Maybe a fellow coach mentioned it in a Facebook group. Or perhaps you saw an ad promising warm referrals and local business connections. Either way, you’re here because you want to know: 

Is Alignable actually worth your time and money as a coach?

The short answer? It depends on your coaching niche and how you prefer to build relationships.

The longer answer? That’s what we’re diving into today.

I’ll walk you through:

• What Alignable is
• How coaches are using Alignable
• Whether Alignable a good fit for your coaching business
• What Alignable alternatives might serve you better

What is Alignable?

Alignable is a professional networking platform designed specifically for referrals. You can think of it as LinkedIn’s local-focused cousin. 

The platform connects over what Alignable claims is 10 million business owners who are looking to:

• Network
• Find referral partners
• Discover new customers

Alignable takes a more targeted approach compared to LinkedIn. It focuses on connecting you with business owners in your area or within specific industries.

Alignable’s Pricing Structure

The base plan for Alignable is free. However, that free tier won’t get you that far.

Here’s how it breaks down:

• Free Plan: Basic profile, group access, networking events, and 5 connection requests per month
• Member Plan ($29/month): Daily curated opportunities and 15 connection requests per month
• Premium Plan ($49/month): Profile analytics, boosted visibility, “Ask About Services” button, and 25 connection requests per month
• Premium+ Plan ($89/month): Host events and groups, plus 75 connection requests per month

Note that you have to go through the entire account creation process to access the pricing plans above.

Five connections per month is very few. And according to some reviews, acceptance rates are quite low, averaging 20% or less.

But let’s move on.

When you set up your profile, Alignable asks specific questions about your business. 

You’ll specify:

• Who you typically sell to (businesses, consumers, or both)
• What types of customers you serve (sub-categories of the above)
• Where they’re located in relation to you

This helps the platform connect you with relevant opportunities.

The platform also offers industry-specific categories. If you search “coaching,” you’ll find options like:

• Audition coaching
• Behavior coaching
• Corporate coaching
• And more

So yes, they definitely have coaches in mind.

How Do Coaches Use Alignable?

Coaches on Alignable typically fall into two camps: 

• Those targeting local business owners
• Those hoping to build referral partnerships

For local business coaching

If you work primarily with small business owners in your area as a business coach, leadership coach, or executive coach, Alignable can connect you directly with your ideal clients. You can:

• Join local business groups
• participate in discussions about common challenges
• Position yourself as the go-to expert for business growth

For building referral networks

Some coaches use Alignable to connect with complementary service providers. 

For example, a career coach might partner with:

• Resume writers
• LinkedIn consultants
• Personal branding photographers

When these partners encounter clients who need coaching, they can refer them your way. You can specify the type of businesses you want to partner with in your profile.

Below, you can see the profile sections in Alignable that allow you to define your ideal customers as well as your ideal partners:

Is Alignable Worth It For Coaches?

Let’s be honest about what Alignable can and can’t do for your coaching business.

Alignable works best if:

• You’re a business or executive coach whose ideal clients are local small business owners. The platform literally exists to connect small business owners with each other. So, if that’s your target market, it could work for you.
• You’re willing to invest time in relationship building. Like any networking platform, Alignable rewards consistency. Show up regularly, engage authentically, and build real relationships over months, not days.
• You prefer local, community-based networking. If you thrive on supporting your local business community and building a reputation in your area, Alignable’s local focus could be a good fit.

Alignable probably isn’t worth it if:

• You’re a life coach, wellness coach, or mindset coach serving individual consumers. While you can specify that you serve “Businesses & Consumers” in your profile, the platform is fundamentally designed for B2B connections. Most users are looking for business services, not personal development coaching.
• You expect immediate results using the free plan. Multiple users report low acceptance rates for connection requests and slow progress in building their networks. One user mentioned averaging just one new network member per month.
• You’re not comfortable with potential privacy concerns. Several reviewers expressed frustration about Alignable’s contact import process. They claim the platform spammed their entire contact list with invitations. While Alignable representatives say this is optional and can be skipped, the complaints are common enough to warrant caution.

After checking out the platform myself and reading several dozen reviews, here’s my take on Alignable:

The privacy concerns are real. When you create an account, Alignable asks you twice to share the platform with your network. 

They’re quite insistent about it, which validates the complaints I’ve seen in multiple reviews. If you do sign up, be careful during the onboarding process and skip those steps.

What about compared to LinkedIn?

This is the crucial question. According to Alignable’s website, they have 10 million users. But that’s total users, not active users.

Compare that to LinkedIn: 1.2 billion active users worldwide, and still growing.

The difference is staggering. 

Now, LinkedIn’s free tier is incredibly powerful. You can:

• Create authority-building content
• Build your network strategically
• Connect with potential clients without ever paying a dime. 

If you’re willing to send out 25-100 strategic connection requests per week and focus on content marketing, you don’t need a paid LinkedIn plan.

The paid plans on both platforms are really designed for cold outreach. And here’s the thing: cold outreach can be super effective for certain services like agency work, high-ticket SaaS products, or copywriting. I’ve personally landed copywriting clients through cold outreach on LinkedIn.

But coaching is completely different. People don’t hire coaches because of a cold message. They hire coaches they trust. 

That trust gets built through content, referrals, and seeing your expertise demonstrated over time. Personally, all my coaching clients have come from referrals, content marketing, and Facebook ads. Never from cold outreach.

Long story short, you can use LinkedIn to get clients without paying a dime.

My recommendation?

If you serve local business owners and want to be active in your local business community:

• Try Alignable’s free plan for three months.
• Post weekly, engage authentically, and use your limited connection requests strategically.
• If you’re seeing real conversations and potential interest after those three months, great! If not, don’t feel bad about moving on.

For everyone else? Focus on LinkedIn instead if your audience is on there. 

The free version gives you access to a vastly larger pool of potential clients and much better tools for content marketing. 

Use other social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, or Instagram if that’s where your audience is. Regardless, the concept remains the same:

• Build your presence through valuable content
• Engage with your ideal clients’ posts
• Let people come to you

Honestly, for most coaches, putting your energy into one platform where you can build a real content presence will serve you better than spreading yourself thin across multiple networking sites.

How to Cancel Alignable

If you’ve tried Alignable and decided it’s not for you, canceling is straightforward.

To cancel a paid membership:

1. Click the “My Business” dropdown in the top-right corner and select “Account.” 

2. Navigate to “My Membership” in the top navigation bar. 
3. Scroll to the bottom of the page to find your membership controls.
4. Click “Cancel Subscription.” You’ll see two options: “Keep Benefits” or “Cancel Benefits.” Choose “Cancel Benefits” to stop future charges.

Your paid benefits will remain active until the end of your current billing period. After that, your account automatically downgrades to the free tier.

To permanently delete your free account:

Before you start, note that account deletion is permanent and cannot be undone. You’ll also need to cancel any paid memberships first.

1. Log in to Alignable and open the “My Business” dropdown, then click “Account.” 
2. Click “I want to permanently deactivate my business account” at the bottom of the page. 

3. Complete the steps that follow, including explaining why you’re leaving and entering your password for security verification. 
4. Finally, click “Deactivate Business Account” to finish.

The process is more involved than simply clicking “delete,” which seems designed to make you reconsider. But if you’ve made up your mind, just work through each step.

What Works Better Than Alignable for Most Coaches

Here’s what I’ve seen work consistently for coaches who want to grow their businesses online.

1. Build your own platform first. 

Instead of relying entirely on third-party networking sites, create a home base you control. 

This means having your own website with clear information about: 

• Your coaching services
• Who you help
• How to work with you

Paperbell makes this incredibly simple, even for coaches who hate tech and drag-and-drop site builders. You get a professional coaching website that automatically creates a website, including unique landing pages for each of your offers. 

Your clients can: 

• Purchase your coaching packages
• Book sessions into your calendar
• Make payments and sign up for ongoing subscriptions
• Answer surveys and intake forms
• Access resources and digital downloads

They can do all of that from a single, easy-to-use client portal that’s accessible directly from your coaching website:

No need to piece together multiple tools or worry about tech complications.

Having this single, easy-to-share link makes it so much easier to drive traffic to your coaching business from your marketing platform of choice. You can:

• Share valuable content consistently
• Engage in real conversations
• When people are ready to work with you, send them to your Paperbell site where they can easily take the next step

Focus on one or two channels at first, not five. You don’t need to be everywhere. You need to be present and consistent where your people are. 

For most B2B coaches, that’s LinkedIn. For many life and wellness coaches, that’s Instagram. Pick your platform, commit to it for at least six months, and actually show up.

2. Build your email list

On top of having a website, I also suggest building your email list. 

This is the one marketing asset you truly own. Social platforms can change their algorithms or even shut down. Your email list stays with you. 

Start by:

• Offering a valuable lead magnet to grow your list
• Displaying your lead magnet/newsletter opt-in on your Paperbell site

• Nurturing your subscribers with helpful and/or entertaining content
• Making relevant offers when it makes sense

The coaches who succeed aren’t necessarily the ones on every platform. They’re the ones who build real relationships, demonstrate their expertise consistently, and make it easy for people to work with them.

Grow Your Coaching Network, Your Way

Alignable can work for some coaches, particularly those serving local business owners who enjoy community-based networking. But for most coaches, there are more effective ways to invest your time and energy.

Rather than hoping a networking platform will deliver clients to you, focus on building your own platform and driving your ideal clients there. 

With Paperbell, you can create a professional coaching site in minutes and have everything you need to land and coach clients in one place. Try Paperbell free today and see how simple growing your coaching business can be.

FAQs About Alignable

What is Alignable?

Alignable is a professional networking platform connecting over 10 million small business owners. It focuses on local and industry-specific connections to help business owners find clients, partners, and referrals through groups, events, and direct networking.

Is Alignable legit?

Yes, Alignable is a legitimate networking platform owned by a real company. However, user experiences vary widely. Some find valuable connections while others report low engagement and concerns about contact privacy during signup.

How does Alignable work?

After creating a profile with your business details, Alignable suggests relevant connections based on location and industry. You can join groups, attend events, and send connection requests (limited by your plan type) to network with other business owners.

Is Alignable good for coaches to get clients?

It depends on your niche. Business and executive coaches serving local small business owners may find it useful. Life coaches and wellness coaches serving individual consumers will likely get better results from platforms like LinkedIn or Instagram.

What is an alternative to Alignable?

LinkedIn offers a much larger network with better content marketing features. For coaches, creating your own professional website with Paperbell lets you showcase your services and make it easy for clients to book and pay in one place.

Most coaches don’t. Yet, these “repetitive” emails are essential for running a smooth coaching business. But writing them manually for every single client? That’s a recipe for burnout.

The good news is that you can automate most of your coaching emails without sounding like a robot. And when done right, automation actually improves your client experience because people get the right information at exactly the right time.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to automate emails for coaches, including:

• Types of emails coaches send (and should automate)
• How to automate emails for coaches
• How to use Paperbell to automate all your coaching emails
• Best practices for automating emails

10 Types of Emails Coaches Send (And Should Automate)

Before we get into the how, let’s talk about the what. Here are the essential emails every coach should have running on autopilot.

1. Client onboarding emails

Your onboarding email sets the tone for your entire coaching relationship. 

It’s the first thing clients see after they’ve paid for coaching programs. As such, it should make them feel excited and confident about their decision to work with you.

A great onboarding email includes:

• A warm welcome
• Clear next steps
• Any important information they need to get started

Maybe you want them to complete an intake form, or maybe you need them to book their first session. 

Whatever it is, spell it out clearly. In the sample email below, I specify how to book a first session, get their first resource, and get additional support.

2. Appointment confirmation emails

Once someone books a session with you, they should get an immediate confirmation. This reassures them that everything went through correctly and gives them all the details they need.

Your confirmation email should include:

• The date and time of the appointment
• The video call link
• Any prep work you want them to do beforehand
• What to do if they need to reschedule

Make it obvious in your subject line that this email is a confirmation of an appointment, like in this example below:

3. Appointment reminder emails

Even the most organized clients forget about appointments sometimes. A reminder email sent a day or two before your session helps reduce no-shows and keeps your calendar running smoothly.

Keep these short and sweet. Include the basics: 

• When you’re meeting
• Where (the video link)
• Optional: one sentence about what you’ll be covering

If there’s any homework they should complete before the call, mention that too.

4. Appointment cancellation emails

Life happens. Clients get sick, emergencies come up, and sometimes they just need to reschedule. 

Having an automated cancellation email takes the awkwardness out of the situation.

This email should:

• Acknowledge the cancellation
• Remind them how to rebook
• Let them know you’re looking forward to connecting when the time is right

5. Appointment rescheduling emails

Similar to cancellations, rescheduling should be frictionless. 

When a client moves their appointment, they should get an automated email confirming the new time and date.

This eliminates the back-and-forth confusion of “Wait, did we land on Tuesday or Wednesday?”

6. Reminder to book the next appointment

Let’s say a client finishes a coaching session. You both agree to meet again in two weeks, and then… crickets. 

They get busy, you get busy, and suddenly it’s been a month.

An automated reminder that goes out when a client hasn’t booked in 30 days can save these relationships. Keep it friendly and low-pressure, like a gentle nudge rather than a scolding.

7. Final appointment notification

When a client is on their last session in a coaching package, they should know it. 

This email gives them a heads-up that they’re approaching the end. But it also opens the door for them to purchase more sessions if they want to continue.

8. Post-package debrief emails

After you’ve completed a coaching package with someone, send a debrief email that celebrates their progress. This is your chance to find out:

• What worked
• What didn’t work
• How you can improve

It also plants the seed for continuing to work together or trying another one of your offerings.

