If you’re just starting as a health coach or are looking to take your practice online, you may wonder: “What steps do I need to take to build a successful coaching business from scratch?” Today, I’ll walk you through each part of the process, from defining a clear vision and mission to creating offers that clients can’t resist.
Let’s break it down.
1. Start with Your Vision: What’s the Purpose of Your Coaching?
The first step to building a coaching business is defining your vision. Your vision is the “why” behind everything you do—it’s the bigger picture and the change you want to create in people’s lives.
Ask yourself these questions:
Why am I starting this health coaching practice?
What impact do I want to make on people’s lives?
How do I want to transform the way people see health and wellness?
For example, in my Fit Business Academy, my vision is to help health experts reach their first 1,000 students, creating a wave of positive change in how health is seen and practiced. When your vision is clear, it not only motivates you but also draws others in—they can feel that you’re driven by a purpose bigger than just business.
Tip: Give your community a name. A name adds personality and makes clients feel part of something special. For instance, I call my community “Fit Business Academy.” It becomes more than just a business—it’s a movement.
2. Define Your Mission: Setting Clear and Tangible Goals
If your vision is the “why,” then your mission is the “what” and “how.” It’s a specific, measurable goal that you’re working toward in your business.
In my case, my mission is to build 10,000 successful health coaches by 2030. This mission has a clear number, a timeline, and a sense of purpose that guides my daily actions.
Examples of mission goals:
Help 5,000 clients improve their health within five years.
Create 1,000 success stories in fitness and nutrition.
Why set a mission? A clear mission gives you something concrete to work toward and lets you measure your progress. It’s also a huge motivator—it reminds you of the impact you’re aiming to create.
3. Establish Core Values: The Foundation of Your Business Culture
Values set the tone for everything you do. They act as guiding principles and help you make decisions that align with who you are and what you stand for.
Here’s an example of how I set my values:
Authenticity: I believe in being 100% real. No exaggeration, no false promises—just genuine care.
Lead by Example: I walk the talk. If I’m promoting wellness, I embody it in my life and actions.
Integrity: I take full responsibility. If there’s a mistake, I own it. Integrity means no blame or criticism—only solutions and accountability.
These values become the foundation of your business and shape how you, your team, and your community interact. They create a sense of consistency and make people trust you.
4. Create a Code of Honor for Your Community
A code of honor is like a set of guidelines for how your community engages with each other and with you. While values are personal, a code of honor is for everyone in your community.
For example:
Show respect and be supportive.
Engage positively and keep an open mind.
Share experiences to inspire others, not to criticize.
Setting these guidelines helps keep the community safe, supportive, and uplifting. It allows everyone to feel part of a team where everyone’s success is celebrated.
5. Craft Your Story: Connect with Clients on a Personal Level
Your personal story is one of the most powerful tools you have. People connect with stories because they’re real, and they show the person behind the brand.
Here’s how to build your story:
Share Why You Started: Did you experience health challenges or see a need for reliable health information? Share what drove you to become a coach.
Highlight Your Struggles and Breakthroughs: These moments show resilience and help clients see that you understand the journey.
Show Your Transformation: Position yourself as an example of what’s possible. Clients want to know you’ve walked the path and can help them do the same.
For me, I share how I struggled with health issues and how my journey transformed my approach to wellness. I also emphasize my commitment to helping others achieve their health goals.
6. Design Your Core Offer (L1): Your First Coaching Product
Now it’s time to create your core offer. Your L1 offer is the first-level product or membership you offer, designed to provide real value and set clients up for success.
Elements of a Strong L1 Offer:
Courses: Pre-recorded content gives clients flexibility to learn on their schedule.
Live Coaching: Weekly or monthly live sessions allow clients to get direct support and ask questions.
Community: A space where clients connect with each other, share progress, and get support.
Bonus Ideas:
Include a welcome kit with resources or guides.
Offer a 90-day challenge to get clients engaged from day one.
Host weekly Q&A calls to answer common questions and keep clients motivated.
I call my L1 offer the “Fit Business Lifetime Bundle.” It includes courses, coaching sessions, community access, and other bonuses, all aimed at giving clients a complete experience.
7. Host a Free or Low-Cost Masterclass to Introduce Your Offer
To bring clients into your L1 offer, start with a free or low-cost masterclass. This is a perfect way to introduce them to your coaching and give them a taste of what you offer.
How to Create a Successful Masterclass:
Choose a Strong Hook: Pick a title that directly addresses your audience’s needs, like “3 Steps to Your First 1,000 Clients.”
Offer Valuable Content: Teach actionable strategies that solve immediate problems, like how to niche down, create a strong social media presence, or design a sales process.
Introduce Your Offer: At the end, explain your L1 coaching package, highlighting the extra value they’ll get by joining.
A masterclass is a great way to show your expertise, build trust, and move attendees toward your core offer.
8. Follow Up and Onboard New Clients Smoothly
Once you start bringing clients in, it’s crucial to have a smooth onboarding process that makes them feel welcome and excited to start.
Steps for Onboarding:
Welcome Email: Send a friendly email outlining what they can expect and how to get started.
Orientation Call: If possible, offer a one-on-one or group call to guide them through your program.
Provide Clear Next Steps: Direct them to any resources, courses, or community groups they should join to make the most of their experience.
The goal is to make the transition into your program as easy as possible so they feel supported from day one.
9. Plan for Scaling with an Advanced Offer (L3)
As your L1 offer grows, you may want to create an L3 offer for clients who want more personalized support and are ready to invest at a higher level.
L3 Offer Elements:
Advanced Courses: Offer specialized courses for more in-depth learning.
Mastermind Groups: Small, focused groups that provide accountability and personalized support.
Exclusive Events: Host VIP workshops or private sessions.
To start, you can introduce the L3 offer through one-on-one calls with interested clients. As your client base grows, consider hosting a monthly event to showcase the value of this advanced program.
10. Build a Success Path with Recognition and Awards
Creating a success path keeps clients motivated and gives them something to work toward.
Examples of Recognition:
“Money in the Bank” Award: Celebrate clients who reach specific income milestones.
“1 Crore Superstar” Award: For clients who make significant progress or achieve top results.
Levels of Achievement: Create levels, like “Starter” and “Finisher,” with specific goals and actions for each stage.
These recognitions encourage clients to stay active and work toward clear, achievable goals, creating a results-oriented environment.
11. Track Your Numbers and Set Goals for Consistent Growth
To grow your business, set clear, measurable targets and keep track of your progress.
Example Goals:
Start with 10 L1 sales per month, then aim for 100 over time.
Calculate the number of webinar show-ups and registrations needed to reach each sales goal.
Automate key parts of your process once you’re consistently meeting targets.
As your practice grows, automation can help you maintain momentum without adding extra work.
Final Steps: Take Action and Stick to the Plan
Starting a health coaching practice from scratch is an exciting journey, but it requires commitment, planning, and a clear path forward. With your vision, mission, core values, offers, and success metrics in place, you’re ready to make a real difference.
Remember, progress happens step-by-step. Don’t be afraid to start small and grow as you go. The journey of building a health coaching business is as rewarding as the destination itself. Now, go make it happen!
Have questions or need further guidance? Drop your thoughts in the comments. Let’s make health coaching accessible, impactful, and successful—together!
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