How to find students as a coach
While Chess.com provides the tools you need for teaching, becoming a successful coach with a strong student base requires more than just a platform. Here are some tips to help you build credibility and attract more students. Each tip complements the others, so using as many as possible will be the most effective way to connect with potential students!
Get listed in our Coach Directory
Being listed in our Coach Directory can lend credibility to your profile, as not everyone who applies is approved. This recognition makes it easier for members to find you and consider your services!
📰 Apply here to become a coach on Chess.com and be featured in our Coach Directory: How To Become A Coach On Chess.com
Engage with members in forums
Hundreds of potential students seek advice on chess-related forums about openings, strategy, and techniques, giving each other feedback and sometimes receiving mixed advice. Your expertise can provide valuable guidance!
By being active and building a reputation as a knowledgeable member, you’ll naturally attract students who are looking for reliable, experienced mentors. Make yourself known, and soon students will reach out for private coaching rates.
💡 Here are a couple of Chess.com forums that can help you find some potential students: Chess Lessons, For Beginners
Keep a high-quality blog
A well-written, informative blog that addresses common chess questions can attract organic search traffic. If your blog performs well on Chess.com, you may even earn Top Blogger status, expanding your reach within the world’s largest online chess community.
💡 You get access to a personal blog when joining Chess.com. Your blog URL is set to automatically match your username. Check out this article to learn how to post on your Chess.com blog: How do I make a new post on my blog?
Stay active on social media
Most major social networks (Reddit, Twitter, Facebook, etc.) have dedicated chess communities where enthusiasts discuss and ask for advice. Join these discussions, share your insights, and link to your blogs or videos that address their questions. Every interaction can help build connections with new students interested in further coaching!
Become a listed Twitch streamer on Chess.com
An easy way to promote your coaching lessons is by becoming a listed Twitch streamer on Chess.com! Being listed lets members easily follow you from our Streamers page, receiving alerts and notifications whenever you go live. This lets potential students experience your teaching style and helps you build a community of future students.
📚 Learn here how to be listed as a streamer at Chess.com: How do I become a Chess.com streamer?
Learn from other coaches
The best coaches are lifelong students themselves. Learning from other coaches—whether by gaining insights on attracting students, discovering new teaching methods, or refining your coaching skills—can directly or indirectly help you grow your student base.
💡 Listed coaches can connect with other Coaches in our official club: Coaches Club
Start your own club
Building a network of players is an excellent way to connect organically with both current and prospective students. An active club allows you to stay engaged, share updates, answer questions, and more.
Hosting Arena tournaments also helps you involve current students while welcoming new ones.
📚 Find out more about how clubs work, and how to create your own: How do Chess.com clubs work?