As a retired business consultant with decades of experience under my belt, I never thought I’d find myself back in the game. But here I am, at the cusp of a new adventure – starting my own online business. The digital landscape is vastly different from the boardrooms and strategy sessions I’m used to, and I’ll be the first to admit, it’s a bit daunting.
That’s why I’ve spent the last few months researching and connecting with some of the best online business coaches out there. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill “gurus” promising overnight success. No, these are seasoned professionals who’ve been in the trenches, built successful online empires, and now dedicate their time to helping others do the same.
In this article, I’m excited to share with you the cream of the crop – 11 online business coaches who I believe can truly make a difference in your entrepreneurial journey. Whether you’re a seasoned professional like me looking to pivot, or a fresh-faced entrepreneur ready to make your mark, these coaches offer invaluable insights, proven strategies, and the kind of practical advice that can turn your online business dreams into reality.
1. Greg Mercer
Greg Mercer is a prominent figure in the world of Amazon product research and FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) strategies. As the founder and CEO of Jungle Scout, Mercer has established himself as a leading expert in helping entrepreneurs succeed on the Amazon platform. His journey began in 2013 when he started selling on Amazon, quickly realizing the potential of private label products. Mercer’s approach to Amazon success revolves around several key principles, including selling your own brand, using advanced product research tools, tracking competitors, and launching with promotions.
One of Mercer’s most significant contributions to the Amazon seller community is the development of Jungle Scout, a powerful product research tool. Recognizing the limitations of manual research methods, Mercer created Jungle Scout to provide accurate sales estimates and market insights. The software utilizes AccuSales™ technology, which incorporates over 500 million data points to deliver precise Amazon sales estimates. This innovation has revolutionized the way sellers approach product selection and market analysis on the platform.
In addition to his software contributions, Mercer is known for his educational initiatives. He has shared his knowledge through various channels, including the Million Dollar Case Study, where he demonstrates the process of creating and selling a private label product on Amazon. Mercer’s teaching style is practical and results-oriented, focusing on actionable strategies that sellers can implement to grow their businesses.
2. Affiliate Marketing Coaching by Jack Davis
Jack Davis is a prominent figure in the world of affiliate marketing and online business coaching. With over a decade of experience since 2010, Davis has established himself as a successful entrepreneur, having built multiple authority sites that consistently generate six-figure incomes annually. His expertise spans across various aspects of affiliate marketing, including SEO, content creation, and business scaling strategies.
Davis is the founder of Affiliate Marketing Masterclass, a comprehensive online course designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs start and grow their affiliate marketing businesses. What sets his course apart is its accessibility – Davis offers the entire masterclass for free, making it an invaluable resource for beginners and experienced marketers alike. The course covers a wide range of topics, from niche selection and website building to advanced SEO tactics and email marketing strategies.
In addition to his free masterclass, 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 hands-on and results-oriented, focusing on practical strategies that have proven successful in his own affiliate marketing ventures.
One of Davis’s strengths is his ability to simplify complex concepts and provide actionable advice. He emphasizes the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends, including the integration of AI in content creation and SEO strategies. His teaching style is described as straightforward and easy to understand, making it accessible even to those new to the field.
3. Dropshipping Coaching by James Johnson
James Johnson is a prominent figure in the world of dropshipping and e-commerce. As the founder of DropshippingCourse.org, Johnson has established himself as a trusted authority in the field, drawing from his extensive experience dating back to 2008. His journey began with a modest $500 investment in his first e-commerce store, which rapidly grew to generate over $500,000 in sales within its first year. This initial success set the stage for even greater achievements, with sales reaching $1 million in the second year and $1.5 million by the third year.
Johnson’s approach to dropshipping education is comprehensive and accessible. He offers a free dropshipping course that covers every aspect of building and scaling a successful dropshipping business. The course is structured into eight modules, ranging from niche selection and market research to advanced topics like automation, outsourcing, and scaling strategies. This free resource reflects Johnson’s commitment to removing barriers to entry in the e-commerce space and empowering aspiring entrepreneurs with the knowledge they need to succeed.
In addition to his free course, Johnson provides personalized 1-on-1 coaching services for those seeking more tailored guidance. His coaching packages are designed to cater to entrepreneurs at various stages of their dropshipping journey, from complete beginners to experienced store owners looking to scale their operations. Johnson’s coaching covers critical areas such as supplier sourcing, inventory management, brand building, and effective marketing strategies. His hands-on approach and deep industry knowledge have helped numerous students achieve significant growth in their dropshipping businesses.
