For a long time, I assumed the hard part was teaching what I know. I was wrong. What kept appearing, quietly and consistently, was one vulnerable question: “How much should I invest to start?” If you’re eyeing life coaching as your next move, money and momentum both matter. Here’s the honest breakdown I wish someone had sent me. A few years back I was knee-deep in emails from people asking how I ran virtual summits. I kept pointing them to other experts until it hit me... people weren’t looking for a generic course. They wanted my playbook, my shortcuts, my mistakes. That moment nudged me into coaching. Since then I’ve watched new coaches get stuck in a loop: comparing programs, stalling on certification, and waiting to feel “ready.” Meanwhile, the ones who move fastest do something different - they make a smart plan for budget and skills, then start stacking small wins. Here’s the money reality. Certification pricing runs wide: from free or $159.99-style starter courses to $15,000+ flagship programs. It’s not just about content - you’re paying for accreditation, mentoring, practice hours, community, and brand weight. Do you need certification? Not legally in most places, and not to help people. A credential can boost confidence and trust, especially early on. But clients buy outcomes and trust more than they buy letters after your name. One stat I keep handy when people ask about income: according to a recent ICF global study, intermediate coaches average $67,800 a year, with top performers clearing $100,000+ by specializing and selling outcomes, not hours. That’s the ceiling you’re working toward - and your upfront choices can shorten that path.
1) Pick your pathway - certification or portfolio
2) Budget with a ladder, not a leap
3) Build your Trust Stack
4) Launch lean, iterate fast
You do not need to buy confidence. You need to build it - through reps, results, and real conversations. Spend where it compresses time: feedback, practice, and distribution. Save where it inflates ego but not outcomes. Six months from now you’ll either have clients and case studies... or a receipt. Choose momentum. I shared the full guide here - pricing ranges, 15 program examples, and no-cost paths. Keep Talking, Liam ~ Liam Austin Made my first sale online in 2001, built multiple 6-7 figure online businesses, hosted 400+ interviews. I split my time between Malta, Stockholm, and Sydney - watching soccer, loving the freedom, and still chasing the best burrito in every city. Inside Talks is free today. But if you enjoyed this post, you can tell Inside Talks that their writing is valuable by pledging a future subscription. You won't be charged unless they enable payments. |