How to Build an On-Demand Coaching App? A Step-by-Step Guide
The online coaching platforms industry is booming with the market projected to reach $4.5 billion by 2028. To capitalize on the growing popularity, we built an on-demand coaching app for one of our business clients. The app offers both free and paid access to learning videos, enabling business coaches and instructors to monetize their services and generate consistent revenue.
Hire iPhone developers to build your own coaching app. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the development process, key benefits, and challenges of creating a business coaching app.
Let’s dive in.
On-Demand Coaching App Features
- Video Streaming: Offer access to on-demand video content with multiple, customizable subscription plans.
- In-App Subscriptions: Manage flexible subscription plans (monthly, yearly) and automatic renewals with RevenueCat.
- Social Logins: Let users sign up or log in using their social media accounts like Facebook or Google for faster access.
- LMS API Integration: Effortlessly manage courses and track learner progress with LearnPress LMS API.
- Push Notifications: Keep users engaged with reminders, new content updates, and motivational messages.
On-Demand Coaching App Development Process
We have successfully delivered an on-demand food delivery app in the past. When approached to create a mobile app for on-demand coaching, we jumped into action. From initial planning to implementation and post-launch services, you can rely on us for top-tier mobile app development.
Here’s how we, at The Brihaspati Infotech, worked through each step to build a successful business coaching app:
Step 1: Define Project Requirements
We collaborated with the client to identify core functionalities, including
- On-demand Video Streaming
- In-app Subscriptions
- Social Logins
- LMS API Integration
We created a roadmap, outlining key deliverables with estimated timelines to expedite the development.
Step 2: Plan App Architecture
We focused on building a robust and scalable architecture for the app. This approach ensures efficient content delivery for users and supports future growth.
- Scalability: Selected modular app architecture, enabling coaches to scale in the future by adding more courses, users, and content.
- Security: Integrated SSL certificates for secure data transmission between the app and users. End-to-end encryption was also implemented to protect sensitive user information from unauthorized access.
- Content Delivery: Selected LearnPress, a robust LMS plugin for WordPress, to create and manage content delivery.
Please note, we’re not limited to WordPress. We can develop coaching apps with backends built on Shopify, Magento, or any other CMS.
Step 3: Front-End Development (App Interface)
We built the app’s front end using React Native. For this client, we built the business coaching app for the iOS platform only.
- Design: Designed a clean, user-friendly UI tailored to drive users to subscribe and access the content. The simple and intuitive navigation enhanced user engagement (coaches and students) and improved their overall experience.
- User Flow: Developed a calculated user journey from registration and course selection to content access:
- Registration: Simplified the sign-up and login process using social media login integration (e.g., Google and Facebook).
- Course Selection: Created an easy-to-use course library, allowing users to browse, select, and enroll in online courses.
- Seamless Transitions: Ensured users could easily navigate through video lessons without interruptions.
Our online coaching app is responsive and works well across devices, including tablets and smartphones.
Step 4: Back-End Development (Server & Database)
We built the backend using WordPress with the LearnPress plugin to manage course creation and delivery.
- Payment Integration: Integrated RevenueCat to manage in-app subscriptions and purchases. It tracks payments, handles subscription levels (free, premium), and controls user access based on the subscription status.
- User Management: Set up a secure login system, enabling users to register and log in with social media accounts (Google, Facebook, etc.). Also, role-based access ensures admins, coaches, and learners can visit different parts of the app without any conflict.
Step 5: LMS API Integration
For seamless functionality, we integrated valuable APIs to enhance both course management and subscription handling.
- LMS Integration: We integrated ThimPress LMS API to ensure smooth interaction between the app’s front-end interface and the backend course system.
- RevenueCat API Integration: Connected RevenueCat APIs to manage the subscription cycle (active, expired, etc.). The app ensures content access (free vs. premium) based on the user’s subscription status.
- Content Delivery: The RevenueCat API linked users’ subscription data to their content rights. It ensures subscribers can unlock the content they are entitled to.
Step 6: Coaching App Testing
Our QA team rigorously tested the app to ensure a seamless user experience. Here’s how we ensured everything works flawlessly:
- Functionality Testing: Tested all features, including video streaming, course selection, in-app subscriptions, and social login, for a seamless user experience.
- Security Testing: Implemented encryption protocols for sensitive data protection and tested for any vulnerabilities.
- User Testing: Conducted comprehensive tests on each module, including user registration, course selection, and subscription functionality. Some user flow and responsive design issues were resolved to optimize the user experience.
Step 7: Deployment and Launch
The mobile app was ready to launch after clearing various quality and performance checks,
- App Deployment: Deployed the online coaching app to the Apple App Store, ensuring it met all guidelines and requirements.