4. Online Business Coaching by Jeff Smith
Jeff Smith is an online business coach and the founder of High Income Source, a platform dedicated to helping entrepreneurs achieve financial success through various online business strategies. With years of experience in the digital marketing and e-commerce space, Smith has positioned himself as an expert in creating high-income online businesses.
Smith’s approach to online business coaching is centered around practical, actionable strategies that can be implemented by both beginners and experienced entrepreneurs. His teachings cover a wide range of topics, including affiliate marketing, dropshipping, digital product creation, and various forms of online marketing. Smith emphasizes the importance of building sustainable, scalable business models that can generate consistent income over time.
Through High Income Source, Smith offers a comprehensive Online Business Coaching Program designed to guide aspiring entrepreneurs through the process of starting and growing their online ventures. The program likely covers essential aspects of online business, such as niche selection, market research, product development, and effective marketing techniques. Smith’s coaching style is likely hands-on, providing personalized guidance and support to help his students overcome challenges and achieve their business goals.
5. Danny Iny
Danny Iny, on the other hand, is a leading voice in the realm of online education and course development. As the founder and CEO of Mirasee, Iny has established himself as an expert in helping coaches, consultants, and entrepreneurs monetize their expertise through online courses. His journey began in 2011 when he started his business with limited resources and significant personal debt. Despite these challenges, Iny persevered and built Mirasee into a successful organization that supports thousands of entrepreneurs annually.
Iny’s approach to online education is rooted in the belief that business can be both profitable and impactful. He emphasizes the importance of creating courses that deliver real value to students while also building sustainable businesses for course creators. His teaching methodology focuses on helping entrepreneurs identify their unique gifts and expertise, then translating that knowledge into effective online courses.
As an author, Iny has written several influential books on online education and business growth, including “Teach Your Gift” and “Leveraged Learning”. These works provide insights into the changing landscape of education and offer strategies for creating successful online courses. Iny’s teachings extend beyond just course creation; he also addresses broader business concepts such as audience building, community engagement, and ethical business practices.
6. Stu McLaren
Stu McLaren is a highly respected figure in the world of membership sites and online courses. As the former co-founder of WishList Member, a popular WordPress membership plugin, McLaren gained extensive experience powering over 70,000 online communities and membership sites. This unique perspective allowed him to develop a deep understanding of what makes membership sites successful and profitable.
McLaren is now the creator of The Membership Experience™ (formerly TRIBE) and co-founder of Membership.io. Through these platforms, he has helped tens of thousands of entrepreneurs launch, grow, and scale membership businesses across various niches. His approach focuses on transforming knowledge and expertise into recurring revenue streams, emphasizing strategies that keep members engaged and returning month after month.
One of McLaren’s strengths is his ability to work with a diverse range of clients, from established authors and experts to those just starting their online business journey. His teachings cover essential aspects of membership site creation, including content strategy, marketing, retention, and growth. Many students praise the detailed and comprehensive nature of his training, noting that it provides a solid foundation for building successful membership programs.
McLaren’s impact extends beyond just teaching. He has partnered with high-profile clients like New York Times best-selling author Michael Hyatt, helping to transform Hyatt’s business from a high six-figure to a high seven-figure enterprise while reducing stress and improving work-life balance. This practical experience adds credibility to McLaren’s teachings and demonstrates the real-world applicability of his strategies.
7. Adrian Morrison
Adrian Morrison, on the other hand, is a controversial figure in the world of dropshipping and e-commerce strategies. While he presents himself as an expert in these fields, numerous reports and complaints suggest that his programs and methods may be problematic.
Morrison’s approach typically involves promoting strategies for building and scaling e-commerce businesses, particularly through dropshipping. He often advertises methods for quickly setting up online stores and generating profits through various marketing tactics. However, many individuals who have engaged with his programs report unsatisfactory experiences.
Numerous complaints have been filed against Morrison, with allegations ranging from misleading advertising to outright scams. Many users report being charged multiple times without authorization after engaging with his programs, and some have even accused him of hacking into their accounts or damaging their equipment. These accusations have led to investigations by financial institutions and law enforcement agencies.
It’s important to note that the e-commerce and dropshipping industries are legitimate business models when approached ethically and professionally. However, Morrison’s methods and practices have raised significant red flags within the online business community. Many experts advise extreme caution when considering any programs or strategies associated with Adrian Morrison.
8. Dan Lok
Dan Lok is a renowned figure in the world of high-ticket sales and closing techniques. Born in Hong Kong and immigrating to Canada as a teenager, Lok’s journey to success was not without its challenges. After experiencing numerous failures in his early entrepreneurial ventures, he eventually found his niche in copywriting and marketing. This experience laid the foundation for his expertise in sales and business development.
