Not all life coaches are created equal. Some are legit, some are clueless, and some are straight-up scammers. The coaching industry isn’t regulated, which means anyone can call themselves a coach—whether they have experience or not.
If you’re looking for real guidance, you need to know what to watch out for. A bad coach won’t just waste your money—they can actually set you back in your progress.
Here are the 10 biggest red flags to look out for when hiring a life coach.
🚨 1. No Clear Coaching Process
Real coaches have a structured framework to help clients achieve their goals. If a coach can’t explain their process or gives vague answers like “I just help you unlock your potential,” that’s a problem.
✅ What to look for: A clear methodology that includes goal-setting, action plans, and accountability.
🚨 2. Over-the-Top Guarantees
Beware of coaches who promise instant success or claim they can “fix” your life in just a few sessions. Personal growth isn’t an overnight transformation—it takes real work and commitment.
✅ What to look for: A coach who sets realistic expectations and focuses on long-term change.
🚨 3. Lack of Testimonials or Proof
If a coach has zero client success stories, reviews, or case studies, that’s a huge red flag. Experienced coaches should be able to provide real feedback from past clients.
✅ What to look for: Verified testimonials, video reviews, or references from actual clients.
🚨 4. No Credentials or Training
Coaching isn’t regulated, so anyone can call themselves a coach without training. That doesn’t mean every coach needs a certification, but they should at least have relevant experience, education, or mentorship.
✅ What to look for: Certifications from reputable organizations like the International Coaching Federation (ICF) or a strong professional background in personal development.
🚨 5. Pushy Sales Tactics
A coach should empower you, not pressure you. If they use aggressive sales tactics, constant upsells, or try to guilt-trip you into signing up, walk away.
✅ What to look for: A coach who gives you space to make an informed decision.
🚨 6. No Free Consultation or Discovery Call
A good coach wants to make sure you’re the right fit before working together. If they expect you to pay upfront without any kind of intro call, that’s a bad sign.
✅ What to look for: A free consultation or low-cost trial session to discuss your goals and see if there’s a fit.
🚨 7. They Act Like a Therapist (But Aren’t One)
Life coaching is not therapy. A coach shouldn’t be diagnosing mental health conditions, analyzing your childhood trauma, or acting like a licensed professional when they’re not.
✅ What to look for: A coach who knows their role and refers clients to a therapist when necessary.
🚨 8. Their Only Qualification Is ‘I Transformed My Own Life’
Just because someone turned their own life around doesn’t mean they know how to help you. Personal experience is valuable, but real coaching requires skills, structure, and the ability to adapt to different clients.
✅ What to look for: A coach with training, coaching experience, or a proven framework.
🚨 9. Too Much Focus on Mindset, Not Enough on Action
Mindset is important, but if all a coach does is talk about “manifesting” success without real strategies, that’s a red flag. You need actionable steps, not just motivation.
✅ What to look for: A coach who balances mindset shifts with real-world strategies.
🚨 10. They Promise Results Without Effort
No coach can do the work for you. If they claim you’ll achieve success just by “signing up” or “believing in yourself,” they’re selling false hope.
✅ What to look for: A coach who challenges you and holds you accountable.
How to Find a Legit Life Coach
Now that you know what to avoid, here’s how to find a coach who’s actually worth your time and money:
✔️ Check their background. Do they have relevant experience, training, or certifications?
✔️ Look for client testimonials. Real results come from real people.
✔️ Ask about their process. A good coach should explain how they work.
✔️ Book a free consultation. See if their coaching style fits your needs.
✔️ Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is.
🚀 Want a Real, Experienced Coach? Let’s Talk.
If you’re ready to take control of your life and start making meaningful changes, here are a few ways to begin:
Let’s talk! Book a free consultation to see if coaching is right for you.
Want to learn more about coaching? Check out my latest blog posts for insights and tips.
Explore and Discover Resources to help along your journey.
About Jillian Smith
Disclaimer: Jillian is not a therapist or counselor. She offers life coaching to help you unlock your potential and achieve your goals, business coaching for professionals and family-run businesses seeking success, and relationship coaching to build strong, meaningful connections.
As a grief coach and Death Doula, she provides compassionate support and practical steps to help you navigate loss, guiding you through life’s toughest transitions and helping you create meaning after them. Jillian graduated with honors in both undergraduate and graduate school and is dedicated to helping you thrive while maintaining balance and well-being.