9. Asking for testimonials

If you’ve done great work with a client and they’ve had amazing results, ask them for a testimonial! 

But don’t just send this request randomly. Time it strategically, either right after a big win or at the end of a successful package.

Make it easy for them by asking specific questions about their experience. For example: 

“What was your biggest challenge before we worked together?” 

Or: 

“What would you tell someone considering coaching with me?”

10. Upsell and cross-sell emails

Once existing clients have completed a program with you, they’re your best target audience for your next coaching services.

An automated email sequence that introduces them to other ways you can work together can turn one-time clients into long-term relationships. Feel free to share success stories for those upsell opportunities to properly showcase the opportunity.

How to Automate Emails for Coaches

Okay, so you know what emails you need. Now let’s talk about how to actually set up email automation without pulling your hair out.

There are a few different approaches. The right one depends on your current tech stack and how much complexity you want to deal with.

Option 1: Use an email marketing platform with automation

If you’re already using an email marketing platform, you might be able to set up basic automated email triggers there.

Dedicated tools like ConvertKit, ActiveCampaign, or Mailerlite let you create automated sequences based on tags or actions. 

For example, when someone fills out a form or makes a purchase, they get added to a specific sequence.

The challenge with this approach is that you’ll need to connect your email platform to:

• Your scheduling software
• Your payment processor
• Whatever else you use to manage clients. 

Every integration is one more thing that can break. And not all platforms integrate with everything else natively.

Option 2: Connect tools with Zapier

Zapier is a powerful automation tool that lets you connect different apps without knowing how to code.

You can create “Zaps” that say things like:

“When someone books an appointment in Calendly, send them an email through Gmail.”

This works, but it gets complicated fast. You’ll be managing multiple Zaps for different scenarios, and troubleshooting when something goes wrong can be a nightmare. 

Plus, the more Zaps you need, the more expensive it gets.

Option 3: Use an all-in-one platform built for coaches

This is where things get a lot simpler. When you use a platform designed specifically for coaches, the email automation is already built in. It’s also already connected to everything else you need to run your business.

This means:

• No duct-taping multiple integrations together
• No paying for Zapier
• No hoping that your scheduling tool plays nice with your email platform

Paperbell is the best all-in-one platform to automate your emails along with the rest of your coaching business. Let’s get into the step-by-step.

How to Use Paperbell to Automate All Your Coaching Emails

Paperbell was built specifically to make life easier for coaches. That includes automating every email you need to send.

When you create a coaching package, you can set up all the automated emails right there in the same place. No integrations needed.

You can trigger automated emails based on:

• Purchase triggers: Send emails immediately after someone buys or at any point up to 12 weeks after purchase. This is huge for creating nurture sequences that keep coaching clients engaged for a full three months after they start working with you.
• Appointment triggers: Send emails from three days before an appointment up to 12 weeks after. Perfect for reminders, follow-ups, and checking in on how they’re implementing what you covered.
• Group session triggers: Same as appointment triggers, but specifically for group coaching sessions or live classes.
• Reminder to book: This email automatically goes out if a client hasn’t booked an appointment in the last 30 days. No more manually tracking who’s gone quiet.
• Final appointment trigger: Automatically send an email after the final appointment of a package. Great for asking for testimonials, offering an upsell, or just celebrating what you accomplished together.

The fact that Paperbell now lets you set automated email triggers for up to 12 weeks after purchase makes all of this so much easier. You can create a comprehensive onboarding and nurture sequence that guides coaching clients through their entire journey with you.

For example, you could set up:

• An upsell email for potential clients following a discovery call
• A welcome email immediately after purchase
• A “how to prepare for your first session” email one week after purchase, including helpful free resources such as blog posts or social media posts
• A progress check-in at week 4
• A mid-program encouragement email at week 6
• A “you’re halfway through!” celebration at week 8
• A reminder about the final sessions at week 10
• A package completion and next steps email at week 12

All of this marketing automation runs in the background while you focus on actually coaching your clients. And because it’s all in one platform, you don’t have to worry about whether your calendar syncs with your email tool or if Zapier is going to randomly stop working.

Here’s how to automate any email inside Paperbell for your coaching practice:

First, create your free Paperbell account.

Next, create your first coaching package. You’ll manage EVERYTHING from your packages, including:

• Number of appointments (and appointment length)
• Payments (processed through Stripe or PayPal, no invoices needed) and payment plan options
• Contracts
• Intake forms
• Digital downloads and other resources

And, of course, your automated emails.

Once you’ve got your package, navigate to the Emails tab:

That’s where you’ll add your automated emails.

Simply click the + Add button, pick from the triggers, and draft the email you want to add.

That’s it! Now, every time a client hits the trigger you picked, they’ll receive your email. And you get to spend fewer hours in your inbox.

Oh, and did you know that your brand-new coaching package gets displayed on a beautiful, branded coaching site? You can even add:

• Testimonials and success stories
• FAQs
• Opt-in forms and lead magnets
• A call to action to book a free discovery session
• Additional offers, such as online courses or coaching memberships

This gives you an additional marketing channel to find more clients.

Best Practices for Automating Emails

Automation is a powerful piece of email marketing for coaches. However, it’s not a “set it and forget it” situation. 

Here’s how to make sure your automated emails actually help your coaching clients instead of annoying them.

1. Write like a human, not a robot

Just because an email is automated doesn’t mean it should sound automated. Write your emails the way you’d write to a friend:

• Use contractions
• Tell stories (if relevant)
• Let your personality shine through

Avoid phrases like “Dear new client” or “We hope this email finds you well.” Instead, try “Hey Sarah!” or “I’m so excited to work with you!”

2. Personalize whenever possible

Most email automation tools, including Paperbell, let you insert personalization tokens like first names or package names. Use them! 

An email that says, “Hey Vicky, looking forward to our session tomorrow” feels infinitely more personal than “Looking forward to our session tomorrow.”

3. Test your emails before they go live

Send yourself test emails to make sure they look good and all the links work. Check them on both desktop and mobile. 

Nothing kills trust faster than a broken Zoom link or a button that doesn’t do anything.

4. Don’t overdo it

Yes, automation is great. No, you shouldn’t send 47 emails in the first week someone works with you. 

Be strategic about what actually needs to be automated and what can wait.

A good rule of thumb: 

Only send an email if it provides real value or necessary information. If you’re just emailing for the sake of staying top of mind, reconsider.

5. Review and update regularly

Your automated emails shouldn’t stay the same forever. As you learn what works and what doesn’t, update your templates. 

Maybe you notice everyone asks the same question that you forgot to address in your onboarding email. Add it!

Set a reminder to review your automated emails every few months. Then, make improvements based on what you’re learning from your coaching clients.

6. Keep the important stuff non-automated

Some emails should always be personal. Big celebrations, handling sensitive situations, or addressing specific client concerns shouldn’t come from an automated sequence. 

Know when to step in and write something from scratch.

Stop Spending All Day in Your Inbox

Email automation, when done right, can keep your clients informed, engaged, and excited about working with you. This can allow you to focus on being the best coach you can be and spend more time on relationship building where it counts.

Ready to simplify your entire client workflow? Get started with Paperbell to launch your coaching website and automate your online coaching business.

FAQs About Automating Emails for Coaches

How do I automate my coaching business?

Start by identifying repetitive admin tasks like scheduling, invoicing, and client communication. Use tools like Paperbell to automate emails, payments, and bookings in one platform without needing multiple integrations.

What is the 60-40 rule in email?

The 60-40 rule suggests your email marketing strategy should be 60% value and 40% promotion. Focus more on helping your audience than selling to them, which builds trust and keeps people engaged with your email marketing.

Is there a way to automate emails?

Yes! You can automate your email marketing efforts using email marketing software, Zapier integrations, or all-in-one coaching platforms like Paperbell that have email automation built in and connected to your scheduling and payments.

It can even increase your earning potential.

However, you might wonder how to make the move ethically and legally. Read on to find out how you can integrate these two careers successfully, including:

• How to run a dual practice ethically
• The difference between offering therapy and coaching
• What coaching can offer to clients that therapy can’t
• Why therapists are making the move
• How to go from therapist to coach

The Difference Between Offering Therapy and Coaching

First, let’s break down the differences between offering therapy and coaching as services to your clients.

In therapy:

• You can diagnose and treat various mental health conditions as a licensed mental health professional.
• Your sessions focus on past events in your client’s life and how they affect their life in the present.
• You may address issues like anxiety, depression, mood disorders, or addictions.

Life coaching, in contrast, does not require a license. 

Coaches can obtain certifications from institutions such as the International Coaching Federation (ICF) or the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC). You can even get a certification in mental health coaching.

However, certification is not mandatory to practice coaching.

[ Read: Are You Embodying These 7 Roles of a Coach? ]

Life coaches don’t spend much time analyzing past events. Instead, they focus on the client’s current life and desired future. 

They help clients set and achieve personal and professional goals through:

• Various coaching models
• Coaching exercises
• Questioning techniques
• Accountability strategies

Therapy and coaching are typically set apart by their approach and focus.

(Image Source)

Therapy addresses and heals past traumas and mental health issues. It provides clients with tools to manage their emotions. 

Specifically, it involves a deep exploration of past experiences to foster mental wellness.

Coaching, however, is future-oriented. It helps clients define their goals and create actionable plans to achieve them. 

Coaching is about envisioning the future and maintaining accountability. It builds on the foundation of emotional stability that therapy provides.

Neither approach is inherently better than the other. These approaches complement each other and offer different tools for healing and personal development. 

Clients may benefit from starting with therapy to heal from past experiences and then moving into coaching to pursue future aspirations. That being said, many go back and forth between the two depending on which approach suits them better at a particular time in their lives.

Pro tip: Make your transition to coaching smoother by automating your business with Paperbell. This platform runs your entire coaching site, with scheduling, payments, packages, and more built right in.

What Can Coaching Offer to Clients That Therapy Can’t?

Coaching is increasingly accepted among mental health professionals as a valuable adjunct to traditional therapy. Research shows that coaching can be highly effective alongside psychotherapy or counseling.

Coaching offers several unique benefits:

• It emphasizes actionable strategies and regular accountability, which motivates clients to stay committed to their goals.
• It also provides a non-clinical perspective, making it more accessible and less intimidating for some individuals.
• Additionally, coaching empowers clients to take control of their lives, fostering self-efficacy.

Additionally, many individuals seek help not only for mental health issues but also for navigating other aspects of life, such as: 

• Careers
• Relationships
• Finances
• Spirituality

Coaching addresses these broader areas in ways traditional therapy typically doesn’t.

With coaching, you can offer a more comprehensive service that supports clients in healing their past and achieving their future aspirations.

[ Read: What Is a Coaching Plan and How Can You Build One? (Example & Free Template) ]

Why Therapists Are Making the Move

Therapist burnout is real. Many people in this field feel constrained by state regulations and insurance policies that limit their earning potential and ability to help clients in various ways.

At the same time, many of them battle the pressure to have it all together as a licensed expert in mental health. They might also feel they would waste the time, money, and effort invested in becoming a therapist if they made the switch.

As John Kim, co-founder of Lumia Coaching, says:

“The guilt of taking out a student loan, maybe quitting a career, borrowing money from family, makes you stuff your feels down as you force yourself to feel some gratitude.”

Also called the “Angry Therapist,” John beautifully describes the internal monologue that might go through a therapist’s head when considering a career change: 

“This is what you wanted. And you’re doing it. So shut up and keep going. It’s not about you anyway. It’s about helping others.”

However, becoming a coach doesn’t mean you’ll be throwing away the years you’ve invested in becoming a psychologist. 

Coaching can complement your existing practice and skills. It expands your capacity to help clients in impactful ways.

Instead of sticking to traditional therapy, you can grow a business and design it however you want. Here are a few reasons why therapists may consider stepping into coaching:

• More opportunities to earn money: Therapy often relies on insurance reimbursements or sliding scale fees. Coaching lets you set your rates and charge for multi-month coaching packages rather than single sessions. You can also host events and retreats or create courses to supplement your income.
• More flexibility: Coaching is not bound by these regulations, unlike therapy, which requires state-specific licensing. This flexibility allows coaches to work with clients from anywhere globally. This expands their potential client base and reach.
• Charging directly: Dealing with insurance can significantly burden therapists, involving rejected claims and extensive paperwork. Coaching eliminates this headache as clients pay upfront. And it’s easy if you use Paperbell.
• Diversifying your services: As personal development gains popularity, there is an increasing demand for life coaches. By offering coaching services, you can serve clients seeking help beyond traditional therapy in areas like career advancement or spiritual growth.

Venturing into coaching can open up new entrepreneurial pathways for you. You can explore different niches and gain more autonomy in your practice.

As Michele Schwartz, an occupational therapist, says, “Being able to work in the life coaching field gains me credibility, higher hourly rates, and without the insurance paperwork and oversight for my clients.”

Besides, you’ll be free to combine these two methodologies in a way that works best for you. As Naomi Anold, an award-winning coach, points out:

So, how do you make the switch?

How to Go From Therapist to Coach

Here are some important steps to consider when expanding your services with coaching:

1. Get trained: Consider obtaining a coaching certificate to learn coaching methodologies and skills in your chosen coaching niche.
2. Research state laws: Adhere to your state’s licensing laws for therapists. Contact your licensing board if you have any concerns.
3. Revise your agreement: Create a separate contract for your coaching services that outlines what you offer.
4. Check your insurance: Make sure your liability insurance covers coaching sessions. If it doesn’t, add coaching to your policy.
5. Get a coach or mentor: Seek guidance from experienced coaches or dual practitioners on working with coaching clients and running your practice.
6. Pick up some marketing skills: Learn online marketing strategies to help you create visibility for your new services.

