“How Do I Set Up My Coaching Business?”

Ready to transform your coaching passion into a thriving business?

Let’s break down the essential steps to get you started on this exhilarating (and yes, sometimes terrifying) journey.

I promise you’ll walk away with a clear roadmap to launch your coaching practice, attract your first clients, and set yourself up for long-term success.

I remember when I first decided to make the leap from corporate life to coaching. It was like standing on the edge of a cliff, heart racing, wondering if I’d fly or fall.

There were so many questions swirling in my mind. Where do I even begin? How long will it take to get established? What if I can’t find any clients?

If you’re feeling the same way, take a deep breath—you’re in the right place.

I’ve been there, done that, and now I’m here to guide you through the nitty-gritty of setting up your coaching business.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• Defining your coaching niche and services
• Getting the right qualifications
• Setting up your business legally and financially
• Creating your brand and online presence
• Developing your coaching programs
• Marketing your services and finding your first clients
• A realistic timeline for establishing your practice
• Common challenges and how to overcome them

Let’s do this.

Define Your Coaching Niche and Services

First things first, let’s get crystal clear on who you want to serve and how you want to serve them.

Now, I’m not saying you need to box yourself into a tiny niche right from the start—in fact, I’d caution against that. But you do need to have a general idea of your target audience and the problems you can help them solve.

When I started out, I focused on helping corporate professionals who were feeling stuck and unfulfilled in their careers.

Why?

Because I’d been there myself.

I knew the pain of feeling trapped in a corporate job, yearning for something more meaningful. This personal experience gave me instant credibility with my clients.

Think about your own experiences and strengths. What unique perspective can you bring to your coaching? Remember, your personal journey is a powerful tool in connecting with potential clients.

While you don’t want to niche down too narrowly at first, consider these broader categories to help you focus:

• Career transition coaching
• Leadership and executive coaching
• Life coaching for millennials
• Wellness and health coaching
• Relationship coaching

To-do: Write down 3-5 potential areas where your experience and passion align with market demand.

Get the Right Qualifications

Now, let’s talk about qualifications.

While it’s true that the coaching industry isn’t regulated in the same way as, say, therapy or counselling, having the right qualifications can give you a significant edge.

It’s not just about having a certificate to hang on your wall—it’s about gaining the skills and knowledge you need to truly help your clients.

When choosing a coaching certification program, look for one that offers a good balance of theory and practical application.

At Paseda360, we focus heavily on practical skills that coaches can immediately apply with their clients. This hands-on approach means our graduates feel confident working with clients from day one.

But don’t think that once you’ve got your initial certification, you’re done learning.

The coaching field is constantly evolving, and the most successful coaches are those who commit to ongoing learning and development.

To-do: Research and compare at least 3 coaching certification programs. Look for accreditations from reputable bodies like the International Coach Federation (ICF) or the Association for Coaching (AC).

Legal and Financial Setup

Now, let’s talk about the nuts and bolts of setting up your business. This part might not be as exciting as working with clients, but it’s absolutely crucial to get right.

First, you’ll need to choose your business structure. In the UK, most coaches start out as sole traders because it’s the simplest option.

As you grow, you might consider setting up as a limited company for additional legal protection and potential tax benefits.

Next, you’ll need to set up your banking and accounting systems. At a minimum, you should have a separate business bank account to keep your personal and business finances separate. This will make your life much easier when it comes to tax time.

Determining your pricing strategy can be one of the trickiest parts of setting up your coaching business.

Many new coaches undervalue their services out of fear or lack of confidence. Remember, you’re offering a valuable service that can transform people’s lives. Your pricing should reflect that.

When I was starting out, I made the mistake of underpricing my services.

I quickly realised that this not only affected my bottom line but also how clients perceived the value of my coaching. Don’t be afraid to charge what you’re worth—but also be prepared to deliver exceptional value for that price.

