5 Tips for Launching a Six-Figure Coaching Business in 2025

Coaching is by no means a new profession, but we are seeing a boom in recent years. Between 2019 and 2022, the industry revenue increased by 60%going from $2.85 billion to $4.65 billion. And it won’t slow down anytime soon.

So if you’ve been dreaming of turning your passion for helping people through business coaching, now could be the perfect time. Imagine turning your skills into something that actually changes lives. Coaching is not just about offering advice; it’s about empowering people, helping them overcome challenges and unlocking their potential in ways they never thought possible. Yes, it can feel like everyone is a coach these days, but here’s the thing: there’s always room for people who bring real value and transformation to people.

For my coaching journey, I started my career coaching company Workhap in 2019 as a side hustle while working in my full-time HR role. I did both for a few months and took it step by step: experimenting with the content, figuring out what worked, and building from there. I finally took the plunge and went full-time into my coaching business after building my personal brand and landing a few clients under my belt.

Those first two years were particularly difficult, as I worked long days and struggled to turn the practice into a profitable business. But in 2021, our video content saw great success on social media and operations started to come together. Thanks to the hard work of my incredible team, we ultimately grew Workhap into a six-figure business by our third year.

Your journey will likely have a similar rhythm: slow (or no) progress at first, then progress over time. To help you get there, here are five tips that have helped me and can help you successfully grow your coaching practice into a six-figure business in 2025.

Define your niche and expertise

Success begins with knowing your path. What do you excel at? What is that thing that you are so good at that seems like second nature? Narrowing down your niche not only makes you the go-to expert, but also helps you attract clients who trust you to get results.

Focus on what you are most passionate about. When you build your coaching business around something you loveyou’re setting yourself up for long-term success and a bigger salary. When you’re truly passionate about what you do, customers feel that energy, and that’s what keeps them coming back for more.

Picture this: you’ve spent ten years running social media marketing campaigns. Now you decide to coach small business owners to improve their marketing strategy. Sure, your expertise makes you credible, but it’s your confidence and rapport with your client that seals the deal. Clients want to work with coaches who have been in their shoes and know how to walk the walk. Speak to them directly with your content and messaging, and you’ll be top of mind when they consider working with a coach.

Create a business plan

A clear business plan is your blueprint for turning your dreams into action. Get the ball rolling by describing your goals, the services you want to offer, and why you’re getting into this space. Your mission statement or bio should clearly state how you are here to help. When your customers see this clarity, they will trust you to meet your expectations.

Next, get to know your audience. Who are your ideal customers? What are they struggling with? The more you know about their needs, the easier it will be to shape your services and create messages that speak directly to them. Once you’ve figured that out, decide on your coaching model: solo sessions, group programs, or maybe even a mix of both. This choice will shape how you achieve results and manage your schedule.

To take your business to the next level, identify your operational needs, such as software, estimated expenses and revenue streams. Plan for marketing and future growth, but keep things flexible to stay open to new opportunities. A solid plan keeps you focused and helps your business grow in the direction you want, but don’t get overwhelmed at first. Just getting started and having a plan is already a big win.

Expand your online presence

Your online presence is your showcase, your first impression and your credibility. First, your website. Think of it as your online home base. It should highlight your services, show your experience, and include testimonials from supportive customers. Add features like a blog or booking system to make it easy for customers to interact with you. There are many different options, but my favorites for simple website builders are Square space, Guidance pagesAnd Tags.

Social media takes things to the next level. Platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook give you the space to share tips, ideas and your unique approach to coaching. Post regularly, participate in conversations, and engage authentically. The more authentic you are, the more people will connect with you and your message. In terms of content type, video remains my favorite form and there is still plenty of room for everyone to win in this space. Your first video won’t be great, but that goes for everyone! Just try to get a little better with each one.

When you combine a simple website with a strong, authentic social media presence, you build trust, credibility, and a community of people excited to work with you. Now is the time to make this value a reality!

Offer free sessions or beta programs

Confidence is essential in coaching. One of the best ways to show people the value you provide is to let them experience it through free sessions or a beta program.

A beta program is like a preview of what you offer. You work with a small group of clients, providing your services at a discounted rate or for free in exchange for feedback and testimonials. It’s a win-win: you refine your approach while strengthening your credibility.

Free offers can also be effective as you grow your business and your confidence as a coach. Whether it’s workshops, guides, or Q&A sessions, these efforts position you as a helpful and trustworthy coach. Even just one impactful one-on-one session can showcase the transformation you’re delivering and help clients understand what you’re really offering.

Share your victories

Building an incredible coaching program is just the beginning. Growth happens when people know your work and trust you to deliver it. And social proof can make all the difference. Share your customer success stories and testimonials wherever you can. Let potential clients see the real impact of your coaching and, if possible, highlight case studies or direct client feedback. Hearing about the results from someone you’ve helped is far more compelling than anything you can say yourself.

Referrals are another powerful way to grow your business. When customers get results they’re excited about, they’re likely to recommend you to others. You can encourage this by creating a referral program that rewards them for spreading the word. Offer perks like extra sessions or free digital guides to show your appreciation and keep the momentum going.

You have the skills, the passion and the plan. Now is the time to step up, share your talent, and build a coaching business that transforms lives, including yours. I’m excited to see you grow as a coach in the new year!