Building a Coaching Business in 2026: Trends to Ignore (and What Still Works) | Ep.71
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Online Coaching in 2026 - what will it look like?
If you’ve found yourself scrolling through online coaching communities thinking, “Is this boat sailing without me?”, you’re not alone. Everywhere you look, someone’s declaring: “Freebies are dead!” “Funnels are dead!” “Organic content doesn’t work anymore!”
Today we’re hitting the pause button. Because this year — yes, 2026 — isn’t about chasing the next shiny tactic. It’s about real, grounded strategy. It’s about planting seeds in solid soil, nurturing them, and trusting the growth process.
In this post you’ll discover which scare‑tactics you can safely ignore — and what to focus on instead so you can build a coaching business that feels spacious, joyful and aligned.
Why the “everything is dead” messages are everywhere
The online coaching and education space has matured — meaning there’s more noise, more competition, more opinions.
Market shifts (economy, tech, AI) mean some tactics need updating, but that doesn’t mean everything is obsolete.
Many coaches are using bold, provocative headlines (“Courses are dead!”) just to grab attention — not because they’re always true.
The foundation your coaching business still needs in 2026
Before you worry about what visibility tactic to use, make sure you’ve got these basics:
Clear niche + problem you solve – Who exactly are you helping? What painful, urgent problem do they have?
Offer that solves it – Your solution must speak plainly: “Here’s how I help you ____”
Messaging that connects – Your ideal client must read your words and think: “Yes, this is about me.”
Once those are nailed, you’re ready to layer in tactics.
What is working going into 2026 (with caveats)
Freebies
Still work — if specific, promise‑driven, value‑packed
Is your freebie meaningful & tied to your offer?
Courses
Work — for a sophisticated buyer, with clear positioning
Does your course solve a real problem people will pay for?
Funnels
Work — but not “set‑and‑forget”; they need nurturing layers
Is there connection built into the funnel?
Organic content
Works — but slower growth; more competition
Are you speaking very specifically to one person?
Paid ads
Work — but often more expensive and need sharper targeting and messaging
Is your offer dialled, your audience clear, and ad message aligned?
Your calm, grounded plan for 2026
Plant seeds now: Start showing up, sharing your message, connecting.
Water consistently: Pick a rhythm you can sustain (weekly content, outreach, discovery calls) vs burning out.
Don’t expect instant buds: Growth might feel slow — but those seeds are working under the surface.
Think long‑term: Your new clients may show up in 6‑12 weeks, not next week.
See this as a garden: Good soil (foundation) + consistent nurture (strategy) = flourishing business.
What to do if you’re getting stuck
Revisit your foundational work: niche, offer, messaging.
Pick one visibility tactic you’re comfortable with and commit to it for the next 90 days.
Track what you’re doing, how people are responding — adjust based on what’s showing up.
Let go of the “everything must be viral or instant” belief. Focus on sustainable, aligned action
The easy way to get ready for 2026
Start now!
You’re not too late.
You’re just in time. If you begin now — with the right foundations and a clear plan — you’re setting yourself up for a strong start into 2026.
Want extra support to plant your seeds?
Check out The Launch Kit
The four‑step implementation plan that helps you create your aligned niche, your offer, your messaging and your simple marketing rhythm so you can enter the new year with confidence.
Share this post with a fellow coach who’s over the noise and ready to build something meaningful. And I’d love to hear what’s the one thing YOU will plant this week. Drop a comment below or connect on Instagram.
Hey There, I’m Leonie
I’m the girl who can’t sit still and loves a good life pivot. Ex-architect turned business owner turned business coach, and a UK expat living in New Zealand. I’m also a travel lover, recovering perfectionist, and life-first advocate. Here, I share simple, spacious strategies to help purpose-led coaches and experts launch, grow, and scale businesses that actually feel fun to run.
THE SPACIOUS BUSINESS BLUEPRINT
Discover the simple 1-page, 7-step roadmap to attract consistent coaching clients, create a spacious strategy, and build a business that works for your life — without the hustle or overwhelm.