To-do:

• Register as a sole trader with HMRC (visit gov.uk for guidance)
• Open a business bank account
• Set up a simple bookkeeping system (try FreeAgent or QuickBooks)
• Determine your initial pricing structure (e.g., £75-£150 per hour for new coaches)

Create Your Brand and Online Presence

Your online presence is often the first point of contact between you and potential clients. It’s worth investing time and effort to get this right.

Start by developing your brand identity.

This goes beyond just a logo and colour scheme—it’s about the personality and values you want your coaching business to embody.

Are you warm and nurturing? Direct and no-nonsense? Your brand should reflect your unique coaching style and appeal to your target audience.

Building a professional website is a must.

Your website doesn’t need to be fancy, but it should clearly communicate who you are, what you offer, and how potential clients can work with you. Include testimonials from happy clients (once you have them) to build trust and credibility.

Don’t forget about social media. Platforms like LinkedIn can be goldmines for coaches, especially if you’re targeting corporate clients. Share valuable content, engage with your audience, and don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through.

To-do:

• Choose a business name and register your domain
• Create a simple one-page website using Wix or WordPress, you can always swap it in the future, but WordPress is still one of the best for growing businesses.
• Set up professional social media profiles (focus on LinkedIn and one other platform your ideal clients use)

Develop Your Coaching Programs

Now it’s time to design your coaching packages.

Think about what format will best serve your clients—one-on-one sessions, group coaching, or a mix of both? Consider offering different package lengths to cater to varying client needs and budgets.

At Paseda360, we’ve developed a structured coaching journey that takes clients from ‘Stop Being Stuck’ through to ‘Find the Real You’ and finally ‘Unlock Your Potential’. This clear progression helps clients understand the value they’re getting and gives them a roadmap for their coaching journey.

Don’t forget to create supporting materials for your programs.

This might include worksheets, guided meditations, or video content. These resources add value to your coaching packages and give clients tools they can use between sessions.

To-do:

• Design 2-3 coaching package options (e.g., 3-month, 6-month, and VIP day)
• Create a simple client welcome packet
• Develop 1-2 worksheets or exercises to use with clients

Market Your Coaching Services and Find Your First Clients

With your business set up and programs ready to go, it’s time to start attracting clients.

This is often the most challenging part for new coaches, but don’t let it intimidate you.

We all start at zero!

Networking is often the fastest way to get your first few clients. Let everyone in your personal and professional circles know about your new venture. You never know who might need coaching or know someone who does.

But don’t just stop at casual networking—actively seek out opportunities to get in front of your target audience and speak.

Speaking engagements—whether at local events, webinars, podcasts, or workshops—can be incredibly powerful.

When you have a chance to share your knowledge and passion directly with potential clients, it builds instant trust and credibility. Plus, it allows you to demonstrate your coaching style, leaving a lasting impression.

Even small gatherings, like networking breakfasts or virtual industry meetups, can result in valuable client connections.

If speaking feels daunting, start small.

Practice in friendly environments or offer to do short, informal talks at community groups or professional associations. Remember, every speaking opportunity is a chance to position yourself as an expert in your field and create personal connections that are more likely to convert into clients.

Content marketing can be a powerful tool for coaches. Share your knowledge and insights through blog posts, videos, or podcasts. This not only helps potential clients get to know you but also positions you as an expert in your field. There’s a book called ‘They Ask, You Answer’ by Marcus Sheridan that can help you with that.

Building partnerships with complementary businesses can also be a great way to expand your reach. For example, if you specialise in career coaching, you might partner with a CV writing service or a recruitment agency.

Remember, marketing is about building relationships and providing value. It’s not about pushy sales tactics. Be authentic, be helpful, and the clients will come.

Low-cost marketing strategies for new coaches:

• Offer free 30-minute discovery calls.
• Seek out speaking engagements at local events, webinars, or industry meetups.
• Speak on podcasts or guest post for blogs in your niche.
• Join relevant Facebook groups and engage genuinely (no spamming!).
• Start an email newsletter with valuable tips and insights.

