Starting a coaching business sounds exciting, right?
And it should be—because coaching is booming right now. Whether it’s career guidance, wellness support, mindset shifts, or even dating advice, people are actively looking (and paying) for expert help to get from where they are to where they want to be.
The market is projected to grow to $7.30 billion by 2025 (Source: ICF, PwC, IPEC). So if you’re thinking about getting in, the timing’s solid.
But let’s be honest—if you’re just getting started, it can feel overwhelming.
Do you need a certification first? Should you build a website? What should you charge? And where do clients even come from?
These are basically the common concerns I’ve come across.
That’s why I put together a practical guide that walks you through the 10 basic steps on how to start a coaching business in 2025.
Let’s break it down—step by step.
TL;DR: How To Start A Coaching Business – 10 Basic Steps [2025]
If you’re serious about learning how to start a coaching business online in 2025, skip the guesswork. This guide walks you through a practical, 10-step process that covers everything—from choosing a niche to landing your first clients and scaling.
Here’s the full breakdown:
- Choose a profitable coaching niche
- Define your ideal client
- Set up your coaching business legally
- Design and price your coaching offer
- Create a simple coaching website or landing page
- Build your coaching brand
- Set up your coaching systems
- Get your first coaching clients
- Deliver results like a pro
- Scale your coaching business strategically
Plus, you’ll get real-world coaching business examples, a breakdown of common mistakes new coaches make, and a full list of tools to run your coaching business online.
This is your go-to guide if you’re looking for actionable coaching business ideas, a simple coaching business model, and a clear way to start—even if you’re starting from scratch.
Ready to map out your client journey?
WPFunnels helps you visually plan your entire coaching business funnel, while Mail Mint makes sure your email automation doesn’t miss a beat.
What Is a Coaching Business?
Before we get into the steps to starting with coaching business, let’s clear something up: a lot of people have the wrong idea about what a coaching business really is.
It’s not therapy. You’re not digging into someone’s past or diagnosing anything.
It’s not consulting either. You’re not doing the work for your clients or giving them step-by-step solutions.
And no—it’s not just about “motivating” people with pep talks.
A coaching business is exactly what it sounds like: you help people achieve a specific goal through
- structured support,
- clear guidance,
- and regular accountability.
You’re there to keep them focused, ask the right questions, and help them follow through.
Think of it like this: they already want to grow. They just need help staying on track and actually doing the work.
That’s your job.
You’ll find coaching in almost every area—career, business, wellness, mindset, relationships. But no matter the niche, the structure is the same: a clear offer, a focused process, and a specific outcome.
Once you’ve got that, building the business side becomes a lot easier.
Is Coaching the Right Path for You?
Now that the definition’s clear, it’s time to figure out if this is something worth pursuing based on where you’re at right now.
A certification isn’t a must at the beginning. What matters more is having real experience or results that others can learn from.
Here’s what makes someone well-suited to coaching:
- Strong listening skills- Instead of giving quick advice, you pay attention, ask smart questions, and let people get to the root of what they’re dealing with.
- Real experience with a clear outcome- Maybe you’ve gone through a major career change, grown a business, or worked through burnout—and now you’re in a place to help others do the same.
- Comfort with action- You’re not just here to talk things through. Taking people from ideas to results is how you like to work.
- Focus on real progress- The goal isn’t just to inspire—it’s to help someone follow through and actually make changes in their life or work.
- Willingness to hold people accountable- When needed, you’re able to be direct, challenge excuses, and keep people on track—without being harsh.
If most of that fits, you’ve already got what a lot of successful coaches start with. The next part is turning those strengths into a business that runs—and grows—on purpose.
10 Steps To Starting a Coaching Business For 2025
Once you’ve confirmed this path is the right fit, it’s time to get practical.
These next steps will walk you through how to build a real coaching business model—from picking a niche to signing your first clients.
Step 1 – Choose a Profitable Coaching Niche
This is where most new coaches get stuck—and stay stuck.
Without a clear niche, everything gets harder. Marketing feels vague, offers don’t land, and people don’t know if you’re the right coach for them. So, before thinking about your logo or website, get clear on one thing: who you’re helping and what problem you’re helping them solve.
A profitable niche isn’t just something you’re passionate about. It’s where three things meet: skills + credibility + demand
- Skills: What are you actually good at?
- Credibility: What life or work experience gives you authority in this area?
- Demand: Are people actively looking for help with this?
