Should You Start Out Offering Free Coaching To Build Your Online Coaching Business?

In Episode 134 of the “Best Coach Ever” podcast, we tackle a question I get all the time: should you offer free coaching when you’re just starting out? Spoiler alert—it sounds like a good idea, but it’s usually a bad move. First off, let’s be real—people don’t value what they don’t pay for. You might think offering free coaching will build your confidence or get you testimonials, but chances are, your clients won’t take it seriously, and you’ll end up frustrated with little to show for it.

Now, instead of giving away your time and energy for free, what if you launched a beta version of your program at a deep discount? Not only do you get people invested, but you also ensure they’ll actually show up and do the work. Offering a shortened, cheaper version of your coaching still gives you feedback and testimonials but with much better results.

And while we're at it, let's ditch the idea that free is the only way to build your business. There’s a huge difference between someone getting something for free and someone who’s paid even a little—they’ll be more committed, and so will you. So, if you’ve been stuck in the free coaching trap, it’s time to level up and start making money faster. Ready to take the leap? You know where to find me. Let’s go!

In this episode, I cover:

  1. The Problem with Free Coaching [0:00 – 4:14]

– Free coaching often leads to clients who don't follow through.  

– Clients need to have “skin in the game” to take the coaching seriously.

  1. Why Free Coaching Often Fails [4:15 – 7:25]

– People tend not to value what they don’t pay for, leading to poor engagement.  

– Offering free coaching can waste your time and energy without benefiting either party.

  1. The Value of Paid Coaching [7:26 – 8:59]

– Paid coaching ensures clients are more invested and willing to push through discomfort.  

– For me, making a big investment in my business coaching helped me commit to difficult tasks.

  1. Creating a Beta Launch Instead [9:00 – 11:59]

  – Suggests offering a discounted beta launch rather than free coaching.  

  – Recommends shortening the program and offering it at a competitive price to attract early clients.

  1. Risks of Sticking to Free Coaching [12:00 – 12:44]

– Coaches who continue offering free coaching often stay stuck in the same place.  

– Paid clients give better feedback, stick to the program, and provide testimonials.

  1. Conclusion and Program Promotion [12:45 – End] 

– Invitation to join my Fitness Coaching Business Accelerator (FCBA) program.  

– Promises to teach niching, content strategy, marketing, and sales techniques to grow a coaching business successfully.

Attend my FREE 3-day Clients Cash & Confidence workshop (September 23rd – September 25th) 

Click here for more details: https://go.lynettemariefitness.com/clients-cash-confidence-registration

Connect with Lynette:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynettemarieh

 

Fitness Coaching Business Accelerator: https://fcbaprogram.com

The Wellness CEO Mastermind: https://lynettemariefit.clickfunnels.com/optin1634051235214

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