Struggling with figuring out how to become a life coach in Illinois?
Then, you’re in the right place!
Becoming a life coach can feel overwhelming, especially if you are working a full-time job.
But, today, you get five simple steps that will help you:
- Learn how to qualify as a coach in Illinois
- Find a highly profitable niche (and stand out among other coaches)
- Set up your business with the right legal structure
So that by the end, you’ll be getting results like this:
Want to learn more? Then, read on!
Key takeaways:
- Choose the right structure: The most common business structures for self-employed coaches are LLCs and sole proprietorships. LLCs offer more legal protection, but sole proprietorships are simpler.
- Build a profitable business: You need a coaching niche to stand out from other coaches and ask for higher rates.
- Certifications are optional: You don’t need a certification or license to become a life coach in Illinois, as long as you have experience and skills to help clients get results.
Get the Ultimate Guide
for building a
6-Figure Coaching Business so you can achieve more freedom!
Should you become a life coach in Illinois?
As a life coach, you help clients get from where they are to where they want to be. Whether it’s helping someone build confidence, set and achieve goals, or overcome challenges, the end result is the same — real, life-changing transformation.
So, why should you consider becoming a life coach?
Because coaching is one of the most fulfilling ways to turn your unique skills and life experiences into a career that offers:
- Freedom to set your own schedule
- Flexibility to work from anywhere
- Fulfillment from knowing you’re making a difference
Your timing is also great, as coaching is growing rapidly across the US, including Illinois. And especially in bigger cities like Chicago, you’ll find plenty of networking events and workshops.
The best part, though?
You don’t need to live in a big city to succeed as a coach.
In fact, many life coaches run their entire business online. That means you can work from anywhere, whether it’s Peoria or Springfield.
With coaching, you’re not tied to a fixed location or rigid schedule. You can design your business — and your life — exactly the way you want it.
So, does this sound like the kind of life you want?
Then, let’s dive into how to become a life coach in Illinois.
What qualifications do you need to become a life coach in Illinois?
Good news: You don’t need a formal license or certification to become a life coach in Illinois.
Let’s unpack what’s required (and what isn’t).
Do life coaches need a license or certification?
A coaching certification acts as a kind of “stamp of approval” from a professional program. It shows that you’ve completed training and developed the skills needed to coach effectively.
That said, the coaching industry in Illinois — and across the US — is unregulated. This means you don’t need a certification to get started as a coach.
What matters most is your ability to deliver results. Your experience, skills, and expertise are what ultimately set you apart and help you make an impact on your clients.
Additionally, life coaching isn’t on the list of regulated professions under the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Which means you’re not required to have a license to practice life coaching in Illinois.
The only time licensing or additional credentials might apply is if you’re blending coaching with regulated practices, such as health coaching that involves medical advice or therapy.
Then, additional qualifications may be required to comply with legal and professional standards.
How do you get certified as a life coach?
However, if you decide to get certified, here’s what to do:
Step 1: Research accredited programs
Look for programs recognized by trusted organizations like the International Coaching Federation (ICF). The ICF offers three certification levels to match your experience and goals:
- ACC (Associate Certified Coach): Ideal for beginners.
- PCC (Professional Certified Coach): For those with more coaching experience.
- MCC (Master Certified Coach): For seasoned coaches ready to master the craft.
Step 2: Choose the right program for you
Consider factors like:
- Cost: Does the program fit your budget?
- Curriculum: Does it cover the skills and knowledge you need?
- Duration: How long will it take to complete?
- Format: Do you prefer online learning or in-person sessions?
Step 3: Apply and complete the program
Once you’ve found the right fit, dive in! Put in the work, engage with the material, and take advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow.
Top life coaching certification programs in Illinois
Some great life coaching certifications come from:
- University of Illinois, Springfield: A self-paced training program that incorporates ICF’s Core Competencies. When you pass the final exam, you earn the Certified Professional Coach (CPC) certification from the IAPRC. Price: $1,995.
- Northwestern University: This is a graduate-level coaching certificate. To apply, you need a bachelor’s degree and at least 15 years of post-BA work experience. Price: $10,692 (100% remote) or $11,317 (partially in-person).
