How to Start a Coaching Business (7 steps to your first $10K)

And if you want to see exactly how I set all of this up in my own coaching business — including the coaching tools I use and the order I recommend — watch this quick video:

Next up: Let’s talk about how to package and price your coaching.

Step 3: Create and price a coaching package

This is where your coaching business starts to make money.

Because it’s not enough to want to help people—you need an offer people are willing (and excited) to pay for.

Start with one-on-one coaching

There are several ways you can earn income as a coach: 

For most new coaches, private one-on-one sessions are the fastest way to:

• Get paid for your skills
• Build your reputation
• Deliver high-impact transformation
• Gather testimonials and refine your process

💡 Pro tip: One-on-one coaching isn’t just easier to sell — it’s where you learn exactly what your market wants so you can scale later with group programs or courses.

To create and price a coaching package:

Definite the transformation you deliver

Clients don’t buy “sessions.” They buy results.

Ask yourself:

What specific transformation does my coaching help people achieve?

The most in-demand transformations fall into three categories:

• Feel better: Confidence, clarity, self-love, less stress
• Become better: Improved skills like leadership, communication, productivity
• Have more: More time, more money, more freedom

If your offer clearly delivers one of these outcomes, you’re on the right track.

Now it’s time to package that offer.

Package your offer (keep it simple) 

Your first coaching package doesn’t need to be complicated.

Here’s a proven starter structure:

• Duration: 3 months (long enough for results, short enough to feel doable)
• Format: Weekly or bi-weekly one-on-one calls (45–60 min)
• Support: Email or voice note access between calls
• Bonuses: Templates, worksheets, or resource guides tailored to your niche

Price your offer confidently

I recommend starting a 3-month package at $1,500 and raising rates as you gain clients and testimonials. And here’s exactly how to set a higher price that doesn’t scare people off but still builds your income fast:

1. Competitor analysis: Review 5–10 coaches in your niche with similar experience to see pricing ranges.
2. Value alignment: Consider the ROI for your clients. Helping someone land a $20K raise can justify a $3K package.
3. Test and adjust: Start at the lower end of your range for quick wins, then increase by $500–$1,000 increments.

But why not charge hourly?

Because you’re not selling your time. 

Example:

• $2,000 package × 5 clients = $10,000 revenue
• At $100/hour, you’d need 100 sessions to earn the same (and likely burn out).

Now, if $1,500–$2,000 feels high, remember: I once thought the same.

But once I added up what I made per hour at my corporate job, and compared it to the value I was giving clients, I realized I was underselling myself.

At the same time, charging lower initially helped me get quick wins and testimonials, which gave me the confidence to raise my rates to $5,000+ and never look back.

When to leave your 9-5

Don’t quit your job as soon as you sign one client.

Aim for 2× your monthly salary in consistent coaching income before leaving, to cover:

• Taxes
• Business expenses
• Income fluctuations

When I left my corporate role, I had:

• Made six figures in four months
• Replaced my salary
• Paying clients booked for months ahead

Now that you have a signature offer, it’s time to make sure the right people know it exists — and see you as the obvious choice. That’s where your brand comes in.

Step 4: Build your coaching brand

Your coaching brand is what makes people trust you, remember you, and say “yes” to working with you even if they’ve never met you before.

And branding your coaching business is not about colors, fonts, or logos. 

In fact, you already have a brand. You just need to clarify and amplify it so the right clients instantly connect with you.

Find your unique selling proposition (USP)

Your USP is the unique combination of skills, experiences, and values that makes your coaching different.

Ask yourself:

• What makes me different from other coaches?
• What life experiences, beliefs, or values shape how I coach?
• What results do I help clients achieve — and how is my approach unique?
• Who is my ideal client?
• Why am I especially equipped to help them?

For example:

I position myself as a strategic business coach who helps people build real, profitable businesses without chasing followers or burning out.

And I weave in personal touches — stories about my goofy German Shepherd, Falco, my background growing up in an Asian household, binge-watching Netflix, and my 9–5 life in NYC. These aren’t “random” details — they make me relatable and memorable.

Here’s another example from one of my students:

David, one of my students, built his brand around herbal medicine-based health coaching. His background in herbal remedies gives him a unique edge in the crowded wellness niche and makes him instantly recognizable to his ideal clients.

Brand elements that matter (and those that don’t)

Focus on:

• Your USP (what sets you apart)
• Your message (how you speak to your audience)
• Your story (personal and professional experiences that connect with clients)

Don’t waste time on (yet):

• Logo design
• Color palettes
• Font pairings
• “Perfect” branding photoshoots

Those things are nice to have later. Right now, your brand is about clarity and connection.

