Top 7 Marketing Strategies for New Coaches

Want to kickstart your coaching business? Here are 7 proven marketing tactics:

1. Choose your target market
2. Offer free consultation calls
3. Build a strong online presence
4. Join business networks
5. Share helpful content
6. Start a client referral program
7. Create your core coaching program

These strategies help you stand out, showcase your value, and attract ideal clients. Let’s break them down:

1. Target market: Focus on a specific niche to attract the right clients.
2. Free calls: Offer 20-30 minute discovery sessions to connect with prospects.
3. Online presence: Build a pro website and active social media profiles.
4. Networking: Use LinkedIn to find and engage potential clients.
5. Content creation: Share valuable tips and insights regularly.
6. Referrals: Reward clients for bringing in new business.
7. Signature program: Develop a core package that solves key client problems.

Quick tip: Start with 2-3 strategies and stick with them for 90 days before evaluating results.

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1. Choose Your Target Market

Picking the right target market is key for new coaches. It helps you focus your services and marketing, attracting clients who’ll value what you offer.

Start by looking at what you’re good at and what you love. This helps you spot where you can really make a difference. Take Charlie, a career coach. He found his sweet spot by mixing his corporate HR background with his passion for helping people:

"I work with 35+ year-old women who are questioning their career choices. I help them disentangle all the elements of career success and fulfillment, decide what’s most important to them, and determine the career path that will get them where they want to go."

Think about who you get along with best. Your target market should click with your skills and your personality.

To nail down your target market:

1. Check what’s in demand. Use keyword tools to see what coaching niches people are searching for.
2. Picture your ideal client. Who are they? What do they want? What problems do they have?
3. Give it a test run. Offer some cheap coaching sessions to see if your niche works in real life.

The more specific you are, the easier it is to find the right clients. As niche expert Cindy Schulson puts it:

"To find your niche, you need to understand WHO you help and WHAT solution you provide."

When you know your target market, you can:

• Write marketing that really speaks to them
• Get really good at what you do
• Charge more as an expert
• Find clients who are a perfect fit

Don’t worry about being too specific. It might seem weird, but focusing on a narrow niche can actually open up more chances to succeed. And you can always change things up later if you want to.

2. Start Free Consultation Calls

Free consultation calls are a game-changer for new coaches. They’re your chance to connect with potential clients and show off what you’ve got – all without asking for a dime.

These calls (some folks call them discovery sessions) are all about building a connection and proving your worth. But here’s the thing: you need to nail the structure.

Kick things off by making your prospect feel at ease. Then, dive in with some open-ended questions. Your goal? Get the scoop on their situation, what’s bugging them, and where they want to be.

Take Charlie, a career coach. He might ask:

"What’s the biggest headache in your job right now?" "Where do you see yourself in five years?" "What’s stopping you from making a career switch?"

Listen up and take mental notes. This is gold – you can use it to explain how your coaching fits their needs like a glove. Trust me, it beats a generic sales pitch any day of the week.

Now, don’t forget to set the stage for these calls. Here’s what Luisa, a coaching pro, has to say:

"If you consistently implement the Taster Technique, you won’t just get your first few clients. You’ll also start building a reputation so that people end up coming to you, instead of you chasing them."

The "Taster Technique" is all about giving your potential client a sneak peek of your coaching style during the call. Maybe it’s a quick exercise or a thought-provoking question that gets them thinking.

Here’s a solid game plan for your calls:

1. Break the ice (2-3 minutes)

Make your potential client feel like they’re chatting with a friend.

2. Set the scene (1-2 minutes)

Let them know what to expect from the call.

3. Dig into their challenges (10-15 minutes)

Ask questions that get to the heart of their situation.

4. Offer a taste of your expertise (5-7 minutes)

Share a quick insight or exercise related to their challenges.

5. Show how you can help (3-5 minutes)

Give a brief rundown of how your coaching could make a difference.

6. Wrap it up (2-3 minutes)

If it feels like a good fit, explain what happens next.

Keep it snappy – aim for 20-30 minutes. Remember, you’re not giving away the farm here. It’s about seeing if you’re a good match and showing what you bring to the table.

