The 5 Most Successful Marketing Channels For Coaches And Consultants

There are multiple places you could show up online. You could be making videos for YouTube, sharing your wisdom in LinkedIn carousels, going live on Instagram or blogging daily on Medium. Then there’s X, TikTok, Facebook pages and Substack.

Finding the right marketing channels can make or break a coaching or consulting business. But with so many options available, which ones truly deliver results?

I asked successful coaches and consultants to share their top marketing channels, and they told me the methods they use to attract clients and grow their businesses.

Top 5 marketing channels to boost your coaching business

LinkedIn: The professional powerhouse

LinkedIn stands out as a top choice for many coaches and consultants. Edward Frank Morris, CEO and lead prompt engineer of Enigmatica, shares, “LinkedIn easily brings me the most inbound business. A majority of the companies that reach out tend to be fairly big as well.”

The platform’s professional focus makes it ideal for building B2B connections and a personal brand. Executive coach Gary Crotaz, said, “Virtually everything comes from network and recommendations, but I think personal brand is critical to being top of mind when an opportunity arises, and for that LinkedIn (and LinkedIn newsletter) is by far the most powerful tool for revenue generation.” Don’t skip over this platform as a coach in 2024.

Email marketing: The relationship builder

Despite its critics, email marketing is still a powerful tool for nurturing leads and converting them into clients. Social media marketer Julia Bramble emphasizes its effectiveness. “Email by far is my best marketing channel. I’ve shared a variety of free downloads over the years that have encouraged people to join my email list. I keep in touch regularly. Usually I send a weekly email sharing valuable how-tos or tips relating to social media and digital marketing for small businesses.”

Founder and CEO of Coach with Clarity, Lee Chaix McDonough, adds “I follow up with new readers via five emails over two weeks, focusing on connection, engagement and shared values. I invite readers to reply and then respond myself. Video replies (via SendSpark or Bonjoro) are very effective.” Unlike your social media followers, you own your email list, so focus on building it.

Guest posting: Establishing thought leadership

Creating valuable content and establishing yourself as a thought leader can attract high-quality clients. Kimanzi Constable, founder of Ubora Advisory, shares, “As a consultant, publishing thought leadership articles in large publications brings me the most clients. It puts my expertise in high visibility places that corporate executives read. Being a contributor gives me more credibility.”

Keynote speaker Aquayemi-Claude Garnett Akinsanya adds, “By consistently sharing valuable insights, thought leadership, and authentic stories, I can build trust and connect with a global audience that resonates with my message.” Figure out where you can guest post and reach out to the editor.

Facebook groups: Building community

Facebook groups offer a unique opportunity to build engaged communities around your expertise. PR professional Natalie Trice notes, “I use Instagram and LinkedIn, but it’s the connections made in Facebook groups and the ripple effect of clients having media wins that has pushed more clients and opportunities my way.”

Facebook community specialist Sam Harradine uses a combination. “Leveraging your personal profile and Facebook groups is a powerful way to get visible as ‘You’ and then drive your ideal clients from your profile to the intimacy of your Facebook group.” It might feel old school, but groups can bring real results.

Podcasting: Reaching targeted audiences

Podcasting, both as a host and guest, can be an effective way to reach potential clients. Co-founder of PodcastHawk, Stewart Townsend, shares, “Appearing as a guest on shows with a highly targeted audience is a powerful strategy. When both the host and guest share the episode, with a focus on targeting, it significantly boosts exposure for both parties.”

Podcasting allows you to tap into established audiences and demonstrate your expertise in a conversational format, similar to how you will engage with your clients. Shortlist some podcasts, make a compelling one-pager, and pitch the host your episode ideas.

Maximize your reach as a coach: top marketing channels

Turn over every stone in a bid to grow your coaching business. Try LinkedIn, email marketing, content creation and thought leadership, Facebook groups, and podcasting. Measure your efforts and double down on those that show the most promise.

Create a strong marketing foundation that attracts high quality clients. Work with people you love and enjoy changing their lives.