Common Questions About Starting a Coaching Business
Do I need to get certified to become a coach?
If you’re considering certification, think about what you want from it: skills, community, accountability, or a credential. And make sure to read reviews of any life coaching schools and attend a free class to make sure you like their philosophy and style before you go all-in (do they also like chocolate? Is a question to ask *wink*).
Go deeper:
🎧 Podcast: Should You Get Certified as a Coach?
How do I find a good coaching school?
Not all coaching schools are created equal. (Shocker, we know!)
A good coaching school should teach real coaching skills, be clear about what certification does and does not do, and be led by instructors with real coaching experience, and offer real live feedback in some format. Be *super* cautious of programs that rely heavily on income promises or pressure tactics, or don’t offer feedback on your skills as a coach.
A reputable school helps you become a better coach—not just better at marketing yourself as one.
Go deeper:
📝 Blog: How to Find a Reputable Coaching School
How do coaches actually make money?
Coaches don’t make money by selling “life coaching.” They make money by selling outcomes through specific offers. People don’t want to buy an hour of life coaching, they want to make progress towards a specific goal, like navigating a tough divorce or creating a healthier retirement.
Common income paths for coaches include private coaching packages, group programs, workshops, and online offerings. There isn’t one right way to make money as a coach—the best option depends on your goals, energy, and how you want to work.
The key is choosing a model intentionally instead of copying what someone else is doing. Design a coaching business that fits YOU, not someone else.
Go deeper:
📘 Book: Money Paths: 6 Real Ways to Make Money as a Life Coach
👉 Find it here as a pdf with bonuses
👉 Find it here in paperback on Amazon
Do I need a niche before I start coaching?
Not if you are coaching for free. Feel free to coach different people to explore who you might want to help.
But if you want to get paid to coach? Then yes! Here’s why: A niche will make you instantly credible and allow you to speak compellingly to the people you most want to help. If you were a chocolatier looking to grow your business, and I said I focus on helping small chocolate shops navigate growth and transition via franchising, you’d probably be more likely to listen to me than if I showed up and said “I help people find clarity and abundance in transitions!” Right?
Go deeper:
🎧 Youtube Podcast: How to Find Your Coaching Niche
How do I create a coaching offer people will actually buy?
A coaching offer is more than sessions, it’s clarity.
A strong offer explains who it’s for, what problem it helps solve, what the coaching experience includes, and how long it lasts. When people understand exactly what they’re saying yes to, selling becomes *so much* easier.
If potential clients seem confused, that’s usually an offer clarity issue—not a confidence issue. So spend some time getting more clear on the benefit of what you do as a coach, and how you articulate it to your clients. Do some practice sales calls with trusted friends or family members if you are feeling stuck!
Go deeper:
🎧 Youtube Podcast: How to Create a Coaching Offer Clients Love
How should I price my coaching?
There is no single “correct” price for coaching, and you can always find a coach charging more or less than you.
Pricing should reflect the value of the outcome you help clients achieve, the time and energy required, and what feels sustainable for you. New coaches often underprice out of fear, or worries about being a fraud. But please know that your life experience and coaching experience is worth something. And the time you invest into your clients includes your coaching sessions, emails, admin, contracts, onboarding and more! So price accordingly, and raise your prices when you are ready.
Go deeper:
📝 Blog: How to Price Private Coaching
How do I sell coaching without being pushy or salesy?
Selling coaching doesn’t have to feel uncomfortable.
Ethical sales are about using your coaching skills instead of using scripts. Practice being present, asking good questions, and helping someone decide whether your coaching is a good fit for them (and it may not be and that’s okay!). You’re not convincing—you’re educating!
When selling feels stressful, it’s often because the focus is on making the sale instead of the person in front of you. Focus on being of service, and you’ll find selling so much easier!
Go deeper:
📝 Blog: How to Sell Coaching Without Feeling Gross
What should I name my coaching business?
Your business name does not need to be perfect to get started. And your business is likely to evolve over time, so don’t spend days or weeks stuck, because in 6 months or a year your niche may change quite a bit. If you can’t decide on a name that makes sense for you, consider using your own name, and start there, as it’s one that can always go with you.
In the meantime, here are some helpful naming tips: A good name is easy to say, easy to remember, and flexible enough to grow with you. You don’t need clever branding or a personal brand on day one, you just need something that works.
You can always refine later. Now have some chocolate, you’ve earned it!
Go deeper:
📝 Blog: How to Name Your Coaching Business