Written By: Bill Vasko – CEO, XO Coach & The Coaching Portfolio

If you need help with your coaching resume, your portfolio, or the interview process, be sure to sign up for one of our job prep packages at The Coaching Portfolio! We provide services that assist with all aspects of the job search process for coaches. Click here to get started today!

Introduction
In today’s digital age, a professional online presence is crucial for coaches who want to advance their careers. Athletic directors, hiring committees, and potential recruits often search online to learn more about a coach before scheduling an interview or making a decision. A strong online presence can boost your credibility, while a poorly managed one can hurt your chances of landing a job. This article will outline the do’s and don’ts of creating and maintaining a professional online presence for coaches.

1. Why a Professional Online Presence Matters for Coaches
Your online presence is often the first impression others have of you. From your social media profiles to the content you share, it reflects your values, professionalism, and approach to coaching. Hiring committees may look at your online activity to see how you present yourself and interact with others in the field. A well-managed online presence can set you apart from other candidates by demonstrating your expertise and commitment to the coaching profession.

2. Do’s for Building a Professional Online Presence

• Do Create a LinkedIn Profile
  • LinkedIn is the primary social media platform for professionals. Make sure your profile is complete, including a professional photo, headline, and summary that highlights your coaching experience and philosophy. Regularly update your profile with new accomplishments, certifications, or job changes.
• Do Share Content Related to Coaching and Personal Development
  • Posting articles, videos, or personal insights on coaching strategies, leadership, or athlete development can demonstrate your knowledge and passion. Sharing content about recent coaching trends or commenting on industry news can help position you as a thought leader.
• Do Use Social Media to Network with Other Coaches
  • Platforms like X/Twitter and LinkedIn are great for connecting with other coaches, athletic directors, and sports organizations. Follow key figures in the industry, participate in coaching discussions, and join relevant groups or forums.
• Do Keep Your Personal Social Media Private
  • If you want to keep your personal life separate from your professional life, make your personal social media accounts private. This allows you to control what potential employers can see.
• Do Showcase Your Achievements Online
  • If your team wins a championship or an athlete you coached reaches a significant milestone, share it. Celebrating your team’s achievements can reinforce your coaching impact.
• Do Build a Personal Website or Digital Portfolio
  • A website can act as an expanded resume and showcase your work. Include sections for your coaching philosophy, career highlights, videos of practices or games, and any media coverage you’ve received.

3. Don’ts for Maintaining a Professional Online Presence

• Don’t Post Inappropriate Content
  • Avoid sharing or liking content that could be considered controversial, offensive, or inappropriate. This includes political opinions, negative comments about other people, or anything that could be interpreted as unprofessional.
• Don’t Engage in Online Arguments or Negative Discussions
  • While it’s okay to express your opinion respectfully, avoid getting into heated debates or negative discussions online. Engaging in online arguments can damage your reputation and distract from your professional image.
• Don’t Over-Share Personal Information
  • Be cautious about sharing too much personal information, even if your account is private. Avoid posting about controversial topics, excessive partying, or anything that could cast you in a negative light.
• Don’t Ignore Your Social Media Presence During the Job Search
  • Even if you’re not actively using social media, ensure your profiles are up to date and reflect a professional image. A dormant or outdated profile can make it seem like you’re not engaged with the current coaching landscape.
• Don’t Mix Personal and Professional Posts
  • If you use the same account for both personal and professional purposes, be mindful of what you post. Keep your professional brand consistent and avoid content that could confuse or alienate your audience.

4. Managing Your Digital Footprint as a Coach

• Google Yourself Regularly
  • Search for your name to see what comes up. This will help you identify any content that could be problematic or unprofessional and allow you to take steps to manage it.
• Clean Up Old Social Media Posts
  • Review your social media history and delete any posts that could be considered inappropriate or controversial. Use social media management tools to quickly identify and remove problematic content.
• Utilize Privacy Settings
  • Make sure your privacy settings are configured to limit who can see your personal information. For example, set your Facebook profile to “Friends Only” or restrict your Instagram account to approved followers.
• Monitor Your Mentions and Tags
  • Set up alerts for when your name is mentioned online. If someone tags you in a post, make sure the content aligns with your professional image.

5. Using Social Media to Enhance Your Coaching Brand

• Highlight Your Team’s Accomplishments
  • Use social media to celebrate your team’s achievements. This could include game highlights, athlete awards, or community service projects your team is involved in.
• Share Coaching Insights and Tips
  • Posting about your approach to training, game strategies, or athlete development can help you gain credibility and build a following among other coaches and athletes.
• Engage with Industry Content
  • Like, share, and comment on content posted by other coaches, sports organizations, or athletic directors. This engagement can help you stay visible in your network and show your interest in the coaching community.
• Leverage Video Content
  • Videos of practices, drills, or motivational talks can demonstrate your coaching style and give viewers a glimpse into how you run your program. Make sure any video content is high quality and aligns with your brand.

Conclusion
A professional online presence is essential for coaches looking to advance their careers. By following the do’s and don’ts outlined in this article, you can build a strong digital brand that showcases your coaching skills, connects you with other professionals, and enhances your chances of landing a new job. Remember, everything you post online contributes to your image—make sure it’s an image you’re proud to share.

Written By: Bill Vasko – CEO, XO Coach & The Coaching Portfolio

If you need help with your coaching resume, your portfolio, or the interview process, be sure to sign up for one of our job prep packages at The Coaching Portfolio! We provide services that assist with all aspects of the job search process for coaches. Click here to get started today!