#95 How to Make Money as a Coach in 2025: Proven Strategies for Coaching Success

Current Trends in Coaching

A necessity, not a luxury

My latest research shows that people are now viewing coaching as more like a necessity than a luxury. This is really great news. It used to be reserved for really senior professionals having it bought for them by their companies, but individuals are seeking coaches now. This shift will open doors for you to expand your reach and access everyday people by addressing everyday problems.

Specialisation and Niches

In this increasingly competitive market, generalists have lost ground. Coaches who focus on micro niche markets are better positioned to stand out and command premium pricing. The more you can find your area of specialism, the more your audience will see you as essential to their success.

Technology and Automation in Coaching

Technology is revolutionising coaching. AI-powered tools like Fathom for session recording, Loom for client communication, and platforms like Slack are game-changers. However, a word of caution: while AI can be an incredible thinking partner, it's crucial to apply human expertise and not rely solely on automated solutions.

Ethics and Standards in Coaching

The industry is trying to become more regulated and there are more qualifications and accreditations that you can do now. And?don't underestimate your own real life experience - the most successful businesses I have worked with all bring their own unique experience into their coaching.

Proven Ways to Make Money as a Coach in 2025

1. One-to-One Coaching

One-to-one coaching remains a powerful entry point for new coaches. Consider innovative twists like:

Laser coaching

I used to offer unlimited 15-minute coaching sessions over a three month period. The person could only book in a session when they had completed the actions from the last session.?It was a great way of getting someone to really focus on their goal as an incentive to get maximum value – no-one wants to pay ￡1,000 for one 15-minute session.

Tangible trackers

These can be really useful to help people see their progress and give them a strong sense of accountability.

Voice note coaching

It's a time-efficient way to support your clients. Rather than booking session time, we chat through issues when it’s convenient on both sides.

So, be creative and think about exciting opportunities to bring your own unique spin on to one-on-one coaching.

2. Group Coaching

Group coaching allows you to scale your impact while maintaining personal interaction. The key is ensuring a tight-knit group with similar goals and challenges. Be strategic about participant selection to create meaningful, collaborative experiences.

3. Memberships

Memberships are another revenue model for coaches, typically larger than group programmes but with less personalised support. They usually include content, live Q&A sessions, and community discussions.

4. Digital Courses

The e-learning market continues to grow. While self-paced programmes offer flexibility, average completion rates are low (around 3%). Focus on creating micro-courses with clear, actionable outcomes.

5. Corporate Coaching

Developing targeted workshops for organisations can be an excellent way to establish credibility and generate income. Corporate training often feels more tangible to potential clients than traditional coaching.

Adapting to new trends

When you're thinking about how to make money as a coach in 2025, stay innovative and adaptable in a changing professional landscape.

Leverage Technology

- Utilise tools for client tracking, scheduling and marketing

- Embrace technological solutions to streamline business processes

Expand Skills and Learn from Successful Professionals

- Continuously review and compare your current practices with those of more advanced professionals

- Observe and learn from successful peers in your field

- Don't copy others exactly, but gain insights from their approaches

Clarify Your Professional Identity and Value Proposition

- Make your target audience and specific value extremely clear

- Avoid vague, generic messaging

- Provide precise, targeted solutions (i.e. 'five steps to delegation for leaders managing teams of 30')

- Reflect on your own professional profile and ensure it clearly communicates who you help and how

Building a Sustainable Coaching Business

Avoid burnout

Creating a sustainable coaching business isn't just about income - it's about maintaining your energy and passion. Key strategies that will help you to avoid burnout include:

- Automating administrative tasks

- Setting intentional boundaries

- Outsourcing tasks that don't play to your strengths

Develop Your Unique Brand

Authenticity sells.?Our ideal client is increasingly tired of manufactured online personas, which makes genuine brand communication more important than ever.

- Define your unique value proposition

- Craft a clear, memorable message

- Consistently communicate that message across all platforms

- Embrace the power of repetition

By focusing on a disciplined messaging strategy, you'll help your audience understand and remember exactly what you stand for. Instead of constantly reinventing your pitch, refine and repeat your core message. This consistency will help your brand stick in people's minds and make it easier for them to recommend you to others.

Final Thoughts

Making money as a coach in 2025 is about more than offering services. It's about being innovative, leveraging technology, understanding your niche, and continuously developing your craft.

Start where you are. You might think you're 'rubbish' initially but don't forget that, with practice, you'll continue to improve. Those coaches you admire? They've likely invested years in their development - you'll be just as amazing as them in a few years' time!

The coaching landscape in 2025 is dynamic and full of opportunity. By staying adaptable, focusing on your niche, and embracing technology and personal growth, you can build a thriving coaching business.

Prefer Audio?

You can also listen to all my new content on my podcast?Women in the Coaching Arena

Whenever you’re ready, here’s how I can help you grow your coaching business:

Interested to know more about my ‘Business of Coaching’ programme? Click here to learn more.

And I’d love to invite you to my??“2025 Vision Planning Online Workshop for Coaches”??on Thursday 5th December, from 10am-12pm GMT. This isn’t just another planning session - it’s a coaches recovery lounge designed especially for you! A chance to reflect, reset, and design a business plan that truly lights you up. See you there!