After the call, don’t drag your feet. Fire off a personalized email that recaps your chat and lays out the next steps. It’s a pro move that can seriously boost your conversion rate.

Get this process down pat, and you’ll see results. Some coaches have reported signing up to 80% of potential clients after fine-tuning their consultation calls. A few have even hit the jackpot with a 100% conversion rate. Not too shabby, right?

3. Set Up Your Digital Presence

In today’s world, you need a strong online presence to attract clients and grow your coaching business. Think of your digital footprint as a 24/7 marketing tool that shows off your skills and connects you with potential clients.

First things first: create a professional website. Here’s what it should have:

• A home page that grabs attention
• An "About" page that tells your story
• A clear description of what you offer
• Client testimonials
• A blog to show your expertise
• Easy-to-find contact info

For building your site, check out Wix, Squarespace, or Showit. They’re user-friendly and have templates for coaches. Wix has over 800 templates starting at $17/month, while Squarespace offers sleek designs from $16/month.

"Your website is a marketing tool that should be working for you 24/7." – LaTisha Styles, founder of You’ve Got Clients

Next up: social media. Focus on platforms where your target audience hangs out. Many coaches do well on LinkedIn and Instagram. Emily, a career coach, found her first clients on LinkedIn. Cristina, a naturopathic doctor, built her coaching practice on Instagram.

Here’s how to tackle social media:

1. Master one platform first

Don’t try to be everywhere at once. Pick one platform and get really good at it.

2. Create content people want

Share tips, insights, and behind-the-scenes stuff. Mix it up with posts, videos, and live streams.

3. Post regularly

Set a schedule and stick to it. This builds trust and keeps you on people’s minds.

4. Be real

Reply to comments, join discussions, and make genuine connections.

4. Join Business Networks

Networking can help new coaches grow their client base. Let’s look at how to use LinkedIn and industry groups:

Make Your LinkedIn Profile Shine

Your LinkedIn profile is often a potential client’s first look at you. Here’s how to make it pop:

• Use a good headshot
• Write a headline that shows your coaching niche
• Create a summary that highlights your skills
• Add client testimonials

Get Active on LinkedIn

Don’t just set up your profile and forget it. Stay engaged:

• Share useful content about your coaching area
• Comment on and share others’ posts
• Join in on relevant talks

Bonnie, a career coach, saw big results:

"By consistently providing valuable insights on career development in LinkedIn groups, I was able to attract clients who were actively seeking help with their career advancement. Within six months, my client base grew by 40%."

Use LinkedIn’s Search Tools

LinkedIn’s search can help you find potential clients:

1. Click "All Filters" in LinkedIn’s search bar

2. Set filters that match your ideal client (industry, job title, location, etc.)

3. Save searches to check again later

4. Reach out to potential clients with personal messages

Johan, a business coach, shares her win:

"Using LinkedIn’s advanced search, I identified 50 potential clients in my target market. After reaching out with personalized messages, I secured 10 discovery calls, which led to 3 new long-term coaching relationships."

Get Involved in LinkedIn Groups

LinkedIn groups can be great for coaches:

• Find groups in your coaching niche
• Share useful content often
• Answer questions to show your expertise

Here are some LinkedIn groups to check out:

Remember, these groups aren’t for selling. Focus on building relationships and helping others.

Go to Industry Events

While online networking is key, meeting people face-to-face is still powerful:

• Find events in your coaching niche
• Prepare a quick pitch about what you do
• Connect on LinkedIn with people you meet after the event

Linda, a leadership coach, found success both online and offline:

"I used LinkedIn’s sponsored content to reach a larger audience, which attracted significant interest. But it was at an industry conference where I met three C-level executives who became long-term clients. The combination of online presence and in-person networking was key to my success."

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5. Share Helpful Content

Creating valuable content is a great way to attract clients and show you know your stuff. By sharing helpful info regularly, you’ll build trust and prove your expertise.