If you’re unsure how to combine therapeutic techniques with coaching, consult a lawyer who understands state regulations regarding your license. This step is crucial as navigating the transition to life coaching can be complex and legally sensitive.

Finally, to make it easier on yourself, use Paperbell to run your new coaching business. Paperbell gives you everything you need to both land and coach your new clients on a single platform, including:

• Creating unlimited coaching packages and offers with custom session availabilities for each
• Displaying your packages, testimonials, FAQs, and more on a beautiful coaching website
• A user-friendly client portal to manage bookings, payments, intake forms, and more 
• Automating contracts, emails, and booking reminders

This means you spend less time managing your schedule and your inbox, and more time supporting your clients and growing your business.

How to Run a Dual Practice Ethically

Offering both therapy and coaching services can be tricky for one reason:

You cannot treat and coach the same person simultaneously. 

Clients must be clearly categorized into one service or the other and educated on the differences:

• Ensure they understand that coaching is not a substitute for mental health counseling or psychotherapy. 
• If it becomes clear that a coaching client needs therapy, talk to them about transitioning them or referring them to another therapist.
• Explain the change in roles and what the client can expect from the new service. 
• Revise your contracts to make the distinction clear. 

Integrating some coaching techniques (like goal-setting or accountability) into your therapy process is much more straightforward. That being said, it’s usually the other way around that leads to confusion. 

Using therapy techniques in coaching sessions may blur the boundaries and create ethical dilemmas.

To solve this, some dual practitioners suggest setting up two separate LLCs and websites for therapy and coaching services. If you’re looking for a way to run a more integrated practice, it’s best to speak to a lawyer and your licensing board to ensure you can keep your license and serve clients the best way.

Automate Your Coaching Practice With Paperbell

Wouldn’t it be nice if client management ran itself in the background while you made an impact on your clients?

That thought inspired Paperbell, the all-in-one client management software made for coaches.

Paperbell runs your day-to-day processes, from payments and contract signing to scheduling, and more. It keeps all your client information in one place while conveniently linking your entire website to your client management system.

Try Paperbell now for free to transition to a coaching business with ease.

FAQs About Going From Therapist to Coach

Can a therapist be a coach?

Yes, therapists can become coaches and offer both services. However, you cannot treat and coach the same person simultaneously. You’ll need to get trained in coaching methodologies, research state laws, revise your agreements, check your insurance coverage, and clearly separate the two services.

Can a life coach be a therapist?

No, life coaches cannot practice therapy unless they hold a mental health license. Therapy requires state-specific licensing and allows professionals to diagnose and treat mental health conditions. Coaching doesn’t require a license and focuses on future goals rather than past traumas.

Can I be a coach with a psychology degree?

Yes, you can be a coach with a psychology degree. Coaching doesn’t require specific degrees or mandatory licensing, though certifications from organizations like ICF or EMCC are available. Your psychology background can complement your coaching practice and enhance your ability to help clients.

What tools do coaches use to sell their packages?

Coaches use client management software like Paperbell to automate their practice. It handles payments, contract signing, and scheduling, and keeps client information organized. They link complete coaching websites to client management systems, making it easier to sell and deliver coaching packages.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in May 2024 and has since been updated for accuracy.

In this article, we’ll break down what these training programs look like and how students feel about them.

What Is New Skills Academy?

New Skills Academy is an online learning platform that offers courses across various subjects you can take at your own pace, from finance to lifestyle. If you dig deeper, you can even find niche topics like dog-related courses or an international massage diploma.

Its goal is to make picking up skills for your dream job accessible and affordable through flexible courses that include certificates of completion. Most include short video lessons (2-15 hours total) and written materials designed to teach foundational skills or introduce new career paths.

While not as well-known as major platforms like Udemy or Coursera, New Skills Academy has earned recognition for its rapid growth, enrolling over a million students. However, these awards focus more on the company’s success than the depth or quality of its courses.

All programs are CPD-accredited and primarily aimed at students or entry-level professionals looking to gain knowledge in new fields. Individual courses typically cost between $110–$290, or you can access the entire library with an annual membership for $119.

The company’s website highlights mentions in major publications, but independent coverage rarely reviews the courses in depth. Most media attention focuses on the founder, Chris Morgan. The Guardian, for example, covered his personal transformation from gambling addiction to building the New Skills Academy brand.

Pro tip: If you want to turn your coaching skills into a real business, you need a system that keeps clients organized from day one. Paperbell gives you built-in scheduling, contracts, payments, and a fill-in-the-blank website optimized for coaches. Try all features with your first client for free.

New Skills Academy Courses for Life Coaches 

Life coaching certifications have become widely accessible, with a wide range of programs delivered online at a self-paced, affordable price point. New Skills Academy follows a similar model.

You can purchase an individual coaching certificate course for about $120, or you can access the full course library for a year through their premium membership at the same cost.

The platform describes its courses as “expertly designed,” but it provides very little information about who actually creates or teaches them. The About page lists only first names and illustrated avatars for the New Skills Academy team, so it’s difficult to evaluate instructor credentials.

Here’s a closer look at what the coaching course curriculum includes at New Skills Academy.

Life Coaching Certificate Course

New Skills Academy offers a foundational life coaching certificate that takes about 13 hours to complete and costs £100.

If you’re brand new to coaching, this gives you a broad overview of core principles and practical tips to begin working with clients. It covers the GROW model, basic questioning techniques, ethical guidelines, and different coaching styles. The final modules touch on how to find early clients and price your services.

As with all courses on the platform, it’s fully self-paced with no live instruction or peer practice for practical knowledge. You won’t be able to ask questions or apply the tools in real time, but the video lessons provide a basic understanding of coaching in general.

Mindfulness Diploma

New Skills Academy also offers a Mindfulness Diploma at £100 with 11 hours to complete all the modules. This course introduces the core principles of mindfulness and how it supports emotional and physical well-being.

It covers mindfulness meditation, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and practical ways to apply these approaches. You’ll also explore how mindfulness influences everyday habits, emotional regulation, parenting, leadership, and management.

Professional Body Healing Coach Certificate Course

This course is only 3.5 hours long and costs £100. It takes a holistic approach and discusses the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of well-being.

It includes training videos on nutrition, diet, exercise, and natural remedies. Some lectures also discuss meditation, breathing exercises, mindfulness, and stress management techniques. Additionally, you’ll learn about how the immune system works and what autoimmune disorders are.

The curriculum promises to prepare you to assess and change negative beliefs and habits in clients and to help them become more resilient to stress. It’s an ambitious undertaking for a 3.5-hour course, but it might give you a taster if you’re interested in health coaching.

Spirituality Coach Certificate

The spiritual coach course on New Skills Academy costs £100, and the whole course takes five hours to complete, at your own time.

It focuses on helping people reconnect with their true selves and improving their well-being through spirituality.

The lectures don’t follow a particular religion or spiritual system; instead, they teach different spiritual philosophies and concepts, such as:

• Self-acceptance
• Releasing negativity
• Connecting with the universe
• The purpose of life

Some lectures also discuss practical tools like meditation, breathing techniques, and systems like the chakras and karmic ties.

These foundational modules will help you work with clients to manage stress, transition through life changes, and feel more fulfilled.

Other Certificates for Life Coaches

Besides courses tied to niches, others on New Skills Academy focus on key skills coaches require across specialties. These include:

• Coaching and mentoring skills
• Success habits
• Marketing courses
• Mindful listening
• The science of happiness
• Anxiety awareness

There are also courses related to therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Remember, these classes can provide insights into various healing practices, but they don’t qualify you to diagnose and treat people with mental and physical health issues.If you’d like to compare other, more comprehensive and eye-opening course options, explore our full list of free and paid coaching certification programs.

New Skills Academy Reviews

Curated Testimonials

You can find several testimonials curated by the site listed under each course. The ones given by students of the life coaching certificate course highlight that the lectures are easy to follow and well-structured.

Some appreciate the step-by-step structure of the content that suits beginners and the additional modules that discuss business concepts.

Online education is a highly competitive business. New emerging sites in this industry typically gain traction by offering an incentive or encouraging students to write positive reviews. Then these testimonials can be curated on course pages and duplicated on independent review sites.

Let’s dig deeper to see what independent reviewers say about the platform.

Trustpilot: A Mixed Bag

If you look up New Skills Academy on Trustpilot, you can find thousands of 5-star reviews, many praising the ease of accessing courses and the freedom to learn without any time limit.

Some students also highlighted that the content allowed them to explore new career paths. As mentioned, most people taking courses on New Skills Academy are university students and entry-level professionals.

Additionally, a student mentioned that being able to read and watch the modules made it easy to navigate the content.

In contrast, there are some reviews on Trustpilot about the site from students who weren’t so impressed. Several of them mentioned that they expected more from the curriculum based on how it was promoted, and that they could’ve easily found the same information through Google or helpful videos on YouTube.

Beyond the course content, several students raised that the information in the lectures isn’t designed by real-life experts and is read by a computerized voice, making it hard to absorb.

Some made the important point that tangible tools like healing modalities can’t be learned effectively through such a platform. The courses lack practical explanations, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises for proper application.

In addition, more experienced students raised concerns about the accuracy and language of subjects related to human behavior. Here’s a review from a student who took the ADHD course.

TThe lack of neuro-informed language and inaccurate claims here are especially concerning because New Skills Academy attracts thousands of entry-level professionals.

These students are starting new careers in fields where they are expected to work with people who may have deep-seated emotional trauma or special needs. Going into these fields unprepared or misinformed, they may do more harm instead of helping their clients.

While a basic management or Excel course doesn’t carry much risk if poorly designed, the same isn’t true for subjects rooted in social sciences or therapeutic work. Many of the reviews mentioning accuracy issues or confusing language come from students who enrolled in these therapy-adjacent modules.

Another concern is how the platform markets some of these programs as “comprehensive” training that prepares students to practice in these fields. But can a few hours of info dump narrated by a computer-generated voice realistically equip someone to work with clients?

With AI becoming part of everyday life and language models improving rapidly, it’s even harder to justify paying for outdated, surface-level lessons that simply recite information.

Current AI tools can already explain concepts more clearly, adapt to your learning style, and answer follow-up questions in real time. If a course can’t offer more depth, human guidance, or practical experience than what AI now provides for free (and more engagingly), it’s difficult to see the value.

New Skills Academy Courses in the Media

According to a feature published in Schools Week, New Skills Academy has previously used misleading advertising about its classes. It positioned a 15-hour course as training equivalent to an undergraduate degree and suggested that it was a requirement to start a career as a special educational needs teacher.

The piece has also investigated the accuracy of the content and language used in these online courses.

Sara Alston, a special educational needs and disability (SEND) expert with 30 years of experience, has reviewed the teacher assistant courses on the platform. She said they were “written in a way that makes no sense at all and feels deliberately written to make it sound academic,” echoing the disappointed reviews on Trustpilot.

Alston also highlighted that the description of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) was inaccurate in these courses. Additionally, the content had out-of-date details and referred to people with learning difficulties with inappropriate terms such as “emotional disturbance.”Besides content accuracy, there were also some ethical concerns raised. The courses on New Skills Academy are accredited by an independent appraisal service called IVCAS. However, as the article pointed out, this organization is owned by the same person as the online academy, creating a conflict of interest.

New Skills Academy: Is It Legit?

New Skills Academy has gained quick popularity for its short online courses, but has also received widespread criticism from both its students and the media.

The curated testimonials on the site paint a positive picture of the courses, highlighting the structured lectures, beginner-friendly content, and business modules.

However, independent reviews on sites like Trustpilot raised concerns that the content is superficial, inaccurate, and could easily be replaced with a quick online search.

Many of the issues were raised about the courses related to working with people, such as those about ADHD, special educational needs, and reflexology. Some experts reported instances of inappropriate language and inaccuracies.The coaching-related courses on New Skills Academy may provide an introduction to fundamental coaching concepts, but they aren’t equivalent to hands-on, expert-taught training delivered in comprehensive coaching certification programs.

Scale Your Professional Coaching Business

Mastering core competencies is vital in getting your coaching practice off the ground. However, if you want to run your business efficiently, you also need a way to streamline your client management.

Paperbell does exactly that.

It’s an all-in-one website and client management tool specifically designed for coaches. It handles your contracts, schedules, payments, landing pages, and more, so you can automate your admin and focus more on making a difference in people’s lives.

Try Paperbell for free with your first client.

FAQ

Is New Skills Academy Legit?

New Skills Academy is an e-learning platform with CPD-accredited online courses. However, several independent reviewers and experts have pointed out accuracy and presentation issues in its quick lectures.

Do You Get a Certificate From New Skills Academy?

Yes. Every completed course comes with a digital certificate, and you can order a printed version for an extra fee.

How Do I Cancel New Skills Academy?

You can cancel your membership by logging into your account and turning off auto-renewal under “My Subscriptions,” or by contacting their customer support team directly.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in May 2024 and has since been updated for accuracy.

You want to change lives, but wait: You need to make money too!

Only about 20% of coaches succeed in making this a full-time, sustainable business. And they do because they are prepared, have a clear plan, and can execute a well-thought-out strategy. 

If you want to make this a business more than a side hustle or Mother Teresa-style mission, you must know how to write a life coach business plan. Let’s go through the essential steps of how it’s done, including:

• Free life coach business plan template
• Why you need a life coaching business plan
• 6 steps to writing a life coach business plan

Why You Need a Life Coaching Business Plan

Before jumping into action, let’s consider why creating a coaching business plan is essential. 

