How do online health coaches make money? (37 Ways)

Posted by Tyler Spraul, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) on June 6, 2023 — Updated on November 14, 2023

Online health coaches make money selling workout plans, running online fitness groups, offering subscriptions to their fitness apps, selling e-books, and more. Read our big list of different ways that online health coaches make money online.

Then decide which ways might work for you, and put them into practice with your fitness business using the Exercise.com platform.

I sold a workout program and matched my yearly salary of in-person training within two weeks of selling to my community!

Paul Fabritz

Founder and BS, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, ACE, FMS, PJF Performance

Online health coaching is a rapidly growing industry that has experienced a surge in demand over the past few years. With more people becoming conscious of their health and wellness, the need for personal support has increased. As a result, online health coaching has become a viable career option for many health enthusiasts. But how do online health coaches make money? In this article, we’ll explore the various revenue streams available to online health coaches and the steps they can take to set up a successful online coaching business, and then you can learn how to make money from fitness.

And then whether you need the best gym management software, the best personal training software, or the best fitness software for influencers, we’ve got you covered.

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Offering one-on-one coaching services
Creating and selling online courses or digital programs
Developing and selling personalized meal plans or nutrition guides
Hosting group coaching programs or membership sites
Providing virtual fitness training or workout programs
Writing and selling e-books or digital resources
Offering virtual workshops or seminars
Monetizing a blog or website through advertising and sponsored content
Creating and selling fitness or wellness products, such as exercise equipment or supplements
Collaborating with other health professionals and offering joint programs or services
Hosting virtual challenges or fitness competitions
Providing corporate wellness services or workshops
Offering speaking engagements or virtual keynote presentations
Creating and selling merchandise or branded products
Providing online personal training sessions via video conferencing platforms
Offering specialized services, such as pre/postnatal coaching or senior fitness programs
Becoming an affiliate marketer and promoting relevant products or services
Providing ongoing support and accountability through coaching packages
Creating and selling guided meditation or mindfulness programs
Offering virtual cooking classes or healthy recipe consultations
Providing online stress management or wellness coaching
Offering health and wellness consulting services to businesses or organizations
Developing and selling mobile apps or digital tools for health tracking
Providing online therapy or counseling services related to mental health and wellness
Creating and selling workout equipment or fitness accessories
Offering fitness retreats or wellness travel experiences
Providing specialized services for specific populations, such as athletes or individuals with chronic conditions
Offering online workshops or courses on specific topics, such as stress management or sleep optimization
Hosting webinars or online masterclasses on health and wellness topics
Providing virtual personal training sessions for specific sports or fitness goals
Creating and selling pre-made meal prep or healthy snack kits
Offering personalized coaching packages for weight loss or body transformation
Providing virtual fitness classes or live-streamed workouts
Creating and selling guided workout programs or challenges
Offering specialized services for post-rehabilitation or injury prevention
Providing wellness coaching for specific populations, such as women’s health or men’s health
Offering customized health assessments or wellness consultations.

Ready to put these into practice in your fitness business? See how easy it is to get started with the Exercise.com platform and learn how to grow a fitness business online.

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The rise of online health coaching

The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, and one of the latest trends that have emerged is online health coaching. Online coaching enables clients to work with coaches on their health goals from anywhere across the world. Coaches provide guidance, support, and motivation to help clients achieve their desired health outcomes, including weight loss, stress reduction, and improved nutrition.

With the advancement of technology, online health coaching has become a popular option for individuals who are looking for a convenient and affordable way to improve their health. This trend has been particularly useful during the COVID-19 pandemic, where social distancing measures have made in-person coaching sessions challenging.

What is online health coaching?

Online health coaching involves virtual coaching sessions that use technology such as video calls, messaging, and emails to communicate with clients. Coaches provide personalized attention to clients, helping them to identify their health goals and guiding them through the process of achieving those goals. Online coaching eliminates geographical constraints, enabling clients to work with coaches anywhere and at any time.

Online health coaching is an excellent option for individuals who have busy schedules or live in remote areas where access to in-person coaching is limited. With online coaching, clients can receive the same level of support and guidance as they would with in-person coaching sessions.

Benefits of online health coaching for clients

Online health coaching is an advantageous option for clients as it offers them several benefits, including convenience, affordability, and flexibility. Clients can communicate with their coaches at their preferred time and place, eliminating the need for in-person meetings. Online coaching sessions are usually more affordable than in-person sessions, making it an excellent option for individuals on a tight budget. Additionally, online coaching enables clients to access a more extensive range of coaches and wellness experts, providing them with a wide variety of options and specialized expertise.

One of the significant advantages of online coaching is that clients can receive immediate feedback and support from their coaches. With virtual coaching sessions, clients can message their coaches and receive a response within a few hours, providing them with the support and motivation they need to stay on track with their health goals.

The growing demand for online health coaching services

The demand for online health coaching has increased significantly in the past few years, with more people looking for personalized guidance and support in their health journeys. The growing popularity of online coaching is a result of several factors, including the rise in health consciousness and the need for more convenient and affordable health support. According to a report by the Global Wellness Institute, the online health coaching market is expected to reach $7.85 billion by 2022.

As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, online health coaching is likely to become an increasingly popular option for individuals who are looking to improve their health and wellness. With its many benefits, online coaching provides a convenient and affordable way for clients to receive the support and guