The 5 Stages of Client Attraction (And Why You’re Stuck in Stage 2)
“Amanda, I’m doing everything. I’m posting three times a week on Instagram. I’m going to networking groups. I’m showing up on stories. I’ve even started a podcast, but I’m still not getting clients. What am I doing wrong?”
Sound familiar? This exact conversation happens in my coaching calls weekly. Furthermore, after studying hundreds of coaches over the years, I’ve discovered something crucial: 80% of coaches get trapped in the same two stages of the 5 stages of client attraction, spinning their wheels and wondering why their massive effort isn’t translating to clients.
Here’s the reality: The 5 stages of client attraction aren’t random. You don’t just “have it” or you don’t. Nearly every coach I’ve worked with has a solution people are actively searching for. However, most coaches are stuck in a predictable pattern that keeps them frustrated and broke.
The 5 Stages of Client Attraction Every Successful Coach Must Master
After working with countless coaches and analyzing my journey, I’ve mapped out the 5 stages of client attraction that every successful coach moves through. Most importantly, understanding exactly where you’re stuck in these 5 stages of client attraction is the first step to breaking free and building a thriving practice.
Stage 1: The Visibility Stage (The Starting Line)
This is where everyone begins. You realize you have a gift and need to put it in front of people. Consequently, you start creating content consistently, posting on social media, and building an online presence.
The good news: Most coaches nail this stage quickly because visibility is modeled everywhere. Social media feels like the obvious free way to build presence and share expertise.
The problem: Just being visible doesn’t equal clients. I’ve seen coaches with thousands of followers and zero clients, while others with 200 followers have fully booked rosters.
Stage 2: The Credibility Phase (Where Dreams Go to Die)
This is where the majority of coaches get stuck—and it’s painful. You’re visible, but now potential clients are thinking: “Can I trust her? Does she know what she’s talking about? Will she get me results?”
What you’re doing: Sharing credentials, posting educational content, trying to prove you know your stuff through information dumps.
Why it’s frustrating: People engage with your content, like your posts, comment “I love this,” but they’re not becoming clients. You’re getting validation but not transformation into paid clients.
The real problem: You’ve built credibility around your expertise, but you don’t have credibility around the results you can deliver. People believe you know what you’re talking about, but they don’t believe you can help them get what they want.
Stage 3: Nailing the Messaging (The Game Changer)
This is where everything begins to shift. Instead of talking about what you know, you start talking about what you do through the lens of transformation. Rather than general problems, you speak directly to specific pain points.
The shift looks like this:
- ❌ “5 Tips for Better Sleep”
- ✅ “How My Client Sarah Went from Waking Up 3 Times a Night to Sleeping 8 Hours Straight in 2 Weeks”
What happens: Your ideal client thinks “she gets me” and starts looking for ways to work with you.
Stage 4: The Strategic Invite (The Bridge)
Once you’re talking correctly about what you do, you need a way to invite them in that gives a taste test. This is where the small bite offer becomes crucial.
The reality: Clients don’t meet you and immediately spend thousands of dollars. They want to experience working with you first. Additionally, you need to give them a micro win that proves what results are possible.
Stage 5: The Showcase (Total Belief)
You live and breathe what you offer. You have an unshakeable belief that there’s no better way. Moreover, you become known for the specific results you provide, not just general transformation.
Why Coaches Get Trapped in Stages 2 and 3 of Client Attraction
The harsh truth: You can be the most knowledgeable coach in your niche and still be broke if you’re stuck in stage 2 of the 5 stages of client attraction. Your ideal client isn’t looking for the smartest coach—they’re looking for the coach who will help them get the specific result they want.
Here’s what’s happening:
- You’re talking about broad, intangible outcomes (confidence, empowerment, peace of mind)
- Clients don’t search “how to feel empowered”—they search “how to say no to my spouse” or “how to ask for a promotion”
- You’re being helpful to people who will never become clients
- It feels productive because you’re getting engagement, but you’re not conveying that what you do is irresistible
The 3-Step Bridge Out of Stages 2 and 3
Step 1: Define Your Specific Problem and Promise
The #1 reason coaches stay stuck: They think they’re solving a specific problem, but nobody understands what they actually do.
❌ “I help people find their purpose.”
❌ “I help people feel confident.”
❌ “I help people fully embody themselves.”
Nobody knows what these mean. You need to get specific about the exact problem you solve and the promise you can make.
Step 2: Show Your Social Proof Relentlessly
We need to see evidence that you get results:
✨ Tell transformation stories: “How she went from not fitting in her clothes to wearing any outfit she wanted in 30 days”
✨ Share specific wins: “How he went from yelling at his kids to pausing and taking a breath—14 days and counting”
✨ Display testimonials: Screenshots from communities, Voxer messages, emails showing real results
Step 3: Give Them a Taste Test
This is the most crucial piece. Stop expecting clients to jump from meeting you to spending thousands. Instead, create a way for them to build trust and authority immediately.
The strategy: If you’ve done steps 1 and 2 correctly, they’re on the edge of their seat thinking, “Maybe I do need to work with her.” Give them a micro win that creates momentum and makes them think, “I can’t live without this person.”
Transform Your Client Attraction Strategy
Ready to stop spinning your wheels? The strategies I’ve shared are just the beginning. Therefore, I’m hosting an exclusive workshop called “Why Your Coaching Isn’t Selling” where I’ll give you a 30-minute fix that changes everything.
Workshop Details:
📅 Date: July 29th
🕙 Time: 10 am Arizona Time
💡 What You’ll Get: The exact formula showing why your coaching isn’t selling, how to build real authority, and the one tweak that becomes a game-changer.
Additionally, I’ll help you get clear on building authority, adjusting your messaging, and implementing the taste test strategy that turns prospects into paying clients.
Your Next Steps
Join the free workshop: amanda-walker.com/getclients
Grab my coaching questions: Get 10 Powerful Questions Every Coach Should Know at amanda-walker.com/questions
The Bottom Line
You have the knowledge. You have the expertise. However, sometimes we just need clarity on what moving forward looks like. The difference between a coach with 200 followers and a full roster versus one with thousands of followers and no clients? They’ve mastered stages 3, 4, and 5.
Stop giving away your expertise to people who will never become clients. Start positioning yourself as the authority who gets specific results.
Connect with me: @awalkmyway on Instagram