Lok’s approach to high-ticket sales is centered around the concept of “high-income skills.” He emphasizes the importance of developing valuable skills that can command premium prices in the marketplace. His teachings often focus on mastering the art of communication, understanding human psychology, and developing a strong personal brand. Lok is known for his charismatic speaking style and ability to break down complex sales concepts into actionable strategies.
As the founder of Closers.com and the High-Ticket Closer™ Certification Program, Lok has trained thousands of students worldwide in the art of closing high-ticket sales. His methodology includes techniques for qualifying prospects, overcoming objections, and negotiating deals effectively. Lok’s content often addresses mindset issues as well, helping his students develop the confidence and resilience needed to succeed in high-pressure sales environments.
9. Brock Johnson
Brock Johnson, on the other hand, has made a significant impact in the world of Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) and product launching. Johnson’s journey to success is particularly noteworthy, as he built a $6 million brand in just six months selling physical products on Amazon. His rapid rise to prominence in the e-commerce space has made him a sought-after expert in Amazon selling strategies.
Johnson’s approach to Amazon FBA is comprehensive, covering everything from product research and sourcing to launch strategies and scaling techniques. He emphasizes the importance of thorough market analysis and product selection, teaching his students how to identify profitable niches with low competition and high demand. Johnson’s strategies often involve leveraging Amazon’s internal algorithms and promotional tools to maximize visibility and sales.
One of Johnson’s most significant contributions to the Amazon seller community is “The Last Amazon Course.” Unlike many high-priced courses in the industry, Johnson made the bold decision to offer his extensive knowledge for an extremely accessible price of just $1. This course, which contains over 375 videos and 45+ hours of content, covers all aspects of building an Amazon FBA business. Johnson’s decision to price the course so low stems from his desire to help as many people as possible improve their lives through entrepreneurship.
Johnson’s teaching style is known for being practical and results-oriented. He often shares real-world examples from his own experiences, including both successes and failures, to provide a realistic view of what it takes to succeed on Amazon. His content covers advanced topics such as product launching strategies, PPC advertising, and scaling techniques that have helped many of his students build successful Amazon businesses.
10. Pat Flynn
Pat Flynn is a renowned figure in the world of affiliate marketing and passive income strategies. As the founder of Smart Passive Income, Flynn has established himself as a trusted authority in online entrepreneurship. His journey began after being laid off from his architecture job in 2008, which led him to explore online business opportunities. Flynn’s approach to affiliate marketing is centered on transparency, authenticity, and providing genuine value to his audience.
Flynn’s strategies focus on building trust with his audience by only recommending products he has personally used and found beneficial. He emphasizes the importance of creating high-quality content that addresses the needs and pain points of his target audience. One of his key principles is to never directly tell anyone to buy a product, but rather to recommend products based on his personal experience and in the context of how they can help solve specific problems.
Flynn is also known for his innovative affiliate marketing techniques, such as offering bonuses to those who purchase through his affiliate links. This strategy not only incentivizes purchases but also adds extra value for his audience. He advocates for indirect promotion on social media, focusing on sharing valuable content that incorporates affiliate links rather than direct sales pitches.
Through his podcast, “The Smart Passive Income Online Business and Blogging Podcast,” Flynn shares his strategies, income sources, and marketing tips with his audience. His transparent approach, including openly discussing both his successes and failures, has earned him a loyal following of aspiring entrepreneurs.
11. Jeanine Blackwell
Jeanine Blackwell, on the other hand, is a leading expert in expert-based businesses and course creation. With a background in corporate learning and development, Blackwell has successfully transitioned her skills to help entrepreneurs create profitable online courses. Her approach focuses on helping experts share their knowledge in a way that generates sustainable revenue and creates meaningful impact.
Blackwell’s methodology emphasizes the importance of understanding the target audience’s needs and desires. She encourages course creators to focus on the specific results their audience wants to achieve rather than just delivering information. Her “Expert Experience Method™” guides entrepreneurs through the process of creating courses that not only sell but also deliver transformative results for participants.
One of Blackwell’s key strategies is to design courses that solve specific problems or answer pressing questions for the target audience. She advocates for creating experiences that move participants towards desired results, rather than simply providing content. This approach has helped her clients, ranging from hairdressers to business coaches, build multi-six and seven-figure businesses by teaching what they know.
Blackwell also emphasizes the importance of building a sustainable business model around course creation. She teaches her clients how to create a relationship-based business that goes beyond just selling courses, focusing on long-term engagement and continued value delivery to participants.