Are you struggling to consistently get clients for your coaching business? You're not alone! Many coaches face this issue, and one of the most effective solutions is leveraging paid ads. In this post, I’ll walk you through running your first paid ad campaign, the different ad platforms available, and how to create ads that generate leads and turn them into paying clients. By the end of this guide, you’ll have the framework to confidently launch your first paid ad campaign and start attracting clients!

Why Paid Ads?

If you’ve been relying solely on word-of-mouth, inconsistent outreach, or hoping potential clients find you via SEO, you might have noticed these methods are unreliable. Paid ads offer a predictable and consistent way to bring in leads that can convert into sales, helping you build and grow your coaching business in a sustainable way.

Popular Paid Ad Platforms

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s go over the most popular paid ad platforms. Here are the key players:

1. Meta (Facebook & Instagram): Great for targeting a wide range of audiences with diverse interests. Most businesses find success here because of its large user base and versatile targeting options.

2. Google (Search & YouTube Ads): Google Ads include search ads (like when you search “how to lose weight” and see the first few results with “Ad” next to them), YouTube ads, and display ads (banners on websites). These ads are more intent-based, meaning you’re catching people as they’re actively searching for solutions.

3. LinkedIn: Best for B2B and professional services.

4. TikTok & X (formerly Twitter): Great for reaching younger demographics or users engaged in specific niches.

When deciding where to advertise, think about where your ideal client hangs out. If you’re targeting young professionals, LinkedIn or Instagram might be ideal. For an older demographic, Facebook could work better. Know your audience and meet them where they are.

How to Get Started with Paid Ads

If you’re completely new to paid advertising, Meta (Facebook and Instagram) is often a great place to start. Meta’s business manager (found at Meta Business Manager) makes setting up ads relatively simple.

You’ll need:

• A Meta Business Manager account

• A business page for your coaching business

Once you're all set up, the main goal of your ad campaign is to generate leads—people who are willing to give you their name, email, and phone number. These leads will ultimately convert into sales if nurtured properly.

Creating Your First Paid Ad Campaign

Here’s how you can structure your first campaign:

1. Understand Your Offer: Your ad needs to offer something valuable to potential clients in exchange for their contact information. For example, if you coach people on weight loss, you might offer a free “10-Step Guide to Losing 10 Pounds in 30 Days.”

2. Ad Elements to Consider:

   • Targeting: This is about finding your ideal client. You can narrow down your audience by age, location, interests, and more. For example, if you're coaching women aged 40-60 on weight loss, target them specifically in your ad setup.

   • Ad Creative: This is the visual part of the ad, like an image or video. The goal is to catch your ideal client’s attention and compel them to click on the ad.

   • Ad Copy: The text that accompanies your ad. It needs to be concise but persuasive enough to make people want to learn more. Highlight a pain point and show how your coaching can solve it.

   • Landing Page: Once they click on your ad, they’ll be taken to a landing page where they’re asked to provide their contact information in exchange for your valuable offer.

Examples of Effective Funnels for Coaches

Let’s break down a few types of funnels that work well in the coaching industry:

1. Community Funnel

A community funnel invites people to join a group where they can access exclusive content and engage with others. You can use platforms like Facebook Groups or School (a growing community platform). For instance, an ad might say, “Join my free weight loss community to access tips, recipes, and support from others on the same journey.”

Steps:

• Ad promoting your community.

• Landing page asking for name and email in exchange for joining the group.

• Follow-up with email nurturing to build trust.

2. Auto-Booking Funnel

This funnel allows potential clients to schedule a call directly with you. For example, an ad targeting business coaches could say, “Are you struggling to attract clients? Book a free strategy session to learn how you can scale your coaching business.”

Steps:

• Video ad explaining your offer and encouraging people to schedule a call.

• Landing page with a calendar for booking calls.

• Follow-up call to close the deal.

3. Low-Ticket Funnel

You can create a low-priced offer (like a $27 guide or course) to attract clients. For example, “Get my complete guide to doubling your show-up rates for just $27!”

Steps:

• Ad promoting your low-ticket offer.

• Landing page where clients can purchase directly.

• Follow-up with upsells or invitations to book a higher-ticket coaching package.

4. Free Ebook Funnel

This is a classic lead-generation method where you give away valuable content, like an ebook. Your ad might say, “Download my free ebook: 10 Secrets to Building a Thriving Coaching Business.”

Steps:

• Ad offering a free ebook.

• Landing page where users submit their name and email.

• Follow-up with email sequences to nurture the lead and upsell your services.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Funnel for You

To determine which funnel is best, consider two factors:

1. Your Ideal Client: What are their habits? Are they tech-savvy? For example, an 85-year-old might not be comfortable joining an online community, but they might respond to a simple phone call.

2. Your Business Goals: Are you looking to build a community, generate leads for high-ticket coaching, or sell low-ticket products? The funnel you choose should align with your long-term vision.

Paid ads, when done right, can revolutionize your coaching business. Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale, using the right strategies can help you attract a steady flow of clients. Take action today by setting up your first campaign, and before you know it, you’ll be turning leads into loyal clients!

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