One of the most challenging aspects of running a coaching or training business is attracting new clients. This is especially true when your business is new and you are establishing a name for yourself. These are our top five tips for attracting new coaching clients and keeping the momentum going.

#1 Know Your Audience

Know your niche market. Find out as much as you can about them and build a picture of your ideal client. Where do they hang out online? What articles are they reading? What are they liking and commenting on in social media? What are their needs, and how can you meet those needs? The clearer a picture you can build of your ideal client, the more successfully you'll be able to reach them and begin to build trust. 

#2 Share Your Wisdom

Now that you know who your audience is, you'll know how best to talk to them. Blogging or writing articles for the publications your target audience is likely to read is a great way to denote yourself as an expert in your field. Giving genuinely valuable advice away for nothing helps to build trust, so that when your potential clients are ready to spend, there won’t be any question of whom they will be spending with. If writing is not your thing, you could engage a professional content writer or copywriter to do it for you. Alternatively, try video presentations on Youtube, Facebook or Facebook Live, or offer to present at seminars and workshops. 

#3 Network

As a business coach, you probably talk up the value of networking to your clients. Now it's time to put your money where your mouth is and go forth and mingle! Networking takes many forms these days, with online networking forums ranking almost as highly as face-to-face interactions. Business groups on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter are a great place to interact with potential customers and build rapport. Outside of the digital space, attend seminars, workshops, and charity events, and join chambers of commerce and business networking groups.

#4 Get Referrals

Leverage your existing client network, even if it's just one or two clients. Referrals from existing clients are one of the best sources of new business for coaches and trainers. There is no better lead than one sent your way with a strong referral; no more motivated a prospect than one sent to you by a raving fan. The key to getting referrals is to deliver outstanding service in the first place.

#5 Perfect your Elevator Pitch

Your elevator pitch should be word perfect, and should be projected in everything that you do. The precise service you offer, your niche area of specialisati0on, and your unique selling point must be communicated clearly and frequently.