How to Craft your coaching business plan in 7 simple Steps (+ FREE Template)

template business plan coach

January 4, 2024

May 8, 2024

coaching business plan

Are you eager to launch your coaching business but feeling overwhelmed about where to start?

You’re not alone! 

In this article, I’ll help you understand what a coaching business plan involves. I’ll provide you with a coaching business plan template and also teach you how to shape it so that it mirrors your vision and goals. I’ll walk you through every step to ensure you create a successful coaching business plan tailored to your niche.

Let’s dive into the world of business planning, where clarity meets strategy.

In Brief : How to Craft your coaching business plan in 7 simple Steps

  • Step 1: 📝 Executive Summary – Craft a compelling summary that encapsulates your business vision, mission, and core elements like the business name, owner, and location, setting the stage for what follows.
  • Step 2: 🗂️ Business Description – Detail your coaching services, niche, and operational mechanics. Explain how these elements work together to meet the needs of your clientele.
  • Step 3: 🔍 Market Analysis – Conduct a thorough analysis of your target market and competition. Use this data to tailor your services and pinpoint market opportunities.
  • Step 4: 📈 Create a Marketing Strategy – Develop a comprehensive marketing plan that includes digital and traditional methods to attract and retain clients, ensuring your brand stands out.
  • Step 5: ⚙️ Operations Plan – Outline your business’s operational structure, including the logistics of daily operations and the roles of your team members.
  • Step 6: 💰 Financial Planning – Forecast your business’s financial health with detailed budgeting, pricing strategies, and expected financial outcomes.
  • Step 7: 🚀 Review and Implement – Regularly review and refine your business plan to ensure it remains relevant and effective

Do You Need a Coaching Business Plan?

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is office-1209640_1920-1024x683.jpg

A few years ago, I was just like you—excited yet baffled about the right steps to take in starting my coaching business. I dabbled in social media, attended conferences, tried podcasting, and explored various other avenues. 

Despite my efforts, the results were far from what I needed. It felt like I was constantly moving, but not in the right direction.

Then it clicked. I realized that diving headfirst into business without a well-thought-out plan was like sailing without a compass. 

So, I took a step back and started from scratch, this time with a clear strategy in mind. I laid out a business plan that not only guided my business to success but also continues to guide me today.

Starting a coaching business can be an exciting venture , but without a clear plan, it’s easy to lose direction and focus. A business plan helps you outline your business objectives and also provides a roadmap to achieve them. 

Here’s why a business plan is vital for a coaching business:

  • Clarity and Direction : A business plan defines your coaching business’s purpose and sets clear goals. This clarity guides your decisions and keeps you focused on long-term goals.
  • Understanding Your Market : Who are your potential clients? What are their needs and how can your coaching services meet those needs? Analyzing the market helps you tailor your offerings. It also helps you stand out from competitors. This ensures your services are in demand.
  • Attracting Investors and Funding : Investors want to know that their money is going into a venture. The venture must have a clear plan to make a profit. This will give potential investors the confidence to back your business.
  • Measuring Progress and Success : A business plan sets a baseline for measuring your progress. Setting clear goals and milestones helps you track progress and adjust strategies as needed. This ongoing review keeps you on track and informs smart decisions that drive your business forward.
  • Risk Management : All businesses, including coaching ones, face risks. A business plan helps predict and manage these risks, making it easier to handle challenges. It prepares you for economic downturns, shifts in consumer behavior, and new competitors. This proactive approach protects against unexpected problems.

How To Create Your Coaching Business Plan

A well-structured business plan outlines every critical component of your operation, from your business identity and client demographics to your financial management and growth strategy.

Before we jump straight into the coaching business template , let’s understand the structure of your coaching business plan:

coaching business plan

  • Step 1: Craft your Executive Summary
  • Step 2: Business Description
  • Step 3: Market Analysis
  • Step 4: Create a Marketing and Sales Strategy
  • Step 5: Operations Plan
  • Step 6: Financial Planning
  • Step 7: Review and Implement

1. Crafting Your Executive Summary

To start your coaching business, begin with a powerful executive summary in your business plan. This section is like the front cover of a book—it needs to captivate and inform.

Here’s how to craft an executive summary that sets the stage for a compelling business plan:

  • Business Name and Location : Clearly state the name of your coaching business and where you are based. This basic info introduces your business.
  • Services Offered : Describe the types of coaching you provide. You might specialize in life coaching, career coaching, or another niche. Give a snapshot of what you offer.
  • Mission Statement : Your mission statement should reflect the core values and purpose of your business. It tells your audience what your business stands for and what you aim to achieve.
  • Vision Statement : This is about the future. Where do you see your coaching business going? What impact do you want to make? Your vision statement paints a picture of the future you are working towards.
  • Goals and Objectives : Jot down your short-term and long-term objectives for your coaching business using the SMART criteria—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound . Short-term goals might include reaching a certain number of clients. Or, they might include achieving a set income within the first year. Long-term goals could involve expanding your services nationally. Or, they could involve developing a franchise model.

2. Business Description

Here, you explain what your business does, how it operates, and what it aims to achieve.

This section gives context for the rest of the business plan. It helps stakeholders understand your business at a detailed level.

Choose Your Niche

Choosing a coaching niche and specifying your services are key . This sets your business apart.

Detail your target market. Whether you focus on life, executive, or health coaching, each meets unique client needs. Focus on demographics like age, profession, or specific challenges. Your coaching addresses those challenges.

Explain how your services are tailored to meet these needs, and discuss your business’s competitive edge. List your services in this field. Include personal coaching, group workshops, and online courses.

Also, showcase what makes you unique. For example, you might have a special coaching method. Or, you could be highly skilled in a popular coaching area.

Business Structure

The structure of your coaching business can greatly impact its operations and growth. You may operate as a sole proprietorship, a partnership, or a corporation. Each type has its own implications.

A sole proprietorship is easy to start and gives you full control. But it also leaves you fully liable for debts. On the other hand, a corporation shields you from debt and can attract investors. It does this through its structure and ability to sell shares. However, corporations face more rules and taxes.

Choose the structure that fits your business goals. Consider how it affects liability, taxation, and investment.

Business Model

Your coaching business can adopt various models to deliver its services, depending on your target market and your expertise:

  • One-on-One Coaching: Tailored specifically to individual clients to address personal or professional goals. This model allows for deep, personalized work and can be conducted in person, over the phone, or via video conferencing.
  • Group Sessions: These sessions bring together multiple clients who share similar goals or challenges. Group coaching is effective for workshops, seminars, and regular meetings, offering the added benefit of peer learning and support.
  • Online Courses: Providing digital courses allows clients to engage with your coaching material at their own pace. This model can include video lectures, downloadable resources, and interactive elements like quizzes or forums.

Value Proposition

What sets your coaching services apart is your unique value proposition.

For instance, your approach might integrate cutting-edge psychological research, or perhaps you offer a unique blend of strategies drawn from various disciplines such as mindfulness, behavioral science, and leadership training.

Maybe your services are particularly tailored to a niche market, such as startup entrepreneurs or corporate executives facing burnout.

Highlighting this uniqueness in your business plan helps potential clients and investors understand why your coaching services are not just necessary but highly desirable.

3. Market Analysis

A thorough market analysis is crucial. It helps you understand your environment. You can identify opportunities and challenges. Then, you can make strategies. These strategies use your strengths to meet market demands.

This part of your business plan will show the whole market. It will offer key insights. These insights will help you set real goals and grow in a lasting way.

Identify your Target Market

Identifying your target market involves defining the specific group of people who are most likely to benefit from your coaching services. Key aspects to consider include:

  • Demographics: Age, gender, profession, income level, and educational background. For instance, your services might cater primarily to mid-level professionals aged 30–50.
  • Psychographics: Values, interests, lifestyle, and personality traits. For example, this might include people who value personal development, are career-focused, and seek work-life balance.
  • Location: Whether your target market is local, regional, national, or global. Online coaching services can broaden your geographical reach compared to traditional in-person sessions.

Market Need

This section details the specific needs your coaching services address.

Are your clients looking for career advancement, personal growth, better stress management, or improved leadership skills?

Understanding these needs allows you to tailor your offerings effectively.

For example, if there is a high demand for stress management techniques among corporate workers in your area, your coaching could focus on mindfulness and resilience training.

Analyze your Competition

Analyzing your competitors helps you understand the current market landscape and identify what sets your coaching apart. Consider the following:

  • Who are your main competitors? Look at other coaching services in your niche.
  • What services do they offer? Understanding their offerings helps you spot gaps in the market.
  • What are their strengths and weaknesses? This can help you learn from their successes and capitalize on areas where they may fall short.

SWOT Analysis

A SWOT Analysis is a strategic method used to evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.

Use it to analyze your coaching business:

How to Craft your coaching business plan in 7 simple Steps (+ FREE Template) coaching business plan

  • Strengths: What advantages does your coaching business have? This could be a unique coaching methodology, a strong personal brand, or deep expertise in a niche area.
  • Weaknesses: What areas need improvement? This might include limited market presence or lack of full-time coaching staff.
  • Opportunities: Look for external factors that could be advantageous for your business. This could include increasing demand for mental health services or expanding into online coaching.
  • Threats: Identify potential challenges that could hinder your business’s success. These might include new competitors entering the market or changes in regulatory laws affecting coaching services.

4. Marketing and Sales Strategies

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is web-1738168_1920-1024x768.jpg

An effective marketing and sales strategy is critical for the success of any coaching business. This part of your business plan outlines how you will attract and keep clients.

It details your approaches to reaching your target market and turning leads into paying customers. The right strategy boosts visibility. It also improves client engagement and loyalty.

A well-crafted marketing plan is essential. It sets clear goals and identifies the best tactics to reach them. It ensures your marketing is consistent, targeted, and effective. They help build brand recognition and trust.

Developing your coaching brand involves creating a distinctive identity that resonates with your target audience and sets you apart from competitors.

Key elements include:

  • Brand Message: What are the core messages you want to convey? This could be your commitment to helping clients achieve specific goals, like improving leadership skills or finding work-life balance.
  • Visual Identity: Includes your logo, color scheme, and overall visual style. These should reflect the tone and ethos of your coaching practice.
  • Brand Voice: How you communicate in written and spoken words, which should consistently reflect your values and appeal to your target audience.

Marketing Channels

To reach your potential clients effectively, utilize a mix of marketing channels tailored to where your audience spends their time:

  • Social Media: Platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook can help build community and engagement. Tailor your content strategy to each platform to maximize reach and engagement.
  • Speaking Engagements: Presenting at conferences or local events can establish you as an expert in your field and attract clients looking for proven guidance.
  • Networking: Building relationships through industry groups or local business events can lead to referrals and new client opportunities.
  • SEO: Optimize your website and content for search engines to attract organic traffic. Focus on keywords that potential clients might use to find coaching services.

Effective marketing can significantly boost your coaching business, attracting a steady stream of clients. It not only draws attention but also captures and retains interest

Sales Strategy

Converting potential clients into paying clients requires a clear sales process:

  • Initial Consultation: Offer a free or discounted initial consultation to introduce potential clients to your coaching style and the benefits of your services.
  • Follow-Up: After the consultation, follow up with a personalized message that summarizes how you can help them achieve their goals.
  • Special Offers: Consider time-limited offers or package deals to encourage sign-ups.

Set up a sales funnel. A sales funnel is a process that guides potential clients from their first interaction with your brand through various stages of engagement until they make a purchase.

It starts with awareness, often through your marketing efforts, and progresses to interest (engaging with content), decision (attending a consultation), and finally action (purchasing a coaching package). 

5. Operations Plan

The Operational Plan section of your business plan provides a detailed look at how your coaching business works. This section outlines the day-to-day operations that support your coaching business.

This includes preparing for client sessions, both scheduled and ad-hoc and follow-up activities for each session, client communication, and administrative tasks like scheduling, billing, and client records management. 

It’s important to specify how these tasks are handled and by whom, as well as any business hours or response time commitments you make to your clients.

Business Location

Where you operate your business significantly shapes how it runs. Specify whether you offer your coaching services online, offline , or in a hybrid model:

Technology Used

Technology is crucial in running a modern coaching business efficiently. List the specific technologies and software you utilize for various business functions:

  • Client Management Systems : Software for scheduling , session notes, and client progress tracking.
  • Communication Tools : Tools used for client communication, such as email platforms, video conferencing tools, and instant messaging apps.
  • Marketing and Sales Software : CRM systems for managing leads, marketing automation tools, and analytics platforms.

Staff and Resources

Finally, detail any staff or additional resources needed to operate your business effectively. This includes any administrative support, marketing personnel, or additional coaches. 

If you handle most operations solo, discuss any outsourced services you might need, such as virtual assistants, accountants, or IT support.

6. Financial Planning

The Financial Plan is a critical section of your business plan. It is crucial for both potential investors and for you as the owner.

It shows that your coaching business is financially viable. It gives a roadmap for financial success.

This section is crucial for securing funding. It shows you understand your business’s finances.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is calculator-385506_1920-1024x603.jpg

Startup Costs

Outline all initial costs required to start your coaching business. This includes any licensing fees, initial marketing expenses, technology setup costs, office equipment, and any other expenditures necessary to launch your business.

Pricing Strategy

Set your prices for your coaching services based on the value you provide, the demands of your target market, and your competitors’ pricing. You can also offer different pricing tiers based on the length and depth of the coaching provided or discounts for upfront payments for a series of sessions.

Revenue Projections

Project your revenues over the next three to five years. Base these estimates on your market analysis, including expected client numbers, session pricing, and any additional revenue streams like workshops or online courses.

Break-even Analysis:

Calculate when the business expects to break even. This analysis should consider all fixed costs (like rent and salaries) and variable costs (such as session materials or payment processing fees) against expected revenue streams. The break-even point is the moment when total revenues equal total costs, indicating when the business starts to generate profit beyond recovering its initial and operational costs.

Think of it like this: if you have a lemonade stand, you need to know how many cups of lemonade you have to sell to pay for all your supplies and costs. The moment you’ve sold enough cups to cover all your expenses, you hit your “break-even point.” That means you’re not losing money anymore, and any more lemonade you sell after that starts to make you profit.

7. Review and Implement

Once you’ve finalized your coaching business plan, the next steps are critical: reviewing the plan carefully and implementing it effectively.

This ensures that your business is built on a solid foundation and is ready to adapt to challenges and opportunities. Here’s how to approach these important phases:

Reviewing Your Business Plan

  • Thorough Read-through: Start by reading your business plan thoroughly from start to finish. This helps you ensure that the plan is cohesive and all parts align well with each other.
  • Seek External Feedback: It’s invaluable to get perspectives from trusted mentors, industry peers, or potential investors. They can provide insights that you might have missed and suggest improvements. Consider feedback from people who understand the coaching industry as well as those who might be part of your target audience.
  • Revise for Clarity and Accuracy: Based on the feedback and your own assessments, make necessary revisions. This could involve clarifying certain sections, adding missing details, or correcting any inaccuracies. Ensure your financial forecasts and market analysis are realistic and based on the latest available data.
  • Finalize the Document: Once revisions are made, finalize the formatting, proofread for grammatical errors, and ensure that the document is professionally presented.

Implementing Your Business Plan

Now that your business plan is meticulously crafted, it’s time to bring it to life. This step might seem a bit overwhelming, but it’s essential for growing your coaching business.

The great news is, you’re not in this alone. We’re here not just to support you but to actively participate in your journey.

Our role extends beyond mere guidance; we’re here to help build your business. While you concentrate on what you do best—coaching and transforming lives—we’ll handle the operational details. From identifying your niche to marketing execution, we’ve got you covered .

As we wrap up, I hope the insights shared here have empowered you to create a structured and effective business plan for your coaching venture.

Crafting a solid plan is crucial, not just for guiding your business but for adapting as your enterprise grows.

If you have any questions about the business planning process or wish to share your own experiences and insights, feel free to leave a comment below.

Resources for your Coaching Business Plan

As a coach, it’s crucial to have the right resources at your fingertips.

We’ve put together a curated list to support your journey to craft your custom coaching business plan.

Your Custom Template

To get your FREE custom Coaching Business Plan Template, click on the “Download Your Coaching Business Plan” Button

Other resources

Financial planning and management tools.

  • QuickBooks : An accounting software ideal for small businesses to manage accounts with ease.
  • Mint : Helps with personal and business financial planning and budgeting.
  • Microsoft Excel / Google Sheets – Spreadsheet tools that are essential for financial analysis, including creating detailed financial projections and budgets.

Software and Online Platforms

  • LivePlan : This is an intuitive, user-friendly business plan software that guides you through the process of creating a detailed, investor-ready business plan. It offers templates, financial forecasts, and performance tracking tools.
  • Bizplan : Bizplan makes the process of writing a business plan more efficient through step-by-step guidance, templates, and a modern, user-friendly interface that simplifies financial forecasting and business modeling.
  • Enloop : This tool automatically writes and formats your business plan as you input information. It offers features like auto-generated financial reports and a real-time performance score to improve your plan.
  • SMART Goals – A framework for setting objectives that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, ensuring well-defined and attainable goals.
  • SWOT Analysis – A strategic planning tool used to identify and understand the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats related to business competition or project planning.
  • PEST Analysis – A framework for analyzing and monitoring the macro-environmental factors that may have a profound impact on an organization’s performance.
  • Business Model Canvas – A strategic management template for developing new or documenting existing business models across nine key components.
  • Value Proposition Canvas – A tool that helps businesses ensure that a product or service is positioned around what the customer values and needs.
  • “ Co-Active Coaching: Changing Business, Transforming Lives ” by Henry Kimsey-House, Karen Kimsey-House, Phillip Sandahl, and Laura Whitworth – This book provides a foundational philosophy for professional coaching.
  • “ Business Model Generation ” by Alexander Osterwalder & Yves Pigneur – A book that introduces practical tools for creating, analyzing, and reinventing business models, with visual methods for brainstorming.
  • “ The Lean Startup ” by Eric Ries – A book that introduces methodologies for developing businesses and products in an efficient way by managing and directing startup activities toward the markets.

Legal Resources for Small Businesses

  • U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) : Information on business registration, legal structures, and licenses.
  • Gov.uk (for UK based businesses) : Guidance on starting and running a business in the UK, including legal obligations.

Each resource was chosen based on its practical utility, ease of access, and the most current information available.

From established industry platforms to cutting-edge tools and insightful publications, our editorial team has researched, fact-checked, and curated a diverse mix of resources to cater to various learning styles and needs.

This ensures you have access to the best tools and knowledge, helping you build a solid coaching business plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the steps of a business plan.

A coaching business plan includes the following steps – making a list of the strengths and weaknesses of the company, moving on to a SWOT analysis, outlining a short-term and long-term strategy, creating project benchmarks, and defining the key success factors. Another additional step is how to price the business and launch a new product.

What Must An Entrepreneur Do After Creating their Coaching Business Plan?

A list of tasks that entrepreneurs should complete after setting up their coaching business plan includes: obtaining startup capital, researching trade laws, reviewing business licenses, and choosing a company name.

What Is the Purpose of Writing a Business Plan Before Entering the Market?

Creating a coaching business plan before entering the market can prove beneficial because it allows entrepreneurs to look at the big picture of the company, from the way it will be run to its goals and general purposes. It also gives entrepreneurs an opportunity to look at what they need to do in order to successfully and efficiently run their business.

What Should I Include In A Business Plan?

Every business plan needs to include the questions and answers of these three fundamental issues: what do you want your company to accomplish, why should people buy what you sell, and how will you make it happen? It is important to take this opportunity to be very thorough with your business plan.

How to Make a Business Plan?

To make a business plan, you must know what kind of business you want it to be. You will need to research your market, competition, and finances. If you don’t, then you run the risk of running out of money or building a business that is unable to make a profit.

How Do You Draft A Coaching Plan?

You can draft a coaching plan through plenty of documents and templates that can be used as a guide to help you brainstorm and organize your own thoughts. One great resource is the Coaching Business Plan Workbook and Guide by Mary Baldwin and Amy Levin-Epstein.

How To Write A Business Plan Step By Step?

