How to Launch a Coaching Program from Scratch: A Quick Guide

Starting a coaching business is an exciting venture, especially when you’re creating something as transformative as a course on rewiring the brain for happiness. However, if you’re new to the process, the technical and strategic aspects of launching can feel overwhelming. That’s where expert support comes in.

Based on a recent conversation with a client launching their first coaching course and webinar, I wanted to share a behind-the-scenes look at the process and how you can approach a similar project—whether you're starting from scratch or refining an existing idea.

STEP 1: BUILDING A WEBSITE THAT REFLECTS YOUR BRAND

Your website is your online home and the first impression many potential clients will have of your business. This client wanted to create a website on Kajabi but felt stuck after starting the process on their own.

Here’s how we tackled it:

1. Choose the Right Template: Kajabi offers several options, but selecting one that resonates with your coaching style is key.
2. Personal Branding vs. Course Branding: A critical decision is whether to focus the website on your name (e.g., JackiePopper.com) or the course name (e.g., Rewiring Your Brain to Happiness). For this client, we recommended focusing on the course brand for clarity and scalability.
3. Highlight Your Expertise: Share your story, credentials, and what makes your approach unique to build trust with your audience.

STEP 2: CRAFTING AN ENGAGING WEBINAR

A webinar is a powerful tool to build your audience and funnel participants into your course. For this client, we outlined:

• Interactive Visuals: Incorporating a slide deck and visual aids to keep the presentation engaging.
• Kajabi or Zoom Setup: Depending on your needs, Kajabi offers tools for automated replays, but platforms like Zoom also allow for more hands-on editing.
• Lead Magnets and Follow-Ups: We set up a system for collecting emails, sending reminders, and providing replay access to keep participants engaged.

STEP 3: STRUCTURING THE COURSE FOR SUCCESS

This client’s eight-week live coaching course was already outlined, but there were questions about how to package and present it. Here’s how we approached it:

1. Modular Design: Break the course into weekly modules with clear objectives for each session.
2. Supporting Materials: Depending on your content, add resources like worksheets, PDFs, or slides to help participants stay on track.
3. Automations: Kajabi makes it easy to automate email reminders, upload replays, and provide access to course materials.

STEP 4: LAUNCHING WITH CONFIDENCE

The launch phase is all about creating momentum. For this client, we focused on:

• Email Campaigns: Set up automated emails to announce the course, build excitement, and drive registrations.
• Pre-Launch Webinars: Use the webinar to give participants a taste of what they’ll gain in the full course.
• Urgency and Exclusivity: Highlight the limited enrollment period to encourage sign-ups.

THE IMPORTANCE OF FLEXIBILITY

One of the key takeaways from this process was the importance of flexibility. This client expressed concern about ongoing costs and wanted clarity on the timeline and deliverables. By working collaboratively and communicating frequently, we were able to create a setup that matched their needs and budget.

LESSONS FOR ASPIRING COACHES

Launching a course from scratch might seem daunting, but it’s absolutely achievable with the right plan. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Start with What You Have: Even if you’re starting with just an idea or an outline, that’s enough to build momentum.
2. Work with Experts: Whether it’s designing your website, creating course materials, or strategizing your launch, having an experienced partner can save you time and stress.
3. Think Long-Term: Your first launch is just the beginning. As your audience grows, you can refine and scale your program to reach even more people.

If you’re considering launching your own coaching program or course, I’d love to help you simplify the process and create something amazing. Let’s bring your vision to life!