Quick Client Wins For New Fitness Coaches

Will Nelson’s direct DM tactics empower new coaches to secure transformative clients fast!

By Vidya Tadapatri Vidya Tadapatri linkedin_icon

Will Nelson, a seasoned business success coach known for his no-nonsense approach, has recently shared a straightforward roadmap for new online fitness coaches eager to secure clients quickly. In a clear and engaging post on Instagram, Nelson lays out a plan that shifts the focus from endless content creation to real conversations and direct offers.

Beginning his advice with a bold statement, Nelson insists, “Stop pretending you’re a content creator. You’re a coach.” According to him, being a coach means having the unique ability to help people reach their goals. He emphasizes that while content is important, it should come after establishing client relationships. This perspective marks a strategic pivot for coaches who might feel overwhelmed by the pressure to build a massive social following before landing clients.

Stop Pretending You’re A Content Creator

The first point in his strategy is to shed the persona of a perpetual content producer. Instead, coaches must focus on connecting with potential clients through meaningful interactions. Nelson points out that the relentless chase for hundreds of thousands of followers often detracts from what really matters: making a solid offer to help someone transform. With his advice, he is reminding new coaches to anchor their business in genuine client results rather than getting lost in the algorithm’s maze.

Make A Damn Offer

Nelson’s next directive is succinct—make a real, transformational offer. He discourages casual gestures like sending a PDF or a superficial check-in. The message is clear: get specific about whom you’re targeting, what outcome you’re promising, and why your offer is compelling right now. By defining these elements upfront, coaches can bypass the lengthy and sometimes ineffective process of building a funnel from scratch. Instead, they can move directly into one-on-one conversations that matter.

Call Out Directly

One of the cornerstone pieces of his advice is to be proactive. Nelson recommends reaching out via direct message (DM) to 3-5 ideal clients. His proposed script is refreshingly straightforward: “Hey — this might be random but I’m opening up 3 spots for [your niche, e.g., busy moms, ex-athletes, desk warriors]. It’s a 12-week program to [result]. I thought of you. Want me to send you the details?” This approach eliminates the need for elaborate sales pages or nurturing sequences. Instead, it focuses on direct conversations that can quickly translate into booked spots and real client relationships.

Post A Daily Story With A Call To Action

Nelson also champions the use of Instagram stories as an effective tool for generating leads. Instead of sticking to passive content, he advises coaches to post daily stories that include a clear call-to-action. One example he gives is, “Taking on 2 new clients this week — if you want to drop 15 lbs without spending hours in the gym, DM me ‘READY.’” This method ensures that the coach’s message is consistently reinforced among followers without appearing pushy.

Engaging with one’s existing circle is equally important. Nelson highlights the importance of asking current clients or followers for referrals. A simple question like, “Who do you know that’s been saying they want to get in shape but keeps putting it off?” can generate referral energy, which is a critical driver of gradual yet consistent business growth.

Keep It Simple

The final piece of Nelson’s blueprint is a reminder to keep things uncomplicated. Contrary to the belief that a massive following or a complex marketing system is required for success, he asserts that even 3-5 people who truly trust and feel seen by you are enough to jumpstart your business. He points out that every 7-figure coach he knows started from these humble beginnings—in the DMs, not in an elaborate funnel or a flashy Canva design. This message is particularly empowering for new coaches who may be intimidated by the idea that they need to scale a massive brand online immediately.

Nelson’s post resonates with similar sentiments expressed in his past content. In earlier posts, he acknowledged that while traditional methods such as posting content all day or trying to hack the algorithm might seem tempting, they often lead to burnout without producing genuine results. Instead, he reiterates the importance of taking a step back, making irresistible offers, and building authentic connections.

By advising coaches to cut through the noise and focus on direct client engagement, Nelson is effectively redefining the way new fitness coaches should think about scaling their businesses. His approach is data-driven and refreshingly pragmatic—a reminder that success stems from solving real problems for real people, rather than chasing vanity metrics.

For coaches who have been struggling with the overwhelming pressure of constant content production, Nelson’s roadmap offers a breath of fresh air. His call to action is both practical and achievable: less funnel, more conversation; less noise, more clarity. His approach underscores the fact that transformation in a coaching business starts with a clear, compelling offer and direct engagement.

As new coaches begin to apply these tactics, the emphasis remains on quality over quantity. In an era where digital engagement often turns into a numbers game, Nelson’s advice re-centers the conversation on building trust and delivering genuine value. This strategy not only simplifies the client acquisition process but also fosters deeper, more meaningful relationships that are essential for long-term success.

Ultimately, the message is clear: if you want clients, talk to people, offer real solutions, and keep it simple. Will Nelson’s proven formula reminds aspiring coaches that the pathway to significant business success lies in focused, genuine interactions rather than endless self-promotion.

A recent Instagram post (https://www.instagram.com/p/DJw0FGUu5ho/) featuring his concise tips further reinforces the impact of direct DM outreach and tailored offers in the competitive world of online fitness coaching.

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Vidya did her post-graduation in Biotechnology from Osmania University, Hyderabad. Her interest in writing made her pursue a career in content, in which she now has over five years of experience. Vidya writes for MomJunction and covers news for Cricketsweep.

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