The precise step-by-step guide on how to write a business starts with first outlining what your business will be and what your long-term goal is. Next, it’s important to start with developing your company’s mission statement, detailing who your customer is and what they want. This is followed by conducting market research and researching your competition.

template business plan coach

ABOUT SAI BLACKBYRN

I’m Sai Blackbyrn, better known as “The Coach’s Mentor.” I help Coaches like you establish their business online. My system is simple: close more clients at higher fees. You can take advantage of technology, and use it as a catalyst to grow your coaching business in a matter of weeks; not months, not years. It’s easier than you think.

template business plan coach

4 thoughts on “How to Craft your coaching business plan in 7 simple Steps (+ FREE Template)”

This article was very simple and easy to follow. Extremely helpful. Just starting out so needed this kinda help.

Hi J Dawn, I’m glad you got great value from this piece. And since you are just starting out, the webinar would be extremely helpful to you so do register

Thank you so much, very insightful especially as I’m starting my coaching business.

Keep up the great work!

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Icon

  • Consultancies
  • Professional services

How to write a coaching business plan template for beginners

template business plan coach

Table of contents

Life coaching is a promising and lucrative industry, and many coaches are now earning a significant amount of money with their tailored coaching business plans. If you, too, can help someone with your knowledge and life experiences, then it is the right time for you to start your own coaching business.

It is a smart idea to start your own coaching business, and there are several people out there who may need your help and can benefit from your experience. This guide will help you learn how to devise a business plan and make your mark in the coaching industry. Let's get right to it!

template business plan coach

Note: If you are a coach, try Bonsai's full-suite of tools you can use to run your business. From task management, to time tracking, and tax, Bonsai's software has everything you need to manage your business. In fact, we have a whole library of pre-made templates to send coaching invoices , contracts and proposals. Try a 7-day free trial here .

template business plan coach

What is a Coaching Business Plan?

If you want to create a coaching business, the first thing you need to do is to put together a business plan. Without a plan for your coaching business, you won't know what to do and in which order.

This is why it is absolutely necessary to have a foolproof life coaching business plan for a successful coaching business. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started on the right track.

Steps To Write A Life Coaching Business Plan

Here are all the steps you can use for a successful life coaching business.

Decide Your Vision

To tell your potential customers what you believe in and what your motive is, it is important to write down a vision and what motivated you to start this business.

This will help your customers understand why you want to deliver these services. Many customers consider coaches who are not just focused on their professional goals but also care for their students.

When writing the vision you need to add details such as what is the purpose behind your business and why should others care about it.

Work On Your Mission Statement

Every traditional business plan contains a mission statement and so should yours. A mission statement outlines what your business does. It can be described as the mission of your business.

The mission statement is not just important for your career coaching but it is also essential for your personal life. However, it is very important for you to be very transparent and crystal clear with your mission statement so your potential customers don't get mislead.

It can be difficult to write the mission statement on your own so it is best if you focus on answering things such as what are you hoping to accomplish at present and the future

Outline Your Coaching Services

Your business plan should include all the details of your business coaching details. Describe all your services in detail.

The details can include several things such as who are the recipients of your services. Each service may have a different recipient so it is essential for you to list all of them down. For instance, you can mention that a particular service is for middle-class parents or so on.

Other important details to include can be the pain points you will be catering to in your services. It is best to talk about the most powerful pain point right away so you have the attention of your customer segments instantly.

Your biggest aim should be to talk about something personal your audience is worried about and present your coaching as a solution.

Next, it is wise to include key features of your service. Doing this will help you attract customer attention and they will be interested to learn the exact steps that you will take to help the customers solve the problems they face.

Narrow Down Your Target Market

Now that you are done with the basics, let's move on to the next most important step. Identify your target audience using market research.

Knowing who your audience is very important and can help you come up with a very effective marketing plan. Without knowing who actually wants your service it can be difficult to appeal to the right kind of audience.

To understand what demographic needs your coaching you can use different research methods such as surveys, use reports and more.

This will help you identify all those people who suffer from the problems you are providing a solution for.

For instance, if you are providing coaching services to battle debt then your potential audience is a group of people who are in debt and can't seem to get out.

There are many advantages of identifying your customer base. Once you know who you are speaking to, you will know how to change or modify your coaching sessions to appeal to the audience in a better way.

Furthermore, it will also help you devise an effective marketing strategy designed exclusively for the target market.

Therefore, an in depth market analysis is essential to learn where your customers live, what their ages are and even what gender they fall under. The more detail you have the better it is as that can help you come up with a targeted marketing plan and coaching services.No

Note: if you are a coach, try Bonsai's full-suite of business tools to help you streamline your business. From invoice, tax, task, time tracking, to proposal templates for coaching , Bonsai has it all. Try a 7-day free trial here .

Design A Marketing Strategy

To get the attention of your audience and to market your coaching business it is important that you formulate a marketing strategy that will effectively help people notice your brand.

There are several marketing techniques you can use in your strategy but you need to make sure you choose the one that fits your coaching business the best.

Here are some of the common marketing techniques you can use to build your marketing strategy:

Search Engine Optimization

Search engine optimization is one of the most effective marketing strategies. Here, you can use different keywords and key phrases that will help your customers locate your website or services easily.

For instance, if you are providing coaching services for debt then you can smartly use different words in your content such as 'debt group coaching sessions' and every time a user searches for the term your content will pop up automatically.

Social Media Platforms

Social media platforms are the best place for you to talk about your coaching services. Most of us already have social media accounts and are very active on these platforms.

You do not need to go the audience to market your services, all you need to do is create a social media page and the audience will come to you.

However, you need to have an active presence there and share valuable content so your audience stays engaged. There are several social media platforms , choose the platforms where you can find most of your target audience.

For instance, if you are catering to the younger demographic then you can go for platforms such as Instagram and TikTok as these platforms have a higher population of the younger users.

Advertising

If you want immediate results and go for a more direct solution then it is better if you opt for paid advertising.

If you pay for ads your services will reach your audience much quicker than they would otherwise. More importantly, paid advertising will only show the ads to the potential customers rather than random people. This means that you will have better outcomes and and can expand your growth plan.

However, paid advertising can be expensive and you may need help from experts. You can hire professionals to handle paid advertising on your behalf and make sure they do it effectively.

Blogging is one of the most common ways to create awareness in your audience. There are multiple ways you can blog about your coaching business. You can either get another blog to feature your business or you can start a blog of your own.

Blogs are a great way to deliver content to your audience and you can incorporate your coaching services in these blogs. These blogs should have valuable content that must link with your subject and help your audience in the longer run. It is a smart decision to make blogging an important part of your coaching practice.

Email Marketing

Email marketing is an effective marketing strategy as any. You can build a mailing list and then send regular emails about your coaching sessions.

You can also give your audience a brief overview of your services so you can grab their attention so they are interested in coaching and sign up for more.

In the future you can also use this list to introduce more product and services to your audience. Make sure you follow up on your emails for the best results.

Include Financial Projections

Other coaches in the business may tell you how important it is to think about financial planning . The coaching business needs money to fuel it and it is essential for you to be clear on how much of it you need.

List Down Coaching Resources Needed

You may need lots of resources when providing coaching and instead of learning about them as you go, make a list of the needed resources beforehand. This will help you be a great coach and be as effective as possible.

Why Is A Coaching Business Plan Important For You?

Without a coaching business plan, it can be very difficult for you to be on the right track, and you may end up making mistakes that could have been avoided easily.

It is better to enter the field with a plan rather than just diving into it right away! With the best business coaching plan, you can get your first client in no time.

Coaching Business Plan Template

If you are having difficulty coming up with a coaching business plan on your own, then you can also use a template and fill it according to your needs and the needs of the business.

There are lots of coaching business plan templates online for you to choose from. Just make sure you fill them out properly. Templates offer you a competitive advantage so you can get more customers.

Try Bonsai's Suite Of Coaching Tools

Bonsai is the best coaching tool on the market to run your business. With our software, you could easily edit pre-made templates to send coaching contracts , proposals, intake forms, invoices, and more. Not to mention we have time tracking and task management tools you could use to better organize your day-to-day duties.

Claim your 7-day free trial here .

Those who keep these tips and tricks in mind can have great coaching businesses and meet all professional goals. Just make sure you do not skip out on anything important, as that can affect your business model in the future. Good luck with your venture!

Unlock creativity and boost ROI with our 2024 advertising agency workflow guide! Expert insights, trends, and strategies for success.

Brian Hughes

Discover the secrets to agency planning and learn proven strategies for rapid growth. Expert tips to craft your blueprint for success.

Unlock success with our guide to agency resource management! Master principles and discover essential tools for optimal efficiency.

template business plan coach

Related Articles

How to Start Your Life Coaching Business Plan & Template

Life Coaching Business

Perhaps like many of us, you’re unsure where to start. Maybe you’re disillusioned by the lack of clear, actionable information available and have shelved your plans – for the moment, at least.

But don’t give in. Help is at hand.

This article introduces many of the answers to the question, “How do I start a life coaching business?”

In doing so, we borrow heavily from a book written by one of our founders at PositivePsychology.com, Seph Fontane Pennock, The 7 Pillars of a Profitable Practice . It is a great read and highly recommended; however, this article offers a powerful starting point regardless, with actionable points, a business plan, and a free template.

This Article Contains

How to start your life coaching business, 3 requirements for setting up your practice, crafting your business model plan: a template, how to market and advertise your coaching business, 10 best names for coaching practices, building and promoting an online coaching business.

  • 10+ Software & Forms to Use in Your Practice

A Take-Home Message

Life coaching can have far-reaching and diverse positive impacts on clients’ lives (Clutterbuck et al., 2016).

Many of us have toyed with the idea of starting a life coaching business, helping people change health-related behavior, improve wellness, boost their careers, and strive for personal goals (Karmali et al., 2020; Mann et al., 2022).

You most likely feel you have something to give: highly transferable skills learned from harsh life lessons and/or expertise in psychology, learning, leadership, self-development, and communication.

Or perhaps you are simply great at making people feel so empowered that they stop being “stuck” and take the bold steps to overcome obstacles holding them back.

Whatever your reason and motivation, we will help you get there, and the best place to begin is right here.

Begin at the beginning!

We start by recognizing our barriers.

What’s stopping us? Most likely, it’s our mindset rather than something physical. The following beliefs are potential obstacles, blocking us before we even start:

  • Fear of failure : We are afraid we will not succeed.
  • Not enough time: “I would give it a try, but I simply don’t have enough time.”
  • Self-doubt: Our lack of confidence sabotages our entrepreneurial journey.

It’s not about ignoring the fear or letting it determine how we act; it’s about accepting it as an inherent part of our journey.

Accept fear as part of your journey.

Next, evaluate your existing time commitments. Prioritize your current tasks, dropping some of the nonessentials, and plan to set aside time to start your life coaching business. This is something you’ve dreamed of doing and aligns with your bigger life goals.

There will always be things to do, but by changing your mindset and prioritizing this dream, you will find the time to make it a reality.

Everyone has 24 hours in a day. What will you accomplish with yours?

Finally, recognize your feelings of self-doubt but don’t let them control you. Reflect on some of your past successes and reach out to those closest to you for their support, encouragement, and practical advice.

We’d like to share a great article with you that can help, as it includes tips for increasing your self-confidence. Have a look at What Is Self-Confidence? (+9 Proven Ways to Increase It) .

To build confidence, you have to practice confidence.

If we don’t start, we will never know

Now that we have faced our barriers and established a healthier relationship with them, it’s time to step outside our comfort zone and start the journey.

Who is our dream client?

We can’t be great at everything, so we need to narrow our focus and reach and find an authentic niche.

For example, perhaps you enjoy helping people in the workplace . So, maybe your dream client has worked for several years but now feels stuck in their career. They need help to reevaluate where they are, where they want to go, and how to change their mindset to move toward a more fulfilling career.

Once we’ve defined our ideal client, we can consider each of Seph’s seven pillars for starting and growing a coaching practice sustainably:

  • Pillar #1 – Promise We need to be able to make a pledge to our dream client. The five Ps will help: People : Who are we helping? Place : Where are we helping them? Problem : What are we helping them solve? Product : What will we use to do this? Price : What will we charge to do it?
  • Pillar #2 – Leads We need to attract more of the right sort of clients (ideally, they will contact us). We must think about how our dream client will find us, perhaps via YouTube, a blog post, a personal website, or social media (think LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, etc.).
  • Pillar #3 – Clients How will we convert leads into clients? It may involve screening out those who are not a good fit for our services (depending on our coaching philosophy ) and following up quickly with compatible ones.
  • Pillar #4 – Traffic Reducing the legwork associated with finding leads is crucial; ultimately, it gives us more time to help others.
  • Pillar #5 – Retention Attracting and converting new leads is vital, yet so is holding on to existing clients. What potential offers can we share with existing clients to maintain (or boost) engagement?
  • Pillar #6 – Products How can we generate more income without spending extra time? It might include offering group coaching sessions or additional training, downloadable PDFs, podcasts, or webinars.
  • Pillar #7 – Team We can’t achieve everything alone. Over time, a successful coaching business may expand and include dedicated staff performing those administrative activities that take our time away from coaching.

Best coaching platform

What is the best platform for a life coaching business?

Traditionally, life coaching was practiced face to face and involved a great deal of manual administration behind the scenes.

Thankfully, new technology and online platforms mean we can perform coaching remotely through video calls and set up meetings, share activities, and exercises, and take notes online (Ribbers & Waringa, 2015; Kanatouri, 2020).

Our very own Quenza has been designed by and for coaches, counselors, and therapists, and that is why we believe it is the best coaching platform out there. It allows life coaches to focus on client needs, goals, and overcoming challenges and is a scalable solution for a growing business.

Do you need a business license?

You do not need specific qualifications to set up as a life coach, but accreditation can boost potential clients’ confidence in your abilities.

However, obtaining a business license is required in some locations to provide life coaching services legally. If you’re unsure whether you need a license, check with your local government agencies or consult a lawyer or accountant familiar with your jurisdiction (Lumia, 2022; Blackbyrn, 2023).

3 Best life coaching certification programs

There are many life coaching courses available. However, the International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the world’s best-known and respected coaching program certifier.

We list three of our favorite life coaching certification programs, but many others exist.

Spend time researching the one that best matches your coaching plans, availability, and budget.

  • Coaching Out of the Box This fast track to ICF certification can help turn your dream of starting a life coaching business into a reality. It includes group and one-to-one coaching and certification and supports individuals as they obtain documented coaching experience.
  • Barefoot Coaching This ICF and university-accredited coach training offers online coaching expertise to develop the coaching skills required as a life coach, HR professional, or business leader.
  • Life Purpose Institute The institute offers the coaching tools and marketing expertise to build a life coaching practice plus the training hours required to get ICF credentials. The number of students in online courses is limited, and students can learn the skills needed to coach individuals, groups, and workshops.

For further training opportunities, see our articles, 19 Best Coaching Training Institutes and Programs and 8 Best ICF Coaching Certification Programs and Courses .

A life coaching business plan doesn’t need to be complicated and must remain current, capturing the key actions and challenges.

Use the Life Coaching Business Model Plan or one of our templates from our How to Write a Life Coaching Business Plan: 5 Templates article to create an initial plan.

In this example, we target people who feel stuck in their career or their life (or both).

Business identity

What is the business called? “Clarity Life Coaching”

Target client

Our target clients are individuals who feel stuck, lost, or uncertain in their personal or professional lives. We focus on mid-career individuals or those experiencing significant life changes, such as divorce or career transitions.

Client pain points

Our clients struggle with a lack of direction, feel overwhelmed, and lack clarity about their goals and values. They may feel stuck in unfulfilling jobs or relationships and experience high stress or anxiety.

Your solution

Clarity Life Coaching provides personalized coaching services to help individuals clarify their values, goals, and priorities. Our coaching process helps clients identify their strengths and areas for improvement, develop a plan to achieve their goals, and overcome obstacles that may stand in their way. We use various coaching techniques , including goal setting, visualization, and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.

Your competition

Several life coaching businesses in the local area provide similar services, but our unique approach and personalized coaching services set us apart from the competition. We focus on a highly customized coaching experience tailored to each client’s needs.

Revenue streams

Our revenue streams include one-on-one coaching sessions, group coaching sessions, and workshops on topics such as goal setting and stress management.

Marketing activities

We use online advertising, social media marketing, and partnerships with local businesses and community organizations. We will also attend local events and conferences to promote our services and network with potential clients.

Existing and future expenses include rent for our coaching space, coaching materials, advertising and marketing costs, and attending events and conferences.

Team and their key roles

The team will consist of one life coach responsible for providing coaching services, managing client relationships, and handling administrative tasks such as scheduling and billing.

Initial thoughts on milestones include:

  • Launching the business and securing our first clients within the first three months
  • Expanding our client base by 25% within the first year
  • Increasing revenue by 35% within the first year
  • Hosting a successful workshop or seminar within the first six months of operation

Help mid-career individuals gain clarity and direction and achieve their personal and professional goals.

Your plan will evolve and should be revisited regularly to grow and manage your life coaching practice.

Marketing your business

For many of us, marketing and advertising can fill us with fear – an unknown and confusing process.

So here are a few valuable pointers drawn from Seph’s The 7 Pillars of a Profitable Practice and Steve Chandler’s book How to Get Clients: New Pathways to Coaching Prosperity .

Your coaching website should be like a funnel

  • When your visitor arrives on your website, they should:
  • Know which problem you can help them solve or which goal you can help them achieve.
  • Find clear evidence of your successful track record.
  • Be confident in your abilities and experience.
  • Be provided with some upfront value (perhaps a free e-book).
  • Do not overcomplicate the website. Consider removing unnecessary content. The goal is for traffic to arrive as visitors and leave as leads (or sales).
  • Make use of a call-to-action, either:
  • Offer a giveaway in exchange for their name and email.
  • Allow them to sign up for their first (complimentary) coaching session.

Productive conversations

Productive conversations and creating relationships lead to new clients.

  • Make sure that you follow up on discussions promptly.
  • After an initial chat, ask the potential client to complete a prequalification survey.
  • Don’t leave them wondering. Tell them when they will receive a follow-up email.
  • Don’t be needy (even if you would like their business).
  • Be aware that the client will remember how you made them feel rather than precisely what you said.
  • Talk less about yourself and your coaching and listen more to their problems.

Online writing

Writing for a personal blog or elsewhere can increase your reach, get you in front of clients, and help others take you seriously. But remember:

  • Aim for quality over quantity – you are targeting the right kind of traffic.
  • Change your mindset from “How do I find more clients?” to “How do my dream clients find me?”
  • Know what people are looking for and create resources on that topic.
  • Earned reach is the organic attention that you receive. Perhaps you got a mention in a podcast or on a news website. Paid reach has a cost, such as Facebook and Instagram ads or using the Google Ads Platform. Consider both.
  • If you post on your website, consider your owned reach. You should appear in the search results, so get to know which keywords people are searching for when they look for help.

In The 7 Pillars of a Profitable Practice , Seph covers in more detail how to rank for keywords and create a content marketing plan that includes platforms with active audiences, such as:

  • The Huffington Post
  • Entrepreneur

Ultimately, your goal is for people with problems to find you so that you can help meet their needs.

Finding the right name for your coaching business is not easy. Too obvious, and it is either likely to be already taken or so bland that it will not be memorable.

One approach involves using AI to create life coaching business names . Use it or your own research to consider and evolve potential names, thinking about:

  • The customers’ first impression
  • The identity and brand of your business
  • The type of customer you wish to attract
  • How memorable the name is (and for the right reasons)
  • Whether the name is already being used

Here are 10 names to start you off:

  • Coaching for Success
  • The Successful Living Academy
  • Evolve Coaching
  • Courage Coaching
  • The Breakthrough Coach
  • The Change Academy
  • Coaching for Vitality
  • Abundant Life Coaching
  • Positive Change Coaching
  • The Courage Academy

Building a life coaching busines

The following articles offer more suggestions regarding how to build and promote an online coaching business.

  • How to Get Clients for Life Coaching [5 Strategies] provides more information and guidance on nailing your business’s value proposition, marketing funnel, and online and offline strategies.
  • How to Start an Online Coaching Business: Step-by-Step Plan is a practical guide for building a successful and profitable business.
  • How to Start a Life Coaching Business From Scratch explores what you will need and your first moves to becoming an online coach.

10+ Software & Forms to Use in Your Practice

There are several online platforms for coaching, many of which are introduced in the article 12 Best Online Coaching Platforms & Tools .

