You’ve launched your coaching business. Your offer is solid, your coaching practice is set up, your calendar’s open, and you’re so ready to start helping people.

But there’s just one problem…

Where are the new clients?

According to Grand View Research, the life coaching industry in the US alone was valued at $1.5 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a 4.85% annual rate from 2023 to 2030. So the amount of potential life coaching clients is insanely high.

Source

If you’re refreshing your inbox every 10 minutes or wondering if you should lower your prices (again), you’re not alone. Every coach—yes, every one—has been through this phase of learning how to get their first paying coaching clients, like, yesterday.

The good news? Getting coaching clients fast is possible.

You don’t need a huge audience, a complicated funnel, or a perfectly polished website to start signing clients.

What you do need is a simple, strategic plan. And that’s exactly what you’re going to get in this post: a blueprint to actually start selling your coaching skills.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through 11 clear steps that help you identify your ideal coaching clients on your coaching journey, even if you’re just starting out. Plus, give you real-world examples you can copy, tweak, and make your own.

How to Get Coaching Clients in 11 Unique Steps

Step 1: Clarify Your Niche & Messaging

Let’s start with the foundation: who you help and how you help them.

If this part isn’t crystal clear, everything else—your posts, your offers, your discovery calls—gets muddy for potential coaching clients.

And muddy doesn’t convert them into paying clients.

Here’s the truth: If people don’t immediately understand what you do and who it’s for, they’ll scroll right past you.

Not because you’re not valuable. But because in the online world, clarity = currency.

✅ Your coaching niche isn’t just a label—it’s your calling card.

Saying “I’m a life coach” or “I help people transform” is… nice. But it won’t stop someone in their tracks or make them say, “Omg—I need this.”

Instead, you want to define clearly:

• Who you help

• What specific problem are they struggling with

• What result can they expect if they work with you

Try using this simple sentence structure to get started:

“I help [type of person] who are struggling with [pain point] to [specific transformation or result].”

💡Here’s an example:

❌ “I’m a mindset coach.”

✅ “I help new coaches who feel stuck in imposter syndrome build unshakeable confidence and sign their first coaching clients.”

See the difference? The second one speaks directly to someone’s heart and tells them what they’ll actually get.

But…is it really better to niche down?

Lots of coaches (especially heart-led ones) don’t want to box themselves in. But remember: you’re not locking yourself into a niche forever. You’re just picking a clear doorway so people can walk in and get to know you.

Once they’re in your world, they’ll find out you can help with all kinds of things. But first, they need a reason to stop scrolling and listen to your marketing strategies.

Your messaging matters just as much as your niche. Successful coaches know this.

You can have the perfect niche, but if your words aren’t connecting, you won’t attract coaching clients because they won’t feel seen.

If you want coaching leads, avoid vague, feel-good language. Say it straight. Use the actual words your clients are using in their heads:

• “I feel stuck.”

• “I procrastinate all the time.”

• “I want to make money doing something I love.”

Use those words—not “unlock your limitless potential” (unless your target audience literally talks like that).

Step 2: Optimize Your Offer for Fast Conversion

You’ve got people interested. They’re lurking on your profile, maybe even clicking your links.

Now what?

You need an offer that makes them say, “I need this. Now.”

And not just because it’s helpful, but because it feels urgent, clear, and worth it.

Remember: People don’t buy coaching. They buy results.

One of the biggest reasons potential clients don’t convert? Your offer sounds more like a coaching process than a coaching promise.

Here’s what I mean:

❌ “6 weeks of mindset coaching with Voxer access and weekly Zoom calls.”

✅ “In 6 weeks, we’ll turn your self-doubt into confidence and help you sign your first client—without second-guessing yourself every step of the way.”

Same offer. Completely different energy.

The second version tells them what their life will look like after working with you. That’s what sells.

