If you’re thinking about launching a group coaching program, there’s a question you’ll inevitably face:

What’s the best format for your coaching offer?

Followed shortly by… and how am I going to go do that?

It’s easy to default to what sounds simplest, what other coaches are doing, or what seems most doable. But ultimately, your format decision needs to come down to one core thing:

👉 What will get your clients the transformation you promised them?

That’s the real goal of your program—to help your clients get from their current struggles (pain points) to the life they want (their desired outcome). Your format should be designed around that.

Let’s walk through the most common (and effective) options—and how to make them work without letting tech overwhelm you.

1. The Simplest Starting Point: Group Coaching Sessions

This is where most coaches begin. It’s exactly what it sounds like—coaching multiple clients at once, via Zoom, Google Meet, or Facebook Live.

✅ No fancy software.

✅ Just a calendar invite, a Zoom link, and a group of clients ready to work with you.

This format is great if you’re transitioning from 1:1 to group offers and want to keep things lean and effective.

2. Group Coaching + Digital Content

This is a popular upgrade once you’ve nailed down your group coaching sessions. You might add:

• Pre-recorded videos to watch before or after the live call

• PDFs or worksheets

• Exercises to support the transformation

The easiest way to deliver this? Email.

You don’t need a course platform to get started. A weekly email with a YouTube or Vimeo link and a PDF attachment can do the job.

3. Group Coaching + 1:1 Coaching

Sometimes a client just needs that little bit of extra support.

Adding one private session during the program can be a powerful bonus. Clients can use it to:

• Get back on track

• Get individualized support

• Deepen their understanding of the group material

This also increases the perceived value of your offer—without adding too much to your plate.

4. In-Person or Hybrid Coaching

If you’re ready to go beyond the screen, consider hosting part of your program in person. For example:

• A weekend retreat

• A live workshop followed by virtual sessions

• Or an in-person kickoff with follow-up calls via Zoom

The human connection can be incredibly powerful when paired with ongoing support.

5. Open-Ended or Membership Style Programs

Instead of a set start and end date, this model keeps going as long as clients stay subscribed.

You’ll deliver value through:

• Monthly group calls

• Ongoing content drops

• A private community

This is great if you have clients who want long-term support without a specific curriculum.

6. Build Community with a Facebook Group

Whatever model you choose, consider adding a community space. This lets your clients:

• Ask questions between calls

• Share wins and struggles

• Learn from each other, not just from you

A thriving community increases retention and builds deeper trust.

A Word About Tech (Don’t Let It Stop You)

You don’t need to start with a fancy course platform. Here’s a perfectly solid setup:

• Zoom for coaching sessions

• Email for sending content and reminders

• YouTube or Vimeo for hosting replays

• A Google Doc or PDF for worksheets or action items

As your program evolves, you can always move to a platform like Kajabi, Teachable, Podia, or Thinkific—but it’s not required to launch.

Real Example: How One Coach Evolved Her Program

One of my clients launched with just Zoom sessions and follow-up emails. As she got more comfortable, she added:

• Pre-recorded teaching videos

• A course platform for PDFs and exercises

• A weekly “uplift” email

• A one-on-one bonus call

• A bonus eBook for extra support

She didn’t start with all of that—but by layering it over time, she created a robust, high-value program that still felt simple to run.

Final Thought: Start Simple, Then Build

Don’t let tech or perfectionism hold you back. If you can run Zoom and send an email, you can run a group coaching program.

👉 Your clients care most about getting results.

Not your tech stack. Not how polished your dashboard is.

Just—can you help them?

Yes? Great. Choose the simplest format that supports their transformation. Launch it. Then improve it.