PositivePsychology.com’s dedicated coaching software Quenza is compelling and unique because it:

  • Is extraordinarily user friendly and intuitive
  • Uses the latest SSL encryption to store client results to ensure HIPAA and GDPR compliance
  • Is highly scalable, growing with your business
  • Stores forms as customizable templates
  • Securely delivers exercises and forms to clients
  • Enables form completion on mobile, tablet, or desktop
  • Nudges clients when they need a reminder to do something

In How to Send & Build Counseling Client Intake Forms Digitally , we explore how to create and share online forms using the Quenza platform.

Next, our two articles, Coaching Forms Toolbox: 17 Templates for Your Sessions and How to Create Feedback Forms: 3 Templates + Best Online Tool , explain how forms can be created from scratch, copied, or modified within the tool.

We suggest using the following forms:

  • Pre-coaching questionnaire
  • A self-contract to encourage client accountability
  • Life domain satisfaction questionnaire
  • Strength interview form
  • Session rating scale
  • Coach evaluation form
  • End of therapy evaluation

Many other templates exist, including ones for visualization, mindfulness, goal setting, and benefit finding.

Fear, time constraints, and self-doubt can hold us back from starting a life coaching business. Learning to accept our barriers and shift our focus from ourselves to our clients can dramatically improve our chances of success.

Learning from the experiences of successful business owners like Seph Fontane Pennock can provide valuable insights and help us create a profitable and impactful practice.

You most likely feel like you have something to give to your dream clients. You wish to create an opportunity for positive change in their lives while delivering on a personal vision for a life coaching practice.

Creating a clear and achievable business plan can be simple and will help you find your ideal clients and offer them a path to setting and striving toward their goals.

Having read this article and been inspired to start your life coaching business, why not look at The 7 Pillars of a Profitable Practice and use the many lessons Seph learned along his journey to inform your business plans and give your clients their best chance of success?

  • Blackbyrn, S. (2023, February 17). Does a life coach need a business license? Coach Foundation. Retrieved April 20, 2023, from https://coachfoundation.com/blog/life-coach-business-license/.
  • Clutterbuck, D., David, S. A., & Megginson, D. (Eds.). (2016). Beyond goals: Effective strategies for coaching and mentoring.  Routledge.
  • Lumia. (2022, August 4). Does a life coach need a business license and insurance? Lumia. Retrieved April 20, 2023, from https://www.lumiacoaching.com/blog/does-a-life-coach-need-a-business-license.
  • Kanatouri, S. (2020). The digital coach . Routledge.
  • Karmali, S., Battram, D. S., Burke, S. M., Cramp, A., Mantler, T., Morrow, D., Ng, V., Pearson, E. S., Petrella, R., Tucker, P., & Irwin, J. D. (2020). Clients’ and coaches’ perspectives of a life coaching intervention for parents with overweight/obesity. International Journal of Evidence Based Coaching and Mentoring , 18 (2), 115–132.
  • Mann, A., Leigh Fainstad, T., Shah, P., Dieujuste, N., & Jones, C. D. (2022). “It’s nice to know I’m not alone”: The impact of an online life coaching program on wellness in graduate medical education: A qualitative analysis. A cademic Medicine , 97 (11S), S166–S166.
  • Ribbers, A., & Waringa, A. (2015). E-coaching: Theory and practice for a new online approach to coaching . Routledge.

' src=

Share this article:

Article feedback

Let us know your thoughts cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Related articles

ADHD Coach

How to Become an ADHD Coach: 5 Coaching Organizations

The latest figures suggest that around 1 in 20 people globally has ADHD, although far fewer are actively diagnosed (Asherson et al., 2022). Attention-deficit hyperactivity [...]

template business plan coach

Personal Development Goals: Helping Your Clients Succeed

In the realm of personal development, individuals often seek to enhance various aspects of their lives, striving for growth, fulfillment, and self-improvement. As coaches and [...]

Somatic coaching

How to Perform Somatic Coaching: 9 Best Exercises

Our bodies are truly amazing and hold a wellspring of wisdom which, when tapped into, can provide tremendous benefits. Somatic coaching acknowledges the intricate connection [...]

Read other articles by their category

  • Body & Brain (49)
  • Coaching & Application (58)
  • Compassion (25)
  • Counseling (51)
  • Emotional Intelligence (23)
  • Gratitude (18)
  • Grief & Bereavement (21)
  • Happiness & SWB (40)
  • Meaning & Values (26)
  • Meditation (20)
  • Mindfulness (44)
  • Motivation & Goals (45)
  • Optimism & Mindset (34)
  • Positive CBT (30)
  • Positive Communication (20)
  • Positive Education (47)
  • Positive Emotions (32)
  • Positive Leadership (19)
  • Positive Parenting (15)
  • Positive Psychology (34)
  • Positive Workplace (37)
  • Productivity (17)
  • Relationships (43)
  • Resilience & Coping (37)
  • Self Awareness (21)
  • Self Esteem (38)
  • Strengths & Virtues (32)
  • Stress & Burnout Prevention (34)
  • Theory & Books (46)
  • Therapy Exercises (37)
  • Types of Therapy (64)

Become a Coach Factory Member Today for FREE!

Cover images of Coach Factory VIP resources

Get instant access to our growing library of tools, training, insights, and resources you need to elevate your coaching game... completely free.

No upsells. No gimmicks. Free forever!

How to Write a Coaching Business Plan That Helps You Thrive + Template

May 17, 2023

The Coach Factory Team

a coach envisions his future business

New coaches often overlook the importance of having a business plan from the beginning , but this critical document will guide your business through its growth stages. It’s a strategic tool that helps you visualize your goals, track your progress, and provide a clear picture of your business’ vision, financial health, and operational needs.

Without a business plan, you’ll face the risk of wandering aimlessly in your coaching practice and struggling to achieve your goals. The absence of a well-defined plan may leave you vulnerable to various challenges and setbacks. 

You may find it difficult to attract and retain clients without a clear value proposition and targeted marketing strategies. You may also struggle with financial management, pricing your services appropriately, and tracking your progress towards revenue goals. 

Plus, the absence of a business plan can lead to a lack of focus, scattered efforts, and a sense of uncertainty about the direction of your coaching practice. Ultimately, without a business plan, you may miss out on valuable opportunities for growth and struggle to thrive in the competitive coaching landscape.

Whether you’re transforming your coaching side gig into a full-time venture or scaling up your existing coaching business, this article will walk you step-by-step through creating a detailed coaching business plan that will propel you toward success.

  • Why Your Coaching Practice Needs a Business Plan

A business plan guides your coaching business, directing you through your initial startup phase to growth and beyond. It helps you chart your course, establish milestones, and provide clear directions to your desired destination, similar to how a roadmap directs a traveler.

One of the most significant benefits of a business plan is its role in decision-making. When faced with decisions like introducing a new service or investing in advertising, your business plan provides the context and data to make informed choices. It helps align your decisions with your overall business objectives and strategies, ensuring that every step leads you closer to your goals.

How do I turn my coaching into a business?

If you’re already coaching and are ready to turn your hobby into a full fledged business, one of your first steps is to craft a business plan. As you work through the parts of the plan, you’ll be forced to make decisions about what to name your business , who is your desired clientele , what services you’ll offer , what kinds of expenses and revenue you expect, and how you’ll market the business.

Whether you run your coaching business as a side hustle or as a full time venture, as long as you are making money from coaching, you can officially call it a business. 

Can I write a business plan myself?

Yes, even a novice can write a simple business plan by working through the seven key elements: an executive summary, a company description, market analysis, organizational structure, sales and marketing, financial goals, and an appendix. Use the free 12-page workbook linked at the bottom of this post for a plug-and-play business plan template. 

How much does it cost to start a coaching business?

The costs for launching your coaching business can vary widely from a minimal few hundred dollars to a substantial investment of multiple thousands of dollars. When you dig into the financial parts of your business plan, you’ll be able to start listing the potential expenses you expect: certifications, website hosting and design, online video conferencing tools, hiring an accountant, etc. 

The good news is that you can start simply by offering online coaching to people in your current sphere of influence and as you generate income, branch out with additional features such as a coaching website or a client management system . There’s no need to put everything in place at once. You can build your business as you go, but the coaching business plan provides the blueprint to help you identify next steps. 

Can I make a living as a coach?

Yes, you can! If you have the primary traits that all coaches need and are willing to invest in your professional development and learn the basics of online marketing, you will likely attract enough ideal clients to earn a living wage. It’s not an easy path; it will take dedication to start your own coaching business, of course.  But over time, many coaches are able to generate six-figure annual salaries by doing what they love — helping others achieve their aspirations. These highest paid coaches tend to have the most expertise and work as business coaches. But there’s plenty of room for coaches of all niches and experience levels to find their ideal clients and serve them. As you continue coaching, you’ll refine your practice, find better clients, and be able to charge higher rates .

making a business plan for a new coaching business

  • Tips for Writing the 7 Key Elements of a Coaching Business Plan — With Workbook

Launching a coaching business requires more than just expertise in a specific niche. It demands a strategic approach and a clear vision for your business’s future. 

A well-crafted business plan has seven key elements, each of which serves a distinct purpose that aids in decision-making. These seven steps are included in a convenient PDF workbook format so you can record your thoughts and get started on your own business plan right away. Download yours and fill it out as you read the rest of this article that fleshes out the directions in the template.

1. Write an executive summary

The executive summary is the doorway to your business plan, providing a concise and enticing overview of your coaching business. It gives potential investors, partners, and other stakeholders a snapshot of your business, its goals, and how it intends to achieve them.

Here are five tips for writing an impactful executive summary.

Begin with the basics

No matter the setting, introductions are essential for making a great first impression. An introduction sets the stage and provides context for the following information. Start by providing basic information about your coaching business, like your business name , location, and specific coaching services.

Clearly state your business objectives

Are you looking to become a leading life coach in your region, or are you aiming to carve out a niche as a specialized career coach for professionals in the tech industry?

You must convey your business goals and give a time frame for achieving them. Although shooting for the stars is always important, your business plan goals should be simple enough to understand. So stick to setting goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

Highlight your unique selling proposition (USP)

What makes your coaching business unique? Do you have a distinctive coaching methodology, special qualification, or experience that sets you apart?

Your USP is the core reason clients choose you over other coaches. It should be a central part of your branding and messaging to help attract and retain clients. When including it in your executive summary, dig deep to highlight aspects of your coaching business that help potential stakeholders see your value to the industry.

Outline your growth plan

Outlining your growth plan in your executive summary shows your ambition and forward-thinking approach to potential investors, partners, and stakeholders.

Briefly describe your plan for achieving your business objectives and expanding your coaching practice. Include any steps you plan to take in setting your business up for future success, like targeting new market segments, introducing new services, scaling your operations, and setting a flexible timeline for hitting certain milestones.

Write your executive summary last 

Even though the executive summary appears first in your business plan, you should write it last after completing the other sections. This way, you’ll accurately summarize the key points.

Remember, the executive summary is your chance to capture the reader’s attention and entice them to read the rest of your business plan. Make it compelling, informative, and engaging.

2. Create a company description

The company description is a comprehensive introduction to your coaching business. This section is where you set the stage, providing readers with an understanding of your services, target audience, business structure, and mission and vision. 

The more specific you are, the better.

Coaching Services

Start by defining the coaching services you provide. Describe your services in detail, whether you’re a life coach , career coach, or fitness coach. Explain the process, duration, and client expectations from each session. If you offer unique methodologies or techniques, highlight them.

Business Structure

Here, you’ll discuss the legal setup of your coaching business. Always include information about any staff you employ, like administrative help or other coaches, and their roles within your company. Are you a sole proprietor operating independently or set up as an LLC with partners or team members?

Target Audience

The people you want to help are central to your coaching business, so you must dedicate time and space to highlight them. Identify their demographics, such as age, gender, location, and income bracket. Additionally, it would help if you detailed things like their values, interests, and challenges.

Are they professionals seeking career advancement, individuals pursuing personal growth, or athletes aiming to improve performance?

The more detailed you are about your ideal client, the better you’ll tailor your services and marketing strategy.

Mission Statement

Your mission statement articulates your coaching business’s core purpose. It answers the question, “Why does your coaching business exist?” 

The mission statement should capture the essence of your coaching practice, the services you provide, and the value you deliver to your clients. It needs to be clear, concise, and compelling to your ideal client .

This mission guides every present decision and strategy in your business. It’s a constant reminder of your business’s purpose and the impact you aim to have on your clients’ lives. It helps to align your team’s efforts and fosters a sense of shared purpose.

Vision Statement

Unlike the mission statement, which focuses on the present and your business’s purpose, the vision statement is future-oriented. It embodies your aspirations and describes what ultimate success looks like for your coaching practice.

Your vision statement should inspire and motivate—it’s the big dream you’re working towards. It aligns you and your team (if you have one) around a common goal, creating a sense of unity and purpose.

Remember, keep your vision statement ambitious yet grounded in reality. Allow it to reflect the growth and impact you genuinely believe your coaching business can achieve in the future. A compelling vision statement will help you maintain focus and momentum as you build your coaching business.

life coaches work on crafting business plans by discussing the market

3. Conduct market analysis and research

Navigating the coaching industry without a clear understanding of the market is like wandering in a forest without a map. You may stumble upon some great discoveries, but you’ll probably spend much time circling back to familiar ground. The goal is to continue to move forward with as little friction as possible. 

The market analysis section of your coaching business plan serves as your compass and map to help you quickly learn and navigate the coaching industry.

Industry Overview

Begin with a broad overview of the coaching industry— this might include the industry’s current size, growth rates, and key trends or shifts in the industry. You can find much of this information through industry reports, market research firms, and business publications.

Competitor Analysis

Identify your main competitors and analyze their services, pricing, marketing strategies, and strengths and weaknesses. Gather this information through their websites, client reviews, and social media channels. Understanding your competition will help you find ways to differentiate your coaching business.

Market Trends

Being aware of and responsive to emerging market trends will allow you to tweak your services and marketing efforts to satisfy evolving client preferences. This foresight ensures your business stays relevant and remains a competitive player in the changing landscape of the coaching industry.

Shine a spotlight on key market trends that could steer the course of your coaching business. For example, if you notice the tide shifting towards remote work, this could signal a surge in demand for virtual coaching services.

Opportunities and Threats

Based on your industry overview, target market analysis, competitor analysis, and market trends, identify potential opportunities for your coaching business and any threats that could impact its success.

For example, an opportunity might be a growing demand for a specific type of coaching in your area, while a threat could be a high level of competition from other coaches in your niche. Detailing both will show you new ways to approach and solve potential issues while allowing you to explore new things.

4. Outline your organizational and managerial overview

The organization and management overview of your business plan outlines the structure of your business and the team running it. This section should clearly define who is involved in your coaching business, their roles, and why they are fit for these roles.

It’s an opportunity to showcase the expertise and capabilities within your coaching business, which can build confidence among potential clients, partners, and investors.

Are you a sole proprietor, or have you formed an LLC, a partnership, or a corporation?

Start by defining the legal structure of your business. This information is crucial as it impacts your taxes, liability, and other legal aspects.

Organizational Chart

If your business has more team members other than you, create an organizational chart that shows the hierarchy and relationships between different roles. This provides a visual representation of your business’s structure. Include snapshots of who’s in management and what your role entails.

Advisors and Support

If you have any advisors or support services involved in your business, such as an accountant, a lawyer, or a business coach, mention them here. They add credibility to your business and show that you have expert support in managing your coaching business.

7 elements of a coaching business plan - diagram

5. Craft a sales and marketing plan

Your business plan’s sales and marketing section outlines how you will attract and retain clients. It should detail your strategies for raising awareness of your coaching services, engaging prospects, and ultimately converting them into clients.

This section should be dynamic, adapting to your market’s changing needs and your business’s growth.

Marketing Objectives

Align your marketing goals with your overall business objectives.

For instance, if one of your business goals is to increase your client base by 25% over the next year, one of your marketing objectives might be to grow your email list by 50% in the same period. This would give you a larger pool of potential clients to engage with, supporting your overall goal of expanding your client base.

Also, detail how you plan to scale your marketing efforts as your business grows. Consider investing in more sophisticated marketing technology, hiring a marketing professional, or expanding into new marketing channels.

Target Market

Everything in your marketing plan has to appeal to your ideal client . Understanding their demographics, needs, and preferences will allow you to tailor your marketing messages effectively to gain their attention.

Marketing Strategies

Describe the marketing channels and strategies you plan to use. Mention everything from content marketing (blogging, webinars, ebooks), social media marketing (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter), email marketing, networking (industry events, local business groups), public speaking, or offering introductory coaching sessions. 

Explain why you believe these strategies will be effective for reaching your target market.

Marketing Funnel 

A marketing funnel is a pipeline that shows how potential clients will move from an initial encounter with your brand to purchasing your services and beyond. This section details your steps for converting a prospect into a client. Include aspects like initial consultations, proposals , a follow-up process, and the sale of a coaching package.

The systems or technology you use to facilitate this process, such as customer relationship management (CRM) software, is information that would validate the efficiency of your funnel, so remember to include it. 

Brand Development

Discuss how you will build your brand and information on developing your coaching website and creating a consistent brand identity across any directory listings and all your marketing materials and channels.

It would be best if you also detailed how you will position yourself as an expert in your field, such as publishing articles or speaking at events. This will give your coaching practice more credibility and make it easier for potential stakeholders to trust your vision. 

a life coach holds a stack of fifty dollar bills, symbolic of financial considerations of creating a business plan for a coaching practice

6. Financial goals and projections

Your coaching business plan’s financial goals section clearly shows your current financial status and future projections. It provides insight into the profitability and sustainability of your business, which is especially important if you are seeking investors or loans.

Remember, this section will likely require more research and preparation than other sections of your business plan. Be as accurate and realistic as possible in your projections. Consider seeking the assistance of a financial advisor or accountant to ensure that your financial plan is sound and realistic.

Financial Goals

Begin by outlining your financial goals. Remember to keep your goals within reasonable limits based on your current resources.

Do you plan to achieve a certain revenue target within a specified period by attaining a specific number of paying clients?

Startup Costs

Startup costs will not apply to every coaching business, but if you’re starting, itemize your startup costs. This could include costs for setting up your office, purchasing equipment, marketing expenses, professional fees (like licensing or certification), and other initial expenses.

Revenue Projections

Provide a detailed breakdown of your projected income. For a coaching business, this will usually involve estimating the number of clients you will serve, the price of your coaching packages, and any other income streams (like workshops, ebooks, etc. ).

Expense Projections

Similarly, outline your projected expenses. This could include rent (if you have a physical office), utilities, marketing costs, salaries (if you have employees), and other operational costs. Also, remember to account for less recurring costs like equipment upgrades or professional development.

Cash Flow Analysis

A cash flow statement shows how changes in balance sheet accounts and income affect cash and cash equivalents. It breaks the analysis down into operating, investing, and financing activities.

Break-even Analysis

This analysis shows when your business will be able to cover all its expenses and begin to make a profit. It’s essential to investors as it shows the viability of your business.

Funding Request

If you’re seeking funding, present your needs for the next 3-5 years. Explain why you need the funds and how they will help grow your business.

Financial Statement

If your business has been running for a while, include your current financial statement. It should provide a snapshot of your business’s financial health and include a balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement.

7. Beef up your coaching business plan with an appendix 

The appendices section of your business plan serves as a repository for any additional information or documents that support your business plan but don’t necessarily fit within the body of the plan.

These materials can provide extra depth and credibility to your business plan, allowing readers, such as potential investors, lenders, or partners, to dive deeper into certain aspects of your business if they wish.

Remember these three tips when organizing your appendix.

  • Only include relevant documents like certifications, awards, customer testimonials, letters of recommendation, detailed market research, patents, product pictures, legal documents, contracts, etc.
  • Create a table of contents to give readers a quick view of what’s in the appendix. Readers can then quickly locate the documents they’re interested in.
  • Include references to the appendix throughout your business plan to provide context and quick referencing.
  • Free Life Coaching Business Plan Template

A well-structured business plan is a vital first step for new coaches serious about building a thriving coaching business. By investing time and effort in developing your business plan, you create a strategic roadmap for your business and set the foundation for success. Your business plan will guide your decision-making, help you stay focused on your goals, and enable you to measure progress and make necessary adjustments.

Download our free 12-page Coaching Business Plan Template, designed specifically to help you navigate crafting an effective business plan. This template provides a clear framework and guidance on the essential elements to consider as you plan your coaching business.

Coach Factory Icon

Written by The Coach Factory Team

We're a team of coaching enthusiasts who hire and work with coaches. Members of our team run businesses in the coaching industry or provide services that support coaches, and several of us are coaches ourselves.

