Welcome to the second part of our blog series on how to get your first paid client as a life coach! In the first part, we covered the initial steps that you need to take to establish your coaching business, such as learning about their pain points, creating a package they can’t resist, etc.
In part two, we’ll delve deeper into the practical strategies you can use to attract and convert leads into paying clients. Whether you’re just starting or looking to grow your client base, we’ve covered you with valuable tips and insights to help you succeed as a coach.
So, let’s get started!
4 Ways To Land Your First Client As A Coach
1. Free Coaching For People You Know
Set a goal of engaging in 30 complimentary chats. Next, make a paid offer to work with them again or inquire if they know of anyone else who might be. Be more strategic than simply coaching your heart and hoping people will join you.
Pick a single issue to work on with potential clients first. Here is a list of the top 21 life coaching markets for consideration. Due to this specificity, people are more willing to try out free coaching because they can see how it can benefit them.
Create a free coaching invitation and send it to your current network. You can share this on social media or email your contacts directly (I suggest doing both).
Make those free calls following that using my 3C Sales System. Describe their circumstances, goals, and challenges clearly. Link what they want to what you can provide. Close the loop by assisting them in making long-term investments in themselves.
One out of every four clients you offer coaching to should enroll if you do this correctly. I attracted my first five lucrative tutoring clients in this manner.
2. Attend Networking Events
Many networking groups previously meeting in person switched to online meetings during COVID. For instance, you can now meet potential clients at Toastmasters, a public speaking organisation, without ever leaving your house.
You should concentrate on these three things to gain business via networking events. Think carefully about how you introduce yourself first, then consider offering folks a free coaching session at the conclusion. Second, make sincere connections with other group members by showing interest in what they do. Last but not least, be certain you have a mechanism to contact individuals you meet who might be interested in working with you.
I do not advise attending networking events with the sole purpose of obtaining clients. Yes, pick events that your prospective customers are going to go to. However, concentrate on what you can offer the other participants when you’re there. If not, you could come out as a little needy.
3. Talk Or Conduct A Workshop
The quickest technique to get coaching clients is this. When you speak, people immediately recognise your expertise. The workshop can be free or charged, online or off.
“If what we covered today was helpful for you, and you’d like to talk about how to apply it in your specific situation, then I’d like to offer you each a complimentary strategy session with me.” is an excellent way to close a presentation and invite the audience to a free strategy session.
Note: Planning your event can be very time-consuming.
I recommend finding a way to reach someone else’s audience if you don’t already have one. In this manner, they can fill the workshop for you, allowing you to concentrate on your presentation.
4. Create a Blog, a Podcast, or Videos
Most people consider content marketing to be more of a long-term endeavour. You produce content like blog articles, videos, and podcast interviews in the hopes that your prospective customers will find it. However, results may come sooner than you anticipate.
Depending on your skills, you can consider podcasting or filming videos. Whichever one comes to you is the easiest.
Establishing authority before communicating with a potential customer is one of the best things about content marketing for a coaching firm. When you have established that authority, selling coaching becomes much more straightforward.
I suggest starting with one format, such as writing and making videos on social media. It’s a more personal way to connect with your prospects and convert them into leads.
5. Obtain Referrals
Be very explicit in your requests if you want to get references. You shouldn’t ask, “Hey, do you know anyone who wants to coach?” People find it too difficult to search through their mental Rolodex and think of a name.
On the other hand, getting assistance when you ask to be put in touch with a particular kind of person who can help you with a particular aim is much simpler.
When I ask, “Do you know any new coaches who want to fill their client roster?” as an illustration. People are far more likely to send someone my way now.
By requesting that individuals spread an invitation that you sent out to your warm network, you can use this tactic in conjunction with free coaching. By following the three steps in this video, you may also request recommendations from your present or previous clients.
Love From Your Coach
The only thing left is to persuade folks to visit the sales page. What are your top prospects? The folks you spoke with on the phone. I converted those persons at a rate of roughly 50%.
The remainder of your original survey respondents is your next best prospects. For such persons, I had a conversion rate of around 20%.
After each coaching call, I started adjusting and upgrading the sales page with new phrases, keywords, and feedback. It started running as I directed new and existing readers to the sales letter. I soon had dozens of clients within a short period of time, reaching a peak of nearly 2100 clients in my first year.
FAQs
1. What’s the first step to getting your first paid client as a life coach?
The first step to getting your first paid client as a life coach is establishing your coaching business by identifying your niche, defining your ideal client, and building your brand.
2. How do I find potential clients as a life coach?
There are many ways to find potential clients as a life coach, such as networking, referrals, social media marketing, blogging, and attending events.
3. How can I attract clients to my coaching business?
To attract clients to your coaching business, you must provide valuable content showcasing your expertise, build a strong online presence, establish yourself as a thought leader in your niche, and offer a free consultation or trial session.
4. How much should I charge for my coaching services?
The amount you should charge for your coaching services depends on your experience level, niche, and the value you provide to your clients. Researching industry standards and conducting a competitive analysis can help determine your pricing.
5. What are some common mistakes to avoid when getting your first paid client as a life coach?
Common mistakes to avoid when trying to get your first paid client as a life coach include the following:
- Not having a clear niche or target market.
- Not providing enough value in your marketing content.
- Not building relationships with potential clients.
- Not setting realistic expectations for yourself or your clients.