To-do:

• Make a list of 20 people to reach out to about your new coaching business.
• Research local events or online webinars where you can offer to speak or present.
• Schedule 3 pieces of content to share on social media this week, including tips or insights that reflect your expertise.

Timeline: How Long Does It Take to Establish a Successful Coaching Practice?

Now, let’s address the million-pound question: How long does it typically take to establish a successful coaching practice?

The honest answer is, it varies.

Some coaches hit the ground running and are fully booked within months. Others take a year or more to build up a steady client base. It depends on factors like your niche, your marketing efforts, your network, and, frankly, a bit of luck.

Here’s a rough timeline of what you might expect:

0-3 months:

• Set up your legal structure and business basics
• Get your website and social media profiles live
• Start networking and spreading the word about your services

3-6 months:

• Work with your first few clients (possibly at a reduced rate), or at least you could increase prices for new clients as you move forward.
• Refine your coaching approach based on initial experiences
• Begin creating content and building your online presence

6-12 months:

• Start working with paying clients regularly
• Get clearer on your ideal client and refine your marketing
• Consider raising your rates if you’re in demand

12-24 months:

• Build a steady stream of clients and referrals
• Expand your services or create additional offerings
• Focus on scaling and growing your business

One of our Paseda360 graduates, Eleanor, made the leap from her corporate IT career to full-time coaching within six months of completing our Advanced Practitioner course. She says, “It’s given me the confidence to have the accreditation, to have a skill set that sits on top of what I’ve learned. It’s helped me to understand it—so I’ve been on the receiving end of it, and now, as a coach, I’m looking at it.”

Of course, everyone’s journey is different. The key is to stay committed, keep learning and adapting, and don’t give up when things get tough (because they will at times—that’s just part of the entrepreneurial journey).

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Setting up a coaching business isn’t all smooth sailing. Here are some common challenges you might face and how to overcome them:

Finding your first clients: This is often the biggest hurdle for new coaches. Don’t be afraid to start with friends, family, or former colleagues. Offer introductory sessions or packages to get people in the door. Remember, every client is an opportunity to prove your worth and potentially get a referral.

Balancing coaching and business tasks: When you’re running your own business, you’re not just a coach—you’re also a marketer, accountant, and administrator. Time management is crucial. Consider using tools like Trello or Asana to keep yourself organised.

Dealing with imposter syndrome: This is incredibly common, especially when you’re just starting out. Remember, you don’t need to know everything to be a great coach. Your unique experiences and perspective are valuable. Focus on the results you’re helping your clients achieve, and let that build your confidence.

Key Takeaways

• Define your niche and unique coaching approach, but don’t box yourself in too tightly at the start.
• Invest in quality training and commit to ongoing learning.
• Get your business basics in order—legal structure, finances, and pricing.
• Create a strong online presence that reflects your coaching style.
• Develop structured coaching programs that provide clear value to clients.
• Market consistently and authentically, focusing on building relationships.
• Be patient—building a successful coaching practice takes time, typically 1-2 years to get fully established.
• Prepare for challenges like finding clients and imposter syndrome, but don’t let them derail you.

Setting up a coaching business is a journey, not a destination.

It requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to keep learning and growing. But if you’re passionate about helping others and committed to your own growth, it can be one of the most rewarding paths you’ll ever take.

Remember, every successful coach started exactly where you are now.

Take that first step, and who knows where your coaching journey might lead you?

If you’re feeling inspired to take the next step in your coaching journey, we’d love to support you.

At Paseda360, we’re committed to helping coaches at every stage of their journey. Our Advanced Practitioner course provides you with the skills and confidence to coach effectively, while our Business Accelerator program offers practical guidance on setting up and growing your coaching business.

Ready to learn more?

Watch our latest webinar on the Advanced Practitioner Coach Training Programme to see how we can help you build a successful coaching business.

Or, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out on WhatsApp to chat.

Your coaching journey starts here – are you ready to take the leap?