Why Selling an Experience Creates a More Profitable Coaching Business
Most online coaches think they’re selling knowledge, strategies, or expertise. But the truth is, people don’t buy just information—they buy experiences that create results.
If you position your coaching as just another online course or set of PDFs, you are competing with thousands of other programs. The only way to stand out in that market? Lower your prices and fight for attention. And that’s just not profitable.
But when you sell an experience, you offer something more valuable than just content:
✅ A structured, engaging coaching journey instead of disconnected resources.
✅ Accountability and motivation that keeps clients coming back.
✅ A clear, guided transformation process with measurable results.
Think about learning to swim. If someone hands you a PDF with swimming techniques, will you become a great swimmer? Probably not. But if you have a coach guiding you through the process, correcting your form, and tracking your progress, you’ll improve much faster and stay committed.
That’s the difference between selling a commodity and selling an experience.
This shift is what separates coaches who struggle to make sales from those who build six- and seven-figure coaching businesses.
Why Most Coaches Struggle to Scale Without an Experience-Based Model
Many coaches fall into the "content trap"—thinking that success is about creating more content. They keep adding more videos, PDFs, and live sessions, believing that more equals better.
But research shows that 97% of people who buy online courses never finish them (Harvard Business Review). The problem isn’t the lack of content—it’s that people don’t stay engaged.
This is why successful coaches stop selling "access to content" and start selling "access to an experience."
In this article, we’ll break down:
📌 The key differences between selling an experience vs. a commodity.
📌 Why selling experiences inside an app creates better results and higher profits.
📌 How coaches are scaling to six figures with small, highly engaged audiences.
By the end, you’ll see why turning your coaching business into an experience-based model is the fastest way to grow in 2025 and beyond.
Selling an Experience vs. Selling a Commodity: The Key Differences
Most online coaches struggle to scale because they sell coaching as a commodity instead of positioning it as an immersive experience.
A commodity is interchangeable—buyers compare prices, shop around, and choose the cheapest option.
An experience is unique—clients feel connected, invested, and committed to the process.
A Simple Analogy: Coffee vs. a Coffee Experience
Imagine you need a cup of coffee. You have two options:
1️⃣ A gas station coffee for $1.50—it’s quick, basic, and gets the job done. There’s nothing special about it, and if another gas station sells it for less, you’d switch without hesitation. There’s no loyalty—just convenience.
2️⃣ The speciality café experience for $6—from the moment you walk in, the atmosphere, personalized service, and handcrafted brew make it feel like a treat, not just coffee. You come back not just for the drink but for the experience.
What’s the difference?
The first option is a commodity—it competes on price. The second option is an experience—it builds loyalty, justifies a higher price, and creates a deeper emotional connection.
This is exactly what happens in coaching.
If you sell PDFs, Zoom calls, and recorded videos with no structure or engagement, your clients treat it like commodity coaching—comparing prices and looking for the cheapest option.
But when you create an experience-based coaching model, clients don’t just pay for knowledge—they invest in a guided transformation with real progress tracking, accountability, and a sense of belonging.
The Key Differences Between Selling a Commodity vs. an Experience in Coaching
The coaches who scale to six figures aren’t selling more courses—they’re creating more transformation.
What Counts as an Experience in Coaching?
Many coaches believe they are selling their expertise—whether that’s business coaching, fitness training, or mindset transformation. But expertise alone doesn’t create demand. If it did, the most knowledgeable coaches would be the wealthiest.
The reality? Clients don’t just pay for knowledge—they pay for a guided experience that gets them results.
A coaching experience is not just access to sessions, videos, or PDFs. It is a structured, high-engagement journey that keeps clients accountable and ensures they follow through and get results.
A commodity-style coaching program often lacks this structure, leaving clients feeling unsupported and disengaged. They start with enthusiasm but drop off when motivation fades.
When coaching is sold this way, it becomes just another product competing on price, instead of a transformation clients are willing to invest in.
What Makes a Coaching Program an Experience Instead of a Commodity?