You can’t build a business and increase revenue unless you have a clear vision of where to take it and an actionable plan to get there.

When you’re planning a road trip, you first pick a destination. Then, you define the route to get there and research the attractions you might want to see during your trip. And, of course, you factor in the expenses.

Your life coaching business plan should be treated the same way. 

You need a solid plan to navigate your business because it will:

• Help you to know your next steps at all times
• Keep your work focused and efficient
• Guide your strategic decision-making to achieve your business goals
• Help you budget better and save money
• Make it easier to foresee potential business challenges so you can prepare for them
• Make it possible for you to grow your business
• Keep you accountable as a business owner

So, let’s explore what it takes to pin down a business plan you can rely on.Pro tip: Once you have a coaching business plan in place, you’ll want to keep your business costs down and your admin time low to bring it to life. Try Paperbell for free to run your entire coaching business from a single platform.

6 Steps to Writing a Life Coach Business Plan

1. Define Your Mission

To create a life coaching mission statement for yourself, think about:

• What type of life coach you’d like to be
• Who you’re serving
• How you want to help them
• Why you’re doing it

This is also known as your 30-second elevator pitch. Here’s an example of a life coaching mission statement:

“I’m a career coach and I help mid-career tech professionals advance in their fields. I provide strategic career planning for my clients to navigate the complexities of the tech sector, capitalize on their strengths, and unlock new opportunities. My mission is to bridge the gap between ambition and achievement, guiding individuals towards fulfilling tech careers.”

2. Define Your Target Market

From your mission statement, you’ll need to define your target market or coaching niche. 

If you don’t know who your target market is, you’ll have difficulty finding clients. That’s because you’ll have no idea who you’re speaking to.

And when you don’t know who you’re speaking to, your messaging and copywriting will target no one at all.

To find out who your ideal clients are for your coaching business, answer the following questions:

• Who are they? 
• What are their needs? 
• Where do they hang out? 
• What content are they consuming? 
• How old are they? 
• How do they spend their money?
• What are their pain points?

The best way to find the answers to these questions is to talk to people who may be your ideal customers. Get out there and speak to the people you think could benefit from your service.

Where will you find these ideal customers? Get referrals from your network or look for people you can briefly interview in relevant online communities. You may offer them a small incentive if you want to conduct an in-person or longer interview with them.

Find out what they’re looking for in a life coach:

• What are their main challenges?
• How many coaching sessions could they commit to? 
• Do they prefer them in person or online?

Gaining insights into your potential client’s needs before marketing your business will help you build a product that people want. In business lingo, it’s called a product-market fit (i.e., building a product that satisfies market demand). You need this to build a successful life coach business for the long term.

If you want to increase your chances of success when starting, build something people actually want, not what you think they want. Create your coaching packages using evidence from your customer interviews. That way, you can make sure your services answer real-world needs.

You’ll also need to decide what type of coaching services you’ll offer, or if you’ll expand beyond just coaching. According to the International Coaching Federation’s (ICF) 2025 report:

• 60% of coaches provide training
• 57% of coaches offer consulting
• 55% of coaches offer facilitation
• 49% of coaches deliver mentoring

What you offer should depend on:

• Your specific set of skills, and
• What your ideal clients’ challenges will require you to solve

3. Create Your Life Coaching Business Tagline

Once you know who your clients are and what they want from your services, it’s time to get creative. Start thinking about the messaging you want to put out there about your coaching business.

Your coaching tagline tells people in a short sentence who you are and what you do. It’s an opportunity to tell the world why they should choose you. 

To create an effective tagline:

• Choose clarity over creativity. This tagline must be clear in telling the client what you do. 
• Position yourself as an expert, and don’t be shy to be confident in your gifts. 
• Test your tagline and ask for feedback from others. This is a part of your market research. 

You don’t have to get your tagline perfect from the start. Instead, you can always reiterate it as your business and experience grow. 

A strong tagline will help you position yourself in the market and be an invaluable tool for your marketing efforts.

Here are some ideas for taglines that work well for life coaching programs:

• Getting you unstuck
• Master your goals
• Be unapologetically you
• Small steps reap huge rewards
• Get more out of life
• Unlock your potential

4. Make a Financial Plan

To make your coaching business profitable, you’ll need a financial plan and a business model.

For example:

• How much will you charge clients for a session? 
• Will they need to book you for a set term or buy your coaching packages? 
• How many clients will you need to work with weekly to earn your ideal income?

Calculate how much time you can spend working with clients and on your business, and then work backward from there. These decisions will help you create a more predictable income and financially sustain your business.

You’ll also need to take other factors into account, such as:

• The market price for your coaching niche
• Your level of experience
• Whether or not you’re certified as a coach

For instance, the average cost of an hour-long coaching session is $272. So if you were thinking of charging $500 right off the bat with little to no experience, think again.

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You’ll also need to think beyond covering your basic business expenses (including the salary you pay yourself) and paying your taxes. For instance, consider how much you’ll invest in growing your business. 

You can use budget management software to help you track and plan your finances. Having a solid plan for handling and reinvesting the money you make is an essential part of your business plan. 

5. Create a Marketing Strategy

Coaching businesses are highly competitive. The ICF’s 2025 report cited earlier states an increase of 15% in the number of coaches since 2023.

However, the right marketing strategies can help you rise above the noise.

To know what you’re working with and gain a competitive advantage, you need to know what else is happening in the market.

Competitive analysis is not reserved for consumer products and tech-based companies. In an industry as massive and lucrative as coaching, competition is everywhere. Often, life coaches compete for the same clients.

To define who you’re competing with, consider these questions:

• Who are your main competitors? 
• What are they doing that is working? 
• Where are they advertising? 
• How are they attracting new clients?
• What sets them apart from the rest? 
• What techniques are they using to close the sale?

And most importantly, how will you do it better?

Think about your unique selling point and ways you can reach clients, for example, through:

• Creating free resources as lead magnets for your email marketing campaigns
• Offering a free webinar, workshop, or session to get leads and showcase your expertise
• Using search engine optimization (SEO) and a weekly blog post to get the attention of new clients
• Making informative and engaging social media content to reach your audience
• Creating online courses to attract one-on-one coaching clients
• Speaking at in-person or online events and getting media coverage

However you decide to get your message in front of potential customers, you need to set SMART goals to execute your plan. That means your business goals are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic/relevant, and time-bound.

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For example, you may have the goal of building an email list so you can start sharing weekly advice. You can’t conjure a list from thin air, so you will need to create an opt-in strategy for getting people to sign up for your list.

So your SMART goal could look like this:

“Get the first 100 people to sign up for my email list through Facebook ads in the next month.”

The key to a successful marketing plan is to break it down into digestible action steps. Small tasks carried out step-by-step are much more achievable than one big, lofty goal.

6. Commit to a Timeline

Now that your business structure and long-term goals are clear, it’s time to define your next major milestones. You can use your business plan as your north star and set goals for every:

• Month
• Quarter
• Year
• 3-year period
• 5-year period
• 10-year period

Though it’s best to stay consistent with the fundamentals of your business, you can revise your business plan from time to time. As you keep growing it over the years, you’ll be clearer on how you can capture its essence and market it effectively.

Follow This Business Plan Template to Write Your Life Coach Business Plan

Lastly, we want to make it as easy as possible for you to create a simple coaching business plan and move on to growing your own coaching business.

Here’s a handy step-by-step life coach business plan example that you can follow to get started.

1. Business Name and Tagline

Make your business name shine and tell people concisely who you are and what you will do for them.

Example:

Business Name: Thrive Through Transition Coaching

Tagline: Empowering women to navigate menopause with confidence and vitality

2. Mission Statement

Your mission may change occasionally, but it should be a constant reminder of why you get up every morning and make life coaching your business. 

Example:

Thrive Through Transition Coaching empowers women navigating menopause to reclaim their vitality, confidence, and well-being through personalized coaching and evidence-based strategies. We address the physical, emotional, and lifestyle challenges of this transition with compassionate support, helping clients develop sustainable habits that transform menopause from a struggle into an opportunity for renewal and growth.

3. Executive Summary

Write this last. Your executive summary should summarize all of the following sections in a paragraph-by-paragraph format. If this feels too challenging, you can consider using an AI text summarizer for assistance. It will make the process easier for you by automatically condensing your entire business plan into a digestible and concise summary. This benefits both you and those you may share your plan with.

4. Competitive Analysis 

List up to five of your biggest competitors:

• What are their strengths and weaknesses?
• How do you plan to compete? 

Here’s a great how-to guide on doing a competitive analysis. 

5. SWOT Analysis 

Your competition has holes, and you likely will, too. SWOT Analysis stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.

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No one can be great at everything, but we all have positive and negative traits. Understanding those and working with them is a big part of running a successful life coaching business.

Tackle this head-on, and you will save yourself a lot of headaches and financial loss. Learn how to do your own SWOT analysis here.

6. Target Market 

If you don’t know who your customers are, you can’t find them. 

Be as detailed as possible and paint a clear picture of your client so you can find the ones that need you.

Example:

• Women aged 45-55 experiencing perimenopause or menopause who are struggling with symptoms like hot flashes, sleep disruption, weight gain, or mood changes that are impacting their daily life and overall well-being.
• Professional women and working mothers who feel overwhelmed by managing menopause symptoms while balancing career demands and family responsibilities, and are seeking practical strategies to maintain their performance and energy levels.
• Health-conscious women who prefer holistic, natural approaches to managing their menopause journey and want personalized guidance rather than relying solely on medication or generic advice.

7. Financial Plan

Create a projection of your annual income. You’ll need to:

• Define the financial goals you would like to reach
• Create a budget
• Consider working with a bookkeeper to save on your taxes and grow your savings

Example:

• Financial Goals: Generate $90,000 in annual revenue within the first year, growing to $120,000 by year two. 
• Revenue: 15 clients per month at $500 per month (ongoing coaching package) = $7,500/month or $90,000 annually, plus 2 group workshops at $200/person with 12 participants each = $4,800, bringing total projected revenue to $94,800 in year one.
• Expenses: Business insurance ($800), website and scheduling software ($500), marketing and advertising ($4,800), professional development and certifications ($2,000), office supplies and materials ($600), accounting services ($1,500), miscellaneous ($600). Total annual expenses: $10,800.
• Net Income: $84,000 in year one.

8. Marketing Plan

Your marketing plan should specify:

• How are you going to launch your business? 
• Where will you find your clients? 
• What collateral will you need to do so? 

This part of your plan is a working document that will change as you learn and grow.

The Hardest Part is Getting Started

Hopefully, this guide has clarified how you can start crafting your master plan for your life coaching business. If you want to dig into more nifty resources, we recommend our free template pack for coaches.

And if you’re ready to bring your business plan to life without the admin overload, Paperbell is here for the job. It’s an all-in-one client management tool that handles your website, scheduling, payments, contracts, and more. Try it for free today to get your own gorgeous website with all your business tools built right in.

FAQs About Life Coach Business Plan

How do I start a life coaching business?

To start a life coaching business, begin by defining your niche, obtaining relevant training or certification, creating a business plan, setting up a professional website, and marketing your services to attract clients.

Is life coaching profitable?

Yes, life coaching can be profitable. In this fast-growing industry, your earning potential depends on your client profile, your level of expertise, and how well you market yourself.

How much does it cost to start a life coaching business?

It’s possible to set up your coaching business while keeping your expenses low by taking a free certification program first, setting up a home office and running your sessions online, creating your own marketing materials, and using low-cost marketing strategies.

Do I need an LLC for a life coaching business?

No, you don’t need an LLC to start a coaching business. However, it can be helpful to mitigate personal risk. It’s also a good idea to form an LLC if you intend to hire employees.

What is the most lucrative life coaching niche?

Business coaching and executive coaching tend to be the most lucrative coaching niches. This is because your coaching can have a significant positive impact on your clients’ bottom line, which allows you to charge higher fees.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in February 2023 and has since been updated for accuracy.

You worry about looking unprofessional or disappointing your client. Maybe you’re wondering if they’ll think you don’t value their time or if this one change will damage your relationship.

But life happens. Emergencies pop up. Schedules conflict. Knowing how to communicate changes professionally and empathetically so your clients feel respected and informed can make all the difference.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to reschedule an appointment via email with grace and professionalism, including:

• When coaches should reschedule client sessions
• How to reschedule an appointment via email
• Reschedule appointment email templates for coaches
• How to reschedule a coaching session using Paperbell
• Best practices for coaches when rescheduling

When Should Coaches Reschedule Client Sessions?

Not every situation warrants rescheduling. But certain circumstances absolutely justify changing your appointment.

1. Illness or family emergencies

When you’re sick enough that you can’t show up fully for your client, rescheduling is the right call. 

Your clients deserve your full presence and energy. The same goes for family emergencies that require your immediate attention.

2. Schedule conflicts

Sometimes conflicts arise that you didn’t anticipate. 

Maybe a last-minute opportunity comes up that’s critical for your business, or another client has an urgent situation that creates a scheduling collision.

3. Client requests

Often, your clients will initiate the reschedule themselves. They might have:

• Work conflicts
• Childcare issues
• The need for more time before your next session

It makes sense to honor these requests in most cases.

4. Last-minute situations

You may encounter curveballs such as:

• Transportation problems
• Tech failures
• Unexpected meetings

These can make it impossible to honor the original appointment time.

Balancing business needs with client relationships

The decision to reschedule should always consider the impact on your client relationship. Frequent rescheduling can erode trust and rapport, and make clients feel like they’re not a priority. 

