Why Most Coaches Fail Before They Even Launch (And How to Avoid It)

Most coaches fail before they even launch. And it’s not because they aren’t qualified, smart, or ready to take on the coaching industry. It’s because they’re making three critical mistakes that sabotage their success before they even get started.

So let’s talk about what these mistakes are and, most importantly, how to avoid them—so you can start generating real income with your coaching business.

The Journey Begins

When I first started coaching, I thought I had it all figured out. I had taken courses, gotten certified, and even built a website with beautiful branding. I was ready—at least, I thought I was.

But then reality hit. I wasn’t getting clients. My coaching business felt more like a hobby than an actual source of income. And after talking to dozens of other aspiring coaches, I realized I wasn’t alone. Most new coaches were struggling, and they were making the same mistakes I had made.

Mistake #1: Not Having a Clear Offer

One of the biggest reasons new coaches fail is that they don’t have a clear offer.

I see it all the time—coaches with either too many offers or no offer at all. Some go online, research other coaches, and piece together random services, hoping something will stick. The result? When they get on a call with a potential client, they’re confused about which offer to present, and a confused buyer does not buy.

On the other hand, some coaches are so overwhelmed that they don’t create any offer at all. They focus on branding, website colors, and fancy photoshoots, but they forget that the foundation of a business is a solid offer. Without one, all the branding in the world won’t bring in clients.

How to Fix It:
Create one clear, compelling offer that delivers a specific transformation. It should be easy to explain and solve a real problem for your clients.

Mistake #2: Pricing That Doesn’t Serve You

Once a coach does have an offer, the next mistake they make is pricing it too low.

I’ve seen so many new coaches think, “Since I’m just starting out, I should charge low.” They set their rates at $20, $50, or $99 per session, thinking that since it’s higher than their current hourly wage, they’re doing great.

But here’s the problem: They assume they can find 40 or 50 clients to make a full-time income. In reality, most new coaches struggle to get even a handful of clients at first. And without the right pricing, they end up burnt out, overworked, and still broke.

How to Fix It:
Price your services based on the transformation you provide, not just the hours you work. A profitable coaching business requires an offer that not only benefits your clients but also sustains you financially.

Mistake #3: Waiting for Perfection

The last big mistake? Waiting to be perfect before launching.

So many coaches hesitate, thinking they need another certification, another course, or another mentor before they’re ready. But the truth is, you will never feel 100% ready. And the longer you wait, the more time you waste.

I had to learn something I now call “enoughness”—the idea that you are already enough, right now. You don’t need permission. You don’t need another training. You can start today.

One thing that helped me was creating a Pretty Big Deal Folder. This was a collection of everything I had accomplished—big or small. Whether it was a diploma, a job promotion, or a kind message from someone I had helped, I kept it all in one place. And whenever doubt crept in, I looked at it to remind myself of how far I’d come.

How to Fix It:
Stop waiting. Take action now. The best way to get better at coaching is to start coaching. Progress happens in motion, not in perfection.

The Path to Success

If you’re serious about building a successful coaching business, here’s what you need to do today:

Get clear on your offer and pricing.

Talk about your offer every single day. (Excitement is contagious!)

Stop overthinking and start taking action.

To help you get started, I’ve put together my Seven-Figure Coaching Blueprint. You can download it using the link in my bio.

Tell me in the comments: What’s your biggest mindset block when it comes to building your coaching business? Let’s talk about it!

And don’t forget to like, and comment—I’m looking forward to reading your thoughts.

See you in the next one!

—Sandra Kemayou