Why Video Feedback Is Transforming Online Coaching

Online coaching has moved well beyond sending spreadsheets and text updates. Today, technology enables coaches to create richer experiences for their clients while also streamlining daily operations. Few examples highlight this shift better than the approach of Anthony Diehl, founder of Move with Modus, former America’s Strongest Man, competitive bodybuilder, and now an endurance athlete preparing for a marathon.

Anthony’s adoption of video feedback in his coaching business has transformed both his workflow and his relationships with clients. His journey illustrates how the right communication tools can improve efficiency, build trust, and unlock new opportunities for business growth.

From Reluctance to Adoption

Anthony did not immediately embrace video feedback. At first, he relied heavily on text messages, partly out of habit and partly because he considered himself less inclined toward technology. Writing seemed faster and easier.

But as his client roster expanded—from under 100 to over 250—he began to notice the limitations of text-based coaching. Tone, empathy, and nuance were often lost, especially during challenging conversations. Providing encouragement or constructive feedback in writing required time-consuming explanations, yet still risked being misinterpreted.

Video solved those problems almost immediately. Instead of carefully composing long messages, Anthony could record a short clip that communicated his point clearly while also showing genuine empathy. The result was communication that was not only more efficient but also far more effective.

Why Video Outperforms Text

The benefits of video feedback extend to both sides of the coaching relationship. Clients receive a more personal experience. They hear a familiar voice and see facial expressions that convey care and understanding. Many report feeling like they are in conversation rather than receiving one-way instructions.

For the coach, the efficiency gains are significant. A message that might take ten minutes to write can be delivered in under a minute on video. This allows Anthony to maintain high-quality communication across a large client base without burning out.

He organizes his workflow around this approach, setting aside focused blocks of time in the morning and evening for recording video responses. Quick updates or on-the-go questions are handled with short audio notes, while most check-ins (particularly around nutrition and training) are conducted through video.

Developing the Skill

Using video effectively requires practice. In the early stages, Anthony reserved video responses for particularly sensitive situations. Over time, he made them a standard part of nearly all client communication.

One key lesson he learned was to keep the videos concise. Many newer coaches mistakenly record long, lecture-style videos in an attempt to provide more value, but clients rarely need that level of detail. A two- to three-minute response typically delivers the clarity and support that clients expect, while also respecting their time. This balance keeps the relationship dynamic and consistent without overwhelming either party. The communication feels like a natural dialogue rather than an occasional deep-dive session.

Expanding Beyond One-on-One Coaching

The use of video feedback has also opened the door for Anthony to expand his services in innovative ways. Move with Modus is now partnering with gyms, doctors, and even churches to provide tailored coaching solutions.

For gyms, Modus manages online coaching programs that the gyms themselves cannot or do not want to build. For direct primary care physicians, Modus offers a system to provide accountability and lifestyle support for patients, complementing the physician’s clinical expertise.

A unique initiative called Lead Strong is being developed to support pastors and missionaries, a population often overlooked in discussions of health. These individuals frequently face high stress, long work hours, and limited resources for wellness. Group coaching tailored to their needs offers a way to improve their health and resilience.

Mentoring Coaches to Do the Same

Beyond client coaching, Anthony has also built a mentorship program for coaches. It is intentionally designed to avoid the common pitfalls of get-rich-quick business coaching. Instead, it focuses on helping established coaches improve their systems and problem-solving skills.

A central idea in this mentorship is that coaches should not simply push a single product, like one-on-one coaching or generic training plans. Instead, they must identify the unique problems faced by their audience and design solutions that truly address those needs. This shift from being product-centric to problem-focused is what prevents coaching businesses from becoming commodities.

Coaching, Redefined

Anthony’s journey mirrors a broader shift in the industry. Online coaching is no longer the secondary option compared to in-person training. With tools like video feedback, it can often deliver more consistent communication, deeper relationships, and better outcomes for clients.

By interacting with most of his clients daily, Anthony has found that remote coaching actually strengthens the bond between coach and client. The efficiency of video ensures sustainability, while the personal nature of the interaction ensures trust and connection.

For coaches hesitant to make the switch, remember that coaching is fundamentally about communication, not just programming. Video feedback offers a way to improve the human element of a remote coaching relationship, while also being more efficient for the coach’s workflow.

This material was recently covered in the Business of Coaching Workshop, a series designed to help coaches grow their businesses by mastering key principles like trust, pricing, and delivering value. Each session dives into actionable strategies to build better client relationships and drive success. Want to take your coaching practice to the next level? Join us for the next workshop—it’s free.