1. A Structured Journey Instead of Isolated Coaching Sessions
Many coaching programs are a series of calls, videos, and PDFs with no clear progression.
Clients attend sessions but don’t know exactly where they are in the process or what’s next.
An experience-based coaching program guides clients through a clear roadmap with defined milestones and progress tracking.
Example: Instead of offering one-off business coaching calls, a coach can provide a step-by-step "Launch Your Offer" program where each stage builds on the last, ensuring progress toward a measurable goal.
2. Accountability Systems That Keep Clients Engaged
Many coaching programs expect clients to be self-motivated, but accountability plays a massive role in success.
When coaching is delivered as a commodity, clients are left to figure it out on their own. If they get busy, distracted, or overwhelmed, they drop off without completing the process.
An experience-based coaching program includes built-in accountability measures, such as:
- Progress tracking so clients can see their improvements over time.
- Reminders and structured follow-ups to keep them on track.
- Regular check-ins or coaching feedback so they stay engaged.
Think of a language-learning app vs. a traditional textbook. The book has all the information, but the app keeps you accountable with daily streaks, reminders, and interactive lessons that build on each other.
Example: A fitness coach offering a 90-day transformation program can integrate progress tracking, weekly check-ins, and automated habit reminders so clients stay committed. In the shared community space, participants can motivate each other, share progress and celebrate each other’s wins.
3. Interactive Coaching Instead of Passive Consumption
If clients only consume content without active participation, engagement drops dramatically.
Many coaching programs offer videos, worksheets, and calls, but no real interaction that encourages clients to apply what they’re learning.
An experience-based program includes:
- Hands-on exercises or challenges that push clients to take action.
- Quizzes or self-assessments that reinforce learning.
- Real-time feedback to help clients course-correct as they progress.
Example: A business coach can offer a 30-day content creation challenge where clients must post daily, get feedback, and track their engagement metrics to ensure real-world application.
Drip content allows you to create a more dynamic and engaging learning experience. By unlocking each lesson only after the previous one is completed, you keep students motivated, prevent overwhelm, and turn learning into an exciting journey rather than just a checklist.
4. A Coaching Community That Supports Client Success
When coaching programs operate in isolation—without community or peer support—clients often feel alone in the process.
A coaching experience creates a sense of belonging, where clients are motivated by peer accountability, shared wins, and ongoing discussions.
- Private coaching groups keep engagement high.
- Live community Q&As or group coaching sessions make clients feel seen.
- Challenges, leaderboards, or collaboration help create momentum.
- A community of like-minded people supporting each other make learning more fun
Training for a marathon alone is tough. But if you’re in a running group where everyone shares progress and supports each other, you’re much more likely to stay committed.
Example: A mindset coach can create a “Master Your Confidence” program where clients post daily reflections, share wins, and encourage each other inside a private community space.
5. A Personalized Client Journey Instead of a One-Size-Fits-All Approach
Many coaching programs provide the same experience for everyone, assuming all clients need the same information. But coaching should feel tailored to the client’s unique challenges and goals.
- Personalized coaching feedback helps clients make real adjustments.
- Adaptive learning paths ensure that clients don’t feel lost or behind.
- Flexible pacing and customization allow clients to move at the right speed.
If two people go to a gym, but one is a beginner and the other is an advanced athlete, they need different plans to succeed. Coaching should work the same way—guiding clients through an experience that fits their level and needs.
Example: A nutrition coach can create customized meal plans and progress tracking based on each client’s dietary needs instead of just handing out generic advice.
Selling an Experience Creates Long-term Success for Coaches
Higher Engagement & Retention – Clients stay longer when they feel involved in the journey.
Easier to Charge Premium Prices – People pay more for a process that guarantees results rather than just information.
No More Chasing Leads – A great experience motivates clients clients will stay longer and refer others effortlessly.
Better Results for Clients – Structured, interactive coaching drives real transformation instead of passive learning.
