From hustle to growth: How GBG Hoops built a thriving digital business

What do Anthony Davis, Jrue Holiday, and thousands of aspiring athletes have in common? They’ve all benefited from the expertise of Coach Mike G.

When I sat down with Mike and Hadaya in Houston, their story reminded me of the power of resilience and smart strategy in today’s competitive world.

Before founding this innovative platform, Mike worked as a performance coach for the New Orleans Pelicans, training notable players like Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday. Mike even helped Jrue secure a $100 million contract, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier trainer. Soon, other NBA players, including Fred VanVleet and Spencer Dinwiddie, sought him out during the off-season to elevate their game.

Mike started sharing fitness videos on Instagram, offering a glimpse into his training methods and inspiring athletes worldwide. His authentic and educational content quickly gained traction within the basketball community, setting him apart in a crowded digital space.

His following grew exponentially, and now he can’t walk through an airport without being recognized. But like many in the sports industry, Mike’s career took a hit when COVID-19 shut down the NBA. Out of work and faced with uncertainty, he and his wife Hadaya decided to turn adversity into opportunity.

Combining Mike’s expertise in performance coaching with Hadaya’s skills in design and production, they launched GBG Hoops, a tech-driven basketball training platform that’s inspiring athletes worldwide.

The challenge: Breaking through the noise

“We thought Instagram and TikTok would be enough,” Hadaya shared. “But without a way to directly connect with our audience and nurture those relationships, we felt stuck.”

GBG Hoops faced common challenges:

• Turning social media followers into loyal subscribers.
• Creating personalized communication at scale.
• Automating workflows to save time.
• Gaining actionable insights to refine their strategy.

These challenges resonate with any entrepreneur who’s felt the frustration of turning online visibility into meaningful engagement and tangible results. GBG Hoops needed a solution that could help them scale and sustain their growth.

Related: Creators, take back control: Why you shouldn’t rely on social platforms for your income

The solution: How GetResponse helped GBG Hoops scale

GetResponse became the game-changer GBG Hoops needed, offering them tools like lead magnets, automated email series, and analytics to transform their engagement strategy and drive real results.

Here’s how:

1. Lead magnets to capture interest

GBG Hoops created a free workout lead magnet, shared via Instagram Stories and their website. This simple offer helped them grow their email list with engaged leads.

2. Automated welcome series

New subscribers were welcomed with a series of value-packed emails, including free workouts, inspirational stories, and insights into the GBG Hoops platform. This wasn’t just marketing—it was relationship-building.

3. Consistent communication with weekly newsletters

Every Friday, GBG Hoops shared updates, new training content, and collaborations. This consistent touchpoint kept their community engaged and excited.

4. Data-driven decision making

GetResponse’s analytics showed GBG Hoops what worked and what didn’t. Open rates, click-throughs, and conversions provided the insights they needed to optimize campaigns.

“Everything led to GetResponse,” Hadaya said. “It’s budget-friendly, has 24/7 support, and gives us the tools to scale without overwhelming us.”

The results: Turning fans into loyal customers

“GetResponse allowed us to turn followers into subscribers and subscribers into paying customers,” Mike shared. “It’s like we created a VIP room for our biggest fans.”

Here’s what happened:

• Their email list grew steadily as they launched targeted campaigns.
• Engagement rates increased as their audience received personalized, value-driven content.
• Subscriptions to their app surged, driving noticeable revenue growth.

GetResponse didn’t just help them scale—it helped them build systems.

“Systems are the key to success in any field,” Mike said. “GetResponse gives us the structure we need to focus on what matters: our athletes.”

Lessons for every entrepreneur

What can every entrepreneur take away from GBG Hoops journey?

Three lessons stand out, rooted in their experience and success:

1. Own your audience: Social media is great, but it’s rented land. Building your email list is how you create lasting relationships.
2. Focus on value: People don’t want to be sold to—they want to be inspired. Give first, and the sales will follow.
3. Leverage data: Don’t guess what works. Use analytics to refine your strategy and drive results.

What’s next for GBG Hoops

The future is bright for GBG Hoops. Mike and Hadaya are doubling down on their content strategy and envision partnerships with major organizations like the NBA. “We’re not just building a business,” Hadaya said. “We’re building a roadmap for athletes to achieve their dreams.”

With GetResponse as their trusted partner, they’re ready to scale their impact and inspire more athletes worldwide.

Ready to scale your business?

GBG Hoops story proves that with passion, persistence, and the right tools, anything is possible. If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, GetResponse has everything you need to build your audience, automate your marketing, and drive results.

Click here to start your free trial today and discover how GetResponse can help you transform your audience into a thriving community.