How to Use LinkedIn to Grow Your Coaching Business

LinkedIn. Some say it’s the ultimate networking platform. Others think it’s just a digital business card collecting dust online.

So where does it stand for coaches?

Should you invest your time and energy there, or is it better spent elsewhere?

Let me cut to the chase: LinkedIn has been the #1 platform for my coaching business. I’ve grown an audience of almost 20K followers, and around 90% of my coaching clients have found me through LinkedIn (although YouTube is now making a strong push to take this over as my number one platform).

In this article, I’ll walk you through:

• The pros and cons of using LinkedIn as a coach

• 4 proven tips to help you attract coaching clients without being pushy or salesy

Let’s dive in.

The Pros of LinkedIn for Coaches

1. You get access to a targeted audience.
LinkedIn is full of professionals and decision-makers. If you coach people on leadership, career development, entrepreneurship, or niche industries, your ideal client is likely already here.

2. It builds your authority.
LinkedIn lets you publish posts, articles, and even videos. That content positions you as a thought leader and gives potential clients a reason to trust you.

3. There are endless networking opportunities.
Groups, comments, DMs, and mutual connections all make it easier to start conversations, form partnerships, land speaking gigs—or get referrals.

The Cons of LinkedIn for Coaches

1. It’s a time investment.
To get real traction, you need to consistently show up. Posting content, engaging with others, and staying active.

2. It’s crowded.
There are a lot of coaches out there. Standing out requires more than a generic bio. You need to own your niche and offer something different.

So, Is LinkedIn worth it for coaches? If you're strategic, absolutely. But you can’t just create a profile and hope for the best.

Here are four ways to maximize your efforts on the platform: 4 Tips to Grow Your Coaching Business on LinkedIn

1. Optimize Your Profile

This is your landing page. Make it count.

• Use a professional photo and a banner image that speaks to your audience.

• Your headline should say more than just “Coach”, it should make it clear who you help and how.

• In your About section, tell a story or paint a picture of your ideal client’s challenges and how you solve them.

Example:
Holly Crawshaw’s profile shows she’s a ghostwriter for LinkedIn and books, with clear credibility and strong testimonials. It speaks directly to her audience from the first glance.

Another Example:
Michael Cassidy, a fitness coach for tech professionals, uses storytelling to connect. His profile is tailored, authentic, and focused on outcomes.

Bottom line: Don’t just say you’re a coach. Say who you help, what challenge you solve, and why you’re the best person to help them.

2. Share Valuable Content

If you’re not posting, you’re invisible. Post consistently about topics your audience cares about. That includes:

• Quick wins or practical tips

• Personal stories and lessons learned

• Common mistakes your clients make

• Results and testimonials

Give away free advice. Don’t worry, most people won’t implement it on their own. They’ll appreciate your expertise and eventually want to hire you to help.

3. Use Free or Low-Ticket Offers

Build trust by reducing the risk of working with you.

• Offer a free newsletter, ebook, workshop, or webinar

• Include these in your LinkedIn Featured section

• Occasionally drop the link in the comments of your own posts

This gives people a way to get to know you, your style, and your expertise, before making a bigger investment.

On my profile, you’ll find:

• My Happy Accidents newsletter (includes a free book)

• Links to my Solopreneur Playbook and Author’s Playbook courses

• Access to my bestselling book, The Accidental Solopreneur

All low-cost, low-friction ways to build trust.

4. Engage in Groups and Conversations

Join relevant LinkedIn groups. Comment on posts from potential clients. Start conversations.

But, don’t pitch. Ever.

Lead with curiosity. Ask questions. Give thoughtful feedback. Build relationships.

Eventually, people will ask you what you do and that’s when you can invite them to check out your free or low-ticket offers.

Final Thoughts

LinkedIn has been a game-changer for my coaching business, but only because I approached it with intention.

Here’s what I recommend:

✅ Optimize your profile
✅ Share valuable content
✅ Offer free or low-ticket ways to connect
✅ Focus on relationships, not sales

If you follow these steps, LinkedIn won’t feel like a waste of time. It’ll become one of your most powerful tools for growing your business.

Want some help? Check out the various ways you can work directly with me through 1:1 coaching.