7 Myths About Running an Online Health Coaching Biz

Wondering how to start an online health coaching business but are a bit confused by all the information about what you need to do to get started? There’s a lot of misinformation online that can keep even the most motivated and enthusiastic aspiring coaches stuck in confusion about what steps they need to take to start building an online coaching business.

So, to help you take action and get your health coaching business started, I’m going to talk about 7 of the most common myths in the health coaching industry. Once these myths are busted, you’ll have much more clarity about what you need – and don’t need – to do to set your business up and start doing what you love.

Myth 1: It’s hard to get clients online

While getting clients online isn’t easy or a sure-thing, it’s no harder (or easier) than getting clients or customers for an in-person business. It takes a lot of work to get any business started, whether it’s one that’s solely online, in person, or a combination.

You’ll need to put in a lot of time in the beginning to build an audience and become known in the industry. This involves putting yourself out there and being yourself, as well as creating the right content that’s crafted to meet the specific needs of your ideal clients.

So, while it’s not a walk in the park to get clients online, it can absolutely be done. There’s space for you. You just need to stand out, be innovative, and showcase your personality and passion. 

Myth 2: I don’t need to register my biz until it makes money or a certain amount

Registering your business is a way to personally protect yourself and is important to have even if you’re just getting started. Legal issues can arise even with a first client, so it’s important to have the protection of a registered business from the get-go.

Don’t put this step off for financial reasons. The amount of money you have to pay to register your business needs to be part of your startup costs. It’s not an option. If you’re starting a biz, you need to register it. Period.

Myth 3: I don’t need a website 

In today’s business environment, a website is a must for any business but especially for online based ones. Your website is your digital storefront and your home base. Even if you have a following on one or more social media platforms, you don’t have control over what happens on social media.

Social media can certainly help increase your online presence and enable your ideal clients to get to know you and engage with you but is not a substitute for a website. You own your website and can (and should) set up an email list so you can build your list and keep in touch with your audience.

Ensure your website is legally sound by having the following website policies on it:

• Privacy policy
• Website disclaimer
• Terms & conditions

Get my templates for each of these website policies individually or purchase them in a bundle.

Myth 4: It’s better to register your biz in a state with “better” taxes

This myth is a tricky one. While it can be beneficial to register your business in a state that has more favorable tax laws (that result in you paying less taxes), this is unnecessary for most businesses.

Registering in another state can be a hassle and, since you only pay taxes on your profit, when you’re just starting out (and even when you begin making a good income consistently), you’ll most likely be perfectly fine registering it in your home state.

For companies generating millions of dollars, on the other hand, it makes sense to be registered in a state where they won’t need to pay as much on their profits.

Myth 5: If someone signs my contract, they can’t sue me

While this may come as a surprise to many people, it doesn’t work this way. When someone signs a contract, they still have the right to sue you. Therefore, it’s essential for your contract to include certain sections that can help protect you in case you are sued.

My DIY legal contract templates include all the important sections and wording you need to protect you legally. They’re simple and straightforward, giving you peace of mind that your contract is legally sound and not missing critical components.

Myth 6: I don’t need business insurance if I have a contract

You need BOTH business insurance and contracts. Even with a signed contract in place, you can still be sued. So, in the event you get sued and lose, you’ll need the business insurance to pay out. These two go hand in hand.

Myth 7: You don’t need a degree or certification to speak about something in your business

That is true – HOWEVER – you could be in violation of going outside your scope of practice, resulting in someone filing a complaint against you. Regardless of the extent of training you have, it’s important to determine what your scope of practice is and make sure you’re not doing things outside that scope.

For more specific information on how to identify and stay within your scope of practice, check out my post on what an online coach can do legally.

Your go-to resource for confidently running an online business 

Bottom line? Starting an online health coaching business (and any other business!), isn’t easy but it’s so possible. And having the right resources makes the process smoother and more efficient.

I have just the resources you need to confidently put all the legal aspects of your online health coaching business in place. Watch my free legal workshop called “5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business” to learn what legal steps you can take to start with.

You can also purchase a variety of legal templates individually or in bundles – or get access to all my templates plus training videos and a support community when you purchase the Ultimate Bundle.