- iPEC Coaching: Don’t want to limit yourself to life coach certifications in Illinois? This comprehensive ICF-accredited training program is fully online. Price: $13,395.
I share more advice on becoming a certified life coach in this article.
Now that you know the qualifications, let’s figure out how to set up your business.
How do you set up your life coaching business in Illinois?
The next step is to legally establish your coaching business. Most new coaches choose either a sole proprietorship or an LLC as their business structure.
Keep in mind that this is just a general guide. For tailored advice, I recommend connecting with a legal expert. My friend and legal coach, Lisa Fraley, specializes in helping coaches navigate business setup and can provide personalized recommendations.
Sole proprietorship
A sole proprietorship is simple to set up. On the other hand, compared to LLCs, they don’t offer as much legal protection from debts and lawsuits.
To set up a sole proprietorship in Illinois, you need to:
- Choose a business name: You can use your own name or choose a different business name. In that case, make sure it’s unique and not misleading and register it with the county clerk’s office where your business operates. To confirm the name’s availability, search the Illinois Secretary of State’s database.
- Understand your tax obligations: As a sole proprietor in Illinois, you’ll report your business income and expenses on your personal tax return using IRS Schedule C. Additionally, you may need to register with the Illinois Department of Revenue if you’re selling taxable goods, such as physical products like workbooks or journals, alongside your coaching services. Be aware of any applicable state or local taxes for your business activities.
- Acquire an employer identification number (EIN) and open a business bank account: While an Employer Identification Number (EIN) isn’t mandatory for sole proprietors unless you have employees, it’s helpful for opening a business bank account.
LLC
An LLC requires more work to set up, but this structure also offers more legal protection.
To set up your LLC in Illinois, take these steps:
- Choose a name: Ensure it’s unique and meets naming requirements in Illinois. The name must include “Limited Liability Company” or an abbreviation like “LLC.” Check if the name is available through the Illinois Secretary of State’s database.
- File articles of organization: Submit Form LLC-5.5 (Articles of Organization) to the Illinois Secretary of State.
- Appoint a registered agent: This person or service will handle legal documents on your behalf.
- Pay annual fees: Illinois LLCs must file an annual report with the Secretary of State.
- File a statement of information: Submit Form LLC-12 (Statement of Information) within 90 days of forming your LLC. This filing updates the state on your LLC’s key details, such as business address and registered agent. The filing fee is $20.
- Acquire an EIN and open a business bank account: Similarly to sole proprietorships, you can apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. Use it to open a business bank account.
Other resources
Get the Ultimate Guide
for building a
6-Figure Coaching Business so you can achieve more freedom!
How to become an online life coach in Illinois
Now that you’ve learned how to set up your life coaching business in Illinois, it’s time to focus on building a sustainable and profitable business. But how can you make the most of your limited time outside your day job, and how do you land your first clients?
Let’s go over the five key steps together.
1. Choose if you want to become an in-person or a virtual coach
First, decide whether you want to coach online or in-person.
I prefer online coaching because it allows me to work with clients all over the US (and the world), while my business has lower overhead, is scalable, and allows me to work from anywhere and be in control of my own schedule.
In-person coaching typically requires more overhead, such as renting or maintaining an office space. And your client base is generally limited to your local community. Plus, you can’t scale your business as freely as you can online.
2. Find a niche
The first step to building a successful life coaching business is niching down.
One of the best things about niching down?
When your advice is targeted, your clients see faster transformations—and you can charge premium rates.
And I say 👋 high-five to that! 👋
The thing is, “life coaching” isn’t a niche. It’s too broad. To stand out, you need to specialize further.
Some profitable life coaching niches include:
- Career coaching
- Health and wellness coaching
- Mindset coaching
- Executive coaching
- Financial coaching
- And relationship coaching
When choosing a niche, ask yourself:
- What problems can you solve based on your existing skills and experiences?
- Who do you want to work with?
Take myself, for instance. When I was looking for my first coaching idea, I looked at what skills I already had. And I realized that I could help small business owners use paid advertising to grow their businesses–it was a skill I had learned in my day job at the time.
Need help deciding? Check out this video for more advice on picking the right one:
Once you’ve nailed your niche, the next step is creating a brand that resonates with your ideal clients. Let’s dive into that next!
