The 5 Biggest Mistakes New Coaches Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Starting your coaching business is exciting. You’re fired up, ready to transform lives, and eager to make an impact. But here’s the reality: most new coaches struggle in the beginning—not because they aren’t skilled, not because they don’t care, but because they make critical mistakes that stall their growth, block their income, and keep them stuck in a cycle of frustration.

The good news? These mistakes are completely avoidable—if you know what to look out for.

So whether you’re just starting out or already coaching but not seeing the growth you expected, this is for you.

Let’s dive into the five biggest mistakes new coaches make—and more importantly, how to fix them so you can build a profitable, thriving coaching business.

🚨 Mistake #1: Trying to Help “Everyone” Instead of Defining a Niche

One of the fastest ways to blend into the crowd and struggle to attract clients is by keeping your niche too broad.

Here’s what most new coaches say:

• ❌ “I help people improve their lives.”
• ❌ “I coach people on mindset and motivation.”
• ❌ “I work with anyone who wants to grow.”

Sounds nice—but it’s way too generic.

🔥 The Fix: Get laser-focused on who you help and the specific problem you solve.

Ask yourself:

• What specific transformation do I help clients achieve?
• Who needs this transformation the most?
• What urgent problem are they trying to solve right now?

🚀 Example: Instead of saying, “I help people with business growth,” say:

“I help health coaches sign their first 5 high-ticket clients in 90 days.”

🔑 The more specific you are, the easier it is to attract paying clients.

🚨 Mistake #2: Charging Too Little (or Working for Free)

Let’s talk about pricing. One of the biggest confidence-killers for new coaches is undercharging or giving away coaching for free.

You justify it by saying:

• ❌ “I just need testimonials first.”
• ❌ “I don’t feel experienced enough to charge more.”
• ❌ “If I price too high, no one will buy.”

But here’s the truth: If you don’t value your coaching, neither will your clients.

🔥 The Fix: Price based on transformation, not time.

Clients don’t pay you for your hours—they pay you for the results you help them achieve.

Ask yourself:

• ✔ What’s the real-life impact of my coaching?
• ✔ How would a client’s life or business change after working with me?
• ✔ What’s the cost of them not solving this problem?

🚀 Example: Instead of charging $50 per session, package your coaching into a structured program and charge $2K, $5K, or even $10K+ for a high-value transformation.

🔑 The right clients will pay more when they see the real value in what you offer.

🚨 Mistake #3: Overloading Clients with Information Instead of Transformation

Many new coaches think their job is to teach as much as possible. They cram sessions with endless advice, worksheets, and concepts—leaving clients feeling overwhelmed instead of empowered.

Coaching isn’t about dumping knowledge on people. It’s about guiding them to implement and get results.

🔥 The Fix: Less information, more transformation.

Instead of:

• ❌ Teaching 10 new strategies per session → Teach one key concept and help clients implement it.
• ❌ Talking the entire session → Ask more questions that lead to deep breakthroughs.
• ❌ Giving clients 20 action items → Give them 1-3 clear action steps to execute before the next session.

🚀 Example: If you’re a mindset coach, don’t just explain what confidence is—guide your clients through an exercise that builds confidence in real-time.

🔑 Transformation happens when clients take action—not when they get more information.

🚨 Mistake #4: Relying on Social Media Alone to Get Clients

You post every day. You get some likes and comments. But… no one is booking calls.

Why? Because social media alone is not a client-getting strategy.

🔥 The Fix: Build a real client attraction system.

Instead of just posting and hoping, create a strategic process:

• ✔ Have a clear offer that leads to a paid program.
• ✔ Use DM conversations, email marketing, and networking to build relationships.
• ✔ Offer free value (webinars, challenges, PDFs) that lead into your paid coaching.

🚀 Example: A business coach can offer a free masterclass on landing clients—then pitch a paid 12-week program.

🔑 Social media should drive people to your sales system—not be your entire strategy.

🚨 Mistake #5: Avoiding Sales & Thinking “My Work Should Sell Itself”

So many coaches fear selling because they don’t want to sound “salesy.” But guess what?

If you don’t sell, you don’t have a business.

🔥 The Fix: Learn how to sell with confidence.

Selling isn’t about pushing people—it’s about helping the right people make a decision that changes their life.

Here’s how to sell without feeling pushy:

• ✔ Get clear on the results you provide (people buy results, not coaching).
• ✔ Use stories and case studies to show the impact of your coaching.
• ✔ Offer discovery calls where potential clients can see if your coaching is right for them.
• ✔ Make offers consistently—people can’t hire you if they don’t know what you sell!

🚀 Example: Instead of just saying, “I have coaching spots open,” say:

“I just helped a client go from feeling stuck in her career to landing her dream job in 90 days. If you’re ready for the same transformation, let’s chat—DM me ‘CAREER’ and I’ll send you details.”

🔑 Selling is serving. The more you sell, the more people you help.

🔥 Be Authentic in Your Growth

Now that you know the five biggest mistakes new coaches make, it’s time to take action.

Here’s your challenge:

1️⃣ Pick ONE mistake that’s holding you back.

2️⃣ Decide on one action step to fix it this week.

3️⃣ Commit to leveling up your coaching business—starting NOW.

🚀 Want help getting more clients and scaling your coaching business?

🔥 Drop a “LEVEL UP” in the comments or DM me, and I’ll send you a free guide on how to attract high-paying clients without struggling to sell.

💡 This is YOUR year to build a profitable, impactful coaching business. Let’s make it happen.

Are you ready? Let’s go! 🚀