Reserve rescheduling for situations that truly warrant it. When you do need to make a change, handle it with extra care.

Pro tip: Want to prevent scheduling conflicts before they happen? Try Paperbell for free to manage your coaching calendar with smart availability controls, buffer times between sessions, and automated reminders that reduce no-shows.

How to Reschedule an Appointment via Email

Whether you use Gmail, Outlook, or another email platform, the process for rescheduling via email follows these essential steps.

Step 1: Write a clear subject line

Your subject line should immediately communicate what the email is about. Skip vague phrases like “Quick question” or “Schedule update” and be specific.

Try these instead:

• “Rescheduling our session on Tuesday, March 15”
• “Need to move our coaching call scheduled for 2pm tomorrow”
• “Requesting to reschedule our March 20th appointment”

Step 2: Draft your reschedule request

Start your email by acknowledging the inconvenience and providing a concise reason for the change.

But most importantly, give options for alternative timelines. You should never bring up a problem without potential solutions.

Step 3: Make rescheduling easy

If you use scheduling software, include a direct link where clients can view your availability and book a new time themselves. 

This puts them in control and speeds up the process.

Step 4: Send the email promptly

As soon as you know you need to reschedule, send the email. 

The more notice you provide, the easier it is for your client to adjust their own schedule.

Reschedule Appointment Email Templates for Coaches

Having ready-to-use templates makes it simpler (and faster) to notify clients of your unforeseen circumstances. Here are professional email examples you can adapt for your coaching business.

Rescheduling Appointment Email Template

Subject: Need to reschedule our upcoming appointment on [Date]

Hi [Client Name],

I need to reschedule our coaching session originally scheduled for [Day], [Date] at [Time]. [Brief one-sentence reason].

I have the following times available this week:

• [Option 1: Day, Date, Time]
• [Option 2: Day, Date, Time]
• [Option 3: Day, Date, Time]

You can also view my full availability and book directly here: [Your Paperbell scheduling link]

I apologize for any inconvenience this causes and truly appreciate your flexibility.

Looking forward to connecting soon!

[Your Name]

Rescheduling Appointment Email Sample

Subject: Rescheduling our March 22 coaching call

Hi Sarah,

I need to move our coaching session scheduled for Thursday, March 22 at 3pm EST. A family matter came up that requires my attention that afternoon.

Here are some alternative times that work on my end:

• Friday, March 23 at 10am EST
• Monday, March 26 at 2pm EST
• Tuesday, March 27 at 11am EST

You can pick any of these times or choose another slot that works better for you through my calendar: [link]

Thank you so much for understanding. I’m grateful for your flexibility!

Best,
Jennifer

Rescheduling Appointment Email Example

Subject: Need to reschedule tomorrow’s 2pm session

Hi Marcus,

I’m writing to reschedule our session tomorrow (Wednesday) at 2pm. I’ve come down with a cold and want to make sure I can show up fully present for our work together.

Would either of these times work for you instead?

• Friday at 2pm EST
• Monday at 10am EST

If neither works, please let me know what days/times suit your schedule this week or next, and I’ll do my best to accommodate.

I really appreciate your understanding!

Talk soon,
Devon

Wording to Reschedule a Meeting

Subject: Moving our strategy session to next week

Hi Alex,

I need to move our strategy session from this Thursday at 1pm to next week. An unexpected client emergency requires my immediate attention.

I have availability next week at:

• Tuesday at 1pm EST
• Wednesday at 3pm EST
• Thursday at 10am EST

Please let me know which time works best, or feel free to book directly: [scheduling link]

Thanks for being so understanding!

[Your Name]

Reschedule Coaching Email Sample

Subject: Rescheduling our next coaching session

Hi Jordan,

I hope you’re doing well! I need to reschedule our upcoming session on April 5th at 4pm. I have a scheduling conflict that just came up.

Here are a few options for our next session:

• April 8th at 2pm EST
• April 9th at 11am EST
• April 10th at 3pm EST

You can also check my calendar for other available times: [link]

I’m sorry for the change and appreciate your flexibility. Looking forward to our next conversation!

Warmly,
Taylor

Reschedule Appointment Message

Subject: Quick schedule change for our Monday session

Hi Riley,

Just a heads up that I need to reschedule our Monday session at noon. I have a work conflict that afternoon.

Are you available at any of these times instead?

• Monday at 3pm EST
• Tuesday at 10am EST
• Wednesday at 2pm EST

Let me know what works, or grab a time from my calendar: [scheduling link]

Thanks so much for rolling with this change!

Best,
Sam

Rescheduling an Appointment Last Minute

Subject: Last-minute reschedule needed for today’s 3pm session

Hi Casey,

I’m so sorry for the extremely short notice, but I need to reschedule our session today at 3pm. I’m dealing with an unexpected personal emergency.

I completely understand if none of these work given the last-minute change, but I have availability:

• Tomorrow at 3pm EST
• Friday at 1pm EST
• Monday at 11am EST

You can also check my full calendar here: [link]

I sincerely apologize for the disruption and really appreciate your understanding during this time.

Thank you,
Morgan

Reschedule Appointment Text Message Sample

While email is typically the most professional channel for rescheduling requests, sometimes a text message is appropriate, especially if you have that kind of relationship with your client.

Hi [Name]! I need to reschedule our session on [Day] at [Time]. [Brief reason]. Are you free [Alternative Time 1] or [Alternative Time 2] instead? You can also book here: [link]. Thanks for understanding!

How to Reschedule a Coaching Session Using Paperbell

Rescheduling doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Paperbell makes it possible to easily reschedule appointments both for you and your clients.

When you or your client reschedules a session through Paperbell, the automated email now shows both the old date and time and the new date and time. No more confusion or detective work required!

Here’s what your clients will see:

This works for:

• Client-initiated reschedules through their portal
• Any changes you make to appointments on your end
• Both individual and group sessions

For clients to reschedule themselves:

Your clients will see rescheduling links in the email and calendar appointment they receive from Paperbell.

They can also go to their client portal on Paperbell to modify or cancel their appointments.

Your minimum notice scheduling setting determines how far in advance they can book or cancel. You can customize these settings on every unique coaching package you create, which gives you complete control over your rescheduling policies.

For you to reschedule on behalf of a client:

If you need to book or reschedule for your client, you can do so by clicking “Book appointment” on your Appointments page. The system will automatically send the updated notification with both the old and new times clearly displayed.

This automatic clarity: 

• Reduces client confusion
• Prevents missed appointments
• Saves you from having to manually explain what changed

It’s one less thing to worry about when you’re already dealing with the stress of needing to reschedule.

Best Practices for Coaches When Rescheduling

Beyond having the right email template, following these practices will help you maintain professionalism and preserve client relationships when schedule changes happen.

1. Give as much notice as possible.

The moment you know you need to reschedule, reach out to your client. Even an extra few hours of notice makes a difference in helping them adjust their own schedule. 

Waiting until the last minute creates unnecessary stress for everyone.

2. Be honest, but don’t over-explain.

Your clients deserve to know why you’re rescheduling, but they don’t need your entire life story. A brief, honest explanation shows respect without turning the situation into something bigger than it needs to be.

For example, “I have a family matter that requires my attention” is sufficient. You don’t need to detail every aspect of the emergency.

3. Offer flexible options.

When proposing new times, offer variety. Include options across different days and times of day if possible. 

This increases the likelihood that at least one option will work for your client’s schedule.

Even better, share your scheduling link so clients can see all your available times and pick what works best for them.

4. Follow up with confirmation.

Once your client selects a new time, send a quick confirmation. This ensures you’re both on the same page and prevents any confusion about the rescheduled appointment.

With Paperbell, this happens automatically. When a new time is booked, both you and your client receive confirmation with all the updated details.

5. Use scheduling tools to prevent future conflicts

The best way to handle rescheduling is to minimize how often it needs to happen in the first place. Use tools that help you manage your availability intelligently.

How Paperbell helps maintain professionalism automatically

Paperbell takes care of the details that make rescheduling smooth and professional: 

• Buffer times between sessions prevent back-to-back appointments from running into each other
• Automated reminders reduce no-shows that might otherwise create scheduling chaos
• Customizable availability settings let you control exactly when clients can book

Plus, with everything in one platform including your payment emails and client communications, you maintain a consistent, professional experience even when changes happen.

Rescheduling Happens: Handle It with Grace

Schedule changes are an inevitable part of running a coaching business. What sets professional coaches apart isn’t avoiding rescheduling altogether but handling it with clarity, empathy, and efficiency.

And when you use Paperbell to manage your coaching appointments, the entire rescheduling process becomes smoother for everyone involved. Try Paperbell for free and experience how simple appointment management can be when everything works together in one platform.

FAQ About Rescheduling Appointments via Email

How do I write an email to reschedule an appointment?

Start with a clear subject line, briefly apologize and explain why you need to reschedule, offer two to three specific alternative times, and thank your client for their flexibility.

How do I politely reschedule an appointment?

Notify your client as soon as possible, acknowledge the inconvenience, keep your explanation brief, offer convenient alternative time slots, and express genuine appreciation for their understanding.

Can I reschedule via email?

Yes, email is a professional and appropriate way to reschedule appointments. It provides a written record and gives your client time to check their calendar before responding. But an online scheduling tool like Paperbell makes it easier for all parties involved.

How do you politely ask to reschedule a coaching session?

Use a direct subject line, briefly explain your situation, propose alternative times that work for your schedule, make it easy for your client to respond, and thank them sincerely.

Is there a tool that can easily manage rescheduling for coaches?

Paperbell makes rescheduling simple for coaches with automated email notifications that show old and new times, client self-service rescheduling through their portal, and customizable scheduling controls.

Without a record of your coaching process, you may feel uncertain and unprepared in your session. As a result, you fail to deliver the tangible results your client is looking for.

A simple way to prevent that is by keeping a coaching log. It keeps your practice organized and focused while tracking your clients’ progress and accountability.

Let’s explore how an effective coaching log template is made and what makes it so powerful, including:

• How to keep track of your coaching sessions
• What a coaching log is
• The benefits of keeping a log of your coaching sessions
• How to create a coaching log
• Free coaching log templates

What is a Coaching Log?

A coaching log is a record-keeping coaching tool you can use to document session details. These include the client’s:

• Progress
• Goals
• Action items

A coaching log keeps you organized and makes your sessions more impactful by keeping your coaching process focused and your client accountable.

Pro tip: Automate your coaching log (and the rest of your admin) by trying Paperbell for free and launching your all-in-one coaching site.

The Benefits of Keeping a Log of Your Coaching Sessions

Writing coaching logs may seem like additional paperwork, but they can help make your coaching practice much more efficient. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Staying Organized

Many coaches understand the sheer panic of digging through email threads to determine how many sessions they’ve delivered to a client. 

A coaching log helps you consistently document your sessions and organize your work:

• You’ll see where you are in a particular coaching program or process.
• You can tell whether your client is on track to reach their goals.
• Keeping your coaching logs in a central location will also require less time preparing for your next session.

Paperbell makes this easy by keeping all your coaching information organized by client, including:

• Your notes
• Session materials
• Your contracts
• Intake forms

2. Keeping Your Coaching Session Focused

When you sit with clients, you have limited time to move them forward on their coaching journey. Your coaching conversations need an impactful flow, requiring you to always know your next step.

With a coaching log in front of you, you’re always aware of the focus areas and key topics you need to cover with a client. It reminds you of: 

• The issues you discussed in the past
• Coaching techniques you wanted to go through but didn’t have time for in your previous session
• Your client’s progress and what milestone they are heading towards

[ Read: Use This 6-Step Template to Deliver a Powerful Life Coaching Session ]

Plus, you’ll quickly catch patterns in their thinking and behavior. This can make your coaching approach more transformative.

3. Sharing Notes With Your Clients

Although your coaching log isn’t something you typically share with your client, it makes it easier to create a session summary later. Sharing notes with your clients about their key insights and commitments makes your coaching process more effective and valuable.

Excellent communication with clients is the foundation of a positive coaching relationship. Keeping a consistent coaching log can contribute to that.

4. Keeping Your Clients Accountable

Taking notes of your sessions will help you refer back to topics you’ve discussed with your coachee earlier and any repeating themes in your conversations. This step enables you to keep them accountable for habit or behavioral changes.

Additionally, a coaching log: 

• Allows you to record your client’s action items
• Makes it easier to follow up on them in your next session
• Helps strengthen your clients’ sense of responsibility and commitment to their progress

No matter your coaching style, monitoring follow-through is key to guiding your clients in their desired direction.

5. Fulfilling Your Certification Requirements

If you’re applying for credentials through the International Coach Federation (ICF), you must submit a coaching log that records your paid and pro bono coaching hours. 

This document should contain: 

• Your clients’ names
• The sessions’ dates
• Session duration

Our previous guide covered how to prepare and submit your coaching log as part of your ICF credential application. This article also contains a free template with the specific details the organization requires as evidence of your coaching experience.

[ Read: The Simplest Way To Complete Your ICF Coaching Log (+ Free Template) ]

In this guide, we’ll explore a more detailed coaching log template and how you can use it for purposes other than fulfilling credentialing criteria.

6. Keeping a Written Reference of Your Sessions

Documenting your coaching process also comes in handy when facing a dispute with a client. It provides a historical record of what you’ve discussed in your sessions and how many hours you’ve worked together. 

Depending on your policy, you can refer to it if your client requests a refund.

How Do I Create a Coaching Log?

Let’s break down a coaching log’s key elements and their purpose.