Pick something specific. “Life coaching” is too broad. But “career coaching for first-gen college grads” or “confidence coaching for new managers” gives people a reason to listen.
Once you’ve got that clarity, everything else from your messaging to your offers gets easier.
Examples of In-Demand Niches in 2025
- Burnout coaching for remote workers
- Dating coaching for single parents
- Mindset coaching for new entrepreneurs
- Leadership coaching for first-time team leads
- Confidence coaching for career changers
Step 2 – Define Your Ideal Client and Their Pain Points
With your niche in place, focus next on your ideal client.
You don’t need a fancy worksheet. Start with the basics: age range, job, background, lifestyle, and what they’re struggling with right now. Don’t overthink it—just write out a profile that feels like someone you’d want to coach.
This step matters more than people think. Your copy, pricing, packages, and even your content all depend on how well you understand your audience.
Once you’ve drafted a basic client profile, talk to real people who match it. Aim for 3 to 5 conversations. Listen to the exact words they use when describing their challenges. That language will help you write offers that actually connect—and sell.
Let’s say your niche is – career coaching for mid-level professionals who feel stuck in their current job.
Here’s a basic client profile:
- Age: 30–40
- Job: Manager or team lead in corporate (marketing, operations, or HR)
- Pain point: Feels undervalued and unsure how to move up or switch roles
- Lifestyle: Balancing work with family or personal obligations, not interested in hustle culture
- Big goal: Wants a role with more meaning, better pay, and growth—but doesn’t know how to get there
You reach out to 3–5 people who match that profile and ask them things like:
- What’s the biggest challenge in your career right now?
- What have you tried so far that didn’t work?
- What would a win look like in the next 6 months?
In those conversations, let’s say one of them says: “I feel like I’ve hit a ceiling, but I don’t even know what job I should be going for.”
Now you have a real quote you can use in your copy.
Instead of writing “I help clients discover new opportunities,” you write, “Feel like you’ve hit a ceiling in your career, but not even sure what job to aim for? I help you figure that out and map the next move with confidence.”
That’s how you move from vague to specific—and from ignored to booked.
Step 3 – Set Up Your Coaching Business Legally (Without Overthinking It)
Once your niche and audience are clear, it’s time to handle the legal basics, and this doesn’t need to be complicated. The goal is to set things up properly without getting stuck in admin work for weeks.
- Start by choosing a business structure. If you’re just getting started, a sole proprietorship (or sole trader, depending on where you live) is the easiest. It’s simple to register and doesn’t require much paperwork.
- As your business grows or if you plan to hire, you might want to switch to an LLC for better liability protection and separation between your personal and business finances.
- Next, get the minimum legal and financial tools in place. That includes a way to accept payments, a contract for clients, and any insurance you might need, depending on where you’re located.
You don’t need to hire a lawyer on day one. Just make sure the basics are covered so you’re not exposed to unnecessary risk.
Must-Have Legal Basics for Coaches
Here’s a quick checklist to get your legal setup sorted:
- Business name — Register something simple and clear
- EIN (US only) — Free and needed to open a business bank account
- Client agreement — Use a basic contract to outline what’s included and protect both sides
- Scheduling tool — Something like Calendly or TidyCal works well
- Payment processors — Stripe, PayPal, or direct bank transfers are easy to set up
Step 4 – Design and Price Your Coaching Package
With your business set up, now it’s time to create what you’re actually selling.
Start simple.
Offer one package that solves one clear problem. You don’t need a catalog of offers or fancy programs. If this is your first time selling coaching, begin with a 1:1 package that lasts around 6 to 8 weeks.
That gives clients enough time to make progress and gives you time to learn what works.
Build the structure around the outcome, not the number of sessions. Each session should move your client closer to their goal, not just fill a time slot.
Keep it clean: one offer, one result.
How to Price Your Coaching Offer With Confidence
- Don’t charge by the hour. That limits your growth and lowers the value of what you do. Instead, price based on the result you help someone get.
- If you’re just starting out, a range of $500 to $1,500 for a 6–8 week 1:1 coaching package is realistic. If you’ve got specialized experience or strong social proof, you can go higher.
- Avoid undercharging just to make it easier to sell. That only makes it harder to grow later.
Start with a price you’re comfortable saying out loud and raise it once you’ve worked with a few clients.
Step 5 – Create a Simple Coaching Website or Landing Page
Once your offer is ready, the next step is giving people a place to learn about it and sign up.
