integrate it into your website, but honestly, it’s a lot simpler and more efficient to use a separate tool. These apps are designed to handle a ton of content—you’ll be uploading videos, workouts, meal plans, all that good stuff. I’m a fan of Everfit.io Because it lets you scale up without breaking the bank. You can start with their free service, which allows you to coach up to five people. Perfect for getting your feet wet without committing financially. Once you start growing, they’ve got premium features that save you a ton of time—exactly what you’ll need when you’re scaling up.

DON'T OVERLOOK IMAGERY AND VIDEO TOOLS

For creating visuals, Canva.com is your new best friend. Their premium service is dirt cheap and super versatile. You can create everything from social media posts to flyers, to workout tips. And you’ll need a good video editing tool because video is king right now. CapCut is a solid choice, but another underrated tool is KineMaster. It’s low-cost, user-friendly, and gets the job done without a steep learning curve.

KEEP TRACK WITH EXCEL

When it comes to tracking performance—whether it’s client progress, marketing metrics, or even financials—Excel is your go-to. I know, I know, there are fancier tools out there, but Excel is less clunky, super customisable, and you can tweak it as your business evolves. Why complicate things when you don’t need to?

So a good website is the foundation, but don’t stop there. Think about coaching apps, email marketing, video tools, CRMs, and even community platforms. Remember, the goal is to build a system that runs smoothly and supports your growth without driving you nuts. Get these basics in place, and you’ll set yourself up for success from the start.