How to name your coaching business

Your business name is part of your brand, but don’t overcomplicate it.

For most new coaches, your own name works best. It builds trust and keeps things flexible if you expand your offers later.

Naming tips:

• If your name is available, go with: YourName.com
• If it’s taken, try: YourNameCoaching.com or YourNameConsulting.com
• You can rebrand later — your first priority is getting clients, not trademarking the perfect brand name

Do you need a coaching website right now?

Short answer: No.

When I started, I made my first $20,000 in sales without a website.

If potential clients wanted more information, I sent them to my LinkedIn profile. It had all the credibility I needed.

Pro tip: Skip spending weeks perfecting a homepage when you’re starting out. Spend that time talking to potential clients instead — that’s what grows your business fastest.

Step 5: Get your first paying coaching clients (fast)

If you want your coaching business to make money, not just be an expensive hobby, you need paying clients.

The great news? You don’t need a huge social media following or a complicated funnel.

And you definitely don’t need to be “salesy” to get coaching clients. You just need a focused client acquisition plan.

Let’s walk through it.

Choose one marketing strategy and go all-in

Most new coaches stall because they try everything — Instagram, YouTube, blogging, podcasts, ads — all at once.

Instead, pick one marketing strategy your ideal client actually uses and commit to it for 30–60 days.

Proven strategies to land first clients:

• Tap into your existing network (friends, coworkers, past clients)
• Collaborate with other coaches or professionals
• Be active in social media groups (Facebook groups, Reddit, LinkedIn, Instagram)
• Ask for referrals from warm contacts
• Pitch yourself for guest appearances (podcasts, webinars, events)

Pro tip: Ask yourself, “Where does my ideal client spend their time online or offline?” That’s where you show up consistently.

For me, my audience of small business owners was super active in Facebook groups. That’s where I showed up and it’s where I got my first clients.

Some of my clients have found success:

• On Reddit or LinkedIn
• Through DMs to warm contacts
• By offering to speak on podcasts
• Even speaking at events

The platform isn’t the point, but being consistent is.

For more, take a look at this quick video where I share the best strategies for getting coaching clients: 

The Taster Technique for quick wins

Not sure where to start—or don’t have proof yet? Use the Taster Technique to let prospects experience your coaching before they commit.

This is the method I used to get my first paying clients with zero proof or experience.

The Taster Technique is simple:

1. Offer a free or low-cost short session that delivers immediate value.
2. End with a natural invitation to your paid coaching package.

It works because it lets people experience your coaching firsthand — which builds trust much faster than a sales page ever could.

Taster Technique Session Ideas for Coaches

Example 15-min/day plan for client acquisition

If you’re short on time, especially if you’re growing your coaching business alongside a 9–5, here’s a schedule that I used to build my business while working a full-time job:

Daily (15 minutes total)

• 5 min: Engage in a community where your clients hang out (comment, answer questions)
• 5 min: Follow up with warm leads or respond to DMs
• 5 min: Reach out to 1–2 new people

Weekly

• Create & schedule 1–2 valuable posts or videos
• Follow up with potential clients
• Identify and join one new opportunity (collab, podcast, guest post)

This system helped me stay consistent, grow my audience, and book clients without burning out.

Build your operational framework

Once you start booking clients, you’ll need a smooth onboarding process so everything feels professional and organized from the first interaction.

A polished client experience saves you time and creates a successful coaching experience. 

Client onboarding checklist

• Signed coaching agreement (Dropbox Sign)
• Intake form to understand client goals and background
• Welcome email with next steps, session schedule, and expectations
• Resource folder or starter materials

CRM options (Client Relationship Management)

A CRM can help you keep track of contracts, client progress, and communication in one place. I don’t use one myself, even though I run an eight-figure business, but some people find them helpful. 

Your top choices are: 

• Dubsado: For coaches who want automation (contracts, workflows, invoices) in one system
• HoneyBook: Streamlined, beginner-friendly, and great for managing leads and clients in the same dashboard

Pro tip: Start with a simple setup. A well-organized Google Drive is more than enough early on. 

Step 6: Learn how to coach effectively (even if you’re brand new)

Once you start landing clients, the key to keeping — and multiplying — them is delivering results that make them want to rave about you. That’s where mastering your coaching craft comes in.

Because that’s what builds referrals, testimonials, and long-term success.

The good news?

Thankfully, you don’t have to wait years to figure it out. In fact, you only need to focus on three simple areas to start delivering real transformation for your clients:

1. Create a 3-month coaching framework

A simple framework gives structure to your sessions, keeps clients motivated, and ensures they see results.