You don’t need a full website on day one. A single landing page is enough to start. Just make sure it clearly explains what you do, who it’s for, and how someone can get in touch or book a call.
Keep it focused-
- One clear headline,
- a short about section,
- a breakdown of your offer,
- and a call-to-action.
That’s it.
For instance, you’re a career coach helping women return to work after a career break, your page could say:
“Helping women restart their careers with confidence. Book a free 20-minute clarity call and take the first step back into the workforce.”
Under that, add a short paragraph about who you are, what problem you solve, and how your coaching process works. Keep the call-to-action clear—“Book a free call” or “Apply now” is enough.
You can build this on WordPress, or even a simple funnel page using WPFunnels and Mail Mint if you want to connect a follow-up email right away.
Step 6 – Build Your Coaching Brand
With your landing page ready, now it’s time to shape how your business shows up.
Branding isn’t about logos or color palettes. Those things help, but they don’t build trust on their own.
What matters first is-
- how you sound,
- how clear your message is,
- and how consistent you are across your content, page, and messaging.
Start by picking a brand voice that fits how you naturally speak. Keep it simple. If you’re casual, be casual. If you’re more direct, keep the tone sharp and minimal.
What matters is consistency, across your emails, social posts, and website copy.
Example: If you’re a mindset coach for burned-out founders, a casual tone works well—because your clients are tired of corporate jargon. But if you’re a leadership coach for mid-level managers inside finance or law, a clean, confident tone with a bit more structure will sound more credible.
Next, choose a business name that makes sense for your niche. Skip clever names that try too hard to be different. No one’s going to search for “ElevateYOU” or “ThriveCo.” Those don’t say anything specific. Go with something that’s easy to understand and shows who you help.
Better examples:
- “Back to Work Coaching”
- “Sales Coaching for Consultants”
- “The Confident Speaker” (for communication coaching)
The simpler your name and message, the easier it is for people to say, “Yeah, that’s what I need.”
Step 7 – Set Up Your Coaching Systems
Once your brand and landing page are ready, the next step is building the basic systems to run your coaching business smoothly.
You don’t need expensive software or complicated setups. Just pick tools that let you schedule sessions, collect payments, run video calls, and keep your files organized.
Here’s a simple setup that works:
- Scheduling: Use Calendly or TidyCal to let clients book time with you
- Video calls: Use Zoom or Google Meet—both work fine
- Payments: Stripe, PayPal, or direct bank transfers
- File sharing & session notes: Google Drive is more than enough for storing documents or coaching materials
- CRM or client tracking: If you want to keep it simple, start with a spreadsheet. Upgrade later with Mail Mint or FluentCRM if you need automation
One thing that makes a big difference is your onboarding process.
After someone signs up, send a welcome email with your calendar link, session expectations, and any prep work. This keeps everything organized from day one and helps clients take you seriously.
Step 8 – Get Your First Coaching Clients (Even If You’re Brand-New)
Now it’s time to focus on getting real clients.
Most people overthink this part. They try to post everywhere, run ads, or spend hours building funnels before talking to a single person.
None of that is necessary when you’re just starting out.
Pick one channel like referrals, networking, or LinkedIn and stick with it. That’s enough to land your first few clients and get the word out.
One simple strategy that works well early on is offering a “taster session.”
This is a short, free call where someone experiences what it’s like to work with you. It’s not a sales pitch. It’s just a low-pressure way to help them solve one small problem and build trust.
You’re not trying to scale yet. You’re just proving your offer, collecting feedback, and building your confidence.
Bonus: Get Clients in Just 15 Minutes a Day
If you’re short on time, here’s a basic routine that works:
- Send 1 outreach message — Someone you know who fits your niche or could refer someone
- Post 1 piece of value content — A short tip, story, or insight related to your niche
- Follow up with 1 past lead or connection — Keep it casual and helpful
Doing this daily is enough to stay visible, build relationships, and slowly build momentum even if you’re starting from scratch.
Step 9 – Deliver Results Like a Pro (Even If You’re Not Certified)
Once you start getting clients in your coaching business, the focus shifts to delivery. You don’t need a certification to coach well, but you do need to be consistent and results-focused.
Good coaching is structured. That starts with a simple framework: onboarding, sessions, and follow-up.
