E 68 | Technology Tools Every Online Trainer Needs

Episode SummaryMost online trainers are paying for tools they don't need, skipping tools they do, and wondering why their business feels chaotic. In this episode, Brandon breaks down the exact technology stack an online coaching business actually needs — organized by tier, with direct recommendations grounded in business research and consumer psychology.No affiliate recommendations. No fluff. Just a clear-eyed breakdown of what moves the needle in your business and what's quietly draining your bank account.TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODEWhy most coaches approach technology completely backwards and what it costs themProgramming and client management platforms — TrueCoach, TrainHeroic, and Trainerize comparedWhy Google Sheets is hurting your perceived value (and the research that backs this up)The one-channel communication rule that protects your time and your sanityVideo analysis as a non-negotiable for performance and technique coachesWhy Venmo is not a payment system — and what to use insteadContracts, scheduling tools, and the baseline business infrastructure most coaches skipThe CRM problem — the tool most coaches are ignoring that's costing them referrals and revenueContent tool over-investment — why most coaches are spending too much here too earlyThe full tech stack summary organized by Essential, Growth, and Advanced tiersTOOLS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEProgramming Platforms: TrueCoach, TrainHeroic, TrainerizeCommunication and Check-In: Voxer, Google Forms, Typeform, JotformVideo Analysis: Coaches Eye, Hudl TechniquePayment Processing: Stripe, Square, ThriveCartContracts: Dropbox Sign, DocuSignScheduling: CalendlyEmail Marketing: Kit (formerly ConvertKit), Mailchimp, FlodeskWebsite Platforms: Squarespace, Showit, WordPress, KajabiCRM: HubSpot, Notion, AirtableContent Editing: Descript, CapCut, Adobe PremiereAccounting: Wave, QuickBooks Self-EmployedRESEARCH REFERENCEDFinances Online (2022) — Small business software usage dataGrand View Research — Global fitness technology market projectionsParasuraman, Zeithaml, and Berry — SERVQUAL model and perceived service qualityHubSpot Sales Report (2023) — Sales follow-up frequency and conversion ratesDISCLAIMERThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, fitness, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare and fitness professionals before making changes to your training, supplementation, nutrition, or health practices. Individual results may vary. The host and producers are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any information, suggestions, or procedures discussed in this podcast.Subscribe & Review:If this episode added value to your training knowledge, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review! Your feedback helps us reach more fitness enthusiasts, coaches, lifters, athletes or anyone who can benefit from quality training information.About Brandon SmitleyInstagram: @bsmitley @team.thirstSubscribe On YouTube!Website: THIRSTgym.comBrandon Smitley is a world renowned strength coach and athlete for over a decade. He and his wife, Adrian, own Terre Haute Intensity Resistance and Sports Training (THIRST) where they work with youth athletes and personal training clients of all ages. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in Health and Fitness, and his Master’s degree from Indiana State University in Physical Education and Coaching. Brandon has been awarded Personal Trainer of the Year Awards from Purdue University and Indiana State University as well is the 2020 Reader's Choice for Best Personal Trainer in Terre Haute, IN and the Wabash Valley.Brandon is a sponsored athlete with Elitefts and NutraBio where as a competitive powerlifter he currently holds the all-time world record squat in the 132 pound weight class, with a 567 pound squat. He also holds a 330 pound bench press, and 510 pound deadlift in that weight class, totaling 1377 pounds, ranking 4th all-time. He provides online coaching and programming around the world, and has personally worked with over 200 athletes in the US, UK, France, Italy, Mexico, Canada, and other countries. Brandon’s been published at Elitefts, Muscle and Performance, and Muscle and Fitness magazine.He holds his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Level One Sports Performance (USAW), Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certifications, and is educated in PRI for Fitness and Performance.