1. Note Down the Basics.

First, write down the essential details of your session:

• Your client’s name
• The date of your coaching session
• The session number in a particular coaching process or program
• The duration of your session

This will help you find the notes you’re looking for at a glance for later. 

Noting the session number also clarifies how deep you are in the coaching process with the client. You’ll see how much time you still have left to guide them to their desired outcome.

2. Create a Rough Agenda.

If your coaching style is more laissez-faire and you prefer to keep your sessions fluid, you might not want to lock yourself into a set agenda. 

However, it’s still important to note down the key topics you must discuss with your client.

For example, you may:

• Have issues at the end of your session that you don’t have enough time to go into
• Want to do a longer coaching exercise with a client
• Connect the dots about their situation after your session is finished

Defining the key topics and desired outcomes for your coaching session in advance will make it more focused and time-efficient.

3. Review Progress.

Most coaching sessions (other than the first one) will start with checking in on the action items your client has committed to previously and their current reality about their overarching objective. 

You can ask them:

• Why they missed specific action steps
• How they felt doing the ones they succeeded in
• How they feel about their progress overall

This will all inform your session, highlighting where your client stands right now and how far they are from reaching their goals. It will also draw attention to obstacles that need to be tackled that you might not have included in your session agenda.

4. Note Observations.

This is when you dive into the agenda of your session. It may not be exactly what you have planned, but that’s okay.

While you’re in conversation with your client, make a quick note about the following:

• Any topics you still want to discover in this current session
• Key insights your client has arrived at
• Observations about your client’s journey (that you don’t necessarily share with them right away)
• The main challenges they are facing
• Any new objectives that arise
• Coaching exercises and frameworks you’re leading your client through in this session
• Coaching exercises and frameworks you want to make space for in your upcoming session

This is not the time to make detailed notes since you should focus on facilitating the conversation and actively listening to your client. You can complete these notes later after the session is finished.

5. Define the Next Steps.

Note the exact steps your client will take before your next session. Make sure you read it back to them and ask whether they agree.

Adjust these actions and their time frame so they can commit to them fully. They should:

• Challenge your client
• Move them toward their desired direction
• Not overwhelm them

If you see the slightest sign of resistance, discuss it before you close your session.

This is also where you note down your own action steps. For example, sharing an assessment or additional resource as a homework assignment with your client.

6. Make Additional Notes.

Once your session is complete, you can make additional observations here and note any coaching tools you want to incorporate in your next session. 

You don’t have to write an essay; you can even leave this section blank if you have nothing to add to your coaching log.

As long as you are clear on your coaching process (and what your brief remarks mean in your log), you can use the template as you see fit. remarks mean in your log), you can use the template as you see fit.

How To Track Coaching Logs Using Paperbell

Need to track your coaching logs to get certified with the ICF?

Paperbell automatically generates a log of every paid and pro-bono hour spent coaching your clients.

The process is simple:

• Use Paperbell to schedule your coaching sessions
• Keep your client notes inside Paperbell
• Go to your ICF Client Coaching Log and click the “Export CSV” button

Doing this will automatically download all the required info from your coaching hours inside Paperbell.

That’s it! Get your free account to start tracking your coaching log automatically.

Free Coaching Log Templates

If you’re ready to make the most of your sessions, we have just the perfect coaching log template for you.

If you need to log your coaching hours according to ICF guidelines, head to our ICF coaching log guide.

If you want to use your coaching log for more than just keeping track of your hours, you can use our free coaching log template.

And if you’re looking for more tools to get your coaching business up and running, you might want to look at our free templates pack. It will help you set up a stunning website and coaching package quickly.

How Do You Keep Track of Your Coaching Sessions?

To sum it up, here are the key elements of your coaching sessions you should keep track of:

Client progress: Fill out your coaching log with your agenda, observations, and the client’s action steps, and review your notes before you jump into your next session with them.rking hours, buffer time between sessions, and their duration so clients can book your calendar without making it crowded.

Coaching hours: Log your hours manually, or create a Paperbell account and get it automatically tracked for you. You can download your Paperbell coaching log anytime to submit it for your ICF application.

Number of sessions: Instead of getting lost in a maze of email threads, track how many sessions you’ve delivered from a particular contract. Better yet, have Paperbell do it for you.

Keep Your Coaching Practice Organized With Paperbell

Writing a coaching log for each session is a simple way to make them more impactful. However, keeping the rest of your business organized is just as important.

To streamline the admin side of your coaching practice, we recommend Paperbell.

It’s an all-in-one client management tool specifically designed for coaches by coaches. It handles your contracts, schedule, payments, and even generates a beautiful coaching website to help you sell your services easily.

Try Paperbell for free to start tracking your coaching log the simple way.

FAQs About Coaching Log Template

How to create a coaching log?

Start by noting basic session details like client name, date, and duration. Create a rough agenda with key topics, review progress on action items, note observations during the session, define next steps with your client, and add any additional notes after the session ends.

Are there tools to help me create a coaching log?

Yes, Paperbell automatically tracks your coaching sessions and generates logs for you. It organizes client notes, schedules sessions, and can export your coaching hours in CSV format for ICF certification requirements, eliminating manual tracking.

Where can I get coaching log templates?

You can download free coaching log templates from this article. There’s a detailed template for comprehensive session tracking and an ICF-specific template for certification applications. Paperbell also offers a free templates pack for your coaching business.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in April 2024 and has since been updated for accuracy.

However, breaking into this fast-growing field can be challenging. There are many ways to become a life coach, but there are some requirements you can’t skip. Pursuing life coach training and developing your own personal coaching presence are essential steps.

In this guide, we’ll explore the step-by-step process of becoming a successful life coach:

• Expand your business
• Acquire core coaching skills
• Build your methodology
• Gain coaching experience
• Set up a business
• Choose a niche
• Set up the admin side of your business
• Establish a brand

1. Acquire Core Coaching Skills

Whether you have formal training in coaching or not, there are a few essential skills that you need to work on with clients. 

Here are the most important ones:

• Active listening: The ability to remain present in the conversation, listen to what your client is expressing (including their non-verbal cues), and reflect back to them what they’re saying. This communication skill guides their reflection and leads them to new insights.
• Powerful questioning: Skillfully asking open-ended and closed-ended coaching questions that encourage reflection, ideation, and deeper understanding. Through this process, life coaches identify obstacles that may be holding clients back.
• Demonstrating empathy: Genuine understanding and compassion for your client’s feelings, experiences, and perspectives will create a supportive and non-judgmental coaching environment for them.
• Goal setting: Collaboratively establish clear, specific, and achievable coaching goals with the client in their focus areas to set the direction for the coaching process.
• Feedback and reflection: Offering constructive feedback and facilitating reflective practices to help the client gain awareness, learn from experiences, and make meaningful progress towards their goals.

Besides these fundamental coaching skills and core competencies, you’ll also need to be able to run your own coaching practice. This may involve running marketing campaigns or hiring and managing the right people for you.

Many life coaches find that mastering these skills is just as important as the coaching itself.

Aspiring coaches flourish when they develop both their technical abilities and their business acumen. Remember that clients expect you to demonstrate professionalism in all aspects of your work.

2. Build Your Methodology

The more coaching models, exercises, and questions you have in your toolbelt, the more effectively you can coach your clients. Here are the five most commonly known coaching models:

• GROW: Stands for Goal, Reality, Options, and Will or Way Forward. It helps clients reach their goals by defining the objective, assessing the current situation, exploring their options, and determining the action steps to move forward.
• TGROW: An extension of the GROW model, with the additional step to determine the Topic or Theme of the coaching process at the beginning.
• OSKAR: Stands for Outcome, Scaling, Know-how, Affirm and Action, and Review. It helps clients achieve their goals by clarifying the outcome, scaling the current situation, identifying know-how and resources, affirming strengths, taking action, and reviewing progress.
• CLEAR: Stands for Contracting, Listening, Exploring, Action, and Review. It starts with establishing a coaching contract, then actively listening to the client, exploring options, defining action steps, and reviewing progress toward goals.
• CIGAR: It generally consists of Current reality, Ideal, Gaps, Action, and Review steps.

Understanding other coaching concepts beyond these frameworks will help you serve clients more effectively. The International Coach Federation (ICF) recognizes these core competencies as foundational to quality coaching.

But those aren’t the complete picture. Here are other coaching tools you can use to help your clients:

• The Wheel of Life: A visual assessment tool that helps clients evaluate and balance different areas of their lives.
• The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI): A personality assessment tool classifies individuals into one of 16 personality types. This is based on preferences in four key areas: Extraversion/Introversion, Sensing/Intuition, Thinking/Feeling, and Judging/Perceiving.
• Coaching workbooks: When combined with your coaching sessions, workbooks can help your clients achieve deeper insights and results.

Mastering one tool is better than knowing several in theory. Depending on your coaching style, you can build a signature coaching program that best suits you and the type of clients you work with.

Pro tip: Once you’ve created your methodology and program, try Paperbell for free to launch your coaching packages and website. You can run your entire business, from payments to bookings and automations, from this single platform.

3. Gain Coaching Experience

Your first paid client shouldn’t be the first practice client you work with. Putting in the hours to gain experience will make you more confident and prepared to deliver the transformation your clients invest in. 

Working with a practice client also helps you refine your own personal coaching presence.

You can gain more coaching experience by:

• Signing up for coaching training or coaching certifications that include practice hours
• Pairing up with another beginner coach for regular peer coaching hours
• Offering coaching pro bono to a few initial clients (and being transparent about your current qualifications)

[ Read: 4 Free Life Coach Certification Programs You Can Take Online ]

You don’t have to get certified to get coaching experience. That being said, 73% of coaches believe their clients expect them to have a credential or certification.

As you gain experience, focus on establishing coaching relationships that feel authentic and supportive. A dynamic coaching process requires you to meet clients on a deeply personal level, whether you’re addressing their personal or professional life goals. 

Relationship building is at the heart of effective coaching. This means learning to provide constructive and positive feedback will set you apart as a certified professional coach.

You also have another option if you currently work at a company and have a team to manage. In this case, you can also start incorporating coaching skills and tools into your regular one-on-one meetings with your team. 

In this case, it’s important to let them know when you’re coaching versus managing and that you only coach them on themes related to their job scope.

4. Set up a Business

To be able to offer services legally, you’ll need to register a business.

If you’re not planning to hire people, you can set up a sole proprietorship under your name or an alternative business name (“doing business as”).

If you plan to hire employees (people you pay a part-time or full-time salary to, not contractors), you can register a limited liability company (LLC).

An LLC also has the added benefit that you won’t be personally liable for the charges if your business ever faces a legal dispute. In either case, it’s wise to invest in life coach insurance to protect your business from unforeseen legal issues.

You don’t officially need a business license to get started. That being said, it can help to become certified to build credibility.

Working toward becoming a certified professional life coach can enhance your credibility as you build your business. If you want to become a certified life coach through an accredited program, research options that align with your goals and budget.

Once you officially have a business, make sure you sort out your taxation. We always recommend working with an accountant unless you’re already highly experienced in doing your own bookkeeping. 

Here’s a cheat sheet you can use to deduct taxes as a coach.

Last but not least, you need a business plan. This is important so you can strategically plan your coaching business’s financial and business goals periodically. 

By taking this step, you’ll ensure your goals align with your revenue and lifestyle expectations..

5. Choose a Niche

To establish yourself as an expert, choose a coaching niche that suits your professional interests and skills. Here are the most common coaching niches and what they focus on:

Once you choose your coaching specialty, you can narrow it down to an area of life or a coaching scenario you’re most interested in helping clients with.

For example, as a life coach, you can specialize in mindfulness or managing midlife crises. As a health coach, focus on improving the physical health of people with a sedentary lifestyle or helping busy parents create a healthy meal plan for their families.

6. Set up the Admin Side of Your Business

Many new coaches underestimate the work it takes to manage their practice. Even with the simplest business model, they need to do the following:

• Have each of their clients sign a contract digitally and keep a record of it (this formal coaching agreement establishes clear expectations and protects both you and your client throughout the creative partnership).
• Manage bookings for their coaching sessions while blocking out time for the rest of their business activities.
• Take secure payments for their coaching packages and/or digital products.
• Keep track of how many sessions they’ve offered and delivered to each client in order not to under- or overcharge them.
• Store coaching logs and coaching materials for each client.

Here’s the good news: Paperbell automates all of this for you. It saves you several hours a week that you can spend on coaching or growing your business.

It’s an all-in-one client management tool specifically designed for coaches, and it comes with a fully functional website.

7. Establish a Brand

You can coach without a brand, but growing your business without it is hard. A clear brand identity communicates at a glance who you are to your target audience, makes it easier for the media and other businesses to feature your work, and helps you You can coach without a brand, but growing your business without it is hard. A clear brand identity:

• Communicates at a glance who you are to your target audience
• Makes it easier for the media and other businesses to feature your work
• Helps you attract potential clients more efficiently

Here are the fundamental steps to establish your coaching brand in the industry:

1. Make Your Business Recognizable.

First off, choose a name for your business. It can be your own name if you want to build your coaching business around your personal brand. 

On the other hand, you can also give it a different name tailored to your audience.

[ Read: 3 Tips to Make Your Life Coaching Business Name Stand Out ]

For example, seeing BeWell as your business name, your health coaching clients will immediately think:

“This is for me!” 

On the other hand, the name Illumin8 would draw attention to your core value of finding clarity and inspiration and attract clients seeking more of these in their lives.

Optionally, you can also create a logo for your life coaching business. From choosing an elegant font for your name to designing a full-blown logo with complex symbolism, you can take this as far as you’d like.