Example: From $27 subscription to a $3,700 Coaching Experience
Nicki Bianco started by charging $27/month for hairstyling education. She had an engaged audience, but retention was low, and clients weren’t seeing results.
When she moved her coaching into her own Passion App and created a structured experience—including interactive progress tracking, automated reminders, and premium mentorship—she raised her prices to $3,700 for the same content.
The result? $300,000 per month—without needing a massive following.
Her clients don’t just pay more—they stay engaged longer, complete the process, and refer others.
This is the power of selling an experience instead of a commodity.
5 Reasons Why Selling an Experience with Your Own App is an Easier and Faster Way to Scale a Coaching Business
Many coaches understand the power of selling an experience instead of just content, but they still struggle with how to deliver that experience effectively.
The reality is, that running a high-engagement coaching business on social media, email, or scattered platforms creates frustration for both coaches and clients:
❌ Clients drop off because they lose track of the process.
❌ Engagement fades because there’s no structured accountability.
❌ Coaches burn out trying to manually check-in, follow up, and keep clients motivated.
This is why top-earning coaches don’t just create experiences—they deliver them inside their own apps.
Your Passion App isn’t just a place to store content—it’s a coaching engine that automates engagement, tracks progress, and delivers a structured, high-value experience.
Here’s how selling an experience inside you Passion App makes coaching easier, faster, and more profitable:
1. Your Passion App Automates Engagement So You Don’t Have to Chase Clients
One of the biggest challenges coaches face is keeping clients engaged long enough for them to complete the process and see real results.
Most coaching programs fail because clients lose motivation before finishing.
A study by Harvard Business Review found that 97% of people who buy online courses never finish them.
This isn’t because they don’t want to—it’s because there’s no system in place to keep them accountable.
How Your Passion App Fixes This Problem:
📌 Push Notifications – Clients receive automated nudges to log in, complete lessons, and track progress—so they don’t forget.
📌 Progress Tracking – Clients can visually see how far they’ve come, which keeps motivation high and increases completion rates.
📌 Automated Check-Ins – Instead of manually emailing reminders, coaches set up scheduled in-app notifications to keep clients engaged automatically.
Example: A fitness coach can set up automated reminders to check progress every Monday, keeping clients engaged without needing to chase them via emails or DMs.
2. Your Passion App Provides a Distraction-Free Learning & Coaching Environment
If your coaching program lives inside social media groups or email inboxes, you’re competing with distractions every second.
Clients log into Facebook groups for coaching but end up scrolling their feed for 20 minutes instead.
Emails with valuable lessons get buried under promotions, newsletters, and spam.
This is why coaching inside your Passion App delivers better results—it creates a dedicated, distraction-free space for learning and progress.
How your Passion App Fixes This Problem:
📌 No Social Media Algorithms – Your clients focus only on your content, not competing distractions.
📌 All Coaching Resources in One Place – Instead of scattered PDFs, live calls, and videos, everything is organized inside the app for easy access.
📌 Private, Controlled Experience – Clients log in and engage without competing with notifications from other brands.
Example: A mindset coach running a 30-day mental resilience program can structure daily check-ins inside their Passion App, ensuring clients stay on track without social media interruptions.
3. Your Passion App Makes Scaling Your Coaching Business Effortless
Many coaches hit a ceiling because they rely on 1:1 calls, social media engagement, and manual follow-ups—which become impossible to manage as they grow.
How your Passion App Fixes This Problem:
📌 Pre-scheduled lesson delivery – Instead of manually sending out materials, lessons unlock automatically based on the client’s progress.
📌 Community discussions inside the app – Instead of Facebook groups, clients engage inside a private, focused coaching space.
📌 Instant access to coaching tools – Clients can access their progress, resources, and guidance on demand, instead of waiting for emails or check-ins.
Example: A business coach who previously ran weekly 1:1 live calls can switch to an app-based coaching model where lessons, discussions, and accountability happen in a premium community space inside the app with complimentary group coaching calls This frees up the coaches' time while maintaining a high quality experience for more clients.
