Social Media Networking for Coaches

As a life coach, you already know that authentic, real relationships are the foundation of a successful coaching practice. When used strategically, social media plays an important role and can help you build those same meaningful professional connections on a larger scale, leading into referrals, collaborations, and client relationships.

But let’s face it: the world of social media can also feel chaotic, overwhelming, and even a little intimidating.

That’s why I created this guide—to help you cut through the noise, find the right platforms for your coaching practice, make the right choices and use social media as a genuine tool for connection, credibility, and client attraction.

There are multiple sections that support you to gain a useful overview of using social medial for coaches. Review the Quicklinks below for each section.

What are the Best Social Media Platforms for Coaches?

Social media gives you the power to reach clients locally and worldwide. Whether you're looking to attract new clients or connect with like-minded professionals, the right platform can open a lot of doors.

Here are some of the most popular social media platforms for life coaches. I also outline why each might work for you. Of course, with fee and paid for tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, you can enjoy "almost" face-to-face interactions from anywhere so it is well worth spreding yourself as wide across the world as you can.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a favorite social media platform for executive, leadership, and corporate coaching. It allows you to create a detailed professional profile that promotes you, your coaching services, and your thought leadership. It's particularly good for posting insightful articles, engaging in professional discussions, and connecting with decision-makers.

Facebook (Meta)

Everyone knows Facebook and it's a go-to platform for community-building. Coaches can join or create targeted, private, niche groups to promote themselves, share valuable posts, and engage in meaningful conversations. You do need a personal Facebook account before you can create a business page or a private group for your coaching practice.

(Be sure to read my advice below in tip 10 on using your personal profile to promote your coaching.)

YouTube

If you feel confident presenting your coaching ideas on camera, YouTube is an excellent platform for building trust and generating leads. Even short, informal videos can go a long way in showcasing your style and personality.

(Check out my Online Coaching section to learn how to look and sound great in videos while avoiding common pitfalls.)

Instagram and Pinterest

Instagram and Pinterest are perfect for visual content, inspirational quotes, and connecting with niche communities. These platforms are particularly helpful for wellness, lifestyle, and creative coaches. They're also great for directing people to your website or coaching products.

And if creating graphics is not your thing, check out this package of really professional brandable graphics from the Coaching Tools Company. Saves time and LOTS of money!

Social media for life coaches at a glance

How Do You Find the Best Social Media Groups to Join? 

Before joining any social media forum—whether for coaches or other interest areas that include your ideal clients—do a little research. These four questions will help you make sure your time and energy are well spent:

1. Is the group well moderated? 

Some coaching groups are so overloaded with spam or self-promotion that real conversations get drowned out. Look at the quality of posts and comments over several days before you join. If it's a closed group, you may have to join, so monitor activity once you're in, and don’t hesitate to leave if it doesn't serve you.

2. What is the purpose of the group? 

Many groups are created by coaches to attract their own clients. That’s fine—you may want to try it too. But be aware: these group owners may limit how much you can promote yourself within their space.

Remember that the host coach, while giving great advice and starting good conversations, will most likely not encourage contributions from another coach wanting to promote themself and make connections with possible clients.

3. Are coaches the target market?

There are also people who set up their group targeted at life coaches where the agenda is to market their business building services or products, such as website design, sales funnels or even business coaching. None of these groups are likely to give you the networking opportunities you need to attract coaching clients.

4. Look for groups where your preferred clients hang out.

I've observed many coaches promote themselves to find clients on forums originally set up for the coaching community to interact and ask questions but become overloaded with coaches promoting their own services to each other. This can be a waste of time in getting clients. 

It will be more effective to seek out forums where your ideal clients hang out. For instance, if you bring a financial or health background to your coaching, a forum where these people gather, could be the place to showcase your skills in relation to your coaching offering. 

I must mention that "in-person networking" still has an invaluable role to play if you want to make good connections and find quality clients, as well as having a lot of fun. 🥳

Discover the benefits of attending and joining face to face networking groups.

Do You Know Your Social Media Etiquette Rules?

Ten Rules for Social Media Success  - Dos and Don'ts

Good social networking etiquette is essential for building connections that lead to trust and potential clients. It's not just about being seen—it's also about being respected.

The focus on networking successfully on social media should be on building authentic connections by engaging with others, sharing interesting content, and participating in relevant discussions. 

Here are 10 of my favorite rules for social media etiquette well as some behaviours to avoid.

