You feel called to coach. turning it into a real business can feel overwhelming.
Here’s the truth: you don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to start.
And there’s never been a better time. Here’s why:
Coaching isn’t just growing, it’s booming. In 2022 alone, coach practitioners generated over $4.6 billion in revenue, a 60% increase since 2019.¹ That means more people than ever are investing in growth, transformation, and guidance.
So yes: people need your services. And whether you’re building from scratch or ready to scale your coaching business online, this guide is here to help. Let’s get started.
Step 1: Define Your Niche
The answer to “How to start a coaching business” starts here. Clarity on who you serve is the foundation for everything else.
And I’m not talking about a perfectly polished niche statement. I’m talking about this:
- Who are the people you feel called to help?
- What’s the struggle you understand, because you’ve lived it or walked close to it?
- How can your voice, experience, and heart make a difference for them?
And let me tell you something: Your niche is probably people like you five years ago.
Maybe you’re drawn to life coaching because you’ve navigated burnout and found balance. Or you’ve rebuilt your relationship with money, and now you want to help others do the same through financial coaching.
No matter what type of coaching business you’re starting — life coaching, fitness coaching, or business coaching — getting clear on your niche is step one.
And here’s the truth: You don’t have to get it perfect. It’s ok to change niches over time (it happens a lot; I’ve seen it countless times).
Start with what excites you. Follow what pulls you forward. The more action you take, the more clarity you’ll gain.
👉 Need help defining your niche or want to go deeper with practical exercises? Download my free guide: Finding Your Coaching Niche.
Inside, you’ll find:
✅ Proven frameworks to identify who you’re meant to help
✅ Guidance to craft your unique coaching approach
✅ Hands-on worksheets to turn your ideas into clarity
Download it now and get started today!
Step 2: Build a Coaching Experience That Creates Real Change
This is the heartbeat of your business. It’s where passion turns into transformation.
Your coaching program is how you change lives. Let’s break it down into three simple pieces:
1. Lay the Foundation
You’re building something that’s going to last. So yes, the behind-the-scenes setup matters. Think of it as protecting your future self from headaches and burnout.
Here’s what to handle early:
- Register your business (LLC or sole proprietorship, pick what fits you)
- Check licensing requirements in your area
- Get your finances organized with a basic accounting system
It’s not glamorous, but skipping this step is how people get stuck later. You’re building something real. Treat it that way from day one.
2. Set Up Systems That Support You
Running a coaching business doesn’t have to feel chaotic. Start with simple tools that help you stay focused on what matters most: your clients.
Tools to explore:
- Client management: Calendly, Trello, HoneyBook
- Payments: Stripe, PayPal, Venmo. Pick one and keep it simple. You can upgrade as you grow. Right now, you just need something that works.
3. Craft Your Coaching Program
A journey that takes your client from stuck to thriving.
Think in stages:
- Start with a clear offer. Is this a 1:1 program? Group? A hybrid? Choose the format that feels exciting and sustainable for you.
- Break it down. How many sessions? Weekly or bi-weekly? How long is the container — 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months?
- Map the path. What are the specific results your clients will walk away with? Where are they at the start, and who are they becoming by the end?
Here’s a simple structure to start with:
- Assessment – Where are they right now? What’s keeping them stuck?
- Goal Setting – What does success look like for them? Get clear on their desired outcome.
- Action Steps – Break down those goals into practical, doable steps.
- Feedback Loops – Create space for reflection, coaching, and adjusting.
Let’s say you’re a money mindset coach. You decide to run a 6-week 1:1 program for new entrepreneurs who feel stuck financially.
Week 1: Clarity + Money Story Audit
You help them identify the beliefs holding them back (maybe ones they didn’t even know existed).
Week 2: Define Financial Goals
You guide them to set real, meaningful goals — not just “make more money,” but specific outcomes tied to freedom, choice, and impact.
Week 3: Build a Sustainable Budget + Income Plan
You work together to organize their finances, restructure offers, and make sure their numbers support the life they want.
Week 4–6: Habits, Mindset Work, Accountability
Now you’re building momentum. You help them shift daily behaviors, hold them accountable, and build habits that stick, while holding space for mindset blocks that come up along the way.