Get instant access to our growing library of tools, training, insights, and resources you need to elevate your coaching game... completely free. No upsells. No gimmicks. Free forever!

How to Find the Coaching Niche That Gives You Joy and Attracts the Right Clients

How Much Does It Cost to Become a Life Coach? Is It Worth It?

template business plan coach

  • Certifications
  • Find A Coach

Free Masterclass! 4 Simple Steps To Start Your Coaching Business Today

coaching business

Creating Your Rock-Solid Coaching Business Plan

coaching business

Here's the no-holds-barred truth...

Starting and running a successful business - any kind of business -- isn't easy.

It will probably be one of the hardest things you'll ever do, but it will also be one of the most satisfying things you will ever do.

coaching business

The good news is a coaching business that's based on a solid coaching business plan...

A plan that gives you clarity, focus, and direction...

A plan that's based on clear commitment...

Will take a lot of the sting - or obstacles and difficulties - out of the business-building experience.

Step #1 in creating a coaching business plan is about creating that commitment by finding the truth around why  you want to build a successful coaching business in the first place.

This may sound like a simple thing to do but don't be fooled... it's probably the most challenging step of all.

A lot of coaches believe the reason why they do what they do is because they want to serve others and make a difference in people's lives, but if we're really honest with ourselves, that's only half  the story.

If all you want to do with your coaching skills is to serve others, you'd do it for free and you wouldn't build a business around it and charge for your services.

Just to be clear...

This is definitely NOT a campaign to get you to coach for free! Charging for your coaching services and building a coaching business are awesome and it's the right thing to do.

How else would you be able to serve others powerfully if you can't make ends meet or are coaching after hours, leaving little to no time to your own wellbeing?

You have to make your coaching business sustainable if you want to make a living out of your passion. 

coaching business

The point of this step is to get you to reflect deeply and dig deeper around your  inner motivation for building a coaching business.

When you get to the REAL root of  why you want to build a business, why it matters to YOU and not just how you can help others, you'll strengthen your motivation and commitment.

You'll find that with strong commitment, you're able to continue along your journey, no matter what happens...

You're able to tap into a level of persistence and consistency that will allow you to overcome all of the challenges, risks and uncertainty that will come up when you start to build your business.

As you think about your commitment in this first step, don't feel like you need to focus on others and that you must be empathetic to what other people want and need all the time.

As master coach and co-founder of Evercoach, Ajit Nawalkha says...

coaching business

The following questions will help you connect with the heart of your  personal why... the needs and desires within you that don't have anything to do with anyone else.

Commitment is the step that holds all the other pieces in place in your coaching business plan and that's because no matter how awesome your plan is, it's not going to work if you're not deeply committed and focused on building a successful business.

Question #1

Think of a successful coach you admire. What are some of their awesome personal qualities and traits ? What is their business model? What kind of lifestyle do they have? (if you're not sure, Google to get some answers)

Note: When we admire someone, it's usually because we desire some of what they have. This question will help you identify your deepest desires as a coach.

Question #2

Describe an ideal day in your life as a coach. Start from the moment you wake up until the moment you fall asleep at night. Be as detailed as possible, you can add elements of your lifestyle, where you are, who you are with, be specific about times, etc.

Note: This question will give you hidden clues to what you're looking for in your coaching business and why you want to build your business. Is it a rich, luxurious life with lots of 1 st  class travel and a house by the beach? Is it plenty of time freedom or maybe it's working with well-known politicians and celebrities? Let yourself dream BIG!

Question #3

What are 5 to 10 of benefits you personally experience from your work as a coach? Maybe your work allows you to grow and transform as a human being, maybe it's that you get deep satisfaction knowing that you're making a difference in people's lives, maybe it's both.

Note: This question will focus your mind on some of the benefits you gain being a coach. This will help you discover why you want to make this your life's work.

Question #4

Now that you've completed questions 1 through 3, finish this sentence:

"I want to build a successful coaching business because..."

Note: List as many reasons as you want but try to make sure these reasons are related to you, your passion, your work, your lifestyle, your dreams, and your desires. Don't let yourself focus on other people... you have permission to be selfish!

coaching business

Here's one of the biggest conundrums of the 21st century...

The internet has linked us to more people than ever before in the history of humanity and at the same time, it's left us feeling lonelier than we've ever been.

Here's the thing...

coaching business

The internet creates an environment where we can reach people around the world and we can share our lives with them, but it does not nurture TRUE connections.

Deep, honest, vulnerable and powerful connections are the foundation of successful coaching.

So, what has this got to do with creating a coaching business plan?

Well, just about everything!

For one thing, people are hungry for connections. They want a coach who creates space for them to be themselves without fear of being judged or rejected.

More and more people want to feel seen, heard and understood in a real way and not just through mindless likes and shares on social media.

A successful coach is someone who has what it takes to build real connections with people both online and offline.

As you continue to build out your coaching business plan, spend time thinking about how you're going to inspire true connections with potential clients.

Are you going to reach out to them online?  Schedule an old-fashioned "coffee date" so you can get to know each other? Will you send them an email and follow up with a phone call?

If you're not sure, do a little research and check out what other coaches -- in your niche or area of expertise -- are doing to create connections in your space so you can kick start a stream of ideas and inspiration.

It's time to make some big picture choices on how and when you want to start creating real connections with potential clients.

This is an important segment in your business plan as it will help you make decisions around being visible and marketing your coaching services.

List all the online and offline methods you can think of to reach out and connect with potential clients. Be specific of what places or platforms you would use to find your ideal audience and approach them.

Note: For instance, if you're a health coach, you could aim to attend at least one a health-related industry conference each month. If you like connecting on social media , what are some of the Facebook groups you could become a part of?

How do you show up best when you're connecting with someone new? Do you love connecting online or do you prefer in-person meetups?

Note: When you've answered this question, check back on your list in Question 1 and circle specific methods that work best for you, based on your answers to this question. For instance if your list in question #1 included "attending live networking events", "running a weekend seminar" and "reaching out via DM on Instagram" and you know you're at your best when you connect in person, then you'd circle the first 2 methods but not the third.

What's ONE thing you can do by the end of today, or if you're reading this before bed, what's the one thing you can do in the morning to connect with at least 3 potential clients?

coaching business

Conversation

You've identified your preferred channels of connection and maybe you've even already taken your first action step to reach out to potential clients.

coaching business

This is the segment in the business plan that most coaches absolutely love because they kick a$$ in this area!

We've arrived at the conversation phase of your business plan.

This is where the magic happens.

When you can have a conversation with a potential client, you need to direct your attention to 3 key elements:

coaching business

Transformation

How can you make every, single conversation you have feel insightful, meaningful, and transformational for the potential client?

How can you take your language and conversational skills up to the highest levels?

The best coaches in the world also happen to be world-class listeners and conversationalists, and that's not a coincidence!

Coaches are in the business of creating transformations one conversation at a time.

So, keep in mind that with every conversation you have, you are also in the position to create transformation right there in the moment ..

This isn't about feeling pressured or stressed into changing lives in minutes although it has been known to happen!

It's actually about looking inside yourself and discovering the internal and external cues, triggers and environmental elements that allow you to show up as a master conversationalist, a master listener...

And a master coach.

At Evercoach, we teach coaches the art of practicing deep listening , asking powerful, perceptive questions that create a space for reflection and game-changing "a-ha" moments for clients.

You can learn more about deep listening and asking questions for life-changing conversations in one of our all-time popular courses on Evercoach -  Being an Exponential Coach

Knowing how to have great conversations with clients comes with deep thought, reflection and practice. The following questions will help you create a personal guideline to start meaningful, insightful, transformational conversations that you can include in your business plan.

What's a great opening question you can ask to trigger a deep conversation with a potential client?

Think of some of the game-changing conversations you've had in your own life - either with a coach or even with a friend. What are some of the powerful elements of those conversations, other than insightful, meaningful and transformational?

Note: When you've identified at least 3 elements, think about how you can include them in your next conversation with a potential client.

Identify 3 ways you can learn to take your listening, questioning and conversations skills up to the highest level. 

Note: You can check out our Youtube channel  and  Coaching Guides to get tons of free, high-value content will help you rapidly up-level your coaching skills - even if you're a brand-new coach.

T he 5-Step Coaching Business Plan

C reating  your rock-solid coaching business plan, build your thriving coaching business.

coaching business

Don't bother with copy and paste.

Get this complete sample business plan as a free text document.

Life Coaching Business Plan

Start your own life coaching business plan

SummitRise Coaching

Value proposition.

SummitRise Coaching helps mid-career professionals find their purpose and navigate career transitions. Our tailored coaching programs provide the insights, confidence, and strategies to transform your life and open doors to new experiences.

The Problem

Mid-career professionals often feel unfulfilled or stuck but lack support to make a successful life transition. 

The Solution

SummitRise Coaching empowers mid-career professionals to navigate life transitions through customized guidance. Our tailored programs help clients discover purpose, build confidence, overcome obstacles, and reinvent their lives in a fulfilling new direction.

Target Market

  • Mid-career professionals, ages 30-50, earning $75K-$200K seeking life transition support. 5M prospects spending $3K-$10K/year.
  • Executives and managers interested in leadership and work-life balance. 3M prospects earning $125K-$300K, spending $5K-$15K/year.  
  • Entrepreneurs starting or advancing businesses. 500K prospects earning $75K-$150K, spending $2K-$7K/year.
  • Couples navigating life or relationship transitions together. 2M prospects with $100K-$250K combined income, spending $5K-$12K/year.

Competitors & Differentiation

Current alternatives.

  • Traditional counseling: Provides mental health benefits but lacks life transition support. SummitRise offers tailored strategies and accountability.
  • Outplacement firms: Focused on job search, not purpose reinvention. Generic, not customized services. SummitRise provides personalized solutions based on individual goals.
  • Free/low-cost life coaching: Impact may be limited. Fewer credentialed coaches and services. SummitRise has certified, experienced coaches and high-touch programs.
  • Online courses: Impersonal with little motivation or accountability. SummitRise combines digital learning with dedicated coach guidance focused on clients’ unique situations. Superior experience.

SummitRise Coaching stands apart through customized solutions and support for purposeful life reinvention.

  • Certified, experienced coaches with proven success guiding life transitions.
  • Personalized programs tailored to individual needs and goals.
  • Practical strategies and accountability for sustainable change.
  • Ongoing partnership through challenges and wins.

Our caring professionals provide guidance and motivation customized to your priorities so you can gain clarity, build confidence, and forge a fulfilling new direction.

Funding Needs

Here are funding needs, sales channels, marketing activities, financial projections, and milestones for SummitRise Coaching:

  • $10,000 for website, marketing materials, certification and training
  • $5,000 buffer for unforeseen initial costs   

Sales Channels   

  • Website and email newsletter  
  • Referral partners like therapists, career counselors, and mentors  
  • Media exposure and contributions to build authority  
  • Networking and live events  

Marketing Activities  

  • Search engine optimization for website  
  • Paid media (Google, Facebook, LinkedIn) targeting personas
  • Blog posts and email newsletter to share advice and resources  
  • Organic social media profiles and engagement, especially LinkedIn  
  • Public speaking at live and virtual events   
  • Strategic partnerships and networking  

Financial Projections  

With a focus on gaining initial clients through our proven introductory  offer and word-of-mouth referrals, SummitRise Coaching anticipates:

2022 $99,000       

2023 $138,873            

2024 $170,858

Expenses/Costs

2022 $74,400 

2023 $103,400   

2024 $130,000

2022 $24,600                 

2023 $35,473               

2024 $40,858  

  • Earn life coaching certification (3 months)  
  • Build company website (2 months)           
  • Create marketing materials and brand identity (1 month)   
  • Set up business legal structure and insurance (1 month)
  • Define services and coaching program offerings (1 month)  
  • Build email list and following on social media (6 months)  
  • Continuously network, search for strategic partners (ongoing) 
  • Gain first private coaching clients (4-6 months)                
  • Run initial 6-week group program (8 months)         
  • Line up speaking engagements and media interviews (10 months)   
  • Reassess, gain feedback and adjust programs/offerings (12 months)       
  • Meet with a business advisor to plan growth (18 months) 
  • Consider bringing on additional coach(es) or admin support (24 months)     
  • Review progress and set next 3-year business goals (24 months)

Garrett's Bike Shop

The quickest way to turn a business idea into a business plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

No thanks, I prefer writing 40-page documents.

LivePlan pitch example

Discover the world’s #1 plan building software

template business plan coach

Websites for Coaches by Lovely Impact

How to Create a Simple Business Plan for Your Coaching Business

So… you’ve decided to start a coaching business? Or maybe to get more clarity within your current coaching business? Either way… congrats! The brainstorming phase is now over and it’s time to develop a plan of action. That’s right, it’s time to create your business plan!

Now before you freak out, take a deep breath. We are going to make this process as simple as possible for you. Unless you are applying for a loan, you do not need a traditional business plan. Do you know those crazy 300 page documents with all those charts? Yeah… those. We’re not going to make you do that! Together, we are going to create a short, sweet, but powerful mini-coaching business plan.

Inside this blog post you’ll learn:

✔️ Why you need a coaching business plan.

✔️ What to do before you start writing your plan.

✔️ What to include in your coaching business plan.

Why you need a coaching business plan.

A coaching business plan is really about clarity and focus for you, your partners, your investors, and your executive team. This plan will help you build a business that will support you financially, have an impact on those around you, and leave a lasting legacy you can be proud of.

The research you have to conduct to finalize a coaching business plan will help you peer into the future and predict different outcomes. Though it’s certainly not perfect, it helps you map out where you currently are and where you’re headed.

Get Your Free Coaching Business Checklist!

Fill out this form to access our free comprehensive business checklist with 149+ actionable tasks to setup your coaching business for success.

Plus, join our email list to stay up to date.

Specifically, a business plan helps you…

  • Estimate total startup costs
  • Understand your target audience
  • Compete from the start
  • Anticipate challenges

Bottom line? A business plan helps keep you on track. It ensures that you focus your attention on the right things and helps you avoid mistakes that could sink you.

Ready? We’re going to walk you step-by-step through the process of creating a solid business plan.

What you need to know before you start writing a business plan.

At Lovely Impact, we are all about dreaming big. Have you seen our tagline? “Launch your coaching website. IMPACT THE WORLD.”

We truly believe truly in that mission. However, every coaching business has to start somewhere. Unfortunately, many business plans are wildly unrealistic. The initial excitement of starting the business often causes coaches to massively overestimate how successful they’ll be and underestimate the challenges they’ll encounter.

In order to be effective, a coaching business plan needs to be realistic. Before you launch, you want to be relatively confident that you have a good chance of succeeding.

In many ways, a business plan should help you decide whether your coaching niche and business idea will pan out. It’s possible that you may put together your business plan and then realize that the potential outcome isn’t as bright as you initially thought. That’s okay. It forces you to go back to the drawing board.

This is why taking the necessary time to do the market research, analyze your financial needs, and map out your strategy for the future is super important. Don’t look at being realistic as the thing that’s preventing you from dreaming big. View it as building a foundation for a successful, long-lasting business.

What to include in your coaching business plan

We want you to put a lot of thought into each section of your coaching business plan. To help, we’ve not only included a free download in our Free Resource Library , but we’ve also broken each part down for you:

Section 1: Mission Statement: Keep your mission statement concise and specific but make sure anyone reading it will have a full understanding of your business. Your mission statement should include what you do, how you do it, who you do it for, and what value or need you are serving.

Section 2: Executive Summary: In this section, you should describe your business in more detail. What type of business is it? Why did you start this business? What does it mean to you and your customers? What industries do you service?

Section 3: Products and Services: Here you’ll want to list out and describe all of the products and services your business will offer. But we want you to dig a little deeper by including pricing and materials needed to provide them to your customers.

Section 4: Targeted Audience: Now it’s time to describe your ideal customer. Include demographics, influencers, trends, where they are online, and more. Don’t get too obsessed with this. In chapter 3 we’ll be doing a deeper dive on marketing research.

Section 5: Customer Needs: What need is your business fulfilling? Here you’ll need to discuss the pain points and frustrations of your potential customers, and how your business will solve those problems.

Section 6: Customer Acquisition: In this part of the plan, you’ll discuss where your customers are and how you will reach them. Include social media platforms, forums, magazines they read, activities they frequent, etc. Explain how you will use these mediums to promote your business and reach your customers.

Section 7: Competitive Advantage: What makes your business so unique? This is where you explain why you are better than your competition, how your products and services stand out, and what make you different.

Section 8: Owner Passion: Here’s a section that many don’t add to their business plans, but that’s the point of this course right? Describing why you are personally passionate about this business is important to keep you motivated. Be sure also to include your three top qualities that you will put into your business.

Section 9: Finances: Here we go! Don’t panic. For this part, we will keep it very simple. What are your financial goals? How will you fund this business? Finally, what is the cost to start this business?

Section 10: Business Goals: For this part, list what goals you plan to accomplish in 6 months, one year, and five years from now.

Download our free the coaching business plan worksheet

Ready to get started writing your coaching business plan? Head on over to our free resource library and look for the “MINI COACHING BUSINESS PLAN”. This guided workbook goes along with this blog post and was developed to help you create a short, sweet, but powerful mini-coaching business plan.

Sign up here: https://lovelyimpact.com/free-resource-library-for-coaches >>

About The Author

Hey! I’m Tee, a brand and marketing coach and the Co-Founder & CMO at Lovely Impact, a website template shop for coaches. I help coaches grow their coaching businesses digitally. Here on our blog, my content focuses on web design, marketing, business, and social media strategy.

Tee, thank you so much for this article! I’m planning to download the mini coaching business plan because I love how you laid it out here!

Hi Laura! I’m so glad this helped 🙂 The mini coaching business plan is laid out exactly like this, so if the article helped the download will follow the same process.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The most comprehensive coaching library online including trainings, ebooks, checklists, and more.

We’ll Set Up Your Coaching Business & Design Your Website in Just 9 Weeks!

Privacy Overview

Upmetrics AI Assistant: Simplifying Business Planning through AI-Powered Insights. Learn How

  • AI ASSISTANTS

Upmetrics AI Your go-to AI-powered business assistant

AI Writing Assist Write, translate, and refine your text with AI

AI Financial Assist Automated forecasts and AI recommendations

  • TOP FEATURES

AI Business Plan Generator Create business plans faster with AI

Financial Forecasting Make accurate financial forecasts faster

Strategic Planning Develop actionable strategic plans on-the-go

AI Pitch Deck Generator Use AI to generate your investor deck

See how it works  →

AI-powered business planning software

Very useful business plan software connected to AI. Saved a lot of time, money and energy. Their team is highly skilled and always here to help.

- Julien López

  • BY USE CASE

Starting & Launching a Business Plan your business for launch and success

Validate Your Business Idea Discover the potential of your business idea

Secure Funding, Loans, Grants Create plans that get you funded

Business Consultant & Advisors Plan seamlessly with your team members and clients

Business Schools & Educators Simplify business plan education for students

Students & Learners Your e-tutor for business planning

  • Sample Plans
  • WHY UPMETRICS?

Reviews See why customers love Upmetrics

Customer Success Stories Read our customer success stories

Blogs Latest business planning tips and strategies

Strategic Planning Templates Ready-to-use strategic plan templates

Business Plan Course A step-by-step business planning course

Ebooks & Guides A free resource hub on business planning

Business Tools Free business tools to help you grow

  • Sample Business Plans
  • Education & Training

Coaching Business Plan

template business plan coach

Low startup costs, high earning potential, diverse clientele, and professional growth make coaching a rewarding career for new entrepreneurs. However, entering the marketplace without proper planning can put you and your business at risk.

Are you looking to start writing a business plan for your coaching business? Creating a business plan is essential to starting, growing, and securing funding for your business. So we have prepared a coaching business plan template to help you start writing yours.

sample business plan

Free Business Plan Template

Download our Free Business Plan Template now and pave the way to success. Let’s turn your vision into an actionable strategy!

  • Fill in the blanks – Outline
  • Financial Tables

How to Write a Coaching business plan?

