What Problems Do My Ideal Clients Need Help With? A Simple Guide for Writing Coaches

If you’re asking, “What problems do my ideal clients need help with?” you’re already thinking like a smart writing coach. Understanding your clients' problems is the first step to truly helping them. It also makes it easier for you to market your services.

In this post, let’s look at the real struggles most beginner writers face. These are the things your ideal clients are likely battling with right now. And when you know their problems, you can offer clear solutions.

1. They Don’t Know Where to Start.

Many new writers have great ideas but feel lost. They don’t know how to begin. Should they start with an outline? A title? An introduction? The process feels confusing.

As a writing coach, your job is to give them direction. Help them take one small step at a time. Show them that starting small is better than waiting for the perfect moment.

2. They Struggle With Confidence.

This is a big one. Most beginner writers don’t believe they are good enough. They compare their work to others. They think, “Why would anyone want to read what I write?”

Your ideal client needs encouragement. They need someone to remind them that every great writer was once a beginner. They need you to help them build self-trust.

3. They Feel Overwhelmed by the Writing Process.

From planning to writing to editing—it’s a lot! Some writers get stuck halfway and give up. Others keep rewriting the same paragraph over and over.

As a coach, you help break things down. You show them that writing is just one step at a time. You help them stay on track and finish their projects without burnout.

4. They Don’t Understand Their Audience.

A common problem is not knowing who they’re writing for. They try to please everyone and end up pleasing no one. Their message becomes unclear.

Your coaching can guide them to define their ideal reader. When they know who they are writing for, their message becomes stronger.

5. They Need Accountability.

Writing can be lonely. Without support, many writers give up. They miss deadlines or put off writing for “later.”

This is where you shine. You give them a reason to keep going. You check in. You cheer them on. You create a system that helps them stay committed.

6. They Want to Improve Their Writing Skills.

Your ideal client may know they need help, but they’re not sure what to fix. Grammar, structure, clarity, tone—there’s a lot to learn.

Your job is to help them identify weak spots. You offer tools, practice, and honest feedback. You help them grow with each session.

7. They Don’t Know How to Organize Their Ideas.

Some writers have too many ideas. Others have no clear idea at all. Either way, they feel stuck.

As a coach, you help them find focus. You show them how to build a strong structure that holds their thoughts together. You help bring order to the chaos.

8. They Want to Finish a Book, Blog, or Course.

Many beginner writers dream of publishing something. But months or years go by, and they still haven’t finished.

They need help turning that dream into action. You help them set goals, follow a writing plan, and finally hit “publish.”

9. They Don’t Know How to Make Money From Their Writing

Some of your ideal clients want to turn their writing into income. But they don’t know where to start.

You can guide them—whether it’s freelancing, blogging, publishing eBooks, or writing online content. You show them it’s possible to earn with their words.

10. They Just Want Someone Who Understands.

Sometimes, your ideal client simply needs someone who gets it. Someone who has been there. Someone who listens without judgment.

That’s you. You are the writing coach who cares. You’re the one who helps them feel seen and supported.

So, What Problems Do My Ideal Clients Need Help With?

Let’s recap: They need help starting. They need help staying focused. They need help believing in themselves. They need skills, structure, feedback, and support.

When you understand what problems your ideal clients need help with, your coaching becomes more powerful. You’re not just offering advice—you’re offering transformation.

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Let’s keep helping writers become their best. One step at a time.