The truth is most coaches shouldn’t start an online coaching business.
Not because it doesn’t work… but because most people have no idea how much work it actually takes.
At Overtime Athletes, we’ve helped hundreds of coaches grow both in person and online. And what we’ve seen is this: too many coaches think “online” means easy. They assume a few Instagram posts and a couple of hours a week will turn into passive income.
That’s not how it works.
Building a successful online coaching business is a full time grind, especially at the beginning. If you understand what it really takes and fall into one of the four categories below you might actually have what it takes to make it work.
The Ultra Charismatic Local Celebrity
You’re the coach everyone knows at the gym. You say hi to everyone, give out tips, and people naturally gravitate toward you.
You might not have a huge online following, but your personality and authenticity make people want to learn from you.
If that’s you, you’re in a good spot. You can turn your local influence into online success by building genuine relationships and offering coaching to people who already trust your expertise.
The Hybrid Gym Owner
This is the gym owner who’s already built a solid in person business. Systems are running, leads are flowing, and they’re ready to expand reach.
For this type, online coaching isn’t a replacement it’s an extension.
They use it to serve clients who move away, can’t make it to sessions, or live too far from their gym.
This hybrid model allows coaches to maintain high quality in person experiences while creating new income streams online.
The Ultra Specialist
You’re the “go to” coach for one specific skill, sport, or result.
Maybe you’re the “vertical jump guy,” the “soccer strength coach,” or the “speed and agility expert.”
You speak the language, know the culture, and understand your athletes on a deeper level than any general trainer.
That level of expertise and connection stands out online because parents and athletes are always searching for the specialist who can deliver real results.
The Content Creator
This is the rare coach who knows how to play the social media game.
They understand what hits, post consistently, and create content that connects.
Sometimes all it takes is one viral clip to explode your business but what people don’t see is the hundreds of posts before that one.
If you’re willing to show up daily, learn what your audience wants, and post relentlessly then online coaching can work for you.
Here’s the Bottom Line
Online coaching isn’t a “side hustle.” It’s not easy money.
Reread that line again…. ⇑
It’s building a business from scratch with all the systems, communication, marketing, and client fulfillment that go with it.
But… if you fall into one of these four categories and you’re ready to put in real work, you can succeed online.
At Performance Coach U, we teach gym owners and coaches how to build both in person and online businesses that actually scale without burning out or guessing what works.
If you’re ready to grow, start with structure. Click below, let’s get started.
