How to Get Your First Paying Coaching Clients (Even if You're Starting from Scratch)
Landing your first paying coaching clients can feel daunting, especially when you're just starting. At I Love Coaching Co., we've guided hundreds of new coaches through this exact process, and we're here to tell you—it's simpler than you think. Here's a straightforward, proven plan to get your first clients quickly using the REAL Coach Method™.
Not sure how to even start your coaching business? Begin with this foundational guide.
Step 1: Leverage Your Existing Network
Your first client is probably already in your world. Reach out to friends, family, colleagues, and connections. Let them know clearly:
What you do
Who you help
The transformation you offer
You’re not begging for business—you’re offering value. Position yourself as someone who solves a specific, painful problem.
🚀 Tactical Tip:
Start with a simple message: "Hey [Name], I’m launching my coaching business to help [who] achieve [outcome]. Do you know anyone who might benefit from this?" Keep it conversational and pressure-free.
Step 2: Get Active Where Your Clients Are
Where does your avatar spend time online? Whether it’s Instagram, Facebook groups, or LinkedIn—go there and engage. Don’t sell. Be human. Answer questions. Offer insights. Build trust.
💡 Example:
One coach we worked with found their first client by consistently engaging in a Facebook group related to their previous career. After offering insights on a few posts, someone reached out directly.
Visibility creates familiarity, and familiarity builds trust.
Step 3: Offer Complimentary Sessions (Strategically)
Don’t undervalue yourself, but offering a short, free discovery session can:
Build trust
Show your coaching style
Create immediate momentum
End each one with a clear call to action: invite them into a paid coaching relationship with clarity and confidence.
📝 Try This:
Offer a "Clarity Call" focused on helping them identify one specific challenge. Use it as a way to demonstrate your coaching skills without giving away everything for free.
Once you're ready to confidently charge for your services, this premium pricing guide will help you own your value.
Step 4: Tell Your Story. Authentically.
People don’t connect to pitch decks—they connect to people. Share how you overcame the same challenge your clients are facing. Why do you coach? What’s your story? What’s your transformation?
This is your Experiential edge in the REAL Coach Method™. You've walked it. Now you lead others through it.
🗣️ Storytelling Tip:
Talk about one pivotal moment that changed your perspective. Use that to explain why you’re passionate about coaching.
Step 5: Have Real Conversations That Convert
Forget sales scripts and slick tactics. Just start conversations. Be curious. Ask questions. Serve first.
Then confidently invite the right-fit people to work with you. Your Enroll step isn’t about convincing—it’s about clearly showing how you solve their problem.
💬 Practice:
Next time you’re in a casual conversation, listen for cues where coaching could help. Gently offer insights without being pushy, and see where it leads.
Want the full path to scaling to six figures after you land your first few clients? Here’s your blueprint.
Common Mistakes New Coaches Make
Waiting to feel "ready"
Undercharging out of fear
Building a website before building a client base
Thinking content alone will convert
Still worried you need a certification before doing this? You don’t. Read why here.
Final Thought
You don’t need a huge audience, a perfect funnel, or letters after your name. You need:
A clear offer
A willingness to start conversations
The confidence to charge for your value
Start small. Start messy. But start now.
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