Here’s how to build one:

1. Define the big transformation you want your client to achieve in three months.
2. Break it into milestones—one for each month.
3. Outline key actions to hit each milestone.

Example for a career coach:

• Month 1: Define target roles + create a standout resume.
• Month 2: Build a strategic network (connect with 10+ new people/week).
• Month 3: Apply, interview, and negotiate offers with confidence.

Pro tip: Working with real clients will reveal their challenges and help you refine your program over time. After working with just a few clients, you’ll know the exact steps they need to achieve their goals.

When I started my first coaching business, I spent hours preparing for each call and went above and beyond to deliver results. That’s how you figure out what your clients truly need — and that over-preparation becomes your competitive advantage.

2. Structure result-driven sessions

Each coaching session should:

• Connect to the larger 3-month goal
• Have a clear objective for the call
• End with actionable next steps

My personal style blends coaching (asking powerful questions) with consulting (offering proven strategies). I call it coach-sulting. This hybrid approach speeds up results while building your client’s confidence to take action on their own.

Example session flow:

1. Quick check-in → progress + challenges since last call
2. Dive into the session’s main focus
3. Co-create an action plan for the week
4. Confirm commitments before ending

For a step-by-step guide on planning your first coaching call, check out this video:

3. Maintain ethical boundaries and scope of practice

Being an effective coach means knowing your limits. Stay within your area of expertise and refer out when necessary.

For example:

• Don’t make financial or legal guarantees → always use disclaimers
• Don’t diagnose or treat mental health conditions → refer to a therapist
• Don’t give medical advice unless licensed

Step 7: Scale to six figures and beyond

Once your one-on-one coaching practice is booked out and you have proof that your clients are getting results, it’s time to think bigger.

Scaling your coaching business means building something that gives you more freedom, more income, and more impact without working 24/7.

You don’t need a massive team or a complicated funnel to make this happen. Just three strategic shifts:

1. Raise your rates strategically

If you’re turning away clients because your calendar is full, it’s a clear sign your prices are too low.

Raising your rates:

• Creates space in your calendar without reducing revenue
• Signals higher value to your market
• Rewards you for the deeper expertise you’ve developed

There’s no rigid formula—adjust based on demand, your results, and the transformation you deliver.

Example:

• Current 3-month package at $2,000 → increase to $3,000
• Offer an extended 5-month package at a higher rate for clients who want longer support

Pro tip: Raise rates gradually and use client testimonials and case studies to justify the increase.

2. Hire support and automate your workflows

You shouldn’t be doing everything yourself.

Start with your first hire, a virtual assistant (VA), to take over admin tasks, customer support, or client scheduling.

Then, layer in automation and AI tools to save hours every week:

By delegating and automating, you free yourself to focus on high-value work—coaching clients, creating offers, and growing your business.

3. Add scalable offers

The real leap to six figures and beyond comes when you move beyond trading time for money.

Two proven models:

A. Group coaching programs

• Serve more clients at once
• Build a supportive community
• Charge premium rates for a shared experience
• Reduce your one-on-one hours while maintaining income

Example: Run a group version of your one-on-one program with weekly live calls, a group chat, and accountability systems.

B. Online courses

• Package your proven framework into a self-paced program
• Help clients achieve results without live coaching
• Earn income 24/7

This was the model behind my Employee to Entrepreneur (ETE) program, which helps new coaches start profitable coaching businesses—I turned the exact steps I used to help private clients into a course that’s now helped thousands of people leave their jobs and start profitable businesses.

And that’s how you start your own coaching business! 

At this point, you might be wondering: how much does it cost to get started, and how long will it take to land your first client? Let’s break it down.

How much does it cost (and how long does it take) to start a coaching business?

Startup costs

• Low-budget (lean start): $500–$1,500 (basic tools, scheduling, payment processor)
• Higher investment: $5,000–$15,000 (certifications, branding, website, marketing)

Timeline to first client

• Fast track: 1–3 months (if you leverage existing network and skills)
• Average: 6–12 months (includes training, building brand, marketing)

Pro tip: Start lean and reinvest profits into your business as it grows.

Why is coaching one of the best businesses to start?

Let’s say you charge $2,000 for your program. With just five clients, you’ve already earned $10,000.

That’s more leverage than most business models — without needing to sell thousands of low-priced products or chase social media virality.

Coaching gives you:

• Freedom: Work from anywhere, on your own schedule
• Income: High-ticket pricing without complicated funnels
• Impact: Directly help people create life-changing results
• Scalability: Add group programs, courses, or products later

🚀 Want to learn exactly how I grew my coaching business from ZERO to six figures in just four months without an audience or a business idea? Get my step-by-step case study here!