Your offer needs three things to convert fast:

1. A clear, juicy outcome. What will your client walk away with? What’s the “after” picture?

2. A timeline or container. People need to know what they’re committing to. (4 weeks? 3 months? A VIP day?)

3. An easy next step. Whether it’s a “Book a free call” button or a simple DM, make the path forward stupid simple.

For example, a wellness coach’s offer might sound something like this:

“Ready to stop feeling tired all the time? In 12 weeks, we’ll build you a sustainable routine that boosts your energy, clears brain fog, and gets your spark back—without cutting out coffee or carbs.”

Now, go look at your offer. Is it focused on features (calls, worksheets, modules) or outcomes (results, transformation, relief)?

Tweak your copy to highlight the results someone will actually feel. Then add a clear CTA and test it out.

Step 3: Build a Magnetic Online Presence

Let’s be real: when someone hears about you, whether it’s through a friend, a comment, or a piece of content, the first thing they do is look you up.

Instagram. LinkedIn. Your website (if you have one). They’re scoping you out to answer one simple question:

“Can this person actually help me?”

If your online presence isn’t clear, warm, and confidence-inducing, you might lose potential clients before they ever reach out.

But don’t worry—you don’t need to be everywhere or post five times a day. You just need to show up in a way that’s magnetic.

What makes an online presence magnetic?

It’s not about fancy branding. It’s about trust, clarity, and connection. Here’s what that looks like:

1. Your bio clearly says what you do and who it’s for. For example: “Helping creatives ditch burnout + finally hit 5K months 💸 | DM ‘READY’ to work together”

2. Your content speaks to your ideal client’s current struggles and desires. If you coach overwhelmed moms, talk about what it feels like to juggle 10 things at once. And offer small solutions that bring relief.

3. Your vibe is real. Show your face. Use your voice. Let people get a feel for you. That’s what builds trust fast.

Tips for maintaining a magnetic social media presence

You don’t need a massive following or hundreds of social media posts to book clients. But you do need a profile that passes the “3-second test.”

That means if someone lands on your Instagram or LinkedIn, they should be able to figure out:

• Who you help

• What you help them with

• How they can take the next step

Here’s what to post on your social media channels to make that happen, fast.

Instagram:

• Bio: Use short, punchy language. Think outcomes, not job titles. Example: “Helping new coaches book their first 3 clients 💬 DM me ‘START’ to work together”

• Link in bio: Make it simple. Link to your booking page or a lead magnet—not a link tree with 12 options. Confused people don’t click.

• These 3 pinned posts:

  • A “Who I Help + How” post. Share your story, who you work with, and what makes your offer special.

  • A testimonial or client win. Social proof builds trust—fast.

  • A CTA post. Invite people to DM you, download your freebie, or book a call.

LinkedIn:

• Headline: Make it specific and benefit-driven. For example: “Career Coach for Women in Tech | Helping You Land Your Dream Job Without Burning Out”

• About section: Tell a short, human story. Hook them with a relatable problem (“I used to dread Mondays too.”) Show them what you help with and who you serve. End with a call-to-action (“DM me to talk about coaching or grab a free resource here → [link]”).

• Featured section: Pin a post, PDF, or link to your offer or lead magnet.

• Content tip: LinkedIn is great for sharing behind-the-scenes lessons, thought leadership, and short client stories.

Website (if you have one):

You don’t need a full-blown site to get clients. One clear, concise landing page is more than enough. Include:

• A headline that says what you do and who it’s for (i.e., “Helping creatives hit their first 5K month without burnout”)

• A short intro or story (keep it skimmable)

• Clear details about your coaching offer (focus on outcomes)

• 1-2 testimonials or client stories

• A bold CTA button (Schedule a Call, Apply Now, etc.)

Step 4: Tap Into Your Warm Network

If you’re trying to get new coaching clients fast, this is one of the most underrated and overlooked strategies out there.

Because guess what? You probably already know someone who needs your help. Or knows someone who does.

And no, this doesn’t mean pitching your cousin at Thanksgiving or cold-messaging your high school lab partner.