Writing a coaching business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan:

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first section of the business plan intended to provide an overview of the whole business plan. Generally, it is written after the entire business plan is ready. Here are some components to add to your summary:

  • Start with a brief introduction: Start your executive summary by introducing your idea behind starting a coaching business and explaining what it does. Give a brief overview of how your business will be different.
  • Market opportunity: Describe the target market in brief, and explain the demographics, geographic location, and psychographic attributes of your customer. Explain how your coaching business meets its needs. Clearly describe the market that your business will serve.
  • Mention your services: Describe in brief what services a customer can expect from your coaching center. Also, incorporate brief information mentioning the safety and security systems you implement, keeping consumer safety in mind.
  • Marketing strategy: Explain how you plan on marketing your services, including advertising, social media marketing, public relations, promotions, etc. Define your target market and how you will execute the marketing.
  • Financial highlights: Provide a summary of your financial projections for the center’s initial years of operation. Include any capital or investment requirements, startup costs, projected revenues, and profits.
  • Call to action: After briefly explaining your business plan, end your summary with a call to action, inviting potential investors or readers to the next meeting if they are interested in your business.

Ensure you keep your executive summary concise and clear, use simple language, and avoid jargon.

Say goodbye to boring templates

Build your business plan faster and easier with AI

Plans starting from $7/month

CTA Blue

2. Business Overview

Depending on your business’s details, you’ll need different elements in your business overview. Still, there are some foundational elements like business name, legal structure, location, history, and mission statement that every business overview should include:

  • The name and type of your coaching center: mention whether you are a coaching center focusing on personal, corporate, executive, or life coaching. Maybe, you offer online coaching services —so mention that.
  • Company structure of your coaching business, whether it is a sole proprietorship, partnership firm, or something else.
  • Location of your coaching center and why you selected that place.
  • Ownership: Describe the owners of your coaching center and mention their roles in running it. Who owns what shares in the corporation, and how each owner helps in the business?
  • Mission statement: Add a mission statement that sums up your coaching center’s objectives and core principles. This statement needs to be memorable, clear, and brief.
  • Business history: Include an outline of your coaching center’s history and how it came to be in its current position. If you can, add some personality and intriguing details, especially if you got any achievements or recognitions till now for your incredible services.
  • Future goals: It’s crucial to convey your aspirations and your vision. Include the vision of where you see your business in the near future and if you plan to open a new business franchise in the same city or state.

This section should provide an in-depth understanding of your coaching business. Also, the business overview section should be engaging and precise.

3. Market Analysis

Market analysis provides a clear understanding of the market your coaching center will run, the target market, competitors, and growth opportunities. Your market analysis should contain the following essential components:

  • Target market: Identify your target market and define your ideal customer. Know more about your customers and which services they prefer: personal coaching, educational coaching, corporate training, business consulting, group coaching sessions, or anything else.
  • Market size and growth potential: Provide an overview of the coaching industry. It will include market size, trends, growth potential, and regulatory considerations. Highlight the competitive edge and how your business is different from the rest.
  • Market trends: Analyze current and emerging trends in your industry, such as technological changes or customer preferences. Explain how your business will cope with all the trends. For instance, coaching for remote workers is on the rise after the Covid-19 pandemic; explain how your business will cope with it.
  • Regulatory environment: Describe any regulations or licensing requirements that affect coaching business, such as business registration, professional credentials, data privacy, business license, etc.

Some additional tips for writing the market analysis section of your business plan:

  • Use various sources to gather data, including industry reports, market research studies, and surveys.
  • Be specific and provide detailed information wherever possible.
  • Include charts and graphs to help illustrate your key points.
  • Keep your target audience in mind while writing the business plan.

4. Products And Services

A coaching business plan’s product and services section should describe the specific services offered to customers. To write this section should include the following:

  • Create a list of the services your coaching business will offer, including educational coaching, corporate training, business consulting, executive coaching, etc.
  • Describe each service: Provide a detailed description of what it entails, the time required, and the qualifications of the professionals who will provide it. For example, coaches are responsible for providing coaching services to students or clients.
  • Coaching Methodology: In all service descriptions, explain the methodology used. You should include information about the coaching process, how clients will be assessed, what techniques will be used, and how progress will be measured.

Overall, a business plan’s product and services section should be detailed, informative, and customer-focused. By providing a clear and compelling description of your offerings, you can help potential investors and readers understand the value of your business.

5. Sales And Marketing Strategies

Writing the sales and marketing strategies section means a list of strategies you will use to attract and retain your clients. Here are some key elements to include in your sales & marketing plan:

  • Develop your unique selling proposition (USP): Clearly define your coaching business’s unique selling propositions, which can be your services, expertise in the market, coaching methodology, online services, and so on. Determine what sets your business apart from the competition and what benefits your target market.
  • Determine your pricing strategy: Develop a pricing strategy that is competitive and affordable yet profitable. Consider offering promotions, discounts, or packages for your coaching services to attract new customers.
  • Marketing strategies: Develop a marketing strategy that includes a mix of online and offline marketing tactics. Consider social media, email marketing, content marketing, brochures, print marketing, and events.
  • Sales strategies: Mention your sales strategy as in – creating referral programs for your existing customers, offering free trial or consultation, hosting events and workshops, incentive programs for brokers, etc.
  • Customer retention: Describe how your business will retain customers and build loyalty, such as through loyalty programs, special events, or personalized service.

Overall, the sales and marketing strategies section of your business plan should outline your plans to attract and retain customers and generate revenue. Be specific, realistic, and data-driven in your approach, and be prepared to adjust your strategies based on feedback and results.

6. Operations Plan

When writing the operations plan section, it’s important to consider the various aspects of your business processes and procedures involved in operating a business. Here are the components to include in an operations plan:

  • Hiring Plan: Tell the staffing requirements of your coaching business, including the number of teachers, trainers, and coaches needed, their qualifications, and the duties they will perform. Also, mention the perks you will provide to your staff.
  • Operational Process: Outline the processes and procedures you will use to run your coaching center. It includes sales and marketing, staffing and management, curriculum and teaching methods, quality assurance and improvement, etc.
  • Facilities and Technology: Describe all the facilities and Technology used in your business operations, including internet connectivity, learning management system, library and resource center, accounting systems, etc.

By including these key elements in your operations plan section, you can create a comprehensive plan that outlines how you will run your coaching center.

7. Management Team

The management team section provides an overview of the individuals responsible for running the coaching business. This section should provide a detailed description of the experience and qualifications of each manager, as well as their responsibilities and roles.

  • Key managers: Describe your management team’s key members, roles, and responsibilities. It should include the owners, senior management, department manager, coaches, support staff, and other people involved in the business operations, including their education, professional background, and any relevant experience in the coaching industry.
  • Organizational structure: Describe the organizational structure of the management team, including reporting lines and how decisions will be made.
  • Compensation plan: Describe your compensation plan for the management team and staff, including salaries, bonuses, and other benefits.
  • Board of advisors: If you have a board of advisors for your business, then mention them along with their roles and experience.

Describe your business’s key personnel and highlight why your business has the fittest team.

8. Financial Plan

When writing the financial plan section of a business plan, it’s important to provide a comprehensive overview of your financial projections for the first few years of your business.

  • Profit & loss statement: Create a projected profit & loss statement that describes the expected revenue, cost of products sold, and operational costs. Your business’s anticipated net profit or loss should be computed and included.
  • Cash flow statement: Estimate your cash inflows and outflows for the first few years of operation. It should include client cash receipts, vendor payments, loan payments, and other cash inflows and outflows.
  • Balance sheet: Prepare a projected balance sheet, which shows the business’s assets, liabilities, and equity.
  • Break-even point: Determine the point at which your coaching business will break even or generate enough revenue to cover its operating costs. This will help you understand how much revenue you need to generate to make a profit.
  • Financing needs: Estimate how much financing you will need to start and operate your coaching business. It should include short-term and long-term financing needs, such as loans or investment capital.

Remember to be realistic with your financial projections and provide supporting evidence for your estimates.

9. Appendix

When writing the appendix section, you should include any additional information supporting your plan’s main content. This may include financial statements, market research data, legal documents, and other relevant information.

  • Include a table of contents for the appendix section to make it easy for readers to find specific information.
  • Include financial statements such as income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. These should be up-to-date and show your financial projections for at least the first three years of your business.
  • Provide market research data, such as statistics on the size of the coaching industry, consumer demographics, and trends in the industry.
  • Include any legal documents such as permits, licenses, and contracts.
  • Provide any additional documentation related to your business plans, such as marketing materials, product brochures, and operational procedures.
  • Use clear headings and labels for each section of the appendix so that readers can easily find the information they need.

Remember, the appendix section of your coaching business should only include relevant and essential information supporting your plan’s main content.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

crossline

This coaching business plan sample will provide an idea for writing a successful coaching plan, including all the essential components of your business.

After this, if you still need clarification about writing an investment-ready coaching business plan to impress your audience, download our coaching business plan pdf .

Related Posts

Tutoring Business Plan

Tutoring Business Plan

Youth Mentoring Program Business Plan

Youth Mentoring Program Business Plan

400+ Sample Business Plans Example

400+ Sample Business Plans Example

Summer Camp Business Plan

Summer Camp Business Plan

AI-Based Business Plan Generators Tools

AI-Based Business Plan Generators Tools

Components of Business Planning

Components of Business Planning

Frequently asked questions, why do you need a coaching business plan.

A business plan is essential for anyone looking to start or run a successful coaching center. It helps to clarify your business, secure funding, and identify potential challenges while starting and growing your coaching business.

Overall, a well-written plan can help you make informed decisions, which can contribute to the long-term success of your coaching business.

How to get funding for your coaching business?

There are several ways to get funding for your coaching business, but one of the most efficient and speedy funding options is self-funding. Other options for funding are:

Small Business Administration (SBA) loan

Crowdfunding, angel investors, venture capital.

Apart from all these options, there are small business grants available, check for the same in your location and you can apply for it.

Where to find business plan writers for your coaching business?

There are many business plan writers available, but no one knows your business and idea better than you, so we recommend you write your coaching business plan and outline your vision as you have in your mind.

What is the easiest way to write your coaching business plan?

A lot of research is necessary for writing a business plan, but you can write your plan most efficiently with the help of any coaching business plan example and edit it as per your need. You can also quickly finish your plan in just a few hours or less with the help of our business plan software.

About the Author

template business plan coach

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

Plan your business in the shortest time possible

No Risk – Cancel at Any Time – 15 Day Money Back Guarantee

Popular Templates

bpb AI Feature Image

Create a great Business Plan with great price.

  • 400+ Business plan templates & examples
  • AI Assistance & step by step guidance
  • 4.8 Star rating on Trustpilot

Streamline your business planning process with Upmetrics .

Download Coaching Business Plan

' src=

  • Coaching Solutions

How To Develop A Coaching Plan: 12 Examples and Templates

Coaching Plan

Successful coaching doesn’t happen by accident, and even the best coaching tools can fail to deliver results without a proper game plan.

Creating a coaching plan is a foolproof way to ensure you deliver the right solutions in the most strategic way for your clients, so you can supercharge their chances of success like a pro.

Before you begin, we recommend working along with Quenza’s tools, for just $1 for the first month . Our 1-month trial of Quenza’s toolkit will give you all you need to plan out your coaching strategy easily and efficiently, so that you can help your clients achieve their goals even more effectively.

What To Include In Your Coaching Plan

Coaching plans are strategies for the work that you’ll do with a client throughout the course of your collaboration. They help you ‘blueprint’ your coaching program or package from start to finish, essentially solidifying the ‘how’ and ‘with what’ of your sessions together.

Having a plan allows you to develop a logical path forward for your client. While it may follow an established coaching framework such as GROW or CLEAR, it will inevitably be a customized roadmap that includes your professional tools and which is aligned with your client’s goals.

Coaching plans help you ‘blueprint’ your coaching program or package from start to finish, essentially solidifying the ‘how’ and ‘with what’ of your sessions with clients.

Coaching plans typically cover the logistics of your coaching relationship, such as: [1]

  • Your processes for onboarding or orienting your client, e.g. your initial conversations and coaching agreement
  • How you will help your client set goals or identify their growth/development opportunities
  • The resources and tools you’ll provide them with, e.g. lessons, coaching exercises, and activities
  • Your approaches for measuring progress, e.g. with assessments, surveys, or milestones
  • How you’ll support them along the way, such as with feedback or discussions, and
  • Your plan for keeping them engaged, motivated, and on track.

Let’s look at a few examples.

Coaching Plans For Employees

As a leader or executive, planning helps you ensure your employees get the most from their team coaching or motivational program .

To illustrate, the career experts at Indeed.com suggest that a step-wise coaching plan for employees should include: [2]

  • Establishing their strengths
  • Identifying potential development areas
  • Giving them a chance to self-assess their performance
  • Identifying obstacles that prevent them from improving their performance
  • Offering possible solutions to help them overcome their challenges
  • Helping them set goals
  • Collaborating on an action plan, and
  • Organizing regular follow-up sessions.

Coaching Plans For Teachers

Organizing an online course ? Here are some good examples of coaching plans for teachers that you might find helpful:

  • This example reading coaching plan starts with an identification of areas for improvement and considers some example strategies and evaluation tools
  • The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership discusses four stages of Planning, Contracting, Coaching, and Evaluating in this sample coaching plan for teachers , and
  • More practical examples can be found in this Coaching Manual for Schools by TeacherToolkit.

3 Examples and Samples

Given the growth in popularity of online coaching, it’s now easier than ever to find sample activities for your coaching plans. Quenza’s free Expansion Library includes more than a few examples that are easy to customize for personal sessions or group workshops and programs.

Life Domain Satisfaction

Life coaching clients often begin coaching without a clear idea of their obstacles, and life satisfaction assessments are one of the best ways to help them as a coach.

Coaching Plan Sample Exercise Life Domain Satisfaction

Quenza’s Life Domain Satisfaction exercise invites coachees to explore how they feel about their family relationships, financial circumstances, career, and more so that they can identify focus areas and set coaching goals.

Strength Interview

With the Strength Interview Expansion, coaching clients can explore what brings them energy, and what helps them feel and perform at their best.

There are ten questions they can work through as part of goal-setting, intake, or any stage of your coaching plan, and this versatile tool works wonderfully in career, health, life, business coaching , and more contexts.

Sample questions include:

  • What activities did you like most when you were a child?
  • What are you looking forward to in the future? and
  • What brings positive energy into your life?

Brief Needs Check-In

Quenza’s Brief Needs Check-In is a practical way to help clients create a habit of tuning into their emotional needs.

Brief Needs Check-In Coaching Plan Example

This activity guides clients to develop a habit of exploring their thoughts, feelings, and sensations to identify ways that they can feel fulfilled, satisfied, or happier.

Also available as a guided meditation , the Check-In can easily be adapted for group or individual coaching plans.

How To Develop A Coaching Plan

Every coach’s working style will be unique, meaning that only you know what steps are essential to delivering your very best results for clients.

Once you’ve laid your plan out as key stages, you can then start curating and assembling all the tools, forms, and content you’ll use to bring it to life.

Essentially, developing a coaching plan is about:

  • Establishing your timeline – how many sessions will your work together involve? Over how long?
  • Planning out your approach – Where on this timeline should your key stages take place, ideally? and
  • Putting it all together.

At the end of this, you should have a coaching action plan that takes you from the start to the end of your client journey.

Building Your Action Plan: 5 Tips

Quenza’s tools not only help you build your coaching strategy, but they’re also specially designed to help you put it into practice.

Whether you’d like to develop your very first action plan as an e-coach or digitalize your signature approach, Quenza makes it easy for you to:

  • Map out a Pathway of steps, with your choice of activities, forms, or tools for each
  • Establish a timeline by setting intervals between each step, and
  • Deliver your content to clients securely, so that everything goes according to (the) plan!

If you know what your key steps are and are keen to follow along with your $1 trial, the following tips can help you put it all together:

  • Browse your Expansion library for adaptable coach tools that might suit your client and plan.
  • Digitalize hard-copy exercises and forms from your arsenal using Quenza’s Activity builder
  • Take some inspiration from Quenza’s ready-made Expansion Pathways to decide on intervals, timing, and stages for your plan
  • Feature your logo on your activities using Quenza White Label
  • Design your own assessments and worksheets from scratch using the Wheel of Life tool .

wheel of life Coaching Action Plan

The Best Way To Create A Coaching Plan

There are a plethora of ways to go about planning your coaching approach, from pen and paper outlines to spreadsheets and calendars.

For the best possible results, however, an all-in-one software solution is generally best – one that’s designed not just to help you plan, but which will also augment the impact of your professional skills.

With Quenza, you have a purpose-built toolkit that helps you do precisely that.

9 Templates and Tools Included in Quenza

As you organize your plan using Quenza’s Pathways, we recommend checking out the following tools and templates:

  • Self Contract – You can’t always be around to motivate your clients, but with this clever activity, you can empower them to drive themselves. This tool includes a framework for a self-contract that encourages them to implement a positive change by a certain date, sparking greater accountability in those you coach.
  • A Strengths Versus Weaknesses Approach – Another great exercise for clients who are lacking motivation, this Expansion walks them through what it feels like to take a strengths focus rather than operating from their weaknesses.
  • Implementation Intentions – This ‘If-Then’ planning exercise encourages coachees to overcome obstacles with a contingency plan so that they can bridge the ‘gap’ between intention and action in pursuit of their goals.
  • Consulting the Future Self When Making Choices – Many coachees struggle with decision-making when a conflict arises between their short- and long-term goals. This exercise helps them reduce decision-related regret by shifting their focus to the future, so they can consider all the potential outcomes of a decision they’re currently facing.
  • Urge Surfing – In a similar way to the previous Expansion, Urge Surfing helps clients overcome the temptation to give in to cravings in the present moment. This exercise can acquaint coachees with their urges and teach them to ride them out until they diminish naturally.

If it’s coaching forms you’re looking for, Quenza’s Expansion library is also where you’ll find a helpful:

  • Pre-Coaching Questionnaire
  • Effectiveness of Session Evaluation
  • Coach Evaluation Form , and
  • Session Notes for Clients , among others.

Creating a Coaching Plan with Quenza: An Example

Ready to try creating your coaching plan?

Quenza’s Creating a Positive Body Image Expansion Pathway is a great example of how a completed coaching plan might look and feel, complete with Activities for each step and daily intervals between them:

Quenza Coaching Plan Example Body Image

Use this Expansion Pathway as a guide for how to organize your content and space it out, or adapt it to create a custom plan of your own.

Once you’re ready to curate your own plan, why not try:

  • Starting with intake or informed consent forms
  • Introducing your coaching process with a personalized video in your first Activity
  • Using assessments like the Wheel of Life to get to know your client
  • Creating a journal or planner by replicating steps
  • Collecting feedback from your clients with a Session Rating Scale , or
  • Building motivational incentives into your plan?

Final Thoughts

There are myriad reasons to plan out your approach before diving straight in, and Quenza’s tools make your strategizing easy, efficient, and stress-free.

Using this resource to help you, you can craft truly engaging, personalized solutions in a step-by-step way to deliver the best possible results for your clients. If you’ve got your own tips or suggestions for creating a coaching plan, do join in the conversation below with a comment.

We hope this guide helped you create your coaching plan. Don’t forget to begin your 30-day trial of Quenza to start designing your own coaching solutions for just $1.

Quenza’s tools are professionally developed to help you deliver unique solutions your way, and will help you enhance your positive impact for even better client results.

  • ^ UNT Health Science Center. (2021). Laying the Groundwork for Successful Coaching Efforts. Retrieved from https://www.unthsc.edu/values/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/Your_Guide_for_Developing_Effective_Coaching_Plans_Version_1_0_July_21_2014.pdf
  • ^ Indeed.com. (2021). How To Develop a Coaching Plan for Your Team. Retrieved from https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/coaching-plan

Leave a reply Cancel

Your email address will not be published.

template business plan coach

Download free guide (PDF)

Discover how to engage your clients on autopilot while radically scaling your coaching practice.

Coach, This Changes Everything (Free PDF)

PlanBuildr Logo

Life Coach Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Life Coach Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Life Coach business plan.

We have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their Life Coach businesses.

Life Coaching Business Plan Sample

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Life Coach business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Desert Sun Life Coaching Company is a startup life coaching service located in Tucson, Arizona. The company is founded by Max Morrison, a life coach who has successfully counseled individuals for over twenty years while working for a national life coaching company. Now that he has built a large base of clients, he has received commitments from over forty clients that they will commit to long-term contracts with him in his new company, Desert Sun Life Coaching Company. Max is confident he has not only served each of his current clients well, but that he can grow and supplement his services by recruiting a highly-experienced executive team who will also gain clients. He is also committed to approaching corporate human resources executives to garner corporate accounts on a long-term basis.