- Onboarding: Send a short welcome email with session details, a short intake form, and expectations
- Sessions: Stick to one goal per session. Listen more than you talk. Keep the client focused on action
- Follow-up: After each session, share a quick recap and next steps. Use the same format each time so it feels organized
What separates solid coaches from average ones is accountability.
When someone says they’ll do something, your job is to make sure they follow through. That doesn’t require a certificate. It just requires that you stay present, pay attention, and stay consistent.
Step 10 – Scale Your Coaching Business Strategically
If your first few clients got real results, and you’re starting to get referrals or repeat work, then it’s time to think about growth.
Start by raising your prices. If your package is delivering clear outcomes, people will pay more for it and that’s how you stop trading time for money.
Once 1:1 coaching feels booked out, add scalable options:
- A group coaching program
- A digital product or workshop
- A membership or email-based course
Don’t rush automation. It only makes sense once your offer is working. But when you get to that point, bring in tools that save you time like Mail Mint for email workflows or WPFunnels to automate lead capture and upsells.
And if daily admin starts to slow you down, hire a VA for basic tasks like scheduling, replies, or client onboarding.
That way, you can focus more on coaching and less on everything else.
What Are The Mistakes New Coaches Make (And How to Avoid Them)
As you start getting traction, it’s easy to slip into habits that slow you down. These mistakes are common in the coaching business but are avoidable.
Here’s how to spot them early and stay focused on what actually works.
❌“I need a website first.”
A full website isn’t a requirement to start. If your offer is clear and your message connects, a single landing page is more than enough.
✅ Focus on getting clients—not designing pages.
❌“I’ll just start cheap and raise my rates later.”
Starting low feels safer, but it usually backfires. Low pricing attracts clients who don’t value your work and leaves you burned out.
✅ Set a price that reflects the outcome you deliver. You can raise it later based on results—not confidence.
❌“I have to be on every platform.”
Trying to show up everywhere usually leads to burnout—and weak content.
✅ Pick one channel where your target clients already spend time. Stick with it until it works, then expand if you want to.
❌“I need to get certified before I can charge money.”
You don’t need a certificate to help someone get results. If you’ve already solved the problem they’re struggling with, you can coach.
✅ Focus on results. Clients care more about outcomes than credentials.
Real Coaching Business Examples That Started From Scratch
You’ve seen the steps. Now here’s how some real coaches used them to build their businesses—starting with no audience, no certifications, and no fancy tools.
These are simple examples of how starting small and staying consistent actually works.
i. Ruby Le – Dating Coach
Started posting relationship tips on Instagram. Offered free mini sessions through DMs. Once her calendar filled up, she launched a course based on the same process.
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ii. Sanae Floyd – Sales Coach
Sanae Floyd hosted free online workshops inside Facebook groups. Used those sessions to build trust and then pitched a high-ticket coaching offer to the most engaged attendees.
Each one followed the same pattern you just read—clear niche, simple offer, one channel, and consistent outreach.
You don’t need to copy what they did. But take the reminder: getting started doesn’t require perfection. It just takes action, clarity, and focus.
It’s Time to Start Your Coaching Business Model
You’ve seen what works. You’ve seen how others did it with a clear offer, one marketing channel, and steady action.
Now it’s your turn.
You don’t need a website, a certificate, or a huge audience to begin. What matters is that you’ve got a skill that solves a real problem and you’re ready to help.
Use the steps above. Pick one niche. Talk to a few people. Create one offer. Then show up consistently and focus on delivering results.
That’s how real coaching businesses start and grow.
The longer you wait, the harder it gets. Take the first step now and build from there.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you start a coaching business with no experience?
Yes. You don’t need years of experience. What matters is having solved the problem yourself or helping others get results.
2. Do you need a certification to become a coach?
No. Certifications aren’t required to start. Focus on delivering results and building trust with your clients instead.
3. How much does it cost to start a coaching business?
You can start with very little—often under $500. Basic tools like scheduling, payment processing, and a landing page keep costs low.
4. Is coaching profitable in 2025?
Yes. The coaching market is growing fast, and many coaches earn a full-time income or more when they focus on a clear niche and offer.
5. What are the 7 P’s of coaching?
The 7 P’s of coaching help you build a solid coaching business plan. They are:
- Purpose – Why you coach
- People – Who you coach (your niche)
- Promise – The transformation your coaching offer delivers
- Process – Your coaching framework or method
- Promotion – Your marketing strategy
- Platform – The tools or systems you use
- Profit – Your pricing model and revenue plan
