Do You Really Need a Website to Succeed as a Coach?

One question that most new coaches have is whether they need a website or not in order to grow their online coaching business.

Some people will tell you yes while others will preach to you no, so as a new entrepreneur you are left utterly confused. Perplexed by the vague advice on whether you should invest your time, energy, and money into a website for your business.

Today, I’m answering this common question and actually explaining why you should or should not get a website for your coaching business.

So let’s start with the answer –
Do you REALLY need a website to succeed as a coach?
Answer: yes, no, and it depends.

Now, onward with a more comprehensive explanation that will help you make the best decision for your business and in turn create faster success.

It’s important for you to understand that despite common advice from online gurus and coaches, a website will NOT be the magic pill to success and clients. A website is a PART OF your business, NOT what will get you business.

A website alone is quite frankly futile and meaningless. It’s just another URL in the online stratosphere of small businesses. What we actually DO with that website is what makes or breaks the investment.

While your website could be an integral part of your client acquisition process, it doesn’t mean that it’s the whole strategy that will get you to that next client. That old idea that you build the website and they will come is more antiquated than a floppy disk.

The decision to invest in a website will be unique to each individual, business model, assets, timelines, free time, and goals.

For some new coaches it makes sense to focus on a website from the start, for others it really doesn’t. Want to know what category you fall into? Read my breakdown below.

You NEED a website if…

You are initially focusing on online marketing that requires a centralized space to bring potential clients into AND you want that space to be your site (vs. a social media platform). For example, if you’re focusing on doing a ton of guest podcasting and from those interviews you want to bring people into your freebie’s landing page, then you need a website. Perhaps you’re doing a lot of local networking and whenever you meet a new prospect you direct them to apply for a free consultation on your site, then you need a website. Maybe you’re focusing on driving Pinterest traffic to your blog so that you can grow your email list, here you’ll need a website too. Ultimately, it really depends on what your STARTING strategy is. Another thing to note is that even for some of these examples you could go around not having a website too. For example, you could technically build a landing page from your email providers drag and drop landing page feature instead of building your website from scratch. Just like you could also send a direct link to your calendar and skip directing people to your website when you’re networking. Ultimately, what this all means is that the decision to get a website when you’re first starting out boils down to what the overall vision for your business is.

You DO NOT NEED a website if…

Your starting strategy focuses on directing people to a specific social media platform like a Facebook Group, YouTube channel, or Instagram. You also don’t need a website right away if you’re not focusing on email marketing. Most importantly, you definitely don’t need a website at first if it’s going to serve as an excuse to not show up and do the uncomfortable work that is required to get fully booked with paying clients.

I’ve coached dozens of clients with countless business models. Many of them have started with a gorgeous website from day 1, while others didn’t get one until year 2. There is really no right or wrong here, it’s more of finding which shoe fits best for YOU.

One more thing that I’d like to remind you of today is that even if you fall into the ‘I don’t need a website’ category, doesn’t mean that you won’t have one. Oftentimes a website serves as a confidence booster for yourself, a clarity map of your business, and an etheric essence that makes your business feel legit.

What I would say is to remember the very beginning of this post – a website is not even a fraction of what you’ll need in order to make money as a coach and get clients. Investing all your resources (such as time, energy, and money) is not a wise business decision as a beginner coach. However, as long as you don’t let perfectionism get in the way and hide behind ‘working on your website’, then you have full permission to do what feels best for you.

Now tell me, do you want to start with a website or not? 

Are you ready to get fully booked out with clients you love with a coach by your side who has a track record of helping her clients go from confused, overwhelmed, and underpaid into money-making CEOs?  Click here  check out my 6-week 1:1 coaching program, Rise Up ✨ + book a discovery call so we can talk more about your business dreams and struggles!