Real coaching business examples (of coaches who started from scratch)

Here are a few of my clients who started their coaching businesses from scratch—while working full-time jobs—and turned them into profitable ventures. You can read more about their journeys here.

Dating coaching: Ruby Le

Ruby wanted out of her corporate 9–5. With years of matchmaking experience at eHarmony, she decided to turn her expertise into a relationship coaching business.

We built a simple, step-by-step plan to:

• Attract her dream clients
• Package her services into high-value coaching programs
• Set up a marketing system that ran on autopilot

Results: Ruby made her first sale within two weeks and quit her job seven months later to coach full-time.

Health coaching: David Alsieux

David’s coaching journey started with a personal family health scare that ignited his passion for herbal wellness. He feared his niche was “too specific” to succeed.

By applying my client acquisition system, he quickly proved otherwise—landing two paying clients in just two months.

Results: Today, David runs a thriving six-figure health coaching practice helping clients improve their health naturally.

Sales coaching: Sanae Floyd

Despite decades in sales, Sanae went an entire year without signing a single coaching client. She had the skills but lacked a repeatable business strategy.

Once we implemented my coaching roadmap, she went from $0 to $5,000/month within two months—then hit $30,000/month by month three.

Results: Sanae built a scalable, high-ticket sales coaching business that consistently attracts premium clients.

Career coaching: Emily Liou

Emily, a former Fortune 500 recruiter, was working hard but struggling to earn consistent income from her career coaching business.

We restructured her offers, tightened her systems, and built a scalable marketing funnel.

Results: Emily’s lowest months now generate $10,000+, and her business runs on a predictable client flow.

Frequently asked questions about starting a coaching business  

Can I start a coaching business with no experience?

Yes, many successful coaches start by leveraging their life experience or job skills, not formal coaching backgrounds. What matters most is your ability to help others get results.

Do I need a certification to become a coach?

No. You don’t need a certification to start a coaching business in most niches. However, regulated fields like health or finance may require specific credentials or legal disclaimers.

What qualifications do I need to start a coaching business?

You don’t need formal qualifications. If you’ve helped yourself or others solve a problem, you likely have what it takes to coach others through it.

How much does it cost to start a coaching business?

Starting a coaching business typically costs between $250–$2,500, including legal setup, basic tools (like Zoom, Calendly, Stripe), and optional branding or certification expenses.

Is coaching a profitable business?

Yes, coaching businesses can be very profitable. Since coaching is a personal and transformational service, people are often willing to pay a premium for your expertise — especially when your services are positioned effectively.

How much can I earn as a coach?

Coaches can earn anywhere from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars per month. Many start by charging $1,500–$3,000 for a 3-month package and grow from there.

Do I need an LLC to start a coaching business?

An LLC offers liability protection but isn’t required. Many coaches start as sole proprietors. Consult a legal or tax advisor to decide what’s best for you.

What coaching is in most demand?

There are many in-demand coaching niches. Popular areas include health coaching, financial coaching, and career coaching. Emerging industries like artificial intelligence coaching are also growing. Even smaller niches, like vocal coaching or empowerment coaching, have significant potential.

Let’s start building your coaching business today!

And there you have it! Now you know exactly how to start a coaching business online.

Hopefully, you see just how possible it is for you. I’m not an exception, and neither are my students. 

You can start a business and make money with the skills you already have.

But here’s the reality: there’s only so much I can cover in a blog post. 

Plus, building a profitable coaching business isn’t just about information. It’s about knowing how and when to apply that information to fit your specific situation. And being supported in doing so consistently and strategically.  

That’s exactly why I created my coaching business training program, Employee to Entrepreneur (ETE).

Before launching my first online business, I was stuck in a well-paid corporate job. I desperately wanted to start my business safely on the side, but I couldn’t find any program that showed me exactly how to transition without risking my income or career.

After years of trial and error, I built my coaching business to six figures in four months — and finally quit my job. Soon after, people began asking how I’d done it, and ETE was born.

If you’re ready to stop fumbling around and want a clear roadmap to follow to launch your coaching business, that’s exactly what ETE provides. It’s a complete, A-to-Z guide that helps you launch and grow your coaching business from scratch.

(And if you feel like this post provided a lot of value…just imagine what ETE includes!)

To date, Employee to Entrepreneur has helped 4,000+ big-dreaming men and women start and grow their dream coaching business.

Want to learn more?

Start with my FREE blueprint to discover how to build a six-figure coaching business — and learn more about ETE.

Warmly,

Luisa Zhou