[ Read: How to Create a Life Coaching Logo From Vision to Reality ]

As long as all your brand elements align with your business values and vision, it will position you as the coach your ideal clients need.

2. Create a Coaching Website.

Your coaching website is your digital blueprint that shares essential information about:

• Who you are
• What you offer
• Your unique coaching philosophy
• How potential clients can work with you

Additionally, you can feature testimonials from past clients on your website and use lead magnets to grow your email list. 

Paperbell creates a website for you automatically so you can start taking bookings in a flash. It’ll also display your testimonials, opt-in forms, and so much more.

3. Design a Coaching Package.

Charging per session or hour makes it hard to scale your coaching business. A better way to deliver a focused impact to your clients is to structure your services into well-defined packages.

These might include:

• A number of sessions with a set frequency
• Additional group coaching sessions with similar clients
• Courses or educational materials
• Assessments and additional exercises
• Support or accountability through a voice chat app in between sessions

Your coaching package doesn’t need to have too many elements. It can be a series of sessions focused on a clear objective and a few journaling prompts to help your client achieve change. 

Consider what life coaches charge in your niche and price accordingly while delivering exceptional value.

When designing your offering, think about your coaching mindset and how you want clients to experience working with you. A strong personal coaching presence combined with clear deliverables will help you attract the right clients.

If you need help designing your website and packages, check out our free template pack for coaches.

4. Set up Your Communication Channels.

When reaching your audience, the trick is finding out where they will most likely hang out. This could be:

• Facebook: Best for targeted ads, interest-based groups, and events
• Instagram: Great for visual content that showcases your expertise while inspiring your audience to change
• TikTok: The best place to share short and engaging reels with a younger demographic
• LinkedIn: Your place to be as a career, executive, leadership, or business coach

Besides social media, you can also benefit from setting up your communication channels, such as:

• Your blog where you can share expert advice for the queries your clients Google; and
• Your email list, where you can warm up your audience with a regular newsletter

If you coach in person, don’t forget to explore the offline community spaces your clients visit in your area. A good old printed brochure can still work like a charm to attract local clients to your office, especially in more rural areas.

As you create content, remember that clients expect authenticity and expertise. Share insights about personal development, the importance of a coaching mindset, and how you approach personal growth with your clients.

Marketing for coaches can be overwhelming without a team. Don’t jump into creating regular content for five different channels. Instead, start with one first and build from there as your business experience grows.

5. Get Featured.

You can leverage other people’s networks with a solid website that communicates your brand essence and story.

Look for YouTube channels, podcasts, and magazines that your audience follows and that feature professionals similar to you. Pitch your unique coaching approach, philosophy, or mission to them and see if they are willing to get you on their show or interview you.

If writing is your thing, you can also pitch guest post topics to relevant blogs and magazines to get attention to your bio. In both cases, you must do your research on content creators and media that accept pitches and get familiar with their guidelines.

8. Expand Your Business

Finally, craft a vision for sustaining and growing your coaching business in the coming years. If you want to save time on your day-to-day business activities, you can consider hiring a:

• Virtual assistant
• Project manager
• Copywriter
• Designer
• SEO manager
• Course curriculum designer
• Outreach and sales specialist

To increase your business revenue, you can also expand your products and services either:

• Horizontally, by creating new coaching packages and offers for different audiences within your niche; or
• Vertically, by adding courses, books, memberships, events, and other types of products to your portfolio

Think about where you want to take your coaching business in the long run, and write a business plan that supports your objectives.

As you grow, you might also consider how emerging fields relate to your work. Understanding the job outlook for life coaching can help you plan strategically, and the outlook for life coaches remains positive as more people invest in personal development. 

Some coaches expand into adjacent areas like peer specialist support or professional recovery coaches, though these may require additional training.

It’s also worth noting that while most life coaches don’t need advanced degrees, pursuing master’s and doctorate studies in psychology or related fields can open additional opportunities. 

However, remember that coaching is distinct from therapy and shouldn’t address mental health disorders. If a client needs mental health support beyond coaching, refer them to appropriate professionals.

When considering expansion, reflect on your client’s past experiences with your services and what they’ve valued most. This feedback will guide you in creating offerings that truly serve your audience.

Build the Coaching Practice of Your Dreams 

Following the steps in this article will help you build a stable and fulfilling successful coaching business one day at a time. Developing your skills as a certified professional life coach and creating authentic coaching relationships will be the foundation of your success.

But if you want to build your coaching business sustainably, you need solid systems in place to stay efficient and organized. That’s what we designed Paperbell to do. 

Paperbell can streamline the admin side of your business so you can focus on building your dreams. It’s an all-in-one client management tool that handles your bookings, contracts, payments, and more, all managed from a stunning, branded coaching website. Try it for free to launch your coaching site today.

FAQs About Life Coach Requirements

What Credentials Are Needed to Be a Life Coach?

Legally, no specific credentials are required; you can work with clients without being a certified professional coach. However, credentials from a reputable coaching organization like the International Coaching Federation (ICF) can build credibility and help you prove your expertise. 

What Do I Need to Start Life Coaching?

To start coaching, you need to establish a clear niche, develop coaching skills (ideally, through a life coach course or certification programs), create a business plan, and develop a solid online presence to get clients. You should also know what life coaches charge so you can charge accordingly.

What Background Do You Need to Be a Life Coach?

While no specific background is required, studying counseling, psychology, human resources, or related fields can benefit coaches. Many successful life coaches come from diverse professional backgrounds centered around the human experience.

Is It Worth Getting Life Coach Certification?

Earning a life coach certification can be valuable for building your credibility, enhancing your skills, and gaining confidence. Still, it’s essential to research and choose reputable certification programs that align with your goals and values before investing time and money.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in April 2024 and has since been updated for accuracy.

That’s where mental health coaching can help. While it’s not the same as therapy, it gives people practical tools to manage stress, build resilience, and take better care of their well-being. As a coach, it’s important to know exactly what you can (and can’t) offer clients, and how to use evidence-based methods to make a real difference.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to become a certified mental health coach and build a fulfilling career helping people improve their quality of life.

What Do Mental Health Coaches Do?

Mental health coaches help clients improve their emotional well-being, manage stress, and build resilience. They focus on non-clinical challenges, like anxiety, overwhelm, or burnout, without diagnosing or treating mental illness.

Unlike general life coaches, they draw on evidence-based approaches such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), breathwork, and structured coaching frameworks to help clients identify stressors and develop practical coping strategies.

Mental health coaching gives clients concrete tools to manage emotions and improve daily functioning, such as:

• Asking reflective questions that encourage self-awareness
• Offering new perspectives to handle obstacles and emotions
• Building self-compassion by recognizing personal strengths
• Teaching communication and relationship skills
• Creating personalized action steps and keeping clients accountable

Over time, these methods help clients become more self-reliant and confident in managing difficult emotions or situations. Coaching provides both structure and perspective, guiding clients toward long-term habits that support their mental and emotional health.

Pro tip: As your coaching practice grows, Paperbell takes care of your bookings, payments, contracts, website, client surveys, and more. Try it for free with your first client.ne’s life and keep clients accountable for long-term behavior changes supporting their mental health. Clients learn to apply new strategies to their daily lives through personalized assignments and insightful sessions for lasting transformation.

What’s the Difference Between a Mental Health Coach and a Therapist?

Mental health coaches and therapists both support clients in improving their well-being, but they work in different ways.

One of the most significant differences between the two is that therapists can diagnose mental illness, while coaches cannot.

Therapists make these assessments using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association. This standardized system helps them:

• Identify symptoms
• Confirm diagnoses
• Create treatment plans based on recognized clinical criteria

In everyday language, terms like anxiety or depression are often used casually, which can blur the line between normal emotional responses and diagnosable conditions.

For example, feeling anxious before a big event is normal, but Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) involves persistent, excessive worry that disrupts daily life. Similarly, feeling low for a few days is not the same as developing Major Depressive Disorder, which includes prolonged sadness, loss of interest, and impaired functioning.

As a coach, if you notice that a client’s symptoms are affecting their ability to function day to day (struggling to work, care for themselves, or maintain relationships), it’s important to refer them to a licensed mental health professional.

How to Become a Mental Health Coach

If you want to start a career as a mental health coach, you’ll need both specialized training and the right personal qualities.

A background in psychology, counseling, or another mental health-related field can give you a head start, but it’s not required. Many successful coaches build their expertise through accredited coaching programs that focus on mental well-being.

However, strong communication, empathy, and active listening are must-haves for anyone entering this field, as well as staying current on mental health research and best practices.

Here are the three most crucial steps to starting a career in mental health coaching.

1. Get Trained

Most mental health coaches go through specialized training that goes beyond general coaching principles. They learn how to apply evidence-based practices and understand the psychology behind behavior change. Ethical guidelines are also a key part of training, including how to maintain professional boundaries and protect client confidentiality.

Choosing a niche within mental health coaching, such as mindfulness, trauma recovery, or neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), will help you find the right training program and tailor your services to your ideal clients.

Some well-known mental health certification options include:

• Mental Health Coach Certification Training by NLP
• Integrative Mental Health Coach Training Program by the Nickerson Institute
• Master Wellness Certification by Transformation Academy
• Integrative Trauma Practitioner Certification by the Aura Institute

To strengthen your credibility, look for programs accredited by respected organizations such as:

• American Association of Drugless Practitioners
• The Health Coach Alliance
• International Coaching Federation (ICF)

Accredited, specialized training doesn’t just build your skills; it also reassures clients that you’re qualified to support their mental well-being safely and effectively.

2. Gain Experience

If you have a background in social work or fields related to human psychology, you can leverage that experience in your coaching work. However, you should also practice conducting coaching sessions and applying the tools you’ve learned in your training in different coaching scenarios.

If you plan to earn credentials through the ICF, you’ll be required to log a specific number of paid and unpaid coaching hours. Most accredited programs also incorporate practice sessions so you can gain experience before working with real clients.

Alternatively, you can pick up skills by joining peer-coaching groups or practice communities to:

• Exchange feedback
• Refine your coaching style
• Build confidence
• Experience the process from the client’s point of view

Another great way to gain experience is by offering a few pro bono sessions to friends, family, or people in your network. These can help you gain testimonials, refine your process, and even attract future paying clients. Just be sure to set clear expectations and timeframes, treating these sessions as professionally as you would paid ones.

3. Establish Your Practice

Once you’ve completed your training, it’s time to turn your skills into a real business. Start by defining your ideal clients, designing your coaching packages, and setting your rates. Make sure your business is registered so you can handle taxes and contracts properly.

Here are a few ways to start attracting new clients:

• Build a professional online presence with a simple website and active social media profiles.
• Network within your community or industry to build relationships and referrals.
• Share free resources like worksheets or webinars to showcase your expertise.
• Use content marketing (blog posts, newsletters, or videos) to bring in organic leads.
• Partner with complementary businesses (like wellness centers or therapists) to reach more people.
• Experiment with paid ads once you have a clear offer and audience.

As clients start coming in, you’ll also need to manage scheduling, contracts, and payments. Paperbell can take care of your admin and website on a single platform built for coaches.

You can use it to sell packages, run surveys, and automate your email communication. Meanwhile, clients get their dedicated portal to review and manage their contracts, payments, bookings, and the materials you share with them. Try Paperbell for free with your first client.

Can Life Coaches Become Mental Health Coaches?

Yes, life coaches can absolutely transition into health and wellness coaching, including mental health coaching, though it usually requires additional training.

Life coaches are trained to help clients clarify goals, stay accountable, and make meaningful changes in their personal or professional lives.

Mental health coaches, on the other hand, receive specialized education in areas like emotional regulation and stress management. Many also hold degrees or certifications in psychology or mental health coaching to deepen their understanding of human behavior.

While life coaches focus on personal growth, mental health coaches work with clients to manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges within a non-clinical scope. They combine core coaching principles with evidence-based strategies to support overall emotional well-being, without diagnosing or treating mental illness.

In short, if you’re already a life coach, becoming a mental health coach can be a natural next step to specialize your services.

How Much Do Mental Health Coaches Charge

Mental health coaching rates vary widely depending on the coach’s credentials, experience, niche, and location. On average, sessions range from $75 to $250 per hour, though established coaches may charge more for specialized support or extended programs.

Many coaches also offer package deals or sliding scale options to make their services more accessible. For example, Jes Baker, a somatic coach, charges $275 for a 90-minute Spirit Team Session and $300 a month for her year-long program, with occasional sliding scale spots.

[ Read: Your Dream Health Coach Website Template Is In This List ]

Your pricing can be just as flexible. The best approach is to research what other coaches in your niche charge, consider your qualifications, and align your rates with what your ideal clients can realistically invest.

How to Get Clients as a Mental Health Coach

Building a successful mental health coaching practice takes visibility, credibility, and consistency. Here are several effective ways to attract clients:

• Create a stunning website: Develop a professional coaching website that shows your expertise, services, and testimonials from past clients. Here’s an example from Gail Turner‑Cooper, Holistic Health Coach.
• Build an online presence: Use social media platforms where your clients will most likely hang out. See how Kim Murray engages her audience on Instagram with mental health-related content.
• Host workshops: Events related to your expertise allow you to reach multiple clients and demonstrate the value of your services. Here’s an example of a workplace mental health program for employees and managers.
• Offer free resources: Blog posts, e-books, and workbooks relevant to mental health can attract potential clients who resonate with your approach. Here’s an example of a Detox Toolbox offered by Joe Roe, Mental Health Coach.

