Are your coaching programs too long?
Do you want more private coaching clients and wonder what program length will attract the most people?
The answer to this question depends on the types of clients you serve and what you’re helping them with.
Some health challenges take longer to address than others. And, some clients will be drawn to having support over a long period of time. Other clients, especially those that are crazy busy, may be more drawn to a program with a shorter time commitment.
Ultimately, your prospective clients are going to be looking to you to tell them what they need.
Imagine that you hurt your back and you went to a chiropractor. At your first appointment, you would want the chiropractor tell you what was going to be the most effective treatment plan. You would be looking for the chiropractor to lead you and tell you something like this…. “I want to see you twice a week for six weeks. This plan is going to get you the best results so you can feel better fast.”
With this in mind, take your marketing hat off for a moment and put your coach hat on.
Now, ask yourself two things:
- What program length and structure will get my clients the best results?
- What format do I enjoy most? (For example, do you like working with clients for six months, or do you find it’s too long of a commitment for you?)
It’s not just about program length, but also the length, frequency, and number of sessions you have with clients.
Here are some options for you to consider:
- Session length
This can be 30, 45, 60, or 90 minutes. Or, you could meet with your clients for a half or full-day intensive. You want your sessions to be long enough that you can support your clients, but not so long that it feels like you’re just filling the time. - Frequency of sessions
How often do you want to speak with clients? This can be weekly, twice a month, or once a month. - Number of sessions
How many sessions would you like to have with clients? While they may come back to work with you at a later date, initially, how many total sessions are needed to get your clients results?Just like with the session length, you want your sessions to be long enough that you can support your clients, but not so long that it feels like you’re just filling the time.In the case of the half or full-day intensive, you might just meet with clients once.
Once you think through these parameters, you can craft your private coaching offering. It’s like putting the pieces of a puzzle together.
Here are some options to get you started:
- 60 day program that starts with a half-day intensive and includes weekly 30 minute calls.
- Three month program with three 45 minute calls per month
- Four month program with a total of eight 60 minute calls
- Full-day Intensive
As you can see, the options are limitless.
Your next step
Think about what’s working and what’s not working about the structure of your current program. Create a new structure and try it out. Notice if you are able to sign on more clients with the new structure and pay attention to how this new structure is working for you and your clients. Ultimately, you will find success when you create offerings that you love and that get your clients great results.
I’d love to hear from you.
In the comments below, share how your private coaching programs currently structured. How would you like to tweak them to make them more effective and attractive to your clients?