- Monitor Performance: Integrated Google Analytics to track app usage, monitor subscription activities, and collect real-time user feedback.
We continue to receive user feedback for potential upgrades. In the next phase, we are adding new features like live video call integration and gamification to achieve our client’s needs.
Benefits of On-Demand Coaching App
- Monetize Content: Generate consistent revenue via limited access to premium content and subscription-based business models.
- Scalable Reach: Expand your coaching service globally.
- Efficiency: Automate course delivery, subscription management, and progress tracking.
- Data Insights: Gain valuable insights into client progress and preferences for informed decisions.
- Brand Authority: Establish your service as a go-to coaching platform.
How Much Does Online Coaching App Development Cost?
There are multiple factors influencing the development cost of coaching apps for life and business coaches. Here’s an estimated budget for on-demand training platform:
Types | Estimated Development Cost | Timeline | Features Included |
Basic App | Starting from $3000 | 2-3 months | Social Login Video Streaming Basic Subscriptions Limited customizations |
Mid-Level App | $9000- $15,000 | 4-6 months | Custom user profiles HD video streaming In-app purchases Progress tracking Additional integrations |
Advanced App | $20,000+ | 6+ months | Interactive video content Advanced tiered subscriptions AI-driven notifications Complex Integrations |
Additional Costs
- Ongoing Updates & Bug Fixes (10-20% of the initial development cost annually)
- Content Management (if using WordPress + LearnPress)
- Backend Infrastructure (Cloud hosting, database storage, and server costs)
- Third-party API Integrations (like RevenueCat)
- Marketing & Promotion (promoting the app via paid ads, SEO, or influencer marketing)
- User Support Tools (Integrating customer support tools like Zendesk)
Be prepared for hidden costs that emerge out of anywhere. We can tailor a plan to build an on-demand training/coaching platform for your business.
Online Coaching App Development Challenges
Future Scalability
Ensuring the online coaching app could handle a large volume of content and users was crucial. Thus, we implemented cloud-based content delivery systems to ensure smooth video playback, even with heavy user loads.
LMS API Integration
Integrating the online coaching app with Learning Management Systems (LMS) without disruptions was integral to building a functional backend. We used ThimPress LMS API to sync the app and LMS, allowing for smooth course management and tracking.
Payment Integration Across Regions
Processing financial transactions involving different countries was a challenge. We integrated RevenueCat to handle multiple payment gateways and subscription models, ensuring smooth transactions worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
A typical business coaching app focuses on essential features, including
1. On-Demand Video Content: Upload, stream, and manage video lessons or tutorials for clients.
2. Live Video Streaming: Stream lessons/courses in high-quality video formats (HD, SD).
3. Subscription Management: In-app subscriptions with payment gateway integration (e.g., Stripe, RevenueCat).
4. User Profiles: Personalized profiles for coaches and clients.
5. Push Notifications: Send updates about new content, updates, and upcoming sessions.
6. Search & Filters: Users can search courses by topics, instructors, and other criteria.
7. Ratings and Reviews: Users can rate and review courses to boost engagement.
There are more and we are happy to discuss it with you. Contact us and get started.
Yes. With LMS API integration, you can seamlessly migrate and sync your course content to the on-demand training app. This ensures smooth access and management of your training materials.
An online coaching app allows you to offer on-demand video content, create subscription models, and manage memberships seamlessly, enabling you to generate continuous revenue while engaging your audience.
Generally, a basic business coaching app costs start from $3000. This includes basic features like user registration, on-demand video streaming, and in-app purchases.
However, the development cost can go upto $20K or even more depending on several factors, including
1. The complexity of the features such as AI-driven recommendations and personalized dashboards.
2. The choice of platform: Cross-platform (iOS + Android) costs more than any single platform.
3. Extra services like post-launch maintenance, updates, and upgrades.
Let’s schedule a consultation and get started.
*Disclaimer
We would like to clarify that we have no affiliation, association, or endorsement with RevenueCat, ThimPress LearnPress LMS or its affiliated companies. Any references made to RevenueCat, ThimPress LearnPress LMS, their products, services, or trademarks are solely for informational purposes and do not imply any endorsement or partnership.
Ready to Get your On-Demand Coaching App?
The on-demand coaching app was successfully built and launched on the Apple store. Over the 3 months of its launch, the app has seen a 30% increase in user engagement and a 15% growth in subscription sign-ups, proving its potential to generate consistent revenue.
Whether you are an independent instructor or business coach, you can create your own on-demand training platform to expand your market and explore growth opportunities.
Ready to take your coaching services to the next level? Our mobile app development company handles everything from initial concept to post-launch support. Don’t settle when you can scale your coaching business.
Contact us for a custom quote and take your coaching business to new heights.
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