How To Start A Skateboarding Coaching Business

Starting a skateboarding coaching business or becoming a skateboard instructor could be a great way to turn your passion into a profitable business. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of how to start a skateboarding coaching business, from creating a plan to defining your niche to marketing and advertising your services.

Step 1: Create a plan.

• What are your short-term and long-term goals? 
• What kind of coaching do you want to offer? Think of locations such as at a public skatepark, home lessons, will clients come to you? Will you partner with another organization like schools or recreational centers? Will you specialize in teaching beginners or more advanced sponsored skaters looking to compete in contests?
• Who are your ideal clients? Consider age groups.
• What are your fees? 
• Once you have a clear understanding of your business goals, you can start to develop a plan to achieve them.

Step 2: Define your niche.

The more specific you can be about your niche, the easier it will be to market your business and attract ideal clients. Consider your skills, experience, and interests.

• Why are you passionate about coaching? 
• What problems can you help your clients solve? 
• Why will people purchase from you?

Once you have defined your niche, you can start to develop messaging and marketing materials that speak directly to your target audience.

Step 3: Build your website and social media presence.

• Your website is your online storefront. It should be clear, informative, and easy to navigate. Be sure to include information about your coaching services, your niche, and your fees. 
• In addition to your website, leverage social media platforms to connect with potential clients and promote your coaching business. Keep in mind that, as a coach, you cater to two main groups: the child and the parent.
• The most crucial social media platforms for your coaching business are typically those frequented by parents, which commonly include Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
  • Facebook is an effective platform for engaging parents aged 30-50, and you can achieve significant results here. Additionally, be sure to join Facebook’s online communities and events. You want to post content 2-3 times per week. 
  • YouTube serves as both video content for your website and a source of educational and entertaining content appealing to both parents and kids. 

Step 4: Offer your service for free.

This is a great way to get to know potential clients and assess their needs. It is also a good opportunity to showcase your coaching skills and expertise.

• Host a Free Skate Clinic – Consider partnering with a local community center, non-profit organization, or school to organize a one-day free skate clinic. This event’s primary aim isn’t immediate revenue but rather to serve as a powerful advertising tool and a means to convert participants into paying clients. Your choice of location can significantly impact the clinic’s success.
• Have a CTA (Call To Action) on the day of the clinic – Provide attractive discounts on private skateboarding lessons. This can be a compelling incentive for those who attended your free clinic to continue their skateboarding lessons with your coaching services.
• Collect Contact Information – Ensure you gather email addresses and phone numbers from individuals who participate in your clinic. This information will serve as your primary means of communication and advertising to keep them engaged.
• During the clinic, prioritize capturing event footage from various angles. Whether you set up a tripod to record the entire session or ask a friend to film it using their phone, this content is invaluable. You can repurpose it across different social media platforms to effectively engage your audience, demonstrate your coaching expertise, and emphasize the advantages of your services.
  Furthermore, consider this: delivering an outstanding performance documented through such content may lead to repeat invitations for future clinics. Additionally, other organizations may come across your content and seek to partner with you, further expanding your coaching opportunities.

Step 5: Advertise

Initiate an aggressive advertising campaign using business cards and flyers. You can find more insights in my video here:
https://www.startyourskatebusiness.com/skateboard-business-cards-free-download/ 

• Now that we’ve identified your target audience and your “why,” it’s time to start building advertising campaigns. To kick things off, I recommend creating flyers and distributing them in locations your potential clients frequent. For instance, consider placing flyers at Starbucks for parents and at the local library for kids.
• Explore the possibilities of free advertising by utilizing Facebook groups and creating events. This can be an effective way to reach your target audience for free.

Step 6: Provide excellent customer service.

Your clients, both parent and child should feel valued and supported throughout the coaching process. Be responsive to their needs, go the extra mile, and always over deliver on your promises.

Step 7: Continuously learn and grow.

The coaching industry (skateboarding and other sports) is constantly evolving, so it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices. Attend workshops, read books and articles, and connect with other coaches to learn from their experiences.

Here are some additional tips for starting a coaching business:

• Focus on your ideal client. Who are you trying to reach with your coaching services? What are their needs and pain points? Once you have a clear understanding of your ideal client, you can tailor your marketing and messaging accordingly.
• Build relationships. Coaching is a people business. It is important to build strong relationships with your clients in order to be successful. Take the time to get to know your clients and understand their individual needs.
• Be patient. It takes time to build a successful coaching business. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Just keep providing excellent customer service and delivering on your promises, and you will eventually build a loyal client base.

Step 8: Set up your business infrastructure.

Now that you have a proven concept, successful skate clinics, and a growing client base, it’s time to establish your business infrastructure. Here are some key considerations:

• Business Entity – You have several options for structuring your business, such as an independent contractor, sole proprietorship, or LLC (Limited Liability Company). For scalability and added protection, I recommend choosing an LLC. This legal structure separates your personal assets from your business, which can be crucial in case of unforeseen circumstances.
• Tax Benefits – Operating as an LLC allows you to write off business-related expenses for tax purposes. This includes any equipment or supplies you purchase for your coaching services.
• Insurance – Having liability insurance is essential for your coaching business, even if you don’t have a physical location. This insurance provides crucial protection in case of accidents or injuries during your coaching sessions. Moreover, having a Certificate of Insurance (COI) can open doors to partnerships with schools and municipalities, allowing you to scale your business more effectively.
• Timing – It’s important to note that building a strong business infrastructure comes after you’ve validated your concept and achieved some level of success. Once you’re confident in your business’s viability, it’s time to invest in its growth and long-term sustainability.

By following these steps, you can establish a strong foundation for your coaching business and position yourself for future growth and success. Remember, this document is just a starting point. Success comes from continuous self-improvement, reevaluating your goals, and staying true to your “why.” The most crucial aspect of starting a business is taking that initial step. That’s why setting up a business structure is the last item on my list. Get started and hold yourself accountable by writing down your short-term and long-term goals and then crossing them off.

If you need further insights or are facing challenges, please leave a comment. It’s important to express your struggles with other business owners because you’re not alone in feeling stuck, confused, burnt out, or other emotions. There are always solutions available to help you overcome these obstacles.