11 Online Business Coaches You Need to Follow for Success

As a retired nurse, I’ve spent decades caring for others, but now it’s time to care for my own dreams. After hanging up my scrubs, I found myself yearning for a new challenge – one that would allow me to use my skills and experience in a different way. That’s when I decided to explore the world of online business.

But let’s be honest, starting an online business can be overwhelming, especially for someone like me who’s more familiar with patient charts than profit margins. I knew I needed guidance from experts who’ve walked this path before. That’s why I dove headfirst into researching the best online business coaches out there.

After countless hours of reading, watching videos, and even trying out a few free courses, I’ve compiled a list of the 11 best online business coaches who I believe can help fellow retirees like me transition into the digital entrepreneurship world. These coaches offer a wealth of knowledge in various aspects of online business, from creating courses to mastering e-commerce.

1. Stu McLaren

Stu McLaren is a renowned expert in the field of membership sites and online courses. As the former co-founder of WishList Member, one of the world’s leading membership platforms for WordPress, McLaren has gained invaluable insights into what makes online communities thrive. His experience with over 70,000 online communities and membership sites has given him a unique perspective on building profitable and sustainable online businesses.

McLaren’s expertise extends beyond just creating membership sites. He is the creator of The Membership Experience™ (formerly known as TRIBE) and co-founder of Membership.io, where he helps entrepreneurs transform their knowledge and expertise into recurring revenue. His approach focuses on low-stress, highly profitable online communities that keep members engaged and returning month after month.

Throughout his career, McLaren has worked with a diverse range of markets, from photography and calligraphy to dog training, fitness, and personal development. This broad experience allows him to provide tailored strategies for various niches. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the subtle nuances that differentiate successful membership sites from those that struggle.

2. Affiliate Marketing Coaching by Jack Davis

Jack Davis is a seasoned expert in affiliate marketing and SEO, with over a decade of experience in building successful authority sites. As the founder of Affiliate Marketing Masterclass, Davis has established himself as a trusted mentor in the digital marketing space, helping countless entrepreneurs achieve their online business goals.

Davis’s journey in affiliate marketing began in 2010, and since then, he has built multiple authority sites that consistently generate six-figure incomes annually. His expertise extends beyond just affiliate marketing; he also founded an SEO agency that works with companies worldwide, demonstrating his comprehensive understanding of digital marketing strategies.

One of Davis’s key offerings is his Affiliate Marketing Masterclass, a free course designed to teach aspiring marketers the fundamentals of building a successful affiliate marketing business. The course covers essential topics such as finding profitable niches, using AI for content creation, discovering easy-to-rank keywords, building white-hat links at scale, and developing an email list. This free resource has been praised by students for its clear, step-by-step approach and actionable insights.

In addition to his free course, Davis offers personalized 1-on-1 coaching services for those seeking more tailored guidance. His coaching packages range from one-off consultations to recurring monthly sessions, catering to various needs and experience levels. Davis’s coaching approach is highly personalized, treating each client’s website as if it were his own and providing hands-on assistance with SEO, content optimization, link-building, and revenue maximization.

3. Dropshipping Coaching by James Johnson

James Johnson is a highly accomplished entrepreneur and expert in the field of dropshipping and e-commerce. As the founder of DropshippingCourse.org, Johnson has established himself as a trusted authority in the online business world, leveraging his extensive experience to help aspiring entrepreneurs achieve success in dropshipping.

Johnson’s journey in e-commerce began in 2008 when he launched his first online store with a modest $500 investment. Through dedication, continuous learning, and a commitment to mastering the dropshipping model, his initial venture quickly flourished. In its first year, the store generated over $500,000 in sales, escalating to $1 million by the second year and $1.5 million by the third. This rapid success not only provided Johnson with financial freedom but also solidified his expertise in the dropshipping industry.

Driven by a passion for sharing his knowledge and helping others achieve similar success, Johnson created a comprehensive free dropshipping course. This course covers every aspect of building and scaling a dropshipping business, from niche selection and market research to advanced advertising techniques and store optimization. Johnson’s approach is both practical and thorough, ensuring that students gain actionable insights regardless of their experience level.

In addition to his free course, Johnson offers personalized 1-on-1 coaching services for those seeking more tailored guidance. His coaching packages range from one-off consultations to intensive three-month programs, catering to entrepreneurs at various stages of their dropshipping journey. Johnson’s coaching focuses on overcoming common challenges such as finding reliable suppliers, managing inventory, building brand awareness, and implementing effective marketing strategies.

4. Online Business Coaching by Jeff Smith

Jeff Smith is an experienced online business coach and the founder of High Income Source, a platform dedicated to helping entrepreneurs achieve financial success through various online business models. With years of experience in digital marketing and e-commerce, Smith has established himself as a trusted mentor in the online business community.