Desert Sun Life Coaching Company will provide the full spectrum of life coaching services for individuals of all ages. Desert Sun Life Coaching Company will become known for their friendly and experienced life coaches, but also for the results-driven attitudes and life-affirming changes within the clients who are served by Desert Sun Life Coaching Company during the process.

Product Offering

The following are the services that Desert Sun Life Coaching Company will provide:

  • Personalized one-on-one life coaching for individuals of all ages
  • Corporate human resources training sessions
  • On-going life coach training for new coaches
  • Books and book products related to life choices
  • Community service via counseling sessions

Customer Focus

Desert Sun Life Coaching Company will target all individuals in Tucson. They will target human resources executives in corporations to target corporate employees. They will also target high schools, universities, and community members who may be aware of coaching needs within the schools or community and require coaching on a pro bono basis.

Management Team

Desert Sun Life Coaching Company will be owned and operated by Max Morrison. He has recruited two life coaches with whom he used to work to join the new startup as additional life coaches. Carrie Costain is a highly-experienced, friendly and warm life coach who has fifty clients who will come with her into the new startup. Her personality invites others to trust her and share with ease; she brings a large social media following with her and will continue to blog on her website, as well as create posts and capture images for her social media following.

Michelle Irwin is a life coach who specializes in elder coaching. Working with those over age sixty is a special challenge, as most individuals at that age have already determined there is nothing left that they would be able to do. Life coaching for these individuals is particularly stressful, but always rewarding in the process. She will bring twenty clients with her to the new company.

Success Factors

Desert Sun Life Coaching Company will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

  • Friendly, knowledgeable, and highly qualified team of life coaches and counselors.
  • Confidential and totally secure environment for sharing personal information and concerns, with each session in private offices.
  • Encouraging coaching that brings successful conclusions after life coaching ends; results that are proven by the next steps of past clients.
  • Desert Sun Life Coaching Company will offer moderate pricing levels, given the concept that the long-term contracts with corporate partners will defray the costs for those who cannot afford the standard fees, such as seniors.

Financial Highlights

Desert Sun Life Coaching Company is seeking $200,000 in debt financing to launch its Desert Sun Life Coaching Company. The funding will be dedicated toward securing the office space and purchasing office equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated toward three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for the social media marketing and website construction and design. The breakout of the funding is below:

  • Office space build-out: $20,000
  • Office equipment, supplies, and materials: $10,000
  • Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $150,000
  • Marketing costs: $10,000
  • Working capital: $10,000

The following graph outlines the financial projections for the Desert Sun Life Coaching Company:

ADD IMAGE HERE

Company Overview

Who is desert sun life coaching company.

Desert Sun Life Coaching Company is a newly established full-service life coaching service in Tucson, Arizona. Desert Sun Life Coaching Company will be the most reliable, cost-effective, secure and safe choice for individuals who seek such service in the city and surrounding communities. Desert Sun Life Coaching Company will provide a comprehensive menu of services for coaching, such as training new coaches, selling books and book products, advising and working with disadvantaged seniors and providing excellent service for each client. Their full-service approach includes a comprehensive set of customer choices in session styles.

  Desert Sun Life Coaching Company will be able to provide comprehensive services to individuals, as the team of life coaching professionals are all highly-experienced and qualified in life coaching. The full-service approach of Desert Sun Life Coaching Company means that all support is supplemented with books and book materials that are helpful for clients after their life coaching sessions conclude. Desert Sun Life Coaching Company removes all the headaches and issues of clients having to secure life coaches in unfamiliar places or in uncomfortable surroundings. Desert Sun Life Coaching ensures all issues for their clients are taken care of expeditiously, while delivering the best customer service.

Desert Sun Life Coaching Company History

Since incorporation, Desert Sun Life Coaching Company has achieved the following milestones:

  • Registered Desert Sun Life Coaching LLC to transact business in the state of Arizona.
  • Has a contract in place at one of the office buildings near the corporate center of Tucson.
  • The Desert Sun Life Coaching Company will set up its office space for 10,000 square feet. Reached out to numerous contacts to consider moving client services to Desert Sun Life Coaching Company.
  • Began recruiting a staff of office and administration employees for the Desert Sun Life Coaching Company.

Desert Sun Life Coaching Company Services

The following are the services Desert Sun Life Coaching Company Services will provide:

  • Personalized introductory assessments
  • Evaluations of life interests and plans
  • Customized program of one-on-one sessions to determine life pathway
  • Group therapy circles to work on interpersonal skills and communication
  • Occupational assessments and directional leadership
  • Outward bound program evaluations

Industry Analysis

The U.S. life coaching industry is expected to grow by 4.85% over the next several years to reach over 2B in 2030. This significant growth will be driven by consumer interest in determining the life pathways that are open to them. Regardless of age, individuals are showing an increased drive to discover personal, spiritual and life-changing purposes. Costs will likely be reduced as the life coaching industry becomes more recognizable and has become normalized throughout cities. The current 99% of individuals and companies coached who are very satisfied or satisfied will, in all probability, continue to recommend life coaching services.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Desert Sun Life Coaching Company will target those individuals and corporations in Tucson, Arizona in need of coaching services.They will target individuals in search of coaching, corporations in need of life coaching services, and community organizations that cater to individuals in need of life coaching services.

The precise demographics for Desert Sun Life Coaching Company are:

Customer Segmentation

Desert Sun Life Coaching will primarily target the following customer profiles:

  • Individuals
  • Corporations with human resource programs for life coaching
  • Individuals who were previously coached
  • Referral contacts offered by former clients
  • Community opportunities to provide coaching

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Desert Sun Life Coaching Company will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

New Horizons Counseling Center

The New Horizons Counseling Center is a direct competitor, focused on spiritual and life pathway coaching. Counselors are experienced; some have formal training or certifications in counseling. The list of services includes counseling for private individuals and those within the community in need of counseling. Referrals to the New Horizons Counseling Center are garnered from the city governmental agencies and law enforcement agencies, as needed.

New Horizons Counseling Center is a not-for-profit organization and is listed as a 501c3 nonprofit. As such, there is a fund-raising opportunity for community members on a twice-a-year basis. Other than that, there are fund-raising efforts throughout the year to support the staff salaries and administration needs. These include bake sales, craft fairs and other artisan efforts within the community.

Crystal Blue Life Coaching

Crystal Blue Life Coaching is a direct competitor, focused on multi-faceted coaching and counseling, while also acting as a center for teenaged children, ages 13-18, who have experienced trauma or are uncertain about their personal futures. There are drug and alcohol counselors, as well as experienced counselors for child abuse and other traumas of childhood that lead to counseling. The counselors and coaches are all credentialed through the city programs provided by the University of Arizona, and the center offers a 12-step program to wellness and health which includes life coaching chapters. The program at Crystal Blue Life Coaching is 12-14 weeks in length, depending on the nature of the program, need, and any ancillary services required. The costs for these services are very high in comparison to other coaching services available, and are sometimes supplemented by the city of Tucson. Clients can expect to receive expert care; albeit at a very high price and, for teens, a very concentrated, lengthy program. Although not a rehabilitation program, some teens have remarked or posted that this is much the way they “feel” about the program upon departure.

Ocotillo Family Counseling

The Ocotillo Family Counseling partnership is an indirect competitor. Although counseling services are provided, life coaching services are not. The family therapy sessions include adolescent behavior modification, marriage counseling, children’s counseling, couples therapy and other traditional forms of counseling. The owners, Liam and Darcy Trueblood, formed an LLC to begin the counseling company and run it as a for-profit counseling practice. Both Liam and Darcy Trueblood hold Bachelor of Art degrees in psychology and have been in practice for almost seven years.

The focus of Ocotillo Family Counseling has turned to adolescent behavior modification in recent years, with intensive counseling sessions for youth at risk or those who have already entered into high-risk relationships or drug-related activities. Costs for all services are positioned on the high end of the citywide spectrum, due to the families who are willing to pay considerable costs for drug rehabilitation or behavior modification via private rather than public programs.

Competitive Advantage

Desert Sun Life Coaching Company will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

  • Friendly, knowledgeable, and highly qualified team of Desert Sun Life Coaching Company
  • Confidential and totally secure environment for sharing private or personal information and concerns, with each session in an enclosed office.
  • Encouraging coaching that brings successful conclusions after life coaching ends; with results that are proven by the next steps of former clients.
  • Desert Sun Life Coaching Company will offer moderate pricing levels, given the concept that the long-term contracts with corporate partners will help defray the costs for those who cannot afford the standard fees, such as seniors.

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Desert Sun Life Coaching Company will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

  • Highly-qualified team of skilled employees that is able to provide a comprehensive set of certified counseling services at very reasonable prices.
  • Coaches who are referenced repeatedly for the excellent life coaching services they’ve offered to community members, including teenagers and children.
  • Books and book products that support life coaching throughout the process.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Desert Sun Life Coaching Company is as follows:

Word of Mouth/Referrals

The Desert Sun Life Coaching Company has built up an extensive list of contacts over the years by providing exceptional service and expertise for clients. These current and former clients have communicated to Max Morrison that they kept renewing their contracts because they were satisfied with the service the team of coaches was providing. Once Max Morrison advised them he was leaving to open his own life coaching company, they signed commitments to follow him to his new company and help spread the word of Desert Sun Life Coaching Company.

Professional Associations and Networking

Cosmopolitan Coffee will create a website that includes a splash page, directing customers to interactive pages. One page will demonstrate the process of coffee bean roasting, and one will contain a video from José discussing his background and family history. Seasonal coffee flavors and specials will also be introduced.

Partnerships with Local Businesses

Each of the three executives will spend time and energy promoting their new Desert Sun Life Coaching Company within their aggregate associations. Networking with those who have much in common supports strong relationships and builds new alliances, in addition to structuring new business relationships. These relationships have been pivotal in the previous history of the company and are now considered to be invaluable in referrals and other joint-based efforts.

Social Media Marketing

One of the strengths of Desert Sun Life Coaching is the position of Carrie Costain, the Staff Accountant and part-time social media marketing manager who regularly posts updates, images and comments on behalf of the executives at Desert Sun Life Coaching Company. This representation has led to increased numbers of followers, particularly for Max Morrison, who now has over 15,000 followers on his social media platforms. This arena is perfect for marketing and messaging, which will be accomplished during the first three months of the business.

Website/SEO Marketing

Desert Sun Life Coaching Company will utilize their website developer who designed their messaging to also design their linked pages. The website will be well organized, informative, and list all the services that Desert Sun Life Coaching Company is able to provide. The website will also list contact information and available reservation times with links to reserve online. SEO marketing tactics will be employed so anytime someone types in the Google or Bing search engine, “Tucson life coaching” or “counseling services near me,” Desert Sun Life Coaching Company will be listed at the top of the search results.

The pricing of Desert Sun Life Coaching Company will be moderate and on par with competitors so customers feel they receive value when purchasing their services.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Desert Sun Life Coaching Company. Operation Functions:

  • Max Morrison will be the Owner and President of the company. He will oversee all staff and manage client relations, business development and long-term growth planning.
  • Carrie Costain is a highly-experienced, friendly and warm life coach who has fifty clients who will come with her into the new startup. Her role will be Vice President of the company. She will also engage social media as a part-time provider of those services. She will oversee day-to-day operations and take on the necessary administrative roles to assist employees in onboarding and training new employees.
  • Michelle Irwin is a life coach who specializes in elder coaching. She will hold the role of Staff Accountant. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from the University of Arizona and will oversee day-to-day bookkeeping operations, tax forms and filing, and other fiduciary duties. She will bring twenty clients with her to the new company.

Milestones:

Desert Sun Life Coaching Company will have the following milestones completed in the next six months.

  • 5/1/202X – Finalize contract to lease office space
  • 5/15/202X – Finalize personnel and staff employment contracts for the Desert Sun Life Coaching Company
  • 6/1/202X – Finalize contracts for Desert Sun Life Coaching Company clients
  • 6/15/202X – Begin networking at professional and industry events
  • 6/22/202X – Begin moving into Desert Sun Life Coaching Company office
  • 7/1/202X – Desert Sun Life Coaching Company opens its office for business

Desert Sun Life Coaching Company will be owned and operated by Max Morrison, who will have the role of President. He has recruited two life coaches with whom he used to work to join the new startup as additional life coaches. The company is founded by Max Morrison, a life coach who has successfully counseled individuals for over twenty years while working for a national life coaching company.

Now that he has built a large base of clients, Max has received commitments from over forty clients that they will commit to long-term contracts with him in his new company, Desert Sun Life Coaching Company. Max is confident he has not only served each of his current clients well, but that he can grow and supplement his services by recruiting a highly-experienced executive team who will also gain clients. He is also committed to approaching corporate human resources executives to garner corporate accounts on a long-term basis.

Carrie Costain is a highly-experienced, friendly and warm life coach who has fifty clients who will come with her into the new startup. Her role will be as Vice President and part-time social media manager. Her personality invites others to join her and share with ease; she brings a large social media following with her and will continue to blog on her website and create posts and capture images for her social media following.

Michelle Irwin is a life coach who specializes in elder coaching. Her role will be as Staff Accountant. Life coaching for senior individuals is particularly stressful, but always rewarding in the process. She will bring twenty clients with her to the new company.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Desert Sun Life Coaching Company are the fees that will be charged to the clients for services rendered. In addition, fees will be collected from those buying books or book products.

The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required in order to staff the Desert Sun Life Coaching Company. The expenses will be the payroll cost, rent, utilities, office supplies, and marketing materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Desert Sun Life Coaching Company is seeking $200,000 in debt financing to launch its life coaching business. The funding will be dedicated toward securing the office space and purchasing office equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated toward three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for the print ads and association memberships. The breakout of the funding is below:

Key Assumptions

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the startup business loan.

  • Number of Client Visits Per Month: 1,200
  • Average Fees per Month: $50,000
  • Office Lease per Year: $100,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, life coach business plan faqs, what is a life coach business plan.

A life coach business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your life coach business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your Life Coach  business plan using our Life Coach  Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Life Coach Businesses?

There are a number of different kinds of life coach businesses , some examples include: Business coaching, Career coaching, Performance coaching, and Wellness coaching.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Life Coaching Business Plan?

Life Coach businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

What are the Steps To Start a Life Coaching Business?

Starting a life coach business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop A Life Coach Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed life coach business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your life coach business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your life coach business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Life Coach Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your life coach business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws.

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your life coach business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms.

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations.

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events.

7. Acquire Necessary Life Coach Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your life coach business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation.

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your life coach business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising.

Business Plan Template for Coaching

  • Great for beginners
  • Ready-to-use, fully customizable Subcategory
  • Get started in seconds

slide 1

Starting a coaching business can be an exciting and rewarding journey. But without a solid plan in place, it's easy to get lost in the sea of possibilities. That's why ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Coaching is here to guide you every step of the way!

With this template, you can:

  • Define your coaching goals and objectives to stay focused on your vision
  • Identify your target market and develop strategies to reach and attract clients
  • Create detailed financial projections to ensure profitability and sustainability
  • Outline your marketing and promotional plans to stand out in a competitive industry

Don't let the overwhelm of starting a coaching business hold you back. Use ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Coaching to map out your success today!

Business Plan Template for Coaching Benefits

A business plan template for coaching can provide numerous benefits for coaches and new coaching businesses, including:

  • Clarifying goals and objectives for the coaching practice
  • Outlining strategies and tactics to attract and retain clients
  • Identifying the target market and understanding their needs and preferences
  • Creating a roadmap for financial projections and budgeting
  • Developing a marketing plan to effectively promote the coaching services
  • Providing a structured framework to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments
  • Increasing the chances of securing funding or investment for the coaching business
  • Enhancing confidence and credibility when presenting the coaching practice to potential clients or partners.

Main Elements of Coaching Business Plan Template

Whether you're a seasoned coach or just starting out, ClickUp’s Business Plan Template for Coaching has everything you need to create a comprehensive roadmap for your coaching practice. Here are the main elements of this template:

  • Custom Statuses: Track the progress of each section of your business plan with statuses like Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, and To Do.
  • Custom Fields: Use custom fields like Reference, Approved, and Section to add additional details and categorize different aspects of your business plan.
  • Custom Views: Access five different views to organize and visualize your business plan, including Topics for brainstorming ideas, Status for tracking progress, Timeline for setting deadlines, Business Plan for an overview of the entire plan, and Getting Started Guide for helpful tips and instructions.

With ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Coaching, you can easily outline your goals, strategies, target market, financial projections, and marketing plans to build a successful coaching practice.

How To Use Business Plan Template for Coaching

If you're a coach looking to create a solid business plan, the Business Plan Template in ClickUp can help you get started. Follow these 6 steps to make sure your coaching business is on the right track:

1. Define your coaching niche

The first step in creating your business plan is to clearly define your coaching niche. Determine what type of coaching you specialize in, whether it's leadership coaching, career coaching, or health coaching. This will help you target the right audience and tailor your services accordingly.

Use custom fields in ClickUp to define your coaching niche and keep track of your target audience.

2. Set your goals

Next, establish your goals for your coaching business. What do you want to achieve in the next year? Do you want to gain a certain number of clients, increase your revenue, or expand your services? Setting clear and measurable goals will give you direction and help you track your progress.

Use the Goals feature in ClickUp to set and track your coaching business goals.

3. Conduct market research

To create an effective business plan, you need to understand your target market. Conduct market research to identify your ideal clients, their needs, and their preferences. This will allow you to tailor your coaching services and marketing efforts to attract and retain the right clients.

Use the Table view in ClickUp to organize and analyze your market research data.

4. Develop your coaching offerings

Based on your market research and goals, develop your coaching offerings. Determine what services you will provide, such as one-on-one coaching sessions, group coaching programs, or online courses. Outline the benefits and pricing of each offering to clearly communicate the value to potential clients.

Create tasks in ClickUp to outline and plan your coaching offerings.

5. Create a marketing strategy

A strong marketing strategy is essential for attracting clients to your coaching business. Identify the most effective marketing channels to reach your target audience, such as social media, content marketing, or partnerships. Develop a marketing plan that includes specific tactics and a timeline for implementation.

Use the Calendar view in ClickUp to create and visualize your marketing strategy.

6. Monitor and adjust

Once your business plan is in place, regularly monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed. Keep track of your key performance indicators, such as client acquisition rates and revenue growth, and use this data to evaluate the effectiveness of your strategies. Make changes to your plan as necessary to ensure your coaching business continues to thrive.

Set up Automations in ClickUp to automatically track and analyze your coaching business metrics.

Get Started with ClickUp’s Business Plan Template for Coaching

Coaches or new coaching businesses can use this Business Plan Template for Coaching to outline their goals, strategies, target market, financial projections, and marketing plans in order to create a roadmap for building a successful coaching practice.

First, hit “Add Template” to sign up for ClickUp and add the template to your Workspace. Make sure you designate which Space or location in your Workspace you’d like this template applied.

Next, invite relevant members or guests to your Workspace to start collaborating.

Now you can take advantage of the full potential of this template to create a comprehensive business plan:

  • Use the Topics View to organize your business plan into different sections, such as goals, target market, marketing strategies, and financial projections
  • The Status View will help you track the progress of each section, whether it's complete, in progress, needs revision, or to-do
  • The Timeline View will allow you to set deadlines and milestones for each section of your business plan
  • The Business Plan View will give you an overview of your entire plan, allowing you to see how each section fits together
  • The Getting Started Guide View will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to use the template effectively
  • Utilize the custom fields Reference, Approved, and Section to add additional information and categorize different parts of your business plan
  • Update statuses and custom fields as you work on each section to keep track of progress and ensure everything is on track
  • Business Plan Template for UX Designers
  • Business Plan Template for Real Estate Agents
  • Business Plan Template for Google
  • Business Plan Template for UPS
  • Business Plan Template for Security Teams

Template details

Free forever with 100mb storage.

Free training & 24-hours support

Serious about security & privacy

Highest levels of uptime the last 12 months

  • Product Roadmap
  • Affiliate & Referrals
  • On-Demand Demo
  • Integrations
  • Consultants
  • Gantt Chart
  • Native Time Tracking
  • Automations
  • Kanban Board
  • vs Airtable
  • vs Basecamp
  • vs MS Project
  • vs Smartsheet
  • Software Team Hub
  • PM Software Guide

Google Play Store

8+ SAMPLE Coaching Business Plan in PDF

coaching business plan

Coaching Business Plan

8+ sample coaching business plan, what is a coaching business plan, starting a coaching business plan, different types of life coaching, how to write a coaching business plan, why is a coaching business plan important, what are the steps of a business plan, what is the advantage of hiring a coach.