By the end, they’re not just more “organized.” They’re empowered. They believe in what they offer. They know how to manage their money and make aligned decisions. That’s the kind of shift people will pay for — and thank you.
The best programs don’t promise the moon. They offer a clear, powerful transformation — and they deliver. Start simple, keep it real, and build from there.
💡 Struggling to take action on your coaching business? You’re not alone. The difference between people who grow and those who stay stuck often comes from mindset.
🎧 Listen now: Why Some People Take Action and Others Stay Stuck Forever
This episode will help you shift your perspective to finally move forward with clarity.
Step 3: Get Seen. Share Value. Build Real Connections.
You could be the best coach in the world, but if no one knows what you do, you can’t help anyone. That’s why marketing for your coaching business is essential, not optional.
And the good news? You don’t need a website. You don’t need ads. You just need to be visible and helpful.
Start With Social Media
Pick one platform. That’s it.
Instagram is a great place to begin. It’s where your people are, and it’s built for connection.
But don’t overlook Facebook either (no, it’s not dead). I gained over 200,000 new followers there in one month.
And guess what? Most of them are people who are committed to their personal and professional growth.
So if you’ve been overthinking your content or avoiding social media altogether, let’s shift that today.
Start simple. Start by sharing what you know:
- Lessons from your growth journey
- Insights that helped you shift your mindset
- Tips to help someone take the next step
- Wins from your clients — or even your own breakthroughs
And let me tell you a quick story:
Inside our Business Breakthrough Family, Stephanie, one of our incredible coaches, reconnected with a high school friend she hadn’t spoken to in over 30 years.
That old friend had been following her on Instagram, watching her post real, imperfect, honest content.
One day, she asked, “So… what is this coaching thing you do?”
They jumped on a call. Stephanie shared her offer. She braced for objections… but her friend just said: “Okay!”
That was it. A clear yes.
✅ Because real content builds real trust.
✅ Because connection always beats perfection.
✅ Because showing up imperfectly is still better than not showing up at all.
So if you’re still holding back from posting because it’s not perfect, don’t. People follow people, not brands. Not polished profiles. You.
Create Content That Helps People Shift
You don’t need to go viral. You just need to be valuable.
Try different formats:
- A short story that shares a mindset shift
- A tip that helped you break through a fear
- A quote that moved you, with a voice note talking about why
- A 2-minute reel explaining a concept people overcomplicate
You’re not here to impress people. You’re here to help them grow. That’s what builds trust, and that’s what leads people to say yes to coaching.
💡Need help with content? I’ve got you.
Grab my FREE ChatGPT Training and learn how to:
✔️ Spark endless content ideas
✔️ Write faster, better posts
✔️ Show up with confidence (and consistency)
👉 Tap here to download it now and start creating content that connects.
Whether you’re just starting your coaching business or looking to grow it online, this tool will help you show up and connect with the right audience.
Build Relationships, Not Just a Following
The fastest way to grow? Care.
- Jump into DMs and check in.
- Ask questions and follow up with thoughtful responses to keep the conversation going.
- Comment on other people’s posts.
- Join communities and show up with generosity.
You never know who’s watching, and one conversation can change everything, like it was for Stephanie.
You don’t need to do all the things. Just start where you are, with what you have. Show up consistently. Be valuable. Be you.
That’s how you attract the right people, without spending a dollar on ads.
Step 4: How to Sell Your Coaching Services Without Feeling Salesy
So… someone found you on social media, they love your content, and they’re reaching out. Now what?
This is where coaches freeze. Because let’s be honest: selling can feel uncomfortable.
But here’s what I want you to remember: Selling isn’t about pressure. It’s about service. It’s a conversation that helps someone say yes to a better version of their life.
And the more straightforward and honest you keep it, the better.
Here’s a process you can start using right away:
1. Offer Enrollment Calls
Invite people to book a free 1:1 call with you. Keep it casual. If you’re chatting in the DMs and someone shares a challenge you can help with, say: “Hey, this might be something we can work through together. Want to jump on a quick call and talk it through?”
That’s it. That’s the ask.
2. Qualify Gently
Not everyone is your person, and that’s okay. Use the call to ask powerful questions and really listen to their goals, blocks, and readiness.
