How to Know If Your Coaching Niche Is Actually Working (And What to Do If It’s Not)

If you're a coach, you've probably spent more time than you'd like to admit tweaking your niche, rewriting your “I help” statement, and wondering, “Is this actually landing with anyone?”

Let’s talk about something that most coaches avoid—but seriously need to hear:

How do you actually know if your niche is working?

I’m not talking about having a pretty “I help” statement sitting in your Google Doc or written in a journal somewhere. I’m talking about whether the niche you’ve chosen is doing what it’s supposed to do:

• Get attention.

• Create connection.

• Lead to conversations—and eventually, paying clients.

Here’s what I’ve seen from coaching dozens of clients: We spend weeks (sometimes months!) getting crystal clear on a niche. But then, what happens?

You go back to overthinking it.

You change a word here… rephrase it again… ask ChatGPT for five new versions... and somehow, you’re stuck in the same loop wondering, “Is this really the right niche?”

So if you’ve ever had that moment of doubt, this blog is for you.

Because here’s the truth: no matter how “perfect” your niche sounds in theory, you won’t really know it’s working until you test it in the real world.

Let’s break down exactly how to do that—with 3 simple ways to validate your niche and see if it’s actually resonating with your audience (and leading to clients).

1. Post It (Like, Actually Post It)

This one sounds obvious—but most coaches never do it.

You create a beautiful Canva banner, update your Instagram bio, maybe even change your LinkedIn headline… but you skip the most powerful piece: the caption.

If you want to see whether your niche is clear and compelling, you need to talk about it. Loudly and proudly.

Here's how you do it:

• Write a short post introducing yourself and your coaching offer.

• Use your “I help” statement (no hiding it in small font in your bio).

• Share a quick origin story—why you do this work and who it’s for.

Example Post:

“Hey friends! Some of you know me as [past identity or role]… but what you might not know is that I’m also a certified coach.
After years of [personal challenge], I’m now on a mission to help [ideal client] overcome [pain point], so they can [desired result].
I’m excited to share more about this journey—and how I can support you or someone you care about.”

Then… watch what happens.

• Are people clicking on your links?

• Are they DMing you?

• Are they liking or commenting with, “Wow, I didn’t know this!”?

That’s how you know your niche is starting to land.

And if no one reacts? That’s data too. It might mean your niche needs clearer language, a stronger hook, or more specificity. No shame in adjusting!

2. Ask 3 Friends to Reflect It Back to You

Pick three people who know you well—friends, biz besties, or people in your inner circle who aren’t coaches—and ask them:

“How would you describe what I do as a coach?”

Then just listen.

Don’t explain. Don’t defend. Don’t correct them. Just take notes.

Why?

Because if people who know and love you still don’t understand what you do… your dream clients probably won’t either.

Listen for:

• The words they use

• The clarity (or confusion) in their response

• Whether it aligns with your intended nichePro Tip: Keep a “language bank” on your phone or inside Notion. Every time someone uses a phrase that feels spot-on (or totally off), save it. These real words will help shape your messaging in a way that actually connects.

This simple exercise often leads to powerful lightbulb moments like:

“Whoa, I thought I was clear… but people think I’m a therapist.”

“Interesting—she described my coaching in a way I hadn’t even considered.”

3. Audit Your Own Content

Here’s a super quick but powerful exercise:

Pull up your last 3–5 social media posts or emails.

Ask yourself:

• “Is this post solving or highlighting a specific problem?”

• “Would my dream client see themselves in this content?”

• “Am I writing from my perspective, or am I speaking to their experience?”

A common mistake coaches make is posting content that makes sense to other coaches… but completely flies over their ideal client’s head.

Example:

• A coach writes about “emotional regulation” and “mindset shifts,” but their ideal client is just trying to stop yelling at their kids every day.

That disconnect? It’s not just a content problem—it’s a messaging problem rooted in an unclear niche.

If your content isn’t landing, it’s often because:

• Your “I help” statement is too vague

• You’re using coaching jargon

• You’re not meeting your audience at their level of awareness

Bonus: When You Change Your Niche (Again…)

It’s OK to pivot. It’s OK if something doesn’t feel aligned anymore. Just make sure you communicate the change clearly.

Don’t ghost your audience.

Reintroduce yourself.

Use the same formula as before:

• “Here’s who I was known as…”

• “Here’s what I’m stepping into now…”

• “Here’s who I help and how.”

People forget—and they won’t notice unless you keep reminding them.

So, Is Your Niche Working?

If you’re wondering whether your niche is working, stop thinking—and start testing.

Here’s your 3-step action plan:

✅ Step 1: Post your niche—publicly, with a story or intro post.

✅ Step 2: Ask 3 people—and listen to how they describe what you do.

✅ Step 3: Audit your content—make sure it’s solving problems and resonating with the right people.

Don’t let your “I help” statement die in a Google Doc.

Visibility = feedback.
And feedback = clarity.

Want to Sell Coaching Without the Perfect Niche?

If you’ve been holding back on marketing because you don’t feel 100% locked in on your niche—let me take that pressure off your plate.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

1. Stop searching for the perfect niche before you take action. I’ll help you break the cycle and finally move forward.

2. Get clear on what you do, who you help, and how to talk about it—without sounding like everyone else.

3. Learn the proven roadmap to build a coaching biz you love and attract happy paying clients consistently.

Grab your free seat here → How to market, get clients and build an online coaching business (without a perfect Niche)

And hey—tag a coach friend who’s been quietly spiraling over their niche too. Let’s stop overthinking and start taking action.

Comment below: Which of these three steps are you going to try this week?

Because action = clarity.
And clarity? That’s what gets you clients. 💥