I still remember the first time I built a coaching program from scratch.
It was 2020, and after years of running breakout sessions and workshops for corporate clients, I thought, “I’ve got this.” I slipped right into what I knew best — trainer mode.
Slides? Check.
Frameworks? Check.
Detailed lesson plans for every scenario? Oh, absolutely.
But here’s what I didn’t realize:
What worked beautifully in corporate environments completely overwhelmed my online audience.
They weren’t looking for a firehose of information. They were already drowning in it.
What they really needed was clarity. Simplicity. Small steps forward, not a masterclass in everything at once.
And because I didn’t get that feedback early, I ended up building a beautiful program that wasn’t what they were truly looking for. Ouch.
If you’re thinking about creating a new coaching program — whether it’s your first offer or your next income stream — I want to save you from that same frustrating detour.
Because here’s the thing:
➡️ Testing your idea is important.
➡️ But getting feedback early is non-negotiable.
It’ll save you time, energy, and let’s be honest… a whole lot of second-guessing.
So before you dive headfirst into building out your new offer, let’s make sure you’re focusing on the right things first. Here are five steps to get you there.
1. Get Ultra Specific About Who You’re Helping 🎯
If you’re tempted to say, “My program is for everyone who wants to [insert transformation],” stop right there.
Your offer needs to feel like it’s speaking to one person — not the entire internet.
👉 Who is she (or he)?
👉 What’s keeping her up at night?
👉 What has she already tried that didn’t work?
When you get this specific, your messaging sharpens, and your offer feels like it was made just for her. She reads your sales page and thinks: Finally, someone gets it.
Why this matters:
If you skip this step, you’ll end up speaking too broadly, which makes it harder for your perfect-fit client to recognize that your program is exactly what she’s been searching for.
2. Spot the Gaps in Your Niche 🔍
Now that you know who you’re helping, it’s time to figure out what they’re still struggling with.
Start listening before you start building.
- What are the common complaints you hear in coaching groups?
- What questions keep popping up in your DMs?
- Are there pain points that no one else seems to be addressing?
Why this matters:
When I built my first program, I created what I thought they needed based on my own experience — not necessarily what they were asking for. Spotting the gaps helps you avoid that mistake and create something that feels like a missing puzzle piece.
Plus, this is how you create a program that feels fresh, not like another “me too” offer in a crowded market.
3. Break It Way Down
This is where things went sideways for me in my first coaching program.
I mapped out an entire multi-step journey that could’ve lasted months (or years). But what my audience really needed was a bite-sized next step to build momentum.
Ask yourself:
- What’s the first small win you can help them achieve?
- Where are they getting stuck right now?
- What’s a quick breakthrough that builds trust?
Why this matters:
Giving your clients an early win builds confidence and keeps them engaged. When they see progress fast, they’re more likely to keep going — and to spread the word about your program.
4. Solve One Part of the Problem 🧩
Repeat after me: you don’t have to solve everything.
Focus your program around solving one meaningful part of their bigger challenge.
- What’s the single most frustrating step they can’t seem to tackle alone?
- Where can you give them clarity and momentum?
- What’s a pain point that, when solved, will make everything else feel easier?
Why this matters:
Trying to solve every part of the problem often leads to a bloated, overwhelming program (trust me, I’ve been there).
Instead, solve one part well, and you’ll become the go-to expert they trust for the next step too.
5. Test the Waters with a Juicy Lead Magnet 🧲
Before you go full steam ahead building your program, test the concept with a freebie.
Your lead magnet gives you early feedback and grows your list at the same time.
Double win.
Ask yourself:
- Can I create a free resource that previews my approach?
- Does this lead magnet get people clicking, downloading, and engaging?
- Are they opening emails, hitting reply, and showing genuine interest?
Why this matters:
This is your sneak peek into whether your idea is resonating. If people aren’t excited about the free version, they won’t be eager to invest in the full program.
Here’s the truth:
Creating a coaching program isn’t just about having a great idea — it’s about having the right idea for the right people at the right time.
By slowing down and following these five steps, you’re not just throwing spaghetti at the wall. You’re building something that solves real problems and creates real results for your clients.
And if you’re ready for even more guidance to build your next offer the smart way (without burning yourself out in the process), come join me inside the Visibility Builders Society.
It’s where we take strategies like these and turn them into action — so you can stop guessing and start growing.
👉 Click below to join us inside Visibility Builders Society!