It means genuinely reconnecting with the people who already trust you and letting them know how you can serve them.

Here’s why this works so well:

People buy from people they know, like, and trust. You already have that trust with your warm network—friends, old coworkers, past clients (from any industry), classmates, and social media followers who’ve been watching your journey.

They don’t need to be “sold” on who you are. They just need to know what you do now and how it can help.

But what do you say…and how do you not make it awkward?

I get it, self promotion can feel weird.

Here’s a simple DM or email script you can use:

“Hey [Name], I hope you’ve been doing well! I wanted to let you know I’ve launched a [coaching offer / new service] to help [who it’s for] with [specific result].

I’m taking on a few new clients this month, and I’m reaching out to people in my network in case you or someone you know might be a good fit.

No pressure at all—just wanted to share! Here’s the link if you’re curious: [link] 😊”

Notice how there’s no pushiness, just an honest, helpful update.

You can also post something similar on your personal Facebook or Instagram profile. You never know who’s watching quietly and thinking, “I’ve actually been needing this…”.

Reaching out to your existing audience on LinkedIn and other networking groups you’re part of is especially perfect for this.

Step 5: Leverage Testimonials & Social Proof

Here’s the thing about coaching: it’s personal.

People aren’t just buying information—they’re investing in transformation.

And when it comes to transformation, most people want proof that it works before they say yes.

That’s where client success stories and social proof come in.

They build trust, credibility, and a sense of “If it worked for them, it could work for me too.”

But don’t worry—you don’t need a wall of fancy client reviews to start.

Social proof can be:

• A short written testimonial from a past or current client

• A DM screenshot of someone saying, “That helped me so much!”

• A before-and-after story (with permission or anonymity)

• A voice memo clip or video from satisfied clients

• Even a quote from a peer or mentor, if you’re just getting started

The key is that it’s real, specific, and reflects the kind of result your ideal client is looking for.

Don’t have client testimonials yet? That’s okay! Try these ideas:

• Offer a free or discounted beta round of your coaching in exchange for honest feedback.

• Ask a peer or colleague you’ve helped informally to write a short review.

• Pull quotes from kind messages or DM replies (with permission).

• Share your own story. You are your first case study.

Video testimonials will often work best, though, since they allow viewers to hear from real people, which adds to the overall authenticity of the testimonial compared to a written review. It also allows for emotion to be more easily conveyed, since viewers are able to hear and see the face behind the words. 

Storyprompt allows brands to collect video testimonials effortlessly by creating a link that can be sent to clients or customers. The video can then simply be embedded onto your website using Storyprompt at that point as well.

Step 6: Start Conversations Daily

If you want clients, you need conversations.

It sounds obvious, but so many coaches skip this step because they’re afraid of being “salesy.”

But here’s the truth:

You don’t get clients by waiting. You get clients by talking to people.

Not pitching. Not cold-DM’ing strangers with scripts. Just talking—like a real human being.

Think of it this way:

Your next client might be watching your Stories, reading your posts, or sitting in a Facebook group right now, quietly thinking:

“This person seems cool… but I’m not sure if they’re the right fit for me.”

A simple “Hey, thanks for liking my post—how’s your week going?” could be the start of a conversation that turns into a client.

It’s really that simple. But you have to show up for it.

But where do you find people to talk to?

• Instagram: Start with your story viewers, post likers, and new followers

• LinkedIn: Comment on posts in your niche and reply to people who engage with yours

• Facebook groups: Answer questions, give value, and connect via DM if it’s a natural fit

• Your email list: Ask a question in your welcome email and invite replies

• Real life: Mention what you do in casual conversation. Don’t underrate old-school, word-of-mouth, offline strategies.

The point isn’t to force a sale. The point is to build authentic relationships and invite people in if it makes sense.

But like warm outreach, it’s easy to get caught up in the “but it’s awkward” stage and let that stop you. So here’s something you can say without sounding weird:

“Hey! I saw your comment on my post and really appreciated your insight. Are you also a coach, or just exploring right now?”