4. Your Passion App Increases Client Retention & Lifetime Value
Selling coaching is not just about getting clients—it’s about keeping them.
Coaches who rely on one-time course sales constantly have to chase new leads to replace disengaged clients.
But coaches who create structured, ongoing coaching experiences inside their app retain clients for months or even years.
How your Passion App Fixes This Problem:
📌 Clients see their progress in real time – This creates a sense of momentum that keeps them committed.
📌 In-app challenges & rewards – Progress streaks, goal tracking, and community engagement increase retention rates.
📌 Easy upsells into premium coaching – Clients who complete one phase can instantly move into a next-level offer inside the same app.
Example: A nutrition coach who previously sold a $99 meal plan course can retain clients by offering seasonal meal courses based on a client’s needs and preferences through a subscription-based membership.
5. Your Passion App Allows You to Charge Premium Prices with Confidence
The coaches who charge the most don’t sell more content—they sell higher-value experiences.
A collection of videos and PDFs is easy to devalue because clients don’t feel a deep connection to the process. Instead, they quickly feel overwhelmed and confused.
But when coaching is delivered inside an app, it feels premium—structured, interactive, and designed for real transformation.
How your Passion App Fixes This Problem:
📌 Clients see it as an elite coaching experience – A structured, professional transformation journey justifies higher pricing.
📌 Higher perceived value – Clients associate Interactive, immersive coaching with a higher value than they would with clunky PDF or endless video recordings across different platforms.
📌 People pay more for results, not content – An app increases engagement and results, making it easy to charge premium pricing.
Example: Instead of selling a $199 self-paced course, a fitness coach can offer a 12-week body transformation program that includes progress tracking, habit streaks, and weekly coaching through their own app and charge $1,500 for this premium experience.
How to Sell an Experience as a Coach in 2025
Most coaches struggle to stand out because they sell their expertise like a product—a collection of coaching calls, PDFs, and videos. But in 2025, clients don’t just want information—they want an experience that leads them to transformation.
Selling an experience instead of a commodity coaching program helps you:
✅ Charge premium prices because clients see the value in a structured, guided transformation.
✅ Increase client retention by keeping them engaged in an immersive coaching journey.
✅ Scale your coaching business without needing thousands of followers or chasing new clients constantly.
The best part? Selling an experience isn’t about doing more work—it’s about structuring your coaching in a way that makes it more effective and valuable.
Here’s how to do it.
1. Create a Step-by-Step Coaching Journey
Many coaches lose clients early because their program lacks structure. When clients feel lost or overwhelmed, they disengage.
A great coaching experience feels like following a map—every step is clear, and there’s a defined outcome.
How to Structure a Step-by-Step Coaching Journey
- Break your coaching into phases. Clients should know exactly where they are in the process and what comes next.
- Use milestones and progress tracking. This keeps motivation high because clients see measurable improvements.
- Ensure each stage builds on the last. If clients don’t complete earlier phases, they shouldn’t move forward unprepared.
Think of an online fitness program. Instead of dumping all workouts at once, the best programs guide clients through phases like strength building, endurance training, and fine-tuning—ensuring they follow a structured path to transformation.
Example: A business coach running a “6-Figure Offer Launch” program can break it into four clear stages:
- Finding the right niche
- Crafting the irresistible offer
- Setting up the marketing system
- Scaling with premium clients
This ensures that clients don’t just absorb information—they implement and move forward step by step.
2. Focus on Engagement, Not Just Content
One of the biggest reasons traditional coaching programs fail to deliver results is because they’re passive. Clients consume content, but there’s no system to keep them engaged or accountable.
The best coaching experiences make clients feel involved, motivated, and connected to the journey.
Ways to Increase Engagement in Your Coaching Program
- Live coaching sessions instead of just recorded videos.
- Quizzes and self-assessments to reinforce learning.
- Gamification elements like badges, progress streaks, and challenges.
