20 Ways a New Coach Can Create Social Proof (Even If You’re Just Getting Started)
When you’re a brand-new coach, you don’t have dozens of glowing testimonials or a waitlist of clients lining up at your door.
And yet, everyone’s out there chanting: “Use social proof! Testimonials! Case studies!”
Cool. Except… where exactly are those supposed to come from when you’re just starting?
Here’s what I know: social proof isn’t only about clients.
It’s about showing people you’re engaged, capable, learning, and creating results (for yourself and others). That builds trust way faster than any fancy logo or brag post.
(Speaking of logos, I’ve had… let’s just say… more than a few. I’ve probably swapped logos more times than some people swap profile pics. But hey, I’m a visual person.)
So let’s talk about all the ways you can create and use social proof, even if your coaching business is brand-new.
Client & Coaching Proof
(Even if it’s just one client or your very first coaching conversation.)
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Share a client testimonial (even one sentence counts, no one said it had to be an essay).
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Post anonymized before/after stories or case studies.
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Screenshot thank-you texts, DMs, or emails (yes, with permission… don’t be shady).
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Share milestones: “I just wrapped my 10th coaching session!”
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Feature a client win in a post: “This week a client told me ___.”
Experience & Credibility Proof
(You are your first case study, never forget it)
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Talk about your own transformation. Your coaching started with you, so don’t downplay it.
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Share past professional experience that naturally supports your coaching. (That corporate job you thought was irrelevant? It counts. That stack of books you read, counts.)
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Highlight training, certification, or mentorship you’ve done.
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Mention workshops, conferences, or masterminds you’ve participated in.
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Share published articles, guest podcasts, or features you’ve been included in. (Pro tip: screenshot them and brag a little.)
Community & Engagement Proof
(Proof isn’t just clients, it’s also people showing up for you)
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Share screenshots of positive engagement on your posts. (Yes, even if it’s only three people commenting, that’s three humans who cared enough to type.)
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Highlight how many people joined your free webinar, challenge, or opt-in.
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Share photos/screenshots of you coaching live or hosting a call.
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Celebrate small wins like: “50 people just downloaded my free guide!” (That’s 50 strangers who thought your free thing was worth a click.)
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Show behind-the-scenes prep for working with clients or creating content. People love seeing the messy middle.
Authority & Association Proof
(Borrowed credibility is still credibility)
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Quote industry stats + show how you’re helping solve that problem.
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Mention collaborations, bundles, or summits you’ve been part of.
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Share if you’re featured or interviewed anywhere (podcast, guest blog, etc.).
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Highlight books, tools, or methods you’ve studied and apply in your coaching. (Take a photo of a stack of books you’ve read… I’ll wait. Actually, I’m about to go do that too, right now.)
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Share your philosophy or framework, positioning it as a clear system you use. Matter of fact, create your unique method (something I teach in my mini-course Your Unique Edge).
Here’s the Point:
You don’t have to wait until you’re “established” to create social proof. (And shouldn’t.)
Every step, every client conversation, every piece of work or course of study you put into your business is proof.
Start sharing it. Because the more people see that you’re real, engaged, and growing, the faster they’ll trust you enough to say “yes.”
(And no, you don’t need a 7-figure revenue screenshot to prove you’re credible. Unless you have one, in which case, definitely post it. For the rest of us, this list works just fine.)
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Michelle Sera
Michelle Sera is a Coaching Business Growth Specialist who’s worked behind the scenes of 4 multi-million dollar coaching brands, learning what truly works to grow a thriving coaching business. As a Certified Happiness & Manifesting Coach and founder of ElevatedMind®, she guides coaches to consistent growth with strategic simplicity and energy alignment.
Disclaimer:
All content, coaching, programs, products, and services offered through ElevatedMind® and Michelle Sera (including but not limited to mindset coaching, business strategy, manifesting guidance, personal development tools, trainings, or digital products) are for educational and informatio
nal purposes only. Nothing shared is intended to be — or should be considered — medical, psychological, legal, financial, or tax advice. Please consult the appropriate licensed professional for those needs.
By participating in any ElevatedMind® offerings, you agree that you are fully responsible for your own decisions, actions, and results. While I’m here to support and guide you, your results are ultimately your own.
All offerings are designed to support your growth, reconnect you to your inner clarity, and help you create aligned, sustainable momentum — not to diagnose, treat, or guarantee specific outcomes.
nal purposes only. Nothing shared is intended to be — or should be considered — medical, psychological, legal, financial, or tax advice. Please consult the appropriate licensed professional for those needs.
By participating in any ElevatedMind® offerings, you agree that you are fully responsible for your own decisions, actions, and results. While I’m here to support and guide you, your results are ultimately your own.
All offerings are designed to support your growth, reconnect you to your inner clarity, and help you create aligned, sustainable momentum — not to diagnose, treat, or guarantee specific outcomes.
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©2022 Vermilion Marketing, LLC - ElevatedMind® All Rights Reserved