3. Create a strong brand
Your brand is much more than a logo or catchy tagline—it’s your unique identity as a coach and what sets you apart in the market.
To start building a strong brand, focus on these three key elements:
- Your story: Share your personal journey and experiences to connect with your audience.
- Your unique selling proposition (USP): Identify what makes your coaching unique (your “secret sauce”).
- And your values and mission: Clearly define what you stand for and the impact you aim to create.
A consistent brand identity isn’t just about looking professional—it’s a proven way to boost your revenue by up to 23% and build trust with potential clients.
Want to make the most of your branding?
Check out this video, where I share seven steps to create a powerful personal brand:
4. Create a coaching package
Offering one-off coaching sessions might seem simple, but it’s not the most effective way to build a successful coaching business.
Instead, focus on creating a structured coaching program that delivers a clear and specific transformation for your clients.
Here’s why this approach works:
Because a well-defined coaching package makes everything easier — from selling your services to delivering amazing results.
A great starting point is a three-month program priced at around $1,500.
As you gain experience and collect client testimonials, increase your prices. For example, many of my experienced students confidently offer packages priced at $5,000 or more.
Of course, even the best coaching package won’t matter if you’re not attracting clients. Let’s explore how to land clients next!
5. Market your coaching business
Marketing your coaching business doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key is to show up where your ideal clients are already spending their time.
Here are four proven strategies to get started:
- Networking: Ask friends, family, or colleagues for referrals. Word-of-mouth is incredibly powerful — 92% of people trust recommendations from people they know.
- Local events: Attend meetups or workshops to connect with potential clients face-to-face. Meetup and Eventbrite are great tools for this.
- Podcasts: Joining relevant podcasts lets you reach an audience that already trusts the host.
- Social media: Pick the platform where your target audience is most active and share client success stories, tips, and personal insights.
For example, appearing on podcasts helped me share my story and expertise with a wider audience.
Want more advice on finding your first paying clients? Then, this video is for you:
Next, let’s answer the most common questions about becoming a life coach in Illinois.
FAQ: Become a life coach in Illinois
What type of life coach is most in demand?
The most popular life coaching niches, based on Google searches, include health and wellness, career, mindset, financial, and relationship coaching. However, coaches who specialize in specific areas—like parenting, recovery, or grief coaching—can be just as successful. By targeting a smaller, more focused niche, you can stand out and attract clients seeking your unique expertise.
How much do life coaches charge in Illinois?
The average life coach salary in Illinois is $52,460. However, as a self-employed coach, you set your own rates and can potentially earn significantly more. With the right strategy, experience, and niche, you can charge premium rates—for example, $5,000+ for a full coaching package. Your earning potential depends on your expertise, the value you provide, and the demand for your services.
Get the Ultimate Guide
for building a
6-Figure Coaching Business so you can achieve more freedom!
What’s next?
And that’s how to become a life coach in Illinois!
The beauty of running an online coaching business is that you’re not tied to any location or work schedule. This makes it perfect for building a lifestyle that works for YOU.
Of course, there is more that goes into building a coaching business–I can only share so much in a blog post.
And building a business can feel overwhelming, to say the least.
I understand exactly where you’re coming from because I’ve been in your shoes. Years ago, I was working a comfortable job at a tech firm. I thought I had “made it” with a cushy six-figure salary and a managerial role in my mid-twenties.
But deep down, I craved more—freedom, flexibility, and the chance to make a real impact.
So I started building my own coaching business. But it wasn’t until after I had put in years of work and spent tens of thousands on learning how to do it that I finally figured it out.
I built my first coaching business and grew it to six figures in just four months. Since then, I’ve helped thousands of people launch their own businesses and create lives they’re passionate about.
The thing is: When I was starting out, there was no advice for people like me, who had a comfortable day job and who didn’t want to burn all bridges and go all in my business before it made a nice side income.
So to provide others with that roadmap, I took everything I learned and put it into my coaching training program, Employee to Entrepreneur (ETE). This program gives you a clear roadmap to build a thriving business without the guesswork.
Ready to take the first step?
Download my FREE PDF to discover how to grow a six-figure business.
Read more:
How Much Does It Cost To Become A Life Coach?
The Definitive Starting a Coaching Business Checklist