Coaching Business Plan Template

Coaching Business Plan Template

Coaching For New Business Plan

Coaching For New Business Plan

Coaching Business Plan Outline

Coaching Business Plan Outline

Coaching 3 Month Business Plan

Coaching 3 Month Business Plan

Coaching Business Plan Example

Coaching Business Plan Example

Coaching Business Magazine Plan

Coaching Business Magazine Plan

Printable Coaching Business Plan

Printable Coaching Business Plan

Standard Coaching Business Plan

Standard Coaching Business Plan

Coaching Business Plan in PDF

Coaching Business Plan in PDF

Step 1: vision and mission, step 2: business description, step 3: target market, step 4: marketing strategy, step 5: competition, step 6: financial strategy, share this post on your network, file formats, word templates, google docs templates, excel templates, powerpoint templates, google sheets templates, google slides templates, pdf templates, publisher templates, psd templates, indesign templates, illustrator templates, pages templates, keynote templates, numbers templates, outlook templates, you may also like these articles, 5+ sample investment company business plan in pdf.

sample investment company business plan

What do you do when you have tons of spare cash lying around your home or burning a hole in your wallet or expensive jeans pocket? For some people, the…

41+ SAMPLE Unit Plan Templates in PDF | MS Word

sample unit plan 1

As a teacher, you might know about every school policy, the steps to keep classrooms safe for intellectual development, how to set up an organized classroom, and the proposed…

browse by categories

  • Questionnaire
  • Description
  • Reconciliation
  • Certificate
  • Spreadsheet

Information

  • privacy policy
  • Terms & Conditions

simply_coach_logo-2

  • Business Coach
  • Career Coach
  • Leadership Coach
  • Stakeholder Centered Coach®
  • Goal & Development Planning
  • Digital Tools
  • Stakeholder Integration
  • Action Plans
  • Coaching Programs
  • Coach Matching
  • Scheduling Software for Coaches
  • Client Workspace
  • Resource Library
  • Team Engagements
  • Subscription & Session Packages
  • Showcase Page
  • Invoicing & Payments
  • Email Integration
  • LinkedIn Intergration
  • Contact Management
  • Prospect Management
  • Embedded Video Conferencing
  • Professional Development Log
  • Pricing Solopreneurs Pricing plans that help you grow and flourish as a solopreneur Businesses Agile pricing plans that keep up with your business’ needs

How to Plan a Productive Coaching Session (Templates and Examples)

How to plan a productive coaching

  • Share this article

Table of Contents

Ever felt like navigating a coaching session was akin to steering a canoe without a paddle? Fear not! We’re diving into the art and science of orchestrating coaching sessions that don’t just float but soar.

A well-planned coaching session ensures that you’re equipped to address the client’s specific needs and goals. It also provides a clear framework within which the client can explore, reflect, and take action.

This article explores the key elements and strategies that underpin successful coaching sessions, empowering you to deliver sessions that are not only productive but also transformative.

Key Elements of Effective Coaching Sessions

We’ll delve into the key elements that form the foundation of effective coaching sessions.  By incorporating these elements into your planning process, you can ensure your sessions are focused and impactful, and leave your clients feeling empowered and ready to take action.

Here’s a breakdown of the crucial elements to consider:

  • Establishing rapport : Create a safe and welcoming space where your client feels comfortable sharing openly
  • Holding the client accountable for action steps from previous sessions : Review progress made on action items from previous sessions and discuss any challenges encountered
  • Identifying and focusing on client-specific issues and outcomes : Refocus on the client’s specific goals and desired outcomes for the session
  • Reframing challenges and analyzing emotional responses : Help clients reframe challenges into opportunities and explore the emotions surrounding them
  • Developing solutions and strategies : Work collaboratively with the client to develop actionable solutions and strategies aligned with their goals
  • Creating and committing to an action plan : Craft a clear and achievable action plan for the client to implement after the session
  • Reflections and breakthroughs : Dedicate time for reflection, celebrate breakthroughs, and identify areas for continued focus in future sessions

Alright, you’ve got the groundwork laid out for an impactful coaching session. Now, let’s turn those plans into action with practical strategies and tools that’ll make your sessions unforgettable. 

How to Plan a Productive Coaching Session

Here are six important strategies you can use to create a coaching session that conveys your teachings the best:

1. Define the Objective for the Session

Every coaching session should have a clear and specific objective. 

This objective could be linked to a larger coaching goal, or it could be a specific issue the client wants to address in this particular session.  

To do so, you can work together with your client to determine the focus of the session. This ensures the objective aligns with their current needs and goals.

Also, ensure that you craft an objective that is clear, actionable, and measurable. 

For example, instead of “Improve communication skills,” a more focused objective could be “Develop two assertive communication techniques to utilize in the upcoming client meeting.”

2. Structuring Your Session 

A well-defined structure provides a sense of comfort and direction for both you and your client. It ensures the session stays focused on the objective while allowing for flexibility to address unforeseen topics.

Divide the session into distinct segments:

  • Introduction : Set the tone, establish rapport, and briefly review the agenda
  • Review : Discuss progress on action steps from the previous session and any new developments
  • Main Discussion : Address the session’s objective, exploring challenges, solutions, and strategies
  • Action Plan : Develop a clear set of actionable steps for the client to work on before the next session
  • Conclusion : Summarize key points, confirm the action plan, and express support and encouragement
Read: How to Structure a Business Coaching Session for Success

3. Adapting Your Approach

While a basic structure provides a framework, your coaching approach should be flexible and adaptable to maximize the impact of the session.

You can tailor your approach based on:

  • Client relationship history (a new client or a returning one)
  • How responsive is the client to your coaching style
  • Client’s personality
  • Learning style
  • Specific situation

Additionally, don’t just provide answers; empower your client to find solutions on their own. For instance, you can ask thought-provoking questions that encourage self-reflection and problem-solving skills. 

This fosters long-term growth and empowers them to navigate future challenges independently. 

4. Key Questions for a Fruitful Session

Powerful questions are your most valuable tool. And having a list of well-crafted questions prepared can help guide the conversation, stimulate reflection, and propel your client toward breakthroughs. 

Here are some effective question types to consider for your coaching toolbox:

Kickstart Questions : These questions aim to get the conversation flowing and help you understand the client’s current state

Examples include:

  • What’s been on your mind since our last session?
  • What would you like to focus on today?

AWE Questions : These questions stand for “Awareness, Wisdom, and Experience.” They help clients explore their current situation from multiple perspectives

  • What are you aware of now that you weren’t before?
  • What wisdom can you glean from this experience?

Focus Questions : These questions help narrow down the client’s goals and desired outcomes for the session

  • What’s the ideal outcome you’d like to achieve today?
  • If you could overcome one challenge right now, what would it be?

Foundation Questions : These questions delve deeper into the “why” behind the client’s goals and motivations

  • What truly matters to you about achieving this goal?
  • What underlying beliefs might be holding you back?

Strategic Questions : These questions help clients brainstorm solutions and develop action plans

Examples include

  • What are some specific steps you could take to move forward?
  • If you had a magic wand, what would you do to achieve your goal?

Learning Questions : These questions encourage reflection and help clients solidify their learnings from the session

  • What key takeaways will you carry with you from today?
  • How will you measure your progress towards your goals?

5. Preparation and Follow-up

Pre-session preparation is essential for a productive coaching session. 

Here’s how to approach it for both new and returning clients:

  • New Clients : Review the client’s intake form and any other relevant information beforehand. This allows you to personalize the session and address their specific needs from the get-go
  • Returning Clients : Briefly review notes from the previous session to refresh your memory on past discussions and progress made

Similarly, post-session self-reflection and client follow-up solidify the learnings from the session and demonstrate your commitment to your client’s success:

  • Self-reflection : After each session, take some time to reflect on your own performance. Consider areas where you excelled and areas for improvement to continuously refine your coaching skills
  • Client Follow-up : Send a brief email summarizing key takeaways, action steps, and any additional resources discussed during the session. This reinforces the coaching conversation and demonstrates your ongoing support. You can also use this opportunity to identify any areas where the client might need additional support and adjust your approach for future sessions
Read: The Role of Data & Feedback in Coaching Journeys

6. Leveraging Technology

Coaching apps, scheduling tools, and online collaboration platforms can streamline your workflow and enhance the coaching experience. 

For instance, coaching apps assist in tasks such as :

  • Scheduling appointments
  • Sending appointment reminders
  • Managing client invoices
  • Creating and selling online coaching programs

This frees up valuable time for you to focus on delivering high-quality coaching sessions.

Consider using coaching management platforms like Simply.Coach. 

Simply.Coach is a digital platform that integrates scheduling, goal tracking, and resource sharing, freeing up more time for you to focus on what you do best—coaching!

Coaching Session Templates and Examples

Coaching session templates provide a valuable framework to structure your sessions.

The key benefits include:

  • Clarity : Templates define the structure of the session, ensuring that you and your client are aligned on the objectives and the flow of the conversation
  • Progress : By consistently using a template, you can easily track the client’s progress over time, making it easier to identify areas of improvement or success
  • Signature Experiences : You can customize templates to suit your coaching style to create a unique and memorable experience for your clients and set yourself apart as a coach

Let’s look at a sample template to structure your coaching session:

A. Warm-up (5-10 minutes)

Greet your client, establish rapport, and briefly review the objective for the session. 

You can also use this time to reflect on any progress made since the last session, creating a sense of continuity and motivation.

B. Goal-setting (10-15 minutes)

Refine the objective for the session, ensuring it aligns with the client’s current needs and desired outcomes. This might involve brainstorming specific goals they want to achieve by the end of the session.

C. The Actual Coaching (30-40 minutes)

This is the heart of the session where you delve into the coaching objective. Utilize different techniques like open-ended questions, active listening, and brainstorming to facilitate discussion. 

Here, focused listening is crucial. Pay close attention to both the verbal and nonverbal cues your client communicates.

D. Defining Commitments (10-15 minutes)

Work with your client to develop a clear action plan with specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) steps they can take outside the session. Ownership of these commitments is key to progress.

E. Reflection (5-10 minutes)

Summarize key takeaways from the session, acknowledge client progress, and celebrate any breakthroughs. This also sets the stage for the next session by identifying areas for continued focus

Other examples of templates include:

  • Goal Visualization : This template helps clients visualize their goals in a clear and concise manner. It can include sections for defining the goal, identifying obstacles, and outlining the steps needed to achieve the goal
  • Self-Contract Template : A self-contract template is a powerful tool for accountability. It allows clients to commit to their goals in writing, specifying the actions they will take and the timeline for achieving their objectives
  • Goal Planning and Achievement Tracker : This template is designed to help clients plan their goals in detail and track their achievements over time. It can include sections for setting SMART goals, identifying key milestones, and reflecting on progress made
Read: 10 Effective Strategies for Tracking Progress in Coaching Sessions 

Additionally, there are numerous free resources available online that can help you structure productive coaching sessions. 

Simply.Coach – an all-in-one online coaching platform offers a variety of coaching features, templates and digital tools that you can adapt to your needs.

Planning a productive coaching session requires a blend of structure, adaptability, and insightful questioning. 

By defining clear objectives, structuring the session effectively, and adapting your approach to meet the client’s needs, you can create a conducive environment for growth. 

Moreover, using coaching tools and templates can streamline the process, allowing you to focus on the client’s development. 

Sign up for the free trial today and skyrocket the productivity of your sessions!

Navigating Entrepreneur Challenges in the Coaching Industry: Top 8 Hurdles

How to Become an Inspirational Coach

Embarking on a Journey as a Mindset Coach: A Comprehensive Guide

Coaching VS Training: Navigating their Distinctive Paths

10 Effective Strategies for Tracking Progress in Coaching Sessions

SEO Tips for Increasing Organic Traffic to Your Coaching Website

About Simply.Coach

Simply.Coach  is an enterprise-grade coaching software designed to be used by individual coaches and coaching businesses. Trusted by ICF-accredited and EMCC-credentialed coaches worldwide, Simply.Coach is on a mission to elevate the experience and process of coaching with technology-led tools and solutions.  

Other Categories

  • Business Coaching
  • Career Coaching
  • Coaching Business
  • Coaching Enterprise
  • Coaching Management Software
  • Coaching Tools
  • Executive Coaching
  • Featured Blogs
  • Independent Coaching
  • International Blogs
  • Leadership Coaching
  • Life Coaching
  • Relationship Coaching
  • The Business of Coaching
  • Therapy & Counselling
  • Training & Development

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

  • Why Simply.Coach
  • Coach Reviews
  • All-In-One Coaching Software
  • Affiliate Program
  • Refer and Earn
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Platform Status
  • Business Coach Software
  • Life Coach Software
  • Career Coach Software
  • Leadership Coach Software
  • Pricing for Solopreneurs
  • Pricing for Businesses
  • Coaching Software Comparison
  • Client Management
  • Business Management
  • [email protected]

software advice

Growthink logo white

Health Coaching Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

health coach business plan

Health Coaching Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 500 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their health coaching companies.

If you’re unfamiliar with creating a health coaching business plan, you may think creating one will be a time-consuming and frustrating process. For most entrepreneurs it is, but for you, it won’t be since we’re here to help. We have the experience, resources, and knowledge to help you create a great business plan.

In this article, you will learn some background information on why business planning is important. Then, you will learn how to write a health coaching business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is a Health Coaching Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your health coaching business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategies for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Health Coaching Business

If you’re looking to start a health coaching business or grow your existing health coaching company, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your health coaching business to improve your chances of success. Your health coaching business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Health Coaching Businesses

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a health coaching business are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. When it comes to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to ensure that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for health coaching companies.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

How to write a business plan for a health coaching business.

If you want to start a health coaching business or expand your current one, you need a business plan. The guide below details the necessary information for how to write each essential component of your health coaching business plan.

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your executive summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the kind of health coaching business you are running and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have a health coaching business that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of health coaching businesses?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan.

  • Give a brief overview of the health coaching industry.
  • Discuss the type of health coaching business you are operating.
  • Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers.
  • Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team.
  • Offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Overview

In your company overview, you will detail the type of health coaching business you are operating.

For example, you might specialize in one of the following types of health coaching businesses:

  • Fitness health coaching : Fitness health coaches work with clients to improve overall health by eating balanced meals and creating a comprehensive fitness plan.
  • Holistic health coaching: Coaches offer plant-based diets, along with integrated mind and body health platforms.
  • Wellness health coaching: Wellness health coaches concentrate on clients’ behavioral and mind-body integration.
  • Nutritional health coaching : Primarily focused on nutritional balance and performance in the body, nutritional health coaches work to reduce food allergies and other irritants to good health via selective eating plans.

In addition to explaining the type of health coaching business you will operate, the company overview needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to questions such as:

  • When and why did you start the business?
  • What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of clients served, the number of cases with positive outcomes, reaching X number of successful clients, etc.
  • Your legal business Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry or market analysis, you need to provide an overview of the health coaching industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the health coaching industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your marketing strategy, particularly if your analysis identifies market trends.

The third reason is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your health coaching business plan:

  • How big is the health coaching industry (in dollars)?
  • Is the market declining or increasing?
  • Who are the key competitors in the market?
  • Who are the key suppliers in the market?
  • What trends are affecting the industry?
  • What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
  • What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential target market for your health coaching business? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your health coaching business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: individuals, families, and HR personnel in corporations.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of health coaching business you operate. Clearly, individuals would respond to different marketing promotions than HR personnel in corporations, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, including a discussion of the ages, genders, locations, and income levels of the potential customers you seek to serve.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can recognize and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

Finish Your Health Coaching Business Plan in 1 Day!

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your business plan?

With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other health coaching businesses.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t directly competing with your product or service. This includes medical clinics, alternative healers, and fitness gyms. You need to mention direct competition, as well.

For each direct competitor, provide an overview of their business and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as

  • What types of customers do they serve?
  • What type of health coaching business are they?
  • What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
  • What are they good at?
  • What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

  • Will you provide options for the uninsured?
  • Will you offer health products or services that your competition doesn’t?
  • Will you provide better customer service?
  • Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a health coaching business plan, your marketing strategy should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of health coaching company that you documented in your company overview. Then, detail the specific products or services you will be offering. For example, will you provide holistic health coaching with a balanced program of all components: mind, body, and spirit?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your plan, you are presenting the products and/or services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the site of your health coaching company. Document where your company is situated and mention how the site will impact your success. For example, is your health coaching business located in a busy retail district, a business district, or in a standalone office? Discuss how your site might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your health coaching marketing plan is where you will document how you will drive potential customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

  • Advertise in health and natural wellness magazines
  • Reach out to websites
  • Distribute flyers
  • Engage in email marketing
  • Advertise on social media platforms
  • Improve the SEO (search engine optimization) on your website for targeted keywords

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your health coaching business, including answering calls, planning and providing coaching sessions, billing clients,  etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to book your Xth session, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your health coaching business to a new city.

Management Team

To demonstrate your health coaching business’ potential to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing health coaching businesses. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in managing a health coaching business or successfully running a small natural health store.

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.

Income Statement

An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenue and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you see 10 clients per day, and/or offer packaged sessions? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets

Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your health coaching business, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a lender writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement

Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and ensure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

When creating your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a health coaching business:

  • Cost of equipment and office supplies
  • Payroll or salaries paid to staff
  • Business insurance
  • Other start-up expenses (if you’re a new business) like legal expenses, permits, computer software, and equipment

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your office location lease or a list of insurance plans you accept.

Writing a business plan for your health coaching business is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert and understand how to start a health coaching business. You will understand the health coaching industry, your competition, and your customers. You will develop a marketing strategy and will understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful health coaching business.

Health Coaching Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my health coaching business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily write your health coaching business plan.

How Do You Start a Health Coaching Business?

Starting a Health Coaching business is easy with these 14 steps:

  • Choose the Name for Your Health Coaching Business
  • Create Your Health Coaching Business Plan
  • Choose the Legal Structure for Your Health Coaching Business
  • Secure Startup Funding for Your Health Coaching Business (If Needed)
  • Secure a Location for Your Business
  • Register Your Health Coaching Business with the IRS
  • Open a Business Bank Account
  • Get a Business Credit Card
  • Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
  • Get Business Insurance for Your Health Coaching Business
  • Buy or Lease the Right Health Coaching Business Equipment
  • Develop Your Health Coaching Business Marketing Materials
  • Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Health Coaching Business
  • Open for Business

Where Can I Download a Free Business Plan Template PDF?

Click here to download the pdf version of our basic business plan template.

Our free business plan template pdf allows you to see the key sections to complete in your plan and the key questions that each must answer. The business plan pdf will definitely get you started in the right direction.

We do offer a premium version of our business plan template. Click here to learn more about it. The premium version includes numerous features allowing you to quickly and easily create a professional business plan. Its most touted feature is its financial projections template which allows you to simply enter your estimated sales and growth rates, and it automatically calculates your complete five-year financial projections including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. Here’s the link to our Ultimate Business Plan Template.

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your Health Coaching business plan?

OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You

Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.   Click here to hire someone to write a business plan for you from Growthink’s team.

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

Counseling Private Practice Business Plan

Nicepage.com

  • 400+ Features
  • Website Templates
  • Website Designs
  • WordPress Themes
  • Joomla Templates
  • HTML Templates
  • HTML Website Builder
  • WordPress Website Builder
  • Joomla Page Builder
  • Video Tutorials
  • Documentation
  • Contact Support

The Big Spring Sale! Up to 50% off!

15,000+ Free Templates 2024

Popular template categories.

Choose the best templates and use our visual template editor to add and modify the content with no coding. The design of any page template looks great on all modern devices.

Art & Design Templates

Featured Block Categories

You can choose templates from our latest responsive templates and then customize them with the code-free drag-and-drop template editor.

Art & Design Templates

Favorite Block Designs

Meet our unique multi-purpose block templates hand-picked by the professional design team. Modify the design of block templates with our powerful editor.

Text On Image Templates

15,000+ Awesome Templates Of 2024

Select from over 15,000 templates from the portfolio, business, fashion, technology, education, blog, and other trending themes. All templates are fully responsive and available for free.

