In Episode 172 of the Best Coach Ever Podcast, we break down the three biggest shifts we’ve seen in the online coaching space this year — and exactly what coaches will need to thrive in 2026. From the rise of AI-generated content to a massive trust gap between coaches and buyers, Lynette is unpacking what’s really happening online and how coaches can stand out in an oversaturated, skeptical market.
Lynette shares her behind-the-scenes observations, client data, and the exact strategies she believes will separate the coaches who struggle from the coaches who stay booked out. Whether your business is thriving or barely treading water, this episode gives you the roadmap for building connection, trust, and real demand in the year ahead. If you’re ready to rise above the noise, attract aligned clients, and position yourself for long-term success, this is a must-listen.
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In this episode, we cover:
1) The State of Coaching in 2025: AI Fatigue & Market Saturation [0:00 – 4:21]
-The rise of ChatGPT and generic, robotic content flooding social media.
-Why more coaches in the market (and more sameness) is killing connection.
2) The Trust Gap: Why Buyers Are More Skeptical Than Ever [4:22 – 8:13]
-Why spammy DMs, recycled content, and past negative experiences erode trust.
-Why coaches can no longer rely on being “smart”.
3) 2026 Essential #1: A Human-Centered Social Media Strategy [8:14 – 14:57]
-Why you need to break up with template hooks, AI captions, & educational posts.
-The shift toward lived experience, storytelling, and “walking the walk” content.
4) 2026 Essential #2: A Direct Message Strategy That Builds Connection [14:58 – 20:44]
-Why DM conversations (not cold pitches) are now a major driver of sales and trust-building.
-How engagement-bait Stories and intentional conversations warm up buyers faster than posts alone.
5) Why Conversations = Conversions in 2026 [20:45 – 25:40]
-Lynette’s own launch stats from conversations she initiated.
-Why + how the creators making the most money are consistently engaging
6) 2026 Essential #3: Long-Form Content That Lets People Experience You [25:41 – 30:14]
-Why podcasts, webinars, challenges, YouTube, and longer TikToks build trust faster than Reels.
-How to turn cold followers into warm buyers who binge your content and convert quickly.
7) Final Thoughts: What Coaches Must Build to Thrive in 2026 [30:15 – END]
-The winning trio: human content + real conversations + long-form depth.
-Why coaches who embrace transparency, connection, and originality will stand out online.