Smith’s journey in the online business world began with his own struggles and successes in building profitable ventures. Through trial and error, he developed a deep understanding of what it takes to create and scale successful online businesses. This firsthand experience forms the foundation of his coaching philosophy, which emphasizes practical, actionable strategies that can be implemented by entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey.

At High Income Source, Smith offers a comprehensive Online Business Coaching Program designed to guide aspiring entrepreneurs through the complexities of building and growing an online business. The program covers a wide range of topics, including niche selection, product development, marketing strategies, and scaling techniques. Smith’s approach is hands-on and results-oriented, focusing on helping his clients achieve tangible outcomes and sustainable growth.

One of the key aspects of Smith’s coaching style is his emphasis on personalized guidance. He recognizes that each entrepreneur’s journey is unique, and tailors his advice to suit individual goals, strengths, and challenges. This personalized approach has helped many of his clients overcome obstacles and achieve significant breakthroughs in their businesses.

5. Amy Porterfield

Amy Porterfield is a prominent figure in the world of online course creation and digital marketing. With a background that includes working for Tony Robbins, Porterfield has established herself as a trusted authority in helping entrepreneurs launch and grow their online courses. Her expertise lies in creating effective marketing strategies that maximize reach and impact for businesses of all sizes.

Porterfield is known for her practical, actionable approach to digital marketing. She emphasizes the importance of building a robust email list, leveraging social media platforms, and creating compelling lead magnets to attract and retain customers. One of her standout strategies is the effective use of webinars for marketing, which she believes is an excellent way to engage audiences while subtly promoting products or services.

As the host of the popular “Online Marketing Made Easy” podcast, Porterfield shares valuable insights on digital marketing, course creation, and entrepreneurial success. Her content is designed to make complex topics accessible to aspiring entrepreneurs, covering everything from email marketing to social media strategies.

Porterfield’s influence extends beyond her podcast. She has authored various resources, including guides on online course essentials and digital marketing handbooks. Her flagship program, Digital Course Academy, has helped over 25,000 people simplify course creation and launch, providing templates, project plans, and tech tutorials to support entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.

6. Victor Antonio

Victor Antonio is a renowned sales trainer and expert in influence techniques, with a background that spans over two decades in high-level sales and executive positions. His journey from a challenging upbringing in Chicago to becoming a successful CEO and sales leader is a testament to his expertise and determination. Antonio’s approach to sales training focuses on effective decision-making, expanding influence, and selling without applying pressure.

Antonio’s sales philosophy emphasizes the concept of “nudging” in sales, which involves subtly influencing customers’ decisions without resorting to aggressive tactics. He explores how small actions, such as physical touch or mirroring customer language, can significantly impact sales outcomes. His teachings also delve into the importance of personalization in sales and how presenting options can affect customer decision-making processes.

As a speaker and author of “Sales Influence,” Antonio has shared his insights on numerous platforms, including his own podcast. He addresses the evolving landscape of sales in the digital age, noting that while technology has increased access to information, it has also created a need for salespeople to guide customers through the abundance of available data. Antonio’s Sales Velocity Academy offers over 600 videos covering various aspects of the sales process, catering to both beginners and experienced professionals.

7. Mariah Coz

Mariah Coz is a prominent figure in the world of high-ticket course creation and launches. As the founder of Fearless CEO, Coz has developed innovative strategies for growing sustainable, impactful, and evergreen course businesses. Her journey began with creating digital products in niche markets, which led her to develop expertise in online course creation and marketing.

Coz’s signature program, High Ticket Hybrid, has revolutionized the way high-ticket programs are sold. This course teaches business owners and entrepreneurs how to attract clients for programs priced at $10,000 or more without conducting sales calls. The program focuses on creating automated funnels and electronic systems that streamline the sales process, allowing for efficient scaling of high-ticket offers.

One of Coz’s key innovations is the Empowering Enrollment Experience, which enables course creators to enroll high-ticket coaching clients year-round on an evergreen basis without relying on traditional sales calls. This approach has helped many coaches and course creators scale their businesses effectively. Coz’s methods emphasize the importance of creating value-rich content and support systems that justify premium pricing for online courses.

Coz’s success is not just in her own business growth but also in her ability to help others achieve similar results. Her programs have assisted thousands of coaches and course creators in scaling their evergreen coaching programs and eliminating the need for sales calls. Coz’s approach also addresses the challenges of balancing high-ticket offers with social impact, demonstrating that premium pricing and positive societal contributions can coexist in the online education space.

8. Russell Brunson

Russell Brunson is a renowned entrepreneur, author, and marketing expert who has revolutionized the world of online marketing through his innovative approach to sales funnels. As the co-founder and CEO of ClickFunnels, a leading software platform for building sales funnels, Brunson has helped countless entrepreneurs and businesses optimize their online presence and increase conversions.

