Not Enough Sign Ups for Your Group Coaching Program?
Let's reframe!
Launching a group coaching program is exciting, but it can also be nerve-wracking. A common fear among coaches moving from individual to groups is:
What if not enough people sign up?
It’s a valid concern. You put time and energy into creating a meaningful experience, and when the sign-ups trickle in or don’t come at all, doubt starts creeping in.
Dom, CEO at Group Coaching HQ shared this story:
I remember my first group coaching program: four people signed up and I was delighted. That was the perfect number to start - enough voices in the room but not an overwhelming of people to guide. Unfortunately after the first session, two had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts.
What will the remaining two think? What if they leave too?
My mind started racing, my heart pounding, the fear of disappointing them, of not being taken seriously, of… failing.
Thankfully, I have many friends who are also coaches and I have learned to ask for help! With their help, I reframed the situation. Instead of seeing it as a failure, I recognized it as an opportunity. I told the remaining two members that we now had a wonderful chance to go deeper, tailor the experience to their needs, and make it even more impactful.
The result? A deep friendship that still lasts, powerful testimonials, and an enriching experience for all involved, including myself.
A Small Start Is a Strong Start
If you’re feeling anxious about low sign-ups for your group coaching program, here are some important reminders:
1. Two People Are a Group
A group coaching experience doesn’t have to be large to be meaningful. We know that the two people who sign up, will benefit tremendously.
A smaller group allows you to:
- Test out your group coaching skills in a low-pressure setting
- Receive meaningful feedback and testimonials
- Build strong connections with participants
- Shape future iterations of your group coaching program with confidence
Many successful group coaching programs started with just a few committed participants, yours can too!
2. Invite Participants Strategically
If your numbers are lower than expected, consider:
- Offering a reduced rate: Invite one or two additional participants at a lower cost in exchange for feedback. We advise you not to invite people to join for free because it’s important each participant has some skin in the game. Think about perceived value and how you can ensure they feel they are receiving a valuable service, not something that comes free.
- Positioning it as a pilot program: Frame it as an exclusive beta round where participants get a more personalized experience. Share that the feedback you receive from them will be invaluable in shaping the future of the program - their voice matters!
This way, you still fill the group while maintaining the value of your group coaching program.
3. Set Expectations in Advance
When advertising your group coaching program, be transparent about the group size:
- Mention that the program will run with a minimum of two participants (or whatever number you’re comfortable with).
- Optionally, set a maximum to create urgency and exclusivity.
This helps set expectations, making it easier for both you and your participants to embrace whatever turnout you get.
4. Small Groups Lead to Strong Testimonials & Word-of-Mouth Growth
A smaller group allows you to focus on each participant more deeply, often leading to:
- More engaged and satisfied clients
- Stronger testimonials that showcase the value of your group coaching training
- Genuine word-of-mouth referrals for future cohorts
A few great testimonials can have a massive impact on the success of your next group coaching program launch!
Lesson Learned: Don’t Let a Small Start Discourage You
Some of the most successful group coaching programs began with just a few dedicated participants.
What matters most isn’t the size of the group, but the quality of the experience.
Instead of worrying about low sign-ups, use it as an opportunity to refine your approach, build stronger connections, and lay the foundation for future success.
Your group coaching journey is just beginning, and every great program starts somewhere. Keep going!
What’s Your Experience?
Have you ever launched a group coaching program with a small group? How did it go? Share your story in the comments!
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