Or:

“Hi! I noticed you’ve been watching my Stories a lot lately—thank you! Just wanted to say hey and see what you’re working on right now.”

You’re not pitching. You’re being curious and human.

If the conversation flows naturally, you can ask more about their goals. And if you genuinely feel like your coaching could help, you can say:

“Would you be open to hopping on a quick call? No pressure to book anything—I’d love to help you get clarity.”

That’s it. No pushy vibes. Just service and connection.

Step 7: Use Lead Magnets & Email to Nurture Fast

You’ve got people interested. They’re clicking, lurking, and maybe even DM-ing you.

Now it’s time to build the relationship—and keep the momentum going.

Enter: lead magnets + email.

These two things work together to help you nurture leads quickly, consistently, and without burning out by posting 24/7.

Email is still one of the highest-converting marketing tools out there. In fact, its ROI (Return on Investment) is an astounding $40 per $1 spent, almost double that of SEO (Search Engine Optimization).

Source

Think about it: your Instagram followers might miss your post. Algorithms change. Your content scrolls away.

But your email? It lands in their inbox directly.

And when someone chooses to give you their email, they’re raising their hand and saying: “Hey, I’m interested.” Now it’s your job to show up with value and build trust.

Create a lead magnet

But first, you have to create a lead magnet people actually want.

A lead magnet is just a free resource that solves a specific problem for your ideal client. It could be:

• A checklist

• A script

• A 5-day email challenge

• A short guide or workbook

• A mini training video

• A quiz with personalized results

• Your own webinars

• Free consultation

The key? Make it hyper-specific, concise, and actionable.

For example, here’s a lead magnet you don’t want:

❌ “Free Self-Growth Guide”

And one you would want:

✅ “5 Scripts to Land Your First 3 Coaching Clients (Without Feeling Salesy)”

See the difference?

You want someone to read it and instantly feel: “This helped me.” That moment of value builds trust and gets them wondering what it would be like to work with you 1:1.

Nurture your list with a mini welcome sequence

Once someone downloads your freebie, don’t leave them hanging. Set up a 3–5 email sequence that:

1. Thanks them + introduces you. For example, you can share a quick story of who you help and why you’re passionate about it.

2. Delivers a quick win. Build on the freebie and offer 1-2 extra helpful tips to help them take action.

3. Shares a client result or your personal transformation. Show them what’s possible.

4. Invites them to work with you. Add a clear CTA to book a discovery call, apply, or DM you with a keyword.

Each email should feel like a conversation, not a pitch fest. Be yourself. Write like you talk. Keep it real.

Step 8: Make Clear, Confident Offers

Let’s talk about something that makes a lot of coaches freeze up:

Actually making the offer.

You’ve built the relationship. You’ve shown your value. And now… It’s time to ask for the sale.

But if you’re overthinking every word or waiting for the “perfect” time to pitch your offer, you’re leaving potential clients in limbo.

And confused people? They don’t buy.

People want to be invited in. If someone’s been following you, engaging with your content, or downloading your freebies, they’re interested.

But they won’t necessarily take the next step unless you show them exactly how.

So your offer needs to be:

✅Clear: Say what it is and who it’s for

✅Outcome-focused: Tell them what they’ll get or achieve

✅Easy to act on: Include one simple call to action

For example, what you’re NOT looking for is:

❌ “I’m opening a few spots for coaching. DM me if you’re curious.”

What you ARE aiming for is:

✅ “I’m opening 3 spots for my 1:1 coaching program, designed to help new coaches sign their first three clients with total confidence. DM me ‘READY’ and I’ll send you the details!”

You don’t need to sound like a sales page. In fact, the more human and genuine you sound, the better. Here’s a simple format you can follow for an Instagram post, story, or email:

1. Problem: “Struggling to stay consistent and second-guessing yourself every step of the way?”

2. Solution: “My coaching program helps new coaches create a simple game plan and start signing clients in weeks, not months.”