1. DO Make your invitation personal

When inviting someone to join a network such as LinkedIn or “be your friend” on Facebook, don’t just use the formatted message. Provide a reason why you want to connect and make it sound sincere.

One option is to remind them where you have met or what your mutual connection is. I have met so many people over the years, that I often need reminding who’s who or where I met them or I might just decline their request.

2. DO Be your genuine self in your profiles.

You should make sure your profiles on social media platforms are professional, informative, and clearly communicate your expertise and what you offer. At the same time it's important to let your personality come through so people can relate to you at a personal level. If you are using AI to help create your profile make sure you personalize it so it has your unique voice and experiences.

3. DO Be selective accepting requests to connect as a friend.

If you can’t recall where you have met the person who is inviting you to join their social media network, send a message asking where you met, or how you are connected. You can even ask WHY they want to be connected. This will weed out the social business network spammers who just want to build their list.

It's great that someone wants to be your friend or talk to you on Messenger, but you do need to be choosy. I've got into the habit of checking out the personal profile of anyone who wants to "friend me" or have a message conversation with me, to see if this is someone I really want to connect with.

4. DON'T Just promote yourself.

Avoid just using the network to make announcements or promote your coaching or products. This will just annoy people and may not get you the results you want.

Instead, join in the discussions by offering opinions and useful information and start your own discussions. As people in the forum groups get to know you, what you do and what you have to say, they are far more likely to respond to any announcements you have to make about your coaching and/or pay a visit to your website or Facebook page.

5. DO Make your discussions engaging.

When starting a discussion, write a little more than just the heading. Engage your reader in a conversation and maybe ask for feedback or a comment. Also, don't obviously use the post simply as an opportunity to grow your contact list. Be genuine.

6. DO Acknowledge comments on your posts.

Thank people for their comment and, where appropriate, engage them in a conversation. People like to feel they have been heard when they take the time to provide genuine responses.

7. DO Add links to your website.

When you make a comment in a post on a website, include a link to the relevant page on your own website or blog that could add more value. This way people will get to see more of who you are and what you do. (Note: This may not always be allowed)

8. DO Be NICE!

Have opinions in your comments on posts, but be nice about it. While it's OK to have "robust" conversations one-on-one, putting caustic or personally negative comments out into cyberspace is a whole different thing and can get you into trouble or even banned from a group that is strictly moderated.

And it certainly won't win you any clients.

9. DO Be selective where you comment or contribute content.

This can be a real pitfall for the unwary. Ensure that where you contribute content or comments it is worth the effort and not a waste of your time.

I've written a piece on the Benefits and Traps of Guest Blogging that will help avoid many of the common traps.

10. DON'T overlook this FREE promotional opportunity.

When I was a moderator for the Coaches Helping Coaching group on Facebook, I often checked the personal profiles of coaches wanting to join.  Why? Because, for several reasons, I want to see who they are as a coach.

This was often not possible and really frustrating. I'd get to see their family, pets and personal views and experiences but nothing about them as a coach. This is a huge, free and simple promotional opportunity missed.

So my final tip is to make use of the space that says “Intro” on your personal Facebook page. I am not talking about a Facebook business page. Included in the Intro section is an opportunity to add a Bio.

Here, you can provide a brief description of yourself as a coach and/or a link to either your website or Facebook business page.

That's it folks! If you have any other tips, do let me know via my contact form.

What About Outsourcing Your Social Media Activity? 

A lot of coaches (me included) find keeping up a constant stream of social media posts a real challenge and chore. One solution is to outsource your posting to a social media "expert". They will either edit and post what you have written or create posts from your website content.

It sounds great, but finding the right, affordable social media partner can be a challenge.

I have a free Guide to Social Media Outsourcing to help you make the right choice and get the results you want. It provides you with an effective social media framework for working with a professional.

Social Media Resources

Posting Social Media Graphics on a Budget

Do you want to use Social Media platform to give your life coaching practice a real boost, but get stuck around the graphics and content or can't afford to outsource?

If so, the 365 day brandable Social Media Mega Bundle from the Coaching Tools Company will provide you with everything you need to make a great impression all year round.

The kit includes Coaching Questions, Inspirational Quotes, Journal Prompts and more, all brandable to your coaching and with a user guide to get you going.

It will help you connect with your fans and gain followers - not to mention save time and money and make you look really professional. 

What's in the Social Media Mega Bundle?

• 428 x MONTHLY WEEKLY and DAILY Infographics, Inspirational Quotes and Affirmation plus a full manual.
  
• You can review the full list of amazing tools and cost here.

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