Services We Are Offering - Landing Page

  • Free Website Builder Software Download

Select A Gym Service - Website Design

  • Create your own Website Download

We Create A Cleaner, Greener World - Create Amazing Template

  • Customize Any Template Download

Our Running Community - Personal Website Template

  • Build Website with no Coding Download

Our Partner - Create Amazing Template

Templates with Nicepage

Many people want to have an online presence besides email, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and other social media. They need a website, personal blog, portfolio, landing pages for a store, online stores, email marketing template, a business website for a real estate agency, marketing company, etc. Most of them are afraid even to think about such things as a website, blog, web design, maps, templates, media, brand, eCommerce templates, responsive templates website, etc. People do not know how to start, what to create and tools to use, what design tools and features are best, what are best practices in general, whether they need a website builder or website design apps, have cover letters, logo or logo maker. It depends on the fact that beautiful websites require graphic design and coding made by professional web designers and web developers. Nobody thinks of a responsive website with a free design.

Engaging Customers

What do you get if you start with a template? Intuitive drag and drop editor. You can inspire your friends and surprise any community with a new website featured with professional graphic design. Browse and choose from thousands of new and popular design templates popular to fulfill any plans and resources, regardless if you need website for business, online store, product, support, social, terms, privacy, policy, pricing, contact, log, and service pages. Today, you can use a site template as a home page or dashboard engaging customers. Templates can be useful for presentation stories, press card brochures, resume covers for careers, schedule events, certificates, in general, to sell or present anything online. For example, decor artists can publish designs as photo galleries, agencies can show and plan achievements, affiliates can learn about the process, and students can provide resumes in English and other languages. There are featured templates popular for small sites about life, winter, and summer, in white and dark, to tell a story, review. All you need is text and photo content.

Responsive Templates

However, responsive website templates by Nicepage make this work easy, beautiful, and creative. Our high-quality free design templates help anyone build a professional free website without learning, education, books, teachers, and need to be students of graphic design online courses. Each template comes with media graphics, which you can later use for social media graphics, Twitter and Instagram posts, and ads. It can also be suitable for other products, like a media kit, posters, flyers, cards, postcards, business cards, gift cards, video posters, channel art, youtube thumbnails, etc. Anyone from novice users to blogging professionals of a high level can use Nicepage for their top projects and affiliate collaboration.

You can create an account and profile and access the platform's center assets, including various videos and tutorials to learn how to use Nicepage for enterprise businesses, small business and services, customize and manage ready themes, find ideas, check data and content. Suppose you have Facebook and Linkedin skills and have some experience with Wix, Squarespace, WordPress, cms, cookies, domain, and hosting, and you want to know anything like HTML, code, webinars. In that case, this information may be a good share. At that, you can pick from all feature collections, items, and perfect with year updates.

Template Categories

You can easily choose themes templates designed for various categories to create a site for an event, travel, holiday, family, health, wedding, studio, fitness, restaurant, food, Christmas, legal, industry, photography, nonprofit, consulting, and invitation. Add multiple photos, documents, visual infographics, and other digital materials, or get started from blank. All solutions are customizable. You can use stock images and other items, like logos, background, headers, even for something specific like a custom sitemap, shopping cart, greeting flyer, news, accessibility calendars, shop invitations, music charts, text, bar and chart reports, or eye-catching infographic presentations. Starting a page in the app or plugin, you have the full functionality to edit each mobile view, having it ready in minutes and saving much time.

Using free templates professionally designed with Nicepage, you get everything you need to create any modern web project in clicks for free, becoming a web designer. You do not need to have premium training, to hire pro designers, expert developer, or management teams. You can create beautiful pages based on free online templates website design templates. It's a huge step ahead of the market competition and a sign of hundreds in sale figures. Follow us on social networks and our forum or help center.

You may also be interested in Template Design

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • License Agreement

Themes & Templates

  • CSS Templates
  • HTML5 Templates
  • One Page Templates
  • Website Builder
  • WYSIWYG HTML Editor
  • Static Site Generator
  • HTML Code Generator
  • Web Page Designs
  • eCommerce Designs
  • Landing Pages
  • Homepage Designs
  • Website Mockup

Get 50% off on all templates until Dec 3, 11:59pm PT! Code: 1128CWWFTS123

template business plan coach

Guidance 128 - Small Business Website Template

Guidance 128 is a website Webflow template for professional services websites. It suits accountant, advisor, business, coach, coaching, consultant, consulting, corporate, finance, lawyer, mentor, solicitor, insurance, investment.

template business plan coach

Customize this template

Schedule a time with a Webflow expert to customize this template. Learn mor e

Guidance 128 - Professional Services Website Template

If you are looking for the best Professional Services Template at the marketplace, you are at the right place. Guidance 128 is a Professional Services Webflow Template with a complete solution for launching any type of  Business Consulting websites. That is an awesome template that fits many requirements with Professional Services and Business Consulting features.

Our Professional Services Template is designed with 3 different homepages in various layouts with a unique design focused on an intuitive user experience.  It includes more than 20 inner pages, it has all the options to create a super fast Professional Services Business Consulting website with a fantastic user experience. The template is not limited to just Business Consulting. It was created with many different niches and professions in mind.

Our Professional Services Template Features

The Guidance 128 Professional Services Webflow template has several key features that make it a great choice for businesses.

Awesome and Creative Design

Guidance 128  is a powerful and user-friendly Professional Services template. Without any doubt, it could be easily used by people who want to have a perfect, professional and creative website. You can build your site quickly, with confidence and with minimal effort. Our designers team is always focused on the future.

Fully Responsive and Retina Ready

Guidance 128 Professional Services Template is fully responsive and designed with high-end quality in mind, it is a template for mobile-friendly websites and applications, every single feature and page element will look amazing on the screens of tablets and mobile phones. It includes page templates and layouts created specifically to be the responsive visual environment on the market today. You can see layouts on the breakpoints 1920px, 1440px, 1024px, 768 and mobile up to 360px. 

Fully Customizable without any coding knowledge

Guidance 128 Professional Services template is also built with Webflow, a powerful web design platform. This means that you can easily create a professional-looking website without any coding knowledge. 

Each page in Guidance 128 Professional Services template is built with common HTML and Webflow rules. You can easily copy and edit each section and symbol, and even build new pages on your end. The template is built with the usage of the Global Typography (Headings, Paragraphs, Links, Buttons, Lists, Quotes and Forms, etc) structure. The spacing system works perfectly on each device. Colors can be easily adjusted for the entire website. The template includes a Style Guide page that can be easily changed and reviewed instantly after changes in one place.

SEO and Speed-optimized

SEO and Speed Optimization is crucially important for all ranges of websites, not Professional Services only. SEO and Speed Optimization is a priority for each of our templates. All the pages in our Guidance  128 Professional Services template were optimized to have a lightning-fast website load. We have designed Guidance 128 Professional Services WebFlow Template with all practical recommendations to achieve as high scores as possible on LightHouse and Google Test Speed and Gtmetrix. Content map structure, DOM and Heading Structure are implemented strongly with all SEO requirements.

Webflow CMS

Solutions, Projects, Job Positions and Blog Collections are implemented in Guidance 128 Professional Services Template.

Seamless Animations and Smooth Page Interactions

Constant support.

Any questions or help, please do not hesitate to contact us. Focused on customer success, we are a no-code agency with a nice team of professionals who can advise you on how to use the standard template features or can additionally help you with the custom functionality. Besides, you can have a look at our other Webflow templates , which are also designed with a professional approach with attention to detail.

Our Professional Services Template Pages

  • Homepage (3 layouts)
  • Why Choose Us
  • Solutions (CMS, 3 layouts)
  • Solution Details (CMS)
  • Testimonials
  • Portfolio (3 layouts, CMS)
  • Portfolio Category (CMS)
  • Portfolio Details (CMS)
  • Careers (CMS)
  • Career Details (CMS)
  • Blog Details (CMS)
  • Coming Soon
  • Style Guide
  • Search Results

Guidance 128  - Professional Services Webflow Template was developed to be very easily editable, so you will be surprised at how easy it is to customize it. However, if you ever have any questions, find a bug, or have any problems, feel free to send us an email at [email protected] - Our team will be happy to help you out!

With a total of 25 pages, it includes everything you will need to launch a professional Professional Services website. The Guidance 128 Professional Services Webflow Template is a great option for those who are looking for an easy-to-use, customizable and modern template.

Guidance 128 is a Webflow template that can be used for professional services, accountant, advisor, business, coach, coaching, consultant, consulting, corporate, finance, lawyer, mentor, solicitor, insurance, and investment websites.

Uses fonts from Google's Web Font collection.

Display images and text elegantly on every device with our touch-friendly slider.

Bring life and motion to your design with background videos

Site navigation automatically collapses into a mobile-friendly menu on smaller devices.

All graphics are optimized for devices with high DPI screens.

Custom design for the 404 page of your website

Reusable elements you can use across your site. Edit a symbol and all copies update instantly.

Showcase high-res photos and videos on a black backdrop.

Reposition and resize items anywhere within the grid to produce powerful, responsive layouts — faster and without code.

Customize the built-in database for your project or just add new content.

Displays perfectly on desktops, tablets, and phones.

Build your lead lists and subscriber base with beautiful forms.

Comes with animations and interactions for additional polish and usability.

Related Tags

Single use license.

Can only be used by you or one client for one end product. You cannot resell or redistribute this template in its original or modified state.

Free License

This template is free to use in both person and commercial projects. You cannot resell, redistribute, or license this template in its original or modified state.

128.digital supports this template

Designed by 128.digital.

Questions about this template? Just reach out to the template designer and they will get back to you within 2 business days.

For advanced design guidance, please share your questions in the Webflow Forum or reach out to a Webflow Expert .

Loving this template?

Share your feedback by leaving a comment below.

For template support, please check the Support tab.

Use the Preview in Designer option to make any edits to the template pages and preview how the layout would fit your content. Changes in preview mode won't be saved.

It isn't possible to apply a template to an already existing project. Instead, you'll need to create a new project based on the Template.

With a Free account plan, it is possible to edit two pages of the template-based project. To unlock more pages and features a premium plan is required.

With a Core plan (or higher), you can export sites you build in Webflow , including templates, to host them anywhere you'd like.

Webflow templates are only available for purchase through Workspaces and legacy individual accounts.

CMS templates are designed to use the power of the Webflow CMS. It is possible to downgrade to a Basic Site Plan as long as all CMS content is deleted from the project.

Use the View Connections tool to understand where the CMS content is on the site and delete any dynamic listings and CMS content. We also recommend you to check Components and the Collection page Templates .

Ecommerce templates are designed to use the power of Webflow Ecommerce. It is not possible to remove Ecommerce from a template, however, deleting all Ecommerce Products and Categories from the project, will allow to select a lower Site Plan.

Membership templates are designed to use the power of Webflow Membership. It is not possible to remove Memberships from a template.

Fully customizable in Webflow

All templates were built by designers using Webflow without writing code. That means you can customize them using our visual interface too.

Recent Small Business templates

Guidance 128

More by 128.digital

Product Tour 128

Want to sell your own website templates?

Check out the review process and guidelines to get started selling your own website templates.

Webflow Responsive Templates

Get started for free

Try Webflow for as long as you like with our free Starter plan. Purchase a paid Site plan to publish, host, and unlock additional features.

Transforming the design process at

Guidance 128.

IMAGES

  1. How To Write A Business Plan For Life Coaches (With Free PDF Template

    template business plan coach

  2. Coaching Business Template Bundle Coaching Templates Life

    template business plan coach

  3. Coaching Business Plan Template Free

    template business plan coach

  4. Career Coaching Plan Template

    template business plan coach

  5. Creating a Coaching Development Plan

    template business plan coach

  6. 20+ SAMPLE Coach Business Plan in PDF

    template business plan coach

VIDEO

  1. Top 10 Business Plan Software for General Contractors (2024)

  2. 🔥Smartsheet Business Plan Software Review 2024

  3. Top 10 Business Plan Software for Lots of Graphs (2024)

  4. Top 10 Business Plan Software for Mergers and Acquisitions (2024)

  5. 3 Effective Ways to Plan Your Business

  6. The Million Dollar Coaching Launch. Part 1

COMMENTS

  1. Coaching Business Plan: In 7 Easy Steps (+Free Template)

    In Brief : How to Craft your coaching business plan in 7 simple Steps. Step 1: 📝 Executive Summary - Craft a compelling summary that encapsulates your business vision, mission, and core elements like the business name, owner, and location, setting the stage for what follows. Step 2: 🗂️ Business Description - Detail your coaching ...

  2. How To Write A Life Coaching Business Plan: 5 Templates

    Example 1: Lean Life Coaching Business Plan. A lean business plan is ideal for explaining your coaching practice succinctly, or if you're planning a small coaching business. Using this USA Small Business Administration sample as a guide, your lean coaching plan might include the following headings: [2] Business identity. Target client.

  3. Coaching Business Plan Template [Updated 2024]

    Marketing Plan. Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P's: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a coaching business plan, your marketing strategy should include the following: Product: In the product section, you should reiterate the type of coaching company that you documented in your company overview.

  4. Free Coaching Business Plan Template

    A coaching business plan template contains a few elements that are essential and should always be included. As a business owner, you can add more if you feel it adds value. The essential elements include an executive summary, company overview, industry analysis, customer analysis, marketing plan, operations plan, management plan, financial plan ...

  5. How To Write A Coaching Business Plan Template (2024 Updated)

    Coaching Business Plan Template. If you are having difficulty coming up with a coaching business plan on your own, then you can also use a template and fill it according to your needs and the needs of the business. There are lots of coaching business plan templates online for you to choose from. Just make sure you fill them out properly.

  6. Coaching Business Plan: The Ultimate Guide To Creating Yours

    Shiny Object Syndrome is a fast-track to failure. A great business plan is the exact opposite. A coaching business plan gives you immunity. It protects you from having to chase one good idea after the next because you already know what your business needs and you'll instantly reduce the uncertainty of how you're going to create revenue.

  7. How to Start Your Life Coaching Business Plan & Template

    Crafting Your Business Model Plan: A Template. A life coaching business plan doesn't need to be complicated and must remain current, capturing the key actions and challenges. Use the Life Coaching Business Model Plan or one of our templates from our How to Write a Life Coaching Business Plan: 5 Templates article to create an initial plan.

  8. How to Write a Coaching Business Plan That Helps You Thrive

    2. Create a company description. The company description is a comprehensive introduction to your coaching business. This section is where you set the stage, providing readers with an understanding of your services, target audience, business structure, and mission and vision. The more specific you are, the better.

  9. Coaching Business Plan Template (2024)

    A coaching business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your coaching business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections. You can easily complete your Coaching business plan using our Coaching Business Plan Template here.

  10. Coach Business Plan Template

    Crafting a business plan for your coaching business is a crucial step towards success. Follow these 6 steps to effectively utilize the Coach Business Plan Template in ClickUp: 1. Define your coaching business vision. Begin by clearly outlining your coaching business vision. What are your long-term goals, target audience, and the impact you aim ...

  11. The Ultimate Guide To Creating A Coaching Business Plan (Part 1)

    Creating Your Rock-Solid. Coaching Business Plan. STEP #1: Commitment. Here's the no-holds-barred truth... Starting and running a successful business - any kind of business -- isn't easy. It will probably be one of the hardest things you'll ever do, but it will also be one of the most satisfying things you will ever do.

  12. How To Write a Business Plan for a Life Coaching Business + Free

    1. Clearly define your offering. To build a successful life coaching business, you must have a precise understanding of your services and how they stand out from the competition. Determine your areas of expertise—whether career, executive, relationship, life, or wellness coaching—and the specific challenges you can help clients navigate.

  13. Sample Life Coach Business Plan: Complete Template & PDF

    This sample life coach business plan contains a detailed operating and marketing plan for a life coaching business, including life coaching services, target market, marketing strategies, competition, and financial projections. It is a downloadable coaching business plan example that is available as a Google Doc, which can be used in Microsoft ...

  14. Free Life Coaching Business Plan Example

    Meet with a business advisor to plan growth (18 months) Consider bringing on additional coach (es) or admin support (24 months) Review progress and set next 3-year business goals (24 months) Download This Plan. Download a free life coaching sample business plan template. Part of our library of over 550 industry-specific sample business plans.

  15. How to Create a Simple Business Plan for Your Coaching Business

    Why you need a coaching business plan. A coaching business plan is really about clarity and focus for you, your partners, your investors, and your executive team. This plan will help you build a business that will support you financially, have an impact on those around you, and leave a lasting legacy you can be proud of. The research you have ...

  16. Coaching Business Plan Template (2024)

    Writing a coaching business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan: 1. Executive Summary. An executive summary is the first section of the business plan intended to provide an overview of the whole business plan. Generally, it is written after the entire ...

  17. How To Develop A Coaching Plan: 12 Examples and Templates

    Identifying potential development areas. Giving them a chance to self-assess their performance. Identifying obstacles that prevent them from improving their performance. Offering possible solutions to help them overcome their challenges. Helping them set goals. Collaborating on an action plan, and.

  18. Life Coach Business Plan Template (2024)

    Life Coaching Business Plan Sample. Below is a template to help you create each section of your Life Coach business plan. Executive Summary Business Overview. Desert Sun Life Coaching Company is a startup life coaching service located in Tucson, Arizona. The company is founded by Max Morrison, a life coach who has successfully counseled ...

  19. Business Plan Template for Coaching

    If you're a coach looking to create a solid business plan, the Business Plan Template in ClickUp can help you get started. Follow these 6 steps to make sure your coaching business is on the right track: 1. Define your coaching niche. The first step in creating your business plan is to clearly define your coaching niche.

  20. 20+ SAMPLE Coach Business Plan in PDF

    How To Write a Coach Business Plan. When writing performance reports and reviews for specific individuals, you, as their superior, may discover that they require coaching rather than abrupt termination. When there is a high demand for such services, the coaching industry thrives. Here are some measures you can include and write in your coach business plan template.

  21. 8+ SAMPLE Coaching Business Plan in PDF

    Step 2: Business Description. In this section, write about your company so that readers can learn more about it. In your coaching business plan, make sure to mention your specialty, services, and products. Set your specialty; the coaching niche will provide a clear picture of your company.

  22. How to Plan a Productive Coaching Session (Templates and Examples)

    Main Discussion: Address the session's objective, exploring challenges, solutions, and strategies. Action Plan: Develop a clear set of actionable steps for the client to work on before the next session. Conclusion: Summarize key points, confirm the action plan, and express support and encouragement.

  23. How to Create an Expert Business Model: A Detailed Guide + Templates

    If you're looking to create your own business, there are two things you need: a business plan and a business model. Your business plan helps you explore your overall business idea; your business model determines how your business will make money.. Creating a business model from scratch can be overwhelming—this is why working with a business model template or canvas is such a great idea.

  24. Free Strategic Plan Template and Best Practices

    This strategic business plan template spans 7 pages to get you set up with a solid foundation for your business's strategic plan. The layout starts with an executive summary and continues with a company overview, product description, market analysis, and planned strategies. Do you need a shortcut to create a strategic plan document like this one?

  25. Health Coaching Business Plan Template [Updated 2024]

    Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P's: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a health coaching business plan, your marketing strategy should include the following: Product: In the product section, you should reiterate the type of health coaching company that you documented in your company overview.

  26. 15,000+ Templates

    Templates with Nicepage. Many people want to have an online presence besides email, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and other social media. They need a website, personal blog, portfolio, landing pages for a store, online stores, email marketing template, a business website for a real estate agency, marketing company, etc.

  27. SCORE Building Your Business Plan

    Designed for anyone who has done their business research, most of their marketing plan, and understands some basic accounting and finance. It explains the purposes and value of a plan and uses a content template to help determine what goes into each section of this plan. FREE! A $35 value! Our Presenters Doug Ware and Richard Kingdon With a 40-year career in the power generation business at ...

  28. Guidance 128

    Guidance 128 is a website Webflow template for professional services websites. It suits accountant, advisor, business, coach, coaching, consultant, consulting ...

  29. Indonesian Wholesale and Retail Trade Business Plan. Free Slides

    Free Canva presentation template. Crafted specifically for savvy business pros eyeing the bustling markets of Indonesia, this slideshow template is your golden ticket to a compelling pitch. With a chic blend of grey and red, plus simple illustrations that speak volumes, you're all set to showcase your wholesale or retail strategy in style.

  30. Welcome to Claude

    Intro to Claude models. Claude 3 Haiku, Sonnet, and Opus are the next generation of Claude models. They are state-of-the-art text and vision models that can generate human-like text outputs based on both image and text inputs.