3. CTA: “I’ve got two spots open—DM me ‘GAME PLAN’ and I’ll send you all the info.”

Step 9: Build a Community for Your Coaching Clients

You’ve signed your first clients. You’re gaining traction as a certified coach.

Now, how do you turn that momentum into something bigger?

Build a community.

Because here’s the truth: most coaching clients aren’t just looking for 1:1 transformation.

They’re craving connection, accountability, and a sense of belonging with people on the same path.

When you give them that, you don’t just build a business. You build a movement.

Even if you haven’t signed clients yet, promising them a community instead of just another coaching program is a huge incentive.

A community creates what coaching alone can’t always deliver:

✅Peer-to-peer learning

✅Collective wins and breakthroughs

✅Motivation and support between coaching sessions

✅A space to practice vulnerability without judgment

✅A reason to stick with the work, long after the contract ends

When clients feel part of something bigger, they stay engaged, refer others, and often become lifelong fans of your brand.

But let’s be honest: most “communities” these days feel like a glorified comment section. And coaching clients online takes away the in-real-life feel of in-person coaching services..

Whether it’s a dead Facebook group or a Slack channel with one-word replies, most platforms fall flat because they miss one key ingredient:

Real, human interaction.

That’s why, if you want your community to feel alive, like a virtual living room instead of a ghost town. You need to build it around actual conversations.

That’s where a platform like Swarm comes in.

Swarm is designed around face-to-face interaction through live and asynchronous video, so your coaching community actually feels like a community. Instead of endless text threads, you get:

• Video-first communication that builds trust and intimacy fast

• Tools for going live, posting prompts, and replying with short video messages

• Asynchronous interaction that doesn’t require everyone to be online at once

• A sense of presence and energy that mimics the in-person experience

Let’s say you’re a confidence coach running a 6-week group program. With Swarm, you could:

• Post weekly video prompts for your clients to reflect on

• Go live for Q&A sessions and hot seat coaching

• Have members record their own updates, wins, or breakthroughs via short video clips

• Encourage peer replies and video encouragement to deepen community bonds

Clients will feel seen, heard, and connected to others walking the same path.

You can sign up for a 14-day free trial of Swarm by clicking here.

Step 10: Ask for Referrals from Past and Current Clients

You’ve helped someone make a real shift. They’re feeling confident, excited, and maybe even singing your praises.

But… have you asked them to tell anyone?

If not, you’re missing one of the easiest and fastest ways to sign your next coaching client.

Referrals work because trust is already built.

When a past or current client shares your name, their friends and peers are far more likely to book a call because they already believe you’re the real deal.

“But I don’t want to seem pushy…”

Asking for referrals isn’t about begging for business. It’s about sharing your availability and giving people the opportunity to help someone they care about.

Here’s a super simple message you can send:

“Hey [Client Name], I’ve loved working with you and seeing the progress you’ve made. I’m opening up a couple of new coaching spots this month. If you know anyone who’s feeling stuck or could benefit from the kind of support you got, I’d be so grateful if you passed my name along!”

Warm. Casual. No pressure.

You can send this:

• At the end of your coaching container

• As part of a follow-up email or text

• Inside a thank-you message after a big win

To incentivize the deal, consider offering a referral bonus or small gift as a thank-you.

For example:

• A $25 gift card

• Offering free sessions

• Access to a private workshop or resource

You don’t have to turn it into a formal affiliate program (unless you want to)—just a thoughtful gesture to say, “Thanks for thinking of me and leveraging your existing network.”

If so, add this to your message:

“As a thank-you, if someone you refer signs up, I’d love to gift you a free 30-minute bonus session or a $25 Amazon card—your choice!”

This works especially well if your clients have great networks or work in similar spaces (coaches, creatives, entrepreneurs, etc.).