You’re not trying to convince anyone. You’re trying to understand:
- Is this person ready?
- Do they want the kind of support I offer?
3. Share Your Offer (with clarity and heart)
When it’s time to talk about your coaching program, keep it simple. “Based on what you shared, I think this could help you. Here’s what it looks like, and how we’d work together.”
Focus on outcomes. What will their life look like on the other side of this work?
4. Handle Doubts with Empathy
If someone hesitates, it’s not rejection. It’s just fear. And that’s normal. “I totally get it. This is a big step. What’s holding you back?”
Walk through the doubts with them. You’re a coach, this is what you do.
5. Make It Easy to Say Yes
If they’re ready? Awesome. Have a clear, low-friction way to get started. That could be:
- A direct sign-up link
- A follow-up email with next steps
- Booking the first session right then
You don’t need a fancy funnel. You need a connection. Confidence. And a system you can repeat.
And the more enrollment calls you do, the easier it gets.
😬 Keep procrastinating instead of putting yourself out there? It’s not time or fear holding you back. It’s your ego. Let’s change that.
🎧 Listen now: How to Stop Procrastinating and Finally Take Action
Step 5: Keep Growing (Because You’re Just Getting Started)
Everything we’ve covered so far? It’s just the beginning.
You’re not just building a business. You’re becoming someone new in the process, someone who takes action, shows up, and doesn’t back down when it gets uncomfortable.
Starting a coaching business is one of the most powerful ways to turn personal growth into impact — and yes, it can be deeply profitable too.
But yeah… there’s a lot to learn. So, remember: Every call you take, every post you write, every lesson you pick up along the way, it’s all shaping you into the coach (and the person) you’re meant to be.
You’re here because you want more. More impact. More purpose. More growth.
And this journey? It’s how you get there.
So stay open. Stay curious. And most of all, keep going.
Bonus: If you’ve read this far, I’ve got something for you. Let’s build your game plan.
You’ve done the hard part: you started. You’ve defined your niche, created your offer, and you’re showing up to serve.
Now it’s time to grow with confidence and clarity. And you don’t have to do it alone.
I have a few spots on my team’s calendar for free 1:1 Strategy Sessions. No cost, no pressure, just real support from someone who’s helped thousands of coaches build a business that works.
In this call, we’ll help you:
- Get crystal clear on your niche and your offer
- Build a game plan to attract high-paying clients
- Turn your passion into a business with real purpose
If you’re wondering what type of coaching makes the most money, the answer depends on alignment, positioning, and strategy — all things we cover in these strategy calls.
Whether you’re just starting or refining your approach, this session will give you the clarity, strategy, and next steps to scale faster.
👉 Book your free 1:1 Strategy Session now
You’ve just learned how to start a coaching business step by step. Now it’s time to implement and take action.
See you there!
¹ https://coachingfederation.org/research/global-coaching-study
FAQs About Starting a Coaching Business
How do I start my own coaching business?
Start with what you already have: your story, your voice, and your desire to help people grow. You don’t need to wait for permission or a perfect plan. Get clear on who you’re here to serve, create an offer that solves a real problem, and begin sharing value online.
Is a coaching business profitable?
It absolutely can be, when it’s built with intention. The truth is, people pay for transformation. If your work helps them grow, change, or overcome something meaningful, they’ll invest. I’ve seen coaches go from zero clients to fully booked just by getting clear on their offer and showing up consistently.
How do I start a coaching business with no experience?
You don’t need a certification to care about people. Most great coaches started by helping others through something they’ve personally lived. If you’re a few steps ahead, that’s enough to begin. The key is to start small, stay honest, and grow as you go.
What type of coaching makes the most money?
The kind that solves a real problem for someone ready to invest in change. Sure, niches like business and executive coaching tend to pay more, but that’s not the whole story. Coaches who own their value, speak to the right people, and deliver real results? They thrive, regardless of the niche.
What are the 3 C’s of coaching?
Here’s my take:
- Clarity — on what your client wants
- Confidence — to believe they can create it
- Commitment — to take action, even when it’s hard. If you can help someone shift in those three areas, you’re not just coaching. You’re changing lives.