Here’s how to create content that clicks with your target audience:

Solve problems

Your content should tackle the issues your ideal clients face. If you’re a career coach, you might write a post like "5 Ways to Crush Your Next Job Interview." This speaks directly to job seekers and shows you’ve got the know-how to help.

Mix it up

Don’t stick to just one type of content. Try different formats to reach more people:

• Blog posts
• Videos
• Podcasts
• Infographics
• Social media posts

LaTisha Styles, founder of You’ve Got Clients, says:

"A key skill for building a successful coaching business is to learn how to create high-quality content, in large volume, and do it quickly."

Plan it out

Make a content calendar to stay on track. This keeps you organized and ensures you’re always putting out good stuff for your audience.

Reuse and recycle

Get more bang for your buck by repurposing content across platforms. Turn a blog post into social media snippets or make a video based on a popular article.

Talk to your people

Get your audience involved. Ask questions, reply to comments, and do live Q&As. This helps you understand them better and builds stronger connections.

Show off your wins

Share stories of how you’ve helped clients. You could create a case study showing how you solved a specific problem for someone. This proves you can deliver results and shows the value of your coaching.

Remember, your content should give value and build trust. As Stephanie Fiteni, a Marketing Coach and Business Mentor for Coaches, puts it:

"Consistency is the foundation of successful content creation."

6. Start a Client Referral Program

Want to grow your coaching business? A client referral program might be your secret weapon. It’s like having your happy clients do your marketing for you. Here’s how to set one up:

1. Set Clear Goals

First things first: what do you want to achieve? More clients? Higher revenue? Pick a target and stick to it.

2. Offer Tempting Rewards

Give people a reason to refer. Some ideas:

• Discount on future sessions
• Free coaching call
• Useful resources
• Cash bonus
• Donation to their favorite charity

Maybe offer a free 30-minute session to both the referrer and the new client. Win-win!

3. Make Referrals a Breeze

Don’t make your clients jump through hoops. Give them:

• Personal referral links
• Ready-to-send emails
• Social media posts they can share

LaTisha Styles, founder of You’ve Got Clients, says:

"A key skill for building a successful coaching business is to learn how to create high-quality content, in large volume, and do it quickly."

This applies to your referral program too. Create content that’s easy to share and hard to ignore.

4. Time It Right

Ask for referrals when your clients are on a high:

• After they’ve crushed a big goal
• When they’re singing your praises
• At the end of a successful program

5. Keep Tabs and Deliver

Use a simple spreadsheet or app to track referrals. And when someone makes a referral, reward them pronto. Nothing kills enthusiasm like a delayed reward.

6. Shout About Your Program

Don’t keep your referral program under wraps. Spread the word:

• On your website
• In your emails
• Across social media
• During your coaching sessions

As Lumia Coaching points out:

"Ultimately, implementing a referral program can turn satisfied clients into enthusiastic promoters of your coaching."

So, ready to turn your clients into your biggest fans and best marketers? Get that referral program rolling!

7. Create Your Core Program

As a new coach, you need a signature program. It’s your ticket to attracting clients and showing off your skills. Here’s how to build a coaching package that packs a punch:

1. Define Your End Result

Get crystal clear on what your clients will achieve. If you’re a career coach, you might promise to "Help professionals land their dream job within 90 days." Be specific about what clients can expect.

2. Outline Key Concepts

Pick 6-12 main topics your clients need to master. A career coach might cover resume writing, interview skills, and networking strategies.

3. Develop Your Framework

Create a step-by-step process that takes clients from where they are to where they want to be. Make it uniquely yours.

4. Add Implementation Materials

Give your clients tools they can use right away. Workbooks, templates, checklists – these goodies help clients put your teachings into practice.

5. Incorporate Real-World Examples

Show off your success stories. Maybe one of your clients used your networking tips and scored interviews at top companies in just two weeks. That’s the kind of story that sells.

6. Determine Program Length and Structure

Decide how long your program will run and how it’ll work. Many coaches start with 3-month packages. Here’s an example:

7. Price Your Program

Set a price that reflects your value but fits your market. LaTisha Styles, founder of You’ve Got Clients, says:

"A key skill for building a successful coaching business is to learn how to create high-quality content, in large volume, and do it quickly."

