7 Common Website Mistakes Coaches Make (and How to Fix Them)
Websites
Sep 25, 2025
Your website is often the first impression potential clients have of your coaching business. It’s your digital storefront, sales tool, and credibility marker all rolled into one. Yet, many coaches unknowingly sabotage their online presence with avoidable mistakes that drive clients away instead of drawing them in.
In this article, we’ll uncover the 7 most common website mistakes coaches make and show you actionable fixes to create a site that converts browsers into loyal clients.
Mistake 1 – Not Having a Clear Value Proposition
Why This Matters
If visitors land on your site and can’t immediately understand what you offer, they’ll bounce. A clear value proposition explains who you help, how you help them, and why they should choose you. Without it, you risk blending in with countless other coaches.
How to Fix It
Write a headline that states your promise in plain language.
Add a sub-headline that clarifies the transformation or results you provide.
Use bullet points for quick scannability.
Example Internal Link Placement:
For a deeper dive into why clarity and design matter for conversions, read our guide on Why Every Coach Needs a High-Converting Website to Attract Clients.
Mistake 2 – Poor Mobile Experience
Why Coaches Lose Clients on Mobile
Over 60% of web traffic now comes from mobile devices (source: Statista). If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, users will leave. Google also prioritizes mobile-first indexing, which affects your SEO rankings.
Fix: Responsive & Mobile-First Design
Test your site with Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test.
Use a responsive theme or framework.
Keep buttons and CTAs large enough to tap with a thumb.
Minimize pop-ups that block mobile content.
Mistake 3 – Slow Loading Speed
The Impact of Speed on Conversions
Research by Google shows that a one-second delay in load time can reduce conversions by up to 20%. For coaches, that could mean losing a client before they even read your headline.
Fix: Optimize Images, Hosting, and Caching
Compress images with tools like TinyPNG.
Use a fast hosting provider.
Implement caching plugins (if using WordPress).
Minimize unnecessary scripts.
Mistake 4 – Weak Call-to-Action (CTA) Strategy
Signs of a Weak CTA
Generic phrases like “Click here” or “Submit.”
CTAs hidden at the bottom of long pages.
No alignment with client goals (e.g., coaching discovery call).
Fix: Clarity, Placement, and Testing
Use action-oriented text (e.g., “Book Your Free Strategy Call”).
Place CTAs at natural decision points (header, mid-page, footer).
A/B test colors, wording, and button placement.
Mistake 5 – Neglecting SEO Fundamentals
Common SEO Errors Coaches Make
No keyword research.
Missing title tags or meta descriptions.
Using images without alt text.
Overlooking local SEO (critical for location-based coaching).
Fix: On-Page & Local SEO Basics
Optimize titles and headings with relevant keywords like “coach for men mental health.”
Claim and update your Google Business Profile.
Add location-based keywords (e.g., “career coach in Los Angeles”).
Build backlinks from credible sites (guest posts, partnerships).
Mistake 6 – Lack of Trust-Building Elements
Missing Testimonials or Case Studies
Visitors want proof you can deliver. Without testimonials, reviews, or case studies, your website feels unverified.
Fix: Social Proof & Authority Signals
Showcase client testimonials (written and video).
Add professional certifications or media features.
Use secure HTTPS (the padlock in browsers builds trust).
Mistake 7 – No Clear Client Journey
Why a Guided Journey Converts Better
If your site has no logical flow, visitors won’t know what to do next. A client journey should guide them from curiosity → trust → action.
Fix: Step-by-Step Funnel & Navigation
Map your client journey (awareness, consideration, decision).
Provide logical next steps on each page.
Use breadcrumb navigation and clear menus.
Create a funnel (free resource → consultation → paid program).
FAQs (Conversational Q&A)
Q: What’s the most common website mistake coaches make?
A: The biggest mistake is lacking a clear value proposition. If clients don’t instantly understand who you help and how, they’ll leave.
Q: How can I improve my coaching website without hiring a designer?
A: Start with the basics: simplify your value proposition, use a mobile-responsive template, compress images, and write strong CTAs. These low-cost tweaks deliver big results.
Q: Do I need SEO if I only work locally?
A: Yes. Local SEO (Google Business Profile, location keywords) ensures people in your area can actually find you. Even word-of-mouth referrals often search online before contacting you.
Conclusion
Your website is more than an online business card—it’s a client-generating machine if built right. By fixing these common mistakes, you’ll improve trust, boost conversions, and stand out in the competitive coaching industry.
Ready to take your coaching website to the next level? Subscribe for more insights, share this article with your network, or drop a comment with your biggest website challenge.