Brunson’s journey began with an early passion for entrepreneurship, selling potato gun DVDs while still in college. After graduating from Brigham Young University with a degree in Computer Information Systems, he quickly made a name for himself in the internet marketing space. In 2014, Brunson launched ClickFunnels, which grew to $100 million in revenue within just three years. By 2023, the company had surpassed $265 million in annual revenue and boasted over 150,000 customers.

What sets Brunson apart is his customer-centric approach and data-driven decision-making process. He constantly pushes boundaries and introduces new strategies to stay ahead in the digital marketing landscape. One of his key innovations is the “webinar funnel,” which has become a cornerstone of ClickFunnels’ marketing strategy. This approach involves delivering valuable content through online presentations and then offering prospects access to funnel templates within the ClickFunnels platform.

Brunson is also a prolific author, having written several books including the New York Times bestseller “Traffic Secrets.” Through his writing and speaking engagements, he shares actionable strategies for building successful online businesses. His impact extends beyond his own ventures, as he actively contributes to non-profit organizations like World Teacher Aid and Operation Underground Railroad.

9. Pat Flynn

Pat Flynn is a multifaceted entrepreneur, blogger, and thought leader in the realm of affiliate marketing and passive income strategies. Known for his transparency and ethical approach to online business, Flynn has built a reputation as one of the most trusted voices in digital entrepreneurship.

Flynn’s journey into the world of online business began unexpectedly when he was laid off from his architecture job in 2008. He created a website to help people pass the LEED exam, which unexpectedly attracted thousands of visitors daily. This success led him to launch Smart Passive Income, a blog and podcast dedicated to sharing his entrepreneurial insights and strategies for building sustainable online businesses.

Through Smart Passive Income, Flynn has empowered countless individuals to pursue their own passive income ventures. His podcast, “The SPI Podcast with Pat Flynn,” has garnered over 47 million downloads, inspiring listeners worldwide to embark on their online business journeys. Flynn’s approach focuses on providing value-driven content and building genuine relationships with his audience, which has contributed to his remarkable success.

Flynn’s influence extends beyond his blog and podcast. He has authored several books and is a sought-after speaker in the digital marketing space. His achievements have been recognized by prestigious publications such as The New York Times and Forbes Magazine. Flynn’s businesses, including online courses and affiliate marketing ventures, have helped him achieve an impressive income, reportedly reaching $3 million.

What sets Flynn apart is his commitment to transparency and ethical business practices. He regularly shares detailed income reports, providing his audience with real-world examples of successful online business models. This openness has earned him a loyal following and established him as a trusted authority in the passive income and affiliate marketing niches.

10. Greg Mercer

Greg Mercer is a renowned expert in Amazon product research and Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) strategies. As the founder and CEO of Jungle Scout, a leading software platform for Amazon sellers, Mercer has established himself as a trusted authority in the e-commerce space. His journey began with launching over 100 successful products on Amazon, including notable examples like bamboo marshmallow sticks and hooded baby towels, which alone generated $12,000 in monthly profit.

Mercer’s approach to Amazon FBA success revolves around three key strategies: identifying products with high demand but poor reviews, targeting items with strong sales but weak marketing, and exploring new markets with underdeveloped listings. He emphasizes the importance of thorough product research, including checking for seasonal trends and potential legal issues before committing to a product. Mercer’s expertise extends to optimizing product listings within Amazon’s search algorithm and developing effective launch strategies for new products.

Through Jungle Scout and his various educational initiatives, Mercer has helped countless entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of selling on Amazon. He regularly shares his insights through webinars, podcasts, and live Q&A sessions, demonstrating a commitment to empowering others in the e-commerce community. Mercer’s success is not just in his own ventures but in his ability to simplify the often overwhelming process of starting and scaling an Amazon FBA business for others.

11. Natalie Sisson

Natalie Sisson, known as the “Suitcase Entrepreneur,” is a trailblazer in the realm of location-independent business strategies. Her journey began when she left her stable job in Canada to build an online business in Argentina, embarking on a path that would lead her to live and work from over 70 countries. Sisson’s expertise lies in helping entrepreneurs design profitable lifestyle businesses that allow for freedom and flexibility.

Sisson’s approach to location-independent business emphasizes the importance of creating multiple revenue streams and leveraging online platforms to build a global community. She advocates for a balance between adventure and stability, challenging the notion that constant travel is necessary for a freedom-based lifestyle. Her teachings cover a wide range of topics, from digital marketing and product creation to time management and self-care practices for digital nomads.

As an author and speaker, Sisson has shared her insights through her best-selling book “The Suitcase Entrepreneur” and her popular podcast. She focuses on helping entrepreneurs create their ideal “freedom plan,” which involves designing a business that aligns with their personal goals and values. Sisson’s philosophy extends beyond just making money online; she emphasizes the importance of creating a life of purpose and impact while enjoying the freedom to work from anywhere in the world.