New coaches often start around $1,500 for a 3-month package. As you gain experience and rave reviews, you can bump up your rates.

8. Test and Refine

Before you go all in, run a pilot with a small group. Get their feedback and make your program even better. This way, you’ll fine-tune your offering and get some glowing testimonials to boot.

Conclusion

You’ve got a toolkit of marketing strategies to kickstart your coaching business. Here’s how to put them into action:

1. Define Your Niche and Ideal Client

Narrow down your focus. If you’re a career coach, you might zero in on "helping mid-career professionals jump into tech roles." This clarity makes your marketing more targeted.

2. Create Your Digital Hub

Build a pro website that shows off what you know. Use WordPress or Squarespace. Include:

• An "About" page that pops
• Clear service descriptions
• Client testimonials
• A blog to show your expertise

3. Offer Free Consultation Calls

Set up 20-30 minute discovery calls. Use these to connect with potential clients and give them a taste of your coaching. Aim to turn half of these into paying clients.

4. Use LinkedIn

Spruce up your LinkedIn profile and start engaging. Join groups and share useful content often. Try to connect with 10 potential clients each week.

5. Develop Your Content Strategy

Make a content calendar with topics your ideal clients care about. Publish at least one solid piece of content weekly – blog post, video, or podcast episode.

6. Start a Referral Program

Create a simple system that rewards clients for bringing in new business. Maybe offer a free coaching session for each successful referral.

7. Launch Your Signature Program

Create a core coaching package that tackles your clients’ main problems. Price it right based on your experience and market. New career coach? You might start with a 3-month program at $1,500.

Here’s the deal: stick with it. Pick 2-3 strategies and commit to them for 90 days before you judge how well they’re working.

As you roll these out, keep an eye on your results. Watch things like website visits, email sign-ups, and how many free calls turn into paid clients. Use this info to fine-tune your approach.

And don’t forget about people you already know. Tell friends, family, and old coworkers about your coaching. Many coaches find their first clients through these connections.

FAQs

How to get more clients as a coach?

Want to boost your coaching client base? LinkedIn’s a goldmine. Here’s how to tap into it:

1. Polish your profile

Make your expertise shine. Clearly show what kind of coach you are and who you help.

2. Share good stuff

Post tips and insights about your coaching niche. Keep it regular and valuable.

3. Connect smart

Reach out to potential clients. But don’t just click "connect". Add a personal touch.

4. Get involved

Jump into discussions. Leave thoughtful comments. Help people out.

Joseph Liu, a Career Coach, puts it this way:

"You can showcase your expertise by sharing updates and tips and sending connection requests directly to people who could make great business coaching clients."

But here’s the kicker: it’s not about collecting connections like Pokemon. It’s about building relationships. Ask about their work. Share stuff they’d find useful. Find out what’s keeping them up at night. Do this, and you’ll be the go-to coach when they need help.

How to get the first coaching client?

Snagging that first client can feel like catching a greased pig. But don’t sweat it. Try these tactics:

1. Tap your network

Offer free or cheap sessions to people you know. It’s a great way to get testimonials and referrals.

2. Create content

Start a blog, podcast, or YouTube channel. Show off what you know.

3. Be a podcast guest

Find podcasts in your niche. Offer to share your wisdom as a guest.

4. Join online communities

Hang out in Facebook groups or forums related to your coaching. Help people out. Build connections.

5. Use LinkedIn

We talked about this earlier. It’s a powerhouse for finding clients.

6. Run free workshops or webinars

Show potential clients what you’ve got. Let them experience your coaching style.

Marc Mawhinney, Founder of Natural Born Coaches, warns against jumping into paid ads too soon:

"A lot of coaches are losing a lot of money by jumping into Facebook ads. They’ll read a blog post, see everyone else doing it, and think they just need to put up a few ads for the inquiries to start rolling in."

Instead, focus on building relationships and showing your value. As you rack up experience and glowing reviews, you can start expanding your marketing game to reel in more clients.

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