Back in 2008, I was heavily involved in a coaching community run by a guy named Josh Spaulding. The program was called Coaching With Josh, and I believed in it enough to serve as a forum moderator. I even offered bonus coaching to anyone who signed up through my affiliate link. That program no longer exists, but the questions I was trying to answer for my readers back then are just as relevant today: How do you find a good internet marketing coach? And how do you avoid wasting your money on a bad one?
Why Coaching Can Accelerate Your Progress
The hardest part of starting an online business is not the technical stuff. You can learn WordPress, email marketing, and SEO from free YouTube videos. The hardest part is knowing what to focus on and in what order. A good coach compresses your learning curve by helping you avoid the mistakes they already made and directing your limited time toward activities that actually move the needle.
When I look back at my own journey, the periods of fastest growth always coincided with having someone more experienced to bounce ideas off of. Not because they had secret knowledge, but because they had context I lacked. They could look at my situation and say “stop doing that, start doing this” in a way that saved me months of wasted effort.
Red Flags in Coaching Programs
The internet marketing coaching space has always attracted its share of questionable operators. Here are the warning signs I have learned to watch for over the years.
Income claims without proof. If a coach promises you will make a specific amount of money, run. Legitimate coaches talk about skills, systems, and frameworks. They do not guarantee outcomes because outcomes depend on your effort and market conditions.
Pressure tactics and artificial scarcity. “Only 3 spots left” and countdown timers that reset are manipulation techniques, not marketing. A coach who needs high-pressure sales tactics to fill their program probably cannot fill it on reputation alone.
No verifiable track record. Look for coaches who have actually built the kind of business they teach. Ask for case studies, student results, or a portfolio of their own projects. Teaching internet marketing without having done internet marketing is a major red flag.
Upsell ladders. Some programs are designed so the core offering is deliberately incomplete, forcing you to buy increasingly expensive upgrades to get the actual value. If the base program does not stand on its own, the pricing model is the product.
What Good Coaching Looks Like in 2026
The coaching landscape has evolved significantly. Here is what works well today.
Community-based programs. The best coaching programs pair instruction with an active community of peers at similar stages. You learn as much from fellow students as from the coach. Look for programs with private forums, group calls, or Slack communities where real interaction happens.
Accountability structures. Weekly check-ins, progress tracking, and structured milestones keep you moving forward. A coach who just gives you a video course and disappears is selling information, not coaching.
Transparent pricing. Good programs are upfront about exactly what you get and what it costs. Monthly subscriptions with no lock-in period are a healthy sign because it means the coach is confident you will stay based on value, not contractual obligation.
Specificity. Broad “make money online” coaching is almost always a waste. Look for coaches who specialize in a specific business model: affiliate marketing, course creation, podcasting, e-commerce, or whatever matches your goals.
The Bottom Line
Good coaching is one of the best investments you can make in your online business. Bad coaching is one of the worst. Do your research, trust your instincts, and remember that any coach worth their fee will be happy to answer your questions before you commit. If they will not, that tells you everything you need to know.
Thanks for all the kind words, Mark. You and I both answering each and every question clients have and for only $37/m. We might have to raise that price soon. I’m not sure of any other product or service on the market with that much value for the price.
Thanks Josh — your forum is the best value on the internet, as far as I can tell.
Hi Mark,
Just signed up, as You may noticed 😉
Josh,
I think it’s a “no-brainer” … what I can tell after my few days inside CWJ
Thanks Patrik — Yes, I noticed. You are a posting machine.
I agree – the forum is a real value. I love it.
😮
Well … hope I can contrib with my knowledge and some value
@Pat — definitely!
Mark,
I see you are an avid Josh fan also. I belong to another coaching program and my rule is one thing at a time. When I get full of what the other program is working with me on I will swing into Josh’s. I find it interesting that Josh has the policy of 500 posts gets you to free access.
That is a unique and interesting twist. Maybe another great idea from Josh.
Rick
Yep — lots of people like the 500 post thing. We’ll look forward to seeing you there when you are ready. 1 thing at a time is very smart, especially for coaching.
Mark,
I feel like I’m stuck in a perpetual toll booth of super smooth internet marketing veterans. Just thought I’d mention that you and your style and your recommendations are a breath of fresh air. Loved the 30 minute video…no stone unturned, no over-your-head assumptions, perfect for a new starter to get their feet wet with something doable that won’t leave their wallet full of disappointment.
And your resource page was very wise.
Keep up the good approach to things!
Lon
Thanks Lon — that is really nice of you to say.
Mark and Josh – – THANK YOU BOTH ! !
I’ll take you up on this offer Mark and I’ll be subscribing to you as well. I’m looking forward to your late night podcast series starting soon also. As someone above already stated – “You guys are a breath of fresh air” – I LOVE YOUR COMMITMENT TO ETHICAL BEHAVIOR AND TACTICS ! ! I truly look forward to learning from you both and coming along side to share the value and knowledge with others.
Jeff
@Jeff — welcome aboard. Just holler if you need anything.
Hi,
Is there any reviews on this coaching?
Perhaps you could use my email above to give me some more info.
Cheers