15 Essential Resources for Life Coaches (Paid and Free!)

You feel ready to launch your coaching business, but the technology feels like a maze. Every “must-have” tool costs money, and you’re wondering if you can even start without breaking the bank. Good news: you absolutely can. Here are the essential resources for life coaches that’ll get your coaching business running smoothly – many completely free.

What You’ll Learn

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1. Scheduling Clients

Zcal (free version works great)

Scheduling tool to streamline appointments
Free forever plan – access essential features without upsells
Syncs with your calendar and Zoom – no double-bookings
Clients book into your available slots automatically
Email reminders on free plan. Text/SMS reminders require the Pro plan

Why it matters: Simple scheduling that actually stays free. Perfect when you’re watching every penny while building your practice. See Zcal in action>>

2. Payment Processing

PayPal

Everyone already has it – quick setup
Send invoices by email
Money appears instantly

Stripe:

Lower fees and cleaner checkout
Better for monthly recurring packages
Easy integration with other platforms

Why it matters: Getting paid should be simple. Start with whichever feels easier – Stripe or Paypal – you can add the other later.

3. Video Calls

Zoom (free or paid)

Your clients already know how to use it
Reliable connection, even with weaker internet
Free version gives 40-minute calls (upgrade for $15/month)
Record sessions for notes and screen share exercises

Why it matters: Tech issues during breakthroughs? No thanks. Zoom just works, and clients show up relaxed. See more at Zoom>>

4. Email Marketing

Gmail

Professional enough when starting (firstname@gmail.com works)
Integrates with everything, everyone knows it
Free forever – add custom domain later for $12/year

MailerLite (free up to 500 subscribers):

Beautiful templates and simple automation
Landing pages included
Drag-and-drop editor – super intuitive
Great analytics to see what’s working

Why it matters: Email is the only audience you truly own. These tools keep you connected without hours of work. Grow your list today with MailerLite>>

5. Simple Website Builder

Durable Website Builder (free or affordable plan)

AI builds your site in 30 seconds (seriously)
Starts at free – premium plans from $15/month
Includes scheduling, CRM, and invoicing built-in
Mobile-responsive automatically
No coding or design skills needed

Why it matters: You need a simple place for people to learn about you and book calls. This website builder gets you live today with everything integrated. Build your website in minutes with Durable>>

Canva (very user-friendly, free version is plenty)

Thousands of templates for coaches
Drag-and-drop (if you can move files, you can use Canva)
Free version has tons of photos, icons, fonts
Automatically sizes for Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn

Why it matters: You don’t need designer skills to look professional. Canva makes creating graphics actually fun. See more at Canva>>

7. Client Agreements

Google Docs (free, upgrade later)

Free forever – clients can sign using DocuSign or HelloSign
Store safely in the cloud, access anywhere
Easy to duplicate for each client

Why it matters: Legal protection matters. A simple Google Doc agreement is valid and costs nothing.

8. File Storage

Google Drive (free)

15GB free storage (tons of space)
Share folders with clients
Access from any device – automatic backup
Integrates with Docs, Sheets, Forms

Why it matters: Keep client notes and resources in one searchable place. No more “where did I save that?” moments.

9. Where to Learn Life Coaching

a) YouTube (free)

Free training from experienced coaches
Learn at your own pace
Watch real coaching sessions

Why it matters: Start learning today without spending a dime. Great for exploring if coaching is right for you.

b) Coach Training Alliance

ICF-accredited programs (internationally recognized)
Live training with real practice
Flexible online learning
Business-building training included

Why it matters: Credibility matters. ICF certification shows professional training and ethical standards. Explore Coach Training Alliance>>

10. Where to Coach

a) CoachAccountable

All-in-one coaching platform for scheduling, client management, and progress tracking
Automates reminders, invoicing, and session notes
Customizable coaching programs and client dashboards
Integrates with video conferencing tools for seamless sessions
Scales easily as your client base grows

Why it matters: Keeps your coaching business organized and professional without juggling multiple apps. Everything you need in one place to deliver a smooth client experience. Start your free trail on CoachAccountable today>>

b) Udemy

Designed for self-paced pre-recorded coaching content
Built-in global marketplace of 70+ million students looking for courses
Free to upload coaching lessons, Udemy take revenue share when you sell
Create once, earn forever (passive income)
Great for testing coaching ideas with no upfront cost

Why it matters: Reach many people with foundational content while you build your reputation. Start teaching today on Udemy>>

c) Skillshare

You pre-record coaching videos that clients can access anytime
Perfect for creating evergreen coaching content that runs without you
Monthly subscription model = recurring income
Students discover you while browsing (great exposure)
Very beginner-friendly course creation
You’re paid based on minutes watched – passive once uploaded

Why it matters: Great for packaging your coaching expertise into ready-to-watch modules. With hands-off income and authority building. Share what you know – join Skillshare>>

d) LearnWorlds

Benefits:

Tailored for personalized coaching programs
Interactive tools – video, assessments, live sessions that boost engagement
Built-in community – students interact with each other
White-label to make it fully your brand (with option of your own app)
Integrates with Zoom, Stripe, Paypal
You can offer certificates, badges, and points

Investment: Plans start at $29/month (limited) with robust plans at $99-$299/month.

Best for: Highly interactive courses with a learning community. Great for corporate training contracts. Transform Your Coaching into Online Success with LearnWorlds>>

Choosing Your Platform

CoachAccountable is designed specifically for coaching so this is my first choice. Platforms like Udemy and Skillshare let you test your coaching content risk-free while building your visibility and credibility.

Ready for premium pricing and control? LearnWorlds has a steeper learning curve but gives you professionalism that justifies higher prices.

Your Next Step with these Essential Resources for Life Coaches

You don’t need everything on day one. Start with Zcal, Zoom, and Gmail. Add tools as you need them, not because someone said you should. Your coaching business can absolutely start today with mostly free resources – your expertise is the real investment.

Ready to attract those first clients? Check out my next post on How to Create Your Irresistible Life Coaching Offer.

15 Essential Resources for Life Coaches (Paid and Free!)