• Network within your industry: Connect with company reps who value employee well-being and potential clients within mental health-related communities. For example, check out the Wellbeing at Work Summit.
• Use online directories: List your profile and coaching services on online directories like CoachCompare to increase your visibility so potential clients can easily find you online.
• Ask for referrals: Encourage satisfied clients to refer their friends or colleagues to you and offer incentives to motivate them to recommend your services.

Ultimately, the best way to grow your practice is to deliver real transformation. When clients experience meaningful progress, they naturally become your strongest advocates.

[ Read: How to Get Coaching Clients: 19 Strategies That Actually Work ]

How to Use Paperbell as a Mental Health Coach

Running a mental health coaching practice takes more than facilitating sessions. Paperbell automates your admin so you can focus on supporting your clients, not managing logistics. Here’s how:

• Speed up client onboarding: Share intake forms, get contracts signed, and collect payments automatically.
• Get bookings while you sleep: Clients can easily book sessions based on your availability, with no back-and-forth emails.
• Track packages and progress: See how many sessions each client has left and keep all session notes in one secure dashboard.
• Offer flexible payment options: Choose between subscriptions, payment plans, or one-time payments.
• Give clients a dedicated portal: Allow clients to manage their bookings, payments, contracts, surveys, and homework on their own.
• Set up a coaching website in minutes: Create a brand-aligned home page and checkout-ready landing pages for your packages.

Try Paperbell free with your first client and see how effortless running your practice can be.

FAQ

What Is the Role of a Mental Health Coach?

A mental health coach helps clients reduce stress, build resilience, and improve overall well-being through goal setting, accountability, and personalized support.

What Is the Difference Between a Therapist and a Mental Health Coach?

Therapists diagnose and treat mental health disorders, while mental health coaches focus on personal growth and emotional wellness without providing clinical treatment.

Can I Call Myself a Mental Health Coach?

Coaching isn’t regulated, so technically, you can call yourself anything you like, but completing accredited mental health coach training helps you gain credibility and ensures you follow ethical best practices.

Who Can I Talk to About My Mental Health for Free?

You can reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. or look for local mental health organizations and community helplines offering free support.

What Tools Do Mental Health Coaches Use?

Common tools for mental health challenges include mindfulness exercises, journaling prompts, intake forms, and progress trackers to help clients reflect, grow, and stay accountable.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in April 2024 and has since been updated for accuracy.

The truth is, business coach certifications can open doors. But it’s not always necessary, which is why I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about business coach certifications, including:

• The difference between certification and courses
• 5 popular business coaching certification programs
• How to choose the right certification for you
• How to set up your business coaching business once you’re certified

Business Coach Certification vs. Business Coach Courses: What’s the Difference?

Before we get into specific programs, it’s important to understand what you’re actually signing up for. 

Not all training programs are created equal. The terms “certification” and “course” often get used interchangeably when they shouldn’t be.

Certification

A certification is a formal credential you earn from an accredited body. It’s a stamp of approval that says you’ve met specific standards in business coaching.

The most recognized accrediting bodies in the coaching world are the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and the Worldwide Association of Business Coaches (WABC). These organizations set the standards for what quality coaching looks like and which programs meet those standards.

When you complete an ICF or WABC-accredited program, you’re gaining a credential that’s recognized globally. This demonstrates to potential clients that you’ve been trained to a specific level of coaching skills.

Courses

Business coaching courses are educational training programs that may or may not lead to certification. They’re designed to get you what you need to start performing small business coaching, including:  

• Essential coaching skills
• Coaching principles
• Coaching frameworks
• Business methodologies

Some courses are incredibly valuable and comprehensive to help you achieve coaching excellence. Others are more basic. 

The key difference is that completing a course doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll earn a formal credential recognized by a major coaching body. That being said, several courses do earn you a certification in addition to your new business coaching skills. 

Why This Distinction Matters for Your Career

Let’s say your goal is to build credibility with corporate clients or land coaching contracts with larger organizations. In this case, a coaching certification from a recognized body like ICF or WABC will likely serve you better throughout your coaching journey.

On the other hand, let’s say you’re planning to coach entrepreneurs or small business owners who care more about results than credentials. A high-quality course that teaches you practical business coaching skills might be all you need to get started.

Neither path is inherently better than the other. Both should help you become a great business coach. The best choice depends on your goals, your ideal clients, and how you want to position yourself in the market.

With that being said, let’s jump into the top 5 business coaching certifications available today.

UC Davis Professional Coaching for Life and Work Certificate Program

The UC Davis Professional Coaching for Life and Work Certificate Program is a comprehensive ICF-accredited program that prepares you to coach in both life and business contexts. It’ll also help you learn executive coaching principles.

This program stands out for its academic rigor and the credibility that comes with the UC Davis name. You’ll learn from Master Certified Coach (MCC) and Professional Certified Coach (PCC)-credentialed coaches who bring real-world experience to their teaching.

ICF Accreditation: This program is ICF-accredited and serves as a pathway to both the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) and PCC credentials. It includes 150 academic credit hours of coach-specific education and 10 mentor coaching hours.

Cost and Duration: The program fee is $9,500 (payment plans available) and runs for 5 months. Classes take place every other week on Fridays and Saturdays via Zoom.

Best For: Coaches who want the credibility of a university-backed program and value structured, academic-style learning. This program works well for people balancing coaching training with full-time work. It’s also VA benefits eligible.

Transformation Academy Master Entrepreneurship Coach Certification

Transformation Academy’s Master Entrepreneurship Coach Certification is designed for coaches who want to specialize in working with entrepreneurs and startup founders.

What makes this program unique is its focus on entrepreneurship-specific challenges. You’ll learn how to help clients: 

• Gain clarity on their business vision
• Master productivity without burnout
• Build strong business foundations

The program bundles 4 full-length courses together that you can take at your own pace:

• Entrepreneurship Coach
• Business Fundamentals Startup Life Coach
• Productivity Coach
• Your choice of either Resilience Coach or Sales Coach

ICF Accreditation: This program is accredited by the Continuing Professional Development Standards Agency, not ICF.

Cost and Duration: The entire master certification costs $497 with lifetime access to all 4 courses. This is a self-paced online program.

Best For: Coaches on a budget who want to specialize in entrepreneurship coaching and prefer self-paced learning. Perfect for coaches just starting out who want comprehensive training without a major financial commitment.

Mindvalley Certified Business Coach

Mindvalley’s Certified Business Coach program is a 16-week certification that focuses on transformational business coaching and consulting.

What sets Mindvalley apart is its hybrid approach. On top of learning how to coach, you’re also learning consulting skills that enable you to advise on business strategy, operations, and transformation.

The program includes:

• Weekly training on demand to access all the tools you need to learn business coaching skills
• Live Q&A sessions with master coaches
• Hands-on practice sessions
• Access to real coaching demonstrations

ICF Accreditation: This program is ICF-accredited and provides 39 Continuous Coaching Education (CCE) units.

Cost and Duration: After a $200 refundable deposit, the cost is $4,799 for non-Mindvalley members (or $909 monthly on a 6-month plan). For members, it’s $4,299 (or $819 monthly). The program runs 16 weeks with approximately 3 hours per week required.

Best For: Coaches who want to blend coaching with consulting will do well as Mindvalley coaches. It’s also suitable for those who want to work with companies and business leaders on transformational change during times of rapid shifts.

WABC Certified Business Coach™ (CBC™)

The WABC Certified Business Coach (CBC) is a globally recognized credential specifically designed for advanced business coaches.

WABC focuses exclusively on business coaching rather than general life coaching. This means every aspect of the training is tailored to coaching in business and organizational contexts.

ICF Accreditation: WABC is its own accrediting body focused specifically on business coaching. The CBC credential is separate from ICF but highly respected in the business coaching community.

Cost and Duration: Cost and duration vary depending on which WABC Accredited program you choose. Programs typically range from 6 to 18 months.

Best For: Coaches with at least 3 years of business coaching experience and 7 years of business and organizational experience who want to formalize their expertise. Also strong for internal coaches working within organizations.

World Coach Institute Certified Business Coach (CBC)

World Coach Institute (WCI) offers multiple paths to becoming a Certified Business Coach. This gives you flexibility based on your learning preferences and experience level.

The most comprehensive pathway for ICF accreditation combines the Certified Professional Coach (CPC) Teleclass with a CBC Self-Study Niche Add-on. This route includes:

• Methodology training
• A coaching practicum
• Buddy coaching
• Business-building mentoring

ICF Accreditation: The CPC Teleclass pathway is ICF-accredited and provides 60 ICF ACSTH-approved coach training hours toward the ACC credential. The complete pathway provides 82 total training hours.

Cost and Duration: Costs range from approximately $2,000 to $5,000 depending on which option you choose. The teleclass meets twice per week for 8 weeks, with each class lasting 3 hours.

Best For: Coaches who want ICF accreditation at a more affordable price point while still getting access to live instruction and peer practice. The buddy coaching component makes this ideal for people who learn best through practice and feedback.

How to Choose the Best Business Coach Certification

With so many business coaching certification programs available, here are the key factors to consider when making your decision.

Consider Your Current Experience Level

If you’re brand new to coaching, look for programs that start with fundamentals like UC Davis and WCI. 

If you already have coaching experience but want to formalize it, you might benefit from a program like WABC’s Portfolio Pathway that validates skills you’ve already developed.

ICF vs. Non-ICF Accreditation

ICF is the gold standard in coaching accreditation. It’s recognized globally across industries. 

If you plan to coach executives or work with large organizations, ICF accreditation gives you instant credibility.

However, not all successful business coaches have ICF credentials. If your ideal clients are entrepreneurs and small business owners who care more about results than credentials, a non-ICF program might serve you just as well while saving you money.

Budget Considerations

Business coaching certification programs range from around $500 to well over $10,000.

• Budget-friendly options ($500-$1,000): Transformation Academy
• Mid-range programs ($2,000-$5,000): World Coach Institute
• Premium programs ($5,000-$10,000+): UC Davis, Mindvalley

Consider not just the upfront cost but also the value you’re getting in terms of mentoring, practice opportunities, and ongoing support.

Time Commitment

Certification programs require anywhere from 3 months to 12+ months to complete. Consider your current schedule realistically. 

If you’re working full-time, a program that meets every other week or offers self-paced learning might be more manageable.

Learning Format Preferences

Some people thrive in live, interactive environments. Others prefer self-paced learning. 

Most programs now offer online or hybrid formats, but the structure varies. Think about how you learn best and choose accordingly.

Your Specific Coaching Niche

If you know you want to work with entrepreneurs and startups, Transformation Academy’s entrepreneurship focus might be perfect. 

For broader business coaching covering everything from individual leaders to organizational transformation, programs like UC Davis, WABC, or WCI offer comprehensive training.

Community and Ongoing Support

The best programs give you access to a community of fellow coaches where you can continue to learn, get referrals, and find support. 

Look for programs that include alumni networks or ongoing professional development opportunities.

How to Set Up Your Business Coaching Business

Getting certified is only the first step. Once you have your credentials, you need to start your coaching business to start working with clients.

Creating Your Coaching Packages and Pricing Structure

Most business coaches offer some combination of:

• One-on-one coaching (typically 3, 6, or 12-month engagements)
• VIP intensive days
• Group coaching programs
• Retainer arrangements

When setting your prices, consider your experience level, credentials, coaching niche, and the transformation you’re helping clients achieve. 

Many new business coaches start around $150 to $300 per session and increase their rates as they gain experience and results.

Setting Up Your Professional Website

Your business coach website needs to clearly communicate:

• Who you help
• How do you help them
• Why they should work with you

At minimum, include: 

• Your coaching packages
• Social proof (such as testimonials or case studies) 
• Your new credentials
• A way to book a discovery call

How Paperbell Streamlines the Business Side

Instead of cobbling together multiple tools for your website, scheduling, payments, contracts, and client management, Paperbell gives you everything in one place.

When you sign up for Paperbell, you get a beautifully designed coaching website that’s ready to go in minutes. 

Your coaching packages are automatically set up with their own landing pages. These Paperbell pages include:

• Built-in scheduling that lets clients book based on your availability
• Payment processing with flexible options (payment plans, pay-in-full discounts, deposits)
• E-signature functionality for contracts built into the booking process
• Automated client communications throughout the client journey
• Client management with all information in one place

You get back the time and mental energy you’d spend managing admin work, so you can focus on what you actually got certified to do: coach clients.

Ready to Get Certified and Start Coaching?

Business coach certifications can absolutely accelerate your coaching career when you choose a program that aligns with your goals, learning style, and ideal clients.

Once you’re certified, setting up your business in a way that lets you actually coach instead of drowning in admin is crucial. That’s exactly what Paperbell does! You’ll get a professional coaching website, client management system, and business automation tools all in one place.

Ready to see how Paperbell can simplify your business coaching practice? Get your free coaching website and start building your business today.

FAQs About Business Coach Certifications

Do I need a business coach certification to start coaching?

No, coaching is unregulated. However, certification builds credibility and demonstrates you’ve been trained to professional standards recognized by bodies like ICF or WABC.

How much does business coach certification cost?

Programs range from around $500 for self-paced online courses to over $10,000 for comprehensive university programs. Most fall in the $2,000 to $5,000 range.

Can I get a business coach certification online?

Yes, nearly all business coaching certification programs are now available fully online or in hybrid formats.

Are there free business coach certification options?

Legitimate certification programs require investment. While you may find free introductory courses, comprehensive programs that meet ICF or WABC standards require payment.

What’s the difference between business coaching and life coaching certification?

Business coaching focuses on helping clients with business goals and challenges (such as blogging for business). Life coaching addresses broader personal development. Business coaching certifications include training on business contexts that general life coaching programs don’t cover.