The Best Ways to Get Your First Clients as a Health & Wellness Coach

You’ve finished your training. You’re qualified. So now what? You’re probably wondering how to take your first steps into the world of coaching clients, turning your passion into a real Health Coach career. 

If you're unsure where to begin, you're not alone, and it’s completely normal. Many new coaches worry they lack experience, but the truth is, you already have what you need: training, empathy, and drive. 

Picture yourself guiding your first client through a breakthrough moment. This blog offers practical steps to help you get there, even if you're just starting out looking for Health & Wellness Coaching jobs.

You’re Not Alone: Every Health Coach Starts Somewhere 

Every graduate wonders how to get clients as a Health & Wellness Coach. The truth is, no one starts fully booked or with a highly visible web presence; those come later. Right now, what matters is getting started. Confidence is built in action, not in waiting until everything feels “ready”. 

Self-doubt creeps in for nearly everyone at the start. You might wonder if you're qualified enough or experienced enough to charge for your services. But remember that you’ve completed a professional Level 5 Health Coach Diploma, and that means something. Every successful Health Coach once stood exactly where you are now. 

To help ease those early doubts, we recommend reaching out  to other coaches, especially those who are also starting out, as community brings reassurance, shared wisdom, and encouragement. When you realise you’re not the only one navigating these first steps, it gets easier to move forward. 

That’s exactly what the Health Coaches Hub is all about: community. It’s a space where you can connect with fellow Health Coaches, ask questions, bounce ideas around, and support one another as you grow. Once you qualify, the Hub is there to keep you motivated, sharpen your skills, and help you move forward with confidence in your new health coaching career. 

Build Confidence by Coaching (Even Informally) 

You build confidence as a new coach by coaching; simple as that. Practice is one of the best tools you have. Offer free or low-cost sessions to people you know. It might be a friend, a colleague, or someone in your extended network. These sessions matter as they’re real opportunities to provide support and see your skills in action. 

Every conversation helps you refine your approach and coaching rhythm. You’ll learn what works, what resonates, and how to adapt. These early clients often become your first testimonials too, providing valuable proof that you can deliver results. 

Even better, this kind of proactive experience helps when applying for Health Wellness Coaching jobs. It shows initiative, capability, and confidence. Whether you're building your own business or exploring a Health Coach career with an organisation, starting small gives you the foundation you need. 

Easy, Authentic Ways to Attract Your First Clients

You don’t need a big marketing budget or fancy tools to attract your first health coaching clients. Start simple and stay genuine: 

• Tap Into Your Personal Network: Let friends and family know what you offer. Many people are looking for health and lifestyle support; they just don’t know that health coaching exists. 

• Be Visible on Social Media: Share useful tips, insights from your training, or stories from your coaching journey (keeping client details confidential, of course). 

• Get Involved Locally and Online: Attend wellness events, contribute to Facebook groups, or comment in online communities where your ideal clients already spend time. 

• Create a Clear and Easy-to-Understand Offer: Be specific. Who do you help? What problem do you solve? How can someone book in? 

Clients are more likely to take that first step when your message is clear and you show up with consistency and warmth. 

Marketing Without Feeling Salesy

One of the most common concerns new Health Coaches have is not wanting to come across as pushy. If that’s you, you’re not alone, and the good news is you don’t have to market like a salesperson to be successful. In fact, the most effective new Health Coach marketing tips are about connection, not conversion. 

Think of marketing as an extension of your coaching. You’re there to educate, inspire, and invite people to take action, so share why you care about health and wellbeing. Let people see the human behind the qualifications, as when you build trust first, clients follow naturally. Authenticity wins every time. 

Use Support & Mentorship

Starting a health coaching business doesn’t mean doing everything by yourself. In fact, trying to go it alone can slow you down. This is where mentorship plays a key role, as whether it’s guidance on pricing, structure, or mindset, experienced support can save you time and energy. 

At Health Coaches Academy, we provide business mentoring, alumni networks, and ongoing education and support that goes far beyond graduation. This includes Project RIO, in which we arrange the placement of students and graduates in non-profit organisations to gain valuable real-world experience.  

We also offer our LevelUP Programme, designed specifically to help you move from newly qualified to a confident, successful Health Coach. The programme includes step-by-step support to help you get your first paying clients, refine your coaching offer, and build a business that works for you. With group mentoring, expert-led workshops, and real-time feedback, LevelUP provides the structure and encouragement to take action and keep going. 

If you’re feeling stuck, you’re not the first, and you won’t be the last. Use what’s available to you. 

Our support is especially helpful as you’ll likely be in the position of getting clients without experience or applying for Health Wellness Coaching jobs. Real-world guidance bridges the gap between training and thriving.  

HCA Director of Studies, Nikki Wilson

Take The Next Step With Confidence

You don’t need to be perfect; you just need to get started. Every client you support is progress in your Health Coach career and a positive step in their wellbeing. You’ve done the training, built the skills, and now it’s time to act. 

We highly encourage you to read some of our graduate stories to give you the boost you need to take your budding Health Coach career to the next level. You’ll also find a wealth of invaluable resources and information in our  Health Coaches Hub or by listening to our HCA Talks Health podcast. 

For those starting from the ground level, if you're considering a career change into Health Coaching, join one of our free introductory webinars to see how we can support your journey. Or explore our Level 5 Health Coaching Diploma page for more information.