How to Start a Coaching Business from Scratch: A Realistic Guide for Certified Coaches
You’ve done the training. You’ve earned the certification. You’ve got the heart, the passion, and the desire to help people transform their lives. But now what?
Starting a coaching business from scratch can feel overwhelming — especially if you’re a certified coach with no clients yet, no website, no audience, and no idea where to begin. The dream is alive, but the path forward feels blurry.
If that’s where you are right now, take a breath. You’re not alone — and you’re in the right place.
In this guide, we’re going to break down exactly how to start your coaching business from scratch, without the pressure of building a huge following, spending thousands on marketing, or pretending to be someone you’re not.
Whether you’re newly certified or just finally ready to put yourself out there, this blog will help you take confident steps forward — and we’ll introduce you to Love2Coach, the platform designed to help coaches get seen, booked, and paid (without the stress).
The Real Challenges Coaches Face When Starting Out
Let’s talk honestly. Most coaching certifications don’t teach you how to build a business. So you graduate with the tools to help others — but little idea how to actually find clients.
That leads to common frustrations like:
Spending hours tweaking a logo or website that no one sees
Posting on social media but getting no engagement
Comparing yourself to more established coaches
Feeling like marketing is salesy or inauthentic
Wondering if this will ever really work
Sound familiar?
These challenges are not a reflection of your ability to coach — they’re simply signs that you need a clear, grounded roadmap to get your business off the ground.
Let’s build that roadmap together.
Step 1: Claim Your Identity as a Coach
Before anything else, you need to own your role as a coach. Not just in your head, but in how you talk, act, and show up online.
This means:
Updating your social media bios to reflect that you're a coach
Talking about coaching in your conversations
Creating space in your schedule for sessions
You don’t need a fancy brand or a 12-week funnel to get started. You just need to start showing up as the coach you already are.
Step 2: Define Who You Help and How
When you're starting from scratch, clarity is everything. The clearer your offer, the easier it is for people to say, “I need that.”
Ask yourself:
Who do I love helping the most?
What problem do I help them solve?
What’s the result or transformation I help create?
Example: “I help burned-out teachers rediscover purpose and create work-life balance through mindset coaching.”
This becomes the foundation of your marketing — your message, your content, and your client conversations.
Step 3: Offer a Simple, Clear Package
Avoid overcomplicating your first coaching offer. You don’t need a full suite of programs right away.
Start with one clear package:
A free discovery call (20–30 minutes)
A 4- or 6-session coaching package
One simple price
Keep it clear. Keep it client-focused. Focus on results and transformation.
Step 4: Set Up Your Coaching Profile
Here’s where many coaches stall — building a website. But here’s the truth: you don’t need a website to get started. What you need is a professional online presence where people can learn about you and book a call.
That’s where Love2Coach makes your life easier.
Love2Coach is a platform built by coaches, for coaches, designed to help you start and grow your business — without needing to become a tech or marketing expert.
When you sign up, you get:
A customizable coaching profile
Built-in booking calendar
A place to list your offers and testimonials
Zero fees, commissions, or hidden costs
A community of other coaches and active clients
It’s the fastest and most ethical way to start your coaching business without the overwhelm of tech or design.
Step 5: Create a Few Key Marketing Materials
You don’t need a full brand kit or a sales funnel to get your first clients. You just need a few pieces of content that clearly communicate your value.
Start with:
An Elevator Pitch – A 1-2 sentence summary of who you help and what result you deliver
A Discovery Call Invitation – A short message you can use in DMs, emails, or captions:
“If you’re feeling stuck and ready for support, I’m offering free 30-minute calls this month. Let’s talk about what’s possible.”A Few Social Posts – Share your story, your coaching niche, client testimonials, or practical tips related to your area of focus
You can repeat and reuse these messages across different platforms.
Step 6: Connect, Don’t Sell
When you’re new to business, it’s tempting to jump into sales mode — but the best way to grow is to focus on connection first.
Reach out to:
Past colleagues or classmates
Friends who’ve shown interest in personal growth
Community groups you’re already part of
New leads on Love2Coach
Offer genuine support. Start conversations. Ask questions. Share what you’re up to — and invite people to book a free discovery call if it feels aligned.
Step 7: Start Coaching (Even Before You're Fully Ready)
You don’t need to wait until you have the perfect brand, system, or strategy. The best way to grow your business is to coach.
Every session helps you:
Build confidence
Gather testimonials
Refine your message
Deepen your expertise
Start with a few free or low-cost clients if needed. Focus on delivering value and tracking results. Every transformation you facilitate becomes fuel for your growth.
Step 8: Ask for Testimonials and Referrals
Word-of-mouth is powerful — especially when you’re starting from scratch.
After a few sessions, ask clients:
“What’s been most valuable for you so far?”
“Would you be open to sharing a few words about your experience?”
Share those testimonials on your Love2Coach profile and social media. You can also gently ask if they know anyone else who might benefit from coaching.
Step 9: Be Consistent and Kind to Yourself
Starting a coaching business is an emotional journey. You’re putting your heart out there. That takes courage.
Some weeks you’ll feel on fire. Others, you’ll feel invisible. The key is to stay consistent — even if it’s imperfect.
Keep sharing your message
Keep offering calls
Keep trusting the process
Progress doesn’t always look like likes or bookings. Sometimes it’s the clarity you gain or the mindset shift you have after showing up again.
How Love2Coach Helps You Start Faster and Smarter
Let’s be honest — building a coaching business can feel lonely. Especially when you’re figuring it all out yourself.
That’s why Love2Coach is more than j
