Best Client Intake Forms for Coaches (+ Free Templates)
Discover the essential questions every coach should ask in their intake forms, plus get access to our free templates. Learn why great intake forms lead to 35% faster goal attainment.
Why a great intake form matters
Long-term coaching success starts before your first session. A well-designed intake form lets you benchmark a client's starting point, uncover red-flag constraints (time, budget, mental readiness) and establish a tone of professionalism. Studies of coaching practices that collect structured pre-session data report up to 35% faster goal attainment and higher renewal rates because sessions stay focused on outcomes rather than discovery.
Six must-ask question groups
| Section | Purpose | Sample Prompts |
|---|---|---|
| Background & Demographics | Understand context and tailor language | "In one sentence, describe your professional role today." |
| Goal Clarity | Define success in measurable terms | "If we met six months from now, what needs to have happened for you to feel delighted with your progress?" |
| Motivation & Obstacles | Expose limiting beliefs and barriers | "What's held you back from reaching this goal so far?" |
| Support System | Reveal external resources or friction | "Who else is invested in—or opposed to—this change?" |
| Learning Style & Preferences | Adapt delivery (visual, auditory, experiential) | "Which format keeps you most accountable: checklists, journaling, or live discussion?" |
| Logistics & Commitment | Set expectations | "How many hours per week will you realistically commit to action items?" |
UX tips for higher completion
- Progressive disclosure: Break the form into 4–6 short pages so clients never face a wall of fields.
- Conditional logic: Hide business-specific follow-ups (e.g., revenue questions) unless a client identifies as an entrepreneur.
- Conversational micro-copy: Replace Submit with Let's get started. Small tone changes reduce abandonment.
Delivering value right away
Attach a PDF "quick-win worksheet" that auto-emails after submission. Coaches using this micro-resource see a 22% jump in first-session preparedness.
Free template download
FormNIVA users: Clone "Coach-Intake-Pro v3" from the template gallery, tweak brand colours, and publish in under five minutes. The template includes all six sections, conditional logic, and automated onboarding emails.