If you're a newer coach, you've probably practice coached for countless hours and invested a lot of money in your coaching certification. Maybe you’ve even worked with a few paying clients. But now you’re asking the question every new coach eventually asks:
How the heck do I actually get enough paying clients to make a go of this thing—without spending all day on Instagram or having a huge list?
If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place.
This blog post shares 10 specific, practical strategies to start signing clients now—no audience-building required.
These are the exact approaches I wish someone had shared with me when I launched my coaching business over 15 years ago. And if you want to dive deeper, I’ve got a free masterclass that walks you through every one of them in detail. I really recommend watching it - the detailed tips and strategies I provide are invaluable!
🎓 First: Why Most Coaches Get Client Acquisition Wrong
The coaching industry loves to glamorize social media. But if you’re spending hours creating content with zero traction (and even less confidence), you’re not alone. The algorithm is serving small businesses less and less these days, and you don't "own" your audience on those platforms -- it can be taken away at any time. We all know coaches who've had their accounts shut down for unexplained reasons, only to have to start building another following from scratch.
Too many new coaches are taught to “just show up” on social and hope the algorithm does the rest. But here’s the truth:
You don’t need followers to get clients. You need a plan.
That’s what this is. A plan you can use right now—even if no one knows your business exists yet.
✅ Grab the Free Masterclass:
👉 10 Ways to Get Coaching Clients Now (Without a Social Media Following or Email List)
Instant access to the most practical business-building training you didn’t get in your certification program.
1. Leverage Existing Contacts
Don’t underestimate the power of your existing network. Friends. Former coworkers. People from school, the gym, your parenting group, that book club you half-attended during COVID.
Here’s what to do:
-
Draft a short, clear email explaining what you’re doing now and who you help
-
Ask for referrals, intros, or chances to speak to their groups
-
Include a link to your calendar or newsletter signup
This isn’t awkward—it’s smart. People want to support you. They just need to know how.
2. Create a Signature Presentation
Speaking is one of the fastest ways to build trust and credibility. And no—you don’t need to be a TED Talker.
Start here:
-
Choose a topic your audience cares deeply about (a real-life problem they’re facing)
-
Craft a compelling title and short description
-
Build a one-sheet with your bio, photo, and a couple of talk options
-
Offer it to libraries, wellness centers, business groups, coworking spaces, Facebook groups, etc.
Good presentations include stories, client examples (anonymized), and light education. You’re not selling—you’re serving. And that builds trust.
3. Have Old-School Coffee Chats
Yes, actual conversations. In real life. Or on Zoom.
Identify 5-10 local business owners or professionals with complementary services (think: therapists, yoga teachers, chiropractors, financial planners). Then invite them for a casual coffee or lunch.
Ask about their work. Get curious. Then share what you’re doing—and explore potential collaboration or referrals.
Pro tip: This works best when you show genuine interest and don’t go in with a sales agenda.
4. Tap Into Local Business Marketing
Most coaches overlook the goldmine in their own backyard.
Ask yourself:
-
What local events or networking groups could I attend?
-
Are there directories, marketplaces, or local listings I could join?
-
Could I speak at a Chamber of Commerce event or business club?
-
Is there a co-working space with regular meetups?
This isn’t just about “getting visible.” It’s about getting useful.
Show up. Listen.
Where's the gap for this person and their clients or patients and how can you help fill it? Share your expertise when it’s relevant. And always follow up.
5. Partner with More Established Coaches
This one’s underused—and wildly effective.
Find a coach who serves a similar audience but in a different niche (or with more reach). Then:
-
Offer to run a free training or mini-workshop for their audience or membership
-
Co-host a Q&A or Instagram Live
-
Write a value-packed guest newsletter for their list
You’re not competing—you’re complementing. And you’re getting in front of a warm audience that already trusts the person introducing you.
6. Identify Your “Champions”
These are your ride-or-die people. Your best friend. That one boss who always believed in you. Your favourite client.
Take them for lunch or hop on a call. Tell them what you’re building and ask them to be your champion.
Be specific:
-
“Would you share this offer on LinkedIn?”
-
“Do you know any organizations that might be looking for a speaker?”
-
“Would you be willing to write me a testimonial?”
Then nurture those relationships over time. Champions aren’t just helpful—they’re invaluable.
7. Become a Podcast Guest
Podcast guesting is one of the best ways to build authority and get in front of new audiences.
Steps to take:
-
Draft a killer pitch email with your topic, short bio, and a few bullets about what listeners will learn. Share a little about your story, and what makes it unique, and highlight how your experience or expertise will be of value to the host's audience
-
Start with people you know (or podcasts you already love)
-
Search for shows that serve your audience but haven’t had someone speak on your unique topic or with your unique slant
Great pitches are relevant, specific, and easy to say yes to. And pro tip: You don’t need to have a podcast to guest on them.
8. Go Where the Referrals Are
Stop waiting for referrals to happen passively. Create systems for them.
Ideas:
-
Partner with therapists, trainers, or other service providers who work with your dream clients
-
Formalize referral relationships (think: written agreements or bonus offers)
-
Thank your referrers every single time
When people know you’ll treat their referrals like gold, they’ll keep sending them your way.
9. Hang Out Where Your Clients Are
You don’t need a huge following to be visible online—you just need to show up in the right places.
Try this:
-
Join Facebook groups, Reddit threads, or forums where your ideal clients are talking about their challenges
-
Start commenting—not selling—with insight, support, or a shared perspective
-
Engage on social posts where your audience already is (think: other creators, thought leaders, or aligned businesses)
This approach takes time, but it builds the kind of genuine visibility that actually converts.
10. Create a Phenomenal Freebie
Nothing builds like-know-trust like a high-value free offer.
Here’s the formula:
-
Solve the first problem your client has
-
Make it juicy (think: a 21-day challenge, mini-course, downloadable workbook, short video series, or webinar)
-
Deliver real results, even before they pay you
-
Promote it everywhere—on your website, your email signature, in DMs, on coffee chats, in podcast bios
Your freebie is your handshake. Make it memorable.
Need help crafting one? That’s a whole section in the free masterclass. Don’t miss it.
✨ Ready to Book Clients Now?
You don’t need thousands of followers or a tech funnel. You need connection, clarity, and a handful of smart strategies like these.
That’s why I created the free masterclass: 10 Ways to Get Coaching Clients Now. It’s packed with practical ideas that actually work—especially in your first year of business.
Inside, you’ll learn:
-
The critical mindset shift that changes everything
-
How to start building your referral engine today
-
Where to find your first (or next) paying clients—without shouting into the void on social
-
How to avoid the common mistakes that keep coaches stuck in “prep mode” instead of “paid mode”
🎓 Grab the Free Masterclass
👉 10 Ways to Get Coaching Clients Now (Without a Social Media Following or Email List)
No fluff. Just real strategies that work. Let’s fill that client roster.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been spinning your wheels waiting for a following to magically grow… you can stop now.
You have everything you need to start building a coaching business today. Not someday—now. The best part? These strategies don’t just help you get clients. They help you grow your confidence, your network, and your momentum.
So stop waiting to be “discovered” on social. Go make it happen.
And let me support you while you do it.
