I’m Certified! Now What? 5 Proven Steps to Start Your Coaching Practice
You’ve done it. You completed your coach training, passed your certification exam, and now you’re a Certified Coach.
But now what?
You’re staring at your certificate, equal parts thrilled and overwhelmed. You’ve been equipped with powerful tools and a heart to help people grow. But suddenly, the path forward seems unclear.
If you’re feeling unsure of where to begin, you’re not alone. Many new coaches experience this same mix of excitement and uncertainty. The dream is real, but building a sustainable, meaningful coaching practice takes intention and perseverance.
The good news? You don’t need all the answers right away. You just need a few clear steps to move from confusion to clarity. Here are five proven steps to help you start strong and build momentum in your coaching journey.
Step 1: Practice
Before you dive into logos, websites, or business cards…just start coaching.
Seriously. The best thing you can do right now is coach as many people as you can. Offer sessions to friends, family, peers from your training program, or even people in social media groups who are open to receiving support. Not only does this help you hone your skills, but it also builds confidence, develops your coaching voice, and starts clarifying the type of client you most enjoy working with.
Think of each coaching session as a laboratory. You’re learning how to listen deeply, ask powerful questions, and support transformation. The more you practice, the more natural coaching becomes and the more you start to feel like the coach you were trained to be.
Step 2: Participate
As you get clearer on who your ideal client might be, go find them. Where are they spending time online? What communities are they a part of? Join those spaces – not to sell, but to serve. Comment, ask questions, offer encouragement, and build relationships. When people trust you, they naturally become curious about what you offer.
The goal here isn’t immediate conversions. Instead, it’s connection. Referrals and inquiries often come from people who’ve seen your presence, not your pitch. Participation opens doors that cold marketing rarely can.
Step 3: Promote & Partner
You could be the most gifted coach in your niche, but if no one knows you exist, your calendar will stay empty. So, start small. Set up a free Google Business profile to help people find you locally. List yourself on free online coaching directories (just Google them). Create a simple social media presence where you share helpful tips, insights, or reflections related to your niche.
Also, consider offering complimentary (not “free”) sessions or discounted packages in exchange for honest testimonials. These will help you build social proof and credibility.
And don’t forget about partnerships. Connect with therapists, pastors, business consultants, or other coaches who serve a similar audience. Collaboration often leads to referrals and increased visibility. Like the saying goes, “your network often determines your net worth.”
Step 4: Persevere
Here’s a truth that doesn’t get said enough: most coaching businesses don’t fail because the coach lacks skill. They fail because the coach quits too soon.
Growth takes time. Most coaches don’t find their rhythm or consistent clients in the first few months. Sometimes it takes a year. Sometimes two. That doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re building.
Treat your coaching practice like a long-term investment. Keep showing up. Keep learning. Keep trusting the process. Give yourself at least three years before deciding whether it’s “working.” Because often, the breakthrough is just on the other side of your persistence.
Step 5: Polish
As you grow, refine.
Listen to your clients. What words do they use to describe their struggles and desires? Start using their language in your content and conversations. This helps you connect more authentically and makes your messaging resonate on a deeper level with potential clients.
Continue your own development as a coach. Read books, attend trainings, and seek out supervision or mentorship. Keep improving, not because you’re not good enough, but because great coaches are always growing.
Final Thought
Building a coaching practice isn’t a sprint, it’s a journey. If you stay engaged, stay consistent, and stay rooted in why you started, you’ll build something not just successful, but deeply fulfilling.
The Lord has called you. You’ve got the training. You’ve got the heart. Now it’s time to take the next step.
Author Bio
Dr. Justin Tilghman is a board-certified life and mental health coach and the founder of Balanced Coaching & Consulting, where he helps people move from survival mode to a life of clarity, confidence, and connection. Blending practical coaching tools with biblical truth and neuroscience, he empowers clients to overcome stress, strengthen relationships, and live with deeper purpose—spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.