Step 11: Build an Affiliate and Partner Program

If you’re tired of always being the one doing the outreach, here’s a powerful way to get more clients without doing all the heavy lifting yourself:

Let complementary businesses refer clients to you—and pay them for it.

Whether you call it an affiliate program, referral system, or strategic partnership, the concept is simple:

Someone sends a client your way. That client signs up. You reward the referral.

Everyone wins.

Here’s why this works:

• You expand your reach without paid advertising

• You borrow the trust and audience of people who already have your ideal clients

• You build a network of brand advocates who want to promote you

And the best part? You can start small. This doesn’t need to be a fancy system with valuable insights like affiliate dashboards or automated payouts (unless you want that later).

All you need is:

• A clear explanation of who your offer is for

• A referral agreement (can be a quick Google Doc or email)

• A way to track referrals (referral code, private form, or simple word-of-mouth)

• A thank-you gift or commission structure

But who do you partner with?

Look for people who serve a similar audience, but offer something different.

For example:

If you’re a fitness coach, partner with personal stylists—they work with people wanting to revamp their looks.

If you’re a business coach, team up with graphic designers or website developers—they work with new entrepreneurs.

If you’re a life coach for moms, collaborate with prenatal yoga instructors, mom bloggers, or even meal prep companies—they work with moms.

The key is alignment. You don’t want someone with the same audience, but whose audience also wants the kind of results you offer.

Then, offer them a flat referral fee (e.g., $50–$200 per sign-up) or a percentage of the sale (e.g., 10–20%).

Here’s a simple message you can send:

“Hey [Name], I’ve got an idea for a win-win partnership. I help [your niche] with [result], and I know you work with a similar audience. If you ever send someone my way who signs up, I’d love to send you a referral bonus or return the favor!”

Bonus Tips: What NOT to Waste Time On

Let’s be honest—when you’re trying to get clients fast, it’s really easy to fall into busywork that feels productive… but doesn’t move the needle.

You spend hours tweaking your logo, designing a website that no one’s visiting yet, or second-guessing every Instagram caption.

Sound familiar?

Here’s the hard truth: If it’s not helping people find you, trust you, or hire you, it can wait.

So let’s break down a few things you can cross off your “I-need-to-do-this-before-I-sell” list.

1. Perfecting your branding

Colors, logos, fonts… we get it. It’s fun. But your dream client doesn’t care if your header is blush pink or terracotta.

What do they care about?

• Can you help them?

• Do you understand their struggle?

• Do they feel safe with you?

Focus on connection over aesthetics. Your brand will evolve naturally as you grow.

2. Rebuilding your website 10 times

Your website is helpful, but it’s not required to start booking clients.

You can get started with:

• A simple Calendly or Acuity link

• A pinned Instagram post with offer details

• A Google Doc explaining your offer and how to book a call

Seriously. Many coaches have booked out their calendars without a website at all.

3. Posting endlessly without strategy

You don’t need to post daily on five platforms to get noticed.

What you do need is:

• A few strong posts that clearly speak to your ideal client’s pain points and desires

• At least one clear invitation to work with you

• Consistency in showing up where your people are

Quality > quantity. Always.

4. Building complex funnels or email automations

Fancy systems sound great, but if you’re not getting steady leads yet, a 15-email sequence won’t magically fix that.

Start simple:

• One lead magnet

• A short welcome sequence

• A direct CTA to book a call

Once your offer is proven and your audience has grown, you can then layer in the technology.

5. Waiting until you feel “ready”

This is the big one.

Waiting until you feel more confident, more experienced, and more prepared only delays the transformation someone out there needs from you right now.

You learn by doing. You grow by serving.

Imperfect action will always beat perfect hesitation.

Conclusion

Getting coaching clients fast doesn’t require a massive following or a perfectly polished brand—it just takes focused, intentional action. From clarifying your niche to building real connections, every step you take builds momentum. You already have the tools (and heart) to serve—now it’s time to get visible and make confident offers. Your next client is closer than you think.