- Interactive exercises that require action, not just passive learning.
Learning a new language by reading a book is ineffective. But if you actively speak, get real-time feedback, and track your improvement, you learn faster and stay engaged.
Example: Instead of selling a “Productivity Mastery” course that consists of videos and workbooks, turn it into an interactive challenge where clients:
- Complete daily accountability tasks
- Earn progress badges for consistency
- Join weekly live coaching calls to troubleshoot obstacles
This transforms passive content into an engaging experience that drives real results.
3. Build a Strong Coaching Community
People don’t just stay in coaching programs for the content—they stay for the connections and shared accountability.
A coaching community adds emotional investment, making clients more likely to follow through, share wins, and stay engaged.
How to Build a Coaching Community That Strengthens the Experience
- Host group discussions or private forums where clients can share progress.
- Encourage peer accountability through partner systems or mastermind groups.
- Run live Q&A sessions so clients feel personally supported.
Compare training alone for a marathon vs. training with a group. A running group keeps you motivated, makes the process feel easier, and helps you stay committed—just like a coaching community.
Example: A mindset coach offering a “30-Day Confidence Accelerator” can create a private space where clients:
- Post daily reflections
- Encourage each other
- Get personal feedback from the coach
This builds a support system that increases engagement, accountability, and results.
4. Automate Client Engagement with Smart Systems
One of the biggest challenges coaches face? Keeping clients engaged without spending hours manually following up.
If your coaching program relies on emails, social media, or reminders you have to send yourself, you’ll burn out.
How to Automate Engagement Without Losing the Personal Touch
- Use scheduled coaching check-ins. Clients receive automated nudges to complete lessons, track progress, and show up for calls.
- Set up progress tracking inside a coaching platform. Clients can visually see how far they’ve come, which increases completion rates.
- Trigger personalized messages. If a client hasn’t logged in for a week, they get a reminder to get back on track.
Think of how fitness apps like MyFitnessPal keep people engaged. They send reminders, track progress, and celebrate small wins—making it easy to stay consistent without feeling overwhelmed.
Example: A nutrition coach offering a 12-week habit change program can set up:
- Daily habit reminders
- Automated meal plan tracking
- Personalized check-ins based on client progress
This ensures clients stay engaged without needing the coach to manually follow up every day.
5. Charge for Transformation, Not Just Information
The biggest pricing mistake coaches make? Charging based on content instead of transformation.
When coaching is structured as just another course, clients compare prices and look for the cheapest option. But when coaching is an experience, clients see it as an investment in their success.
How to Position Your Coaching as a Premium Experience
- Showcase client success stories to prove results.
- Create an exclusive, high-touch experience with direct support.
- Offer different pricing tiers based on access and personalization.
Imagine two fitness programs:
- A $99 "Learn to Lose Weight" course with pre-recorded workouts and PDFs.
- A $1,500 “Total Body Transformation” coaching experience with weekly check-ins, personalized plans, and real-time feedback.
The second option commands a premium price because it provides a clear, structured transformation.
Example: A relationship coach offering a “Breakthrough Coaching Experience” can structure it as:
- $497 for a self-paced version
- $1,500 for group coaching + live sessions
- $5,000 for VIP 1:1 personalized coaching
Clients pay more for deeper engagement, personalization, and real-time accountability.
Final Thoughts: Why Selling an Experience Will Make Coaches More Successful in 2025
Selling coaching as a commodity is the fastest way to get stuck competing on price, fighting for attention, and constantly chasing new leads.
Selling coaching as an experience allows you to:
- Charge premium prices
- Increase client retention and lifetime value.
- Scale faster because engagement happens automatically.
- Deliver better results, which drives referrals and long-term success.
The best part? You don’t need a huge audience to make this work.
Coaches who implement structured, high-engagement coaching experiences are growing six- and seven-figure businesses with small but highly engaged audiences.
Ready to create an experience that keeps clients engaged and committed? Learn how Passion.io helps coaches build high-value, interactive coaching experiences.
