How to Get Your First Client as a Coach

Starting out as a new coach can feel like a daunting task, especially when it comes to landing your very first client. At the Barbell Academy, we frequently hear this question from aspiring coaches. It is a great place to start when you want to turn your passion for fitness into a full-time career. Here is a simple yet effective approach to getting your first client:

Start with Your Close Circle

The easiest way to get your first client is to tap into your existing network. This includes family, friends, co-workers, and anyone in your community—whether it is your gym, church, or even a hobby group you belong to. These are people who already know and trust you, making them more likely to say “yes” when you announce that you are starting as a coach.

Know What You Want and Be Ready to Say Yes

Before reaching out to anyone, it is essential to know exactly what you want to accomplish with your first client. Are you aiming to improve your teaching progressions, programming, real-time cueing, or customer service? Do you want to focus on private ongoing coaching or group sessions, or would you prefer to mainly offer one-off sessions? Do you want to coach in person or online? Knowing your goals beforehand ensures you can handle a potential client’s interest smoothly and professionally. It is important to be ready to schedule a session, onboard the client, and deliver the service.

Make It Personal

While social media is a great tool, it is often not the best way to get your first client. An impersonal announcement on Instagram or Facebook is less likely to generate interest because it is not specific enough. Instead, take the time to send direct, personal messages—whether through email, text, or even a phone call. Let your close circle know that you are now a coach and explain how they can get in touch with you if they are interested in training.

Set Expectations: Free or Paid?

As a new coach, it is perfectly okay to offer lower rates or even free sessions to gain experience and build confidence. However, it is important to have time limits on these offers. For example, you might offer a discounted rate or free sessions for a specific duration (e.g., three months), after which you can reassess and adjust the pricing.

Especially for free services, it is crucial to make sure you are getting something valuable out of this first interaction. Beyond the obvious coaching experience, a testimonial, Google review, or feedback that helps you improve your services can provide marketing material and direction for where you should focus your learning that supports sustainable growth in your coaching business.

Move Beyond Your Immediate Circle

Once you have coached a few people from your close circle and feel confident, you might want to expand your reach. At this stage, it is helpful to focus on people who are already interested in fitness or strength training. Online communities, like fitness-related Reddit groups or other social media platforms, are a great place to find people who are looking for a coach. Just remember to be respectful of the group’s rules and approach your outreach thoughtfully.

Some new coaches have even had success offering one-off sessions at their home gym or other local venues. After a session, they can send clients before-and-after videos with feedback and offer online coaching as a follow-up. This can help build trust and create ongoing client relationships.

Getting your first client as a new coach is all about being proactive, setting clear expectations, and leveraging the relationships you already have. Start small, be honest about your experience, and provide value wherever you can. With this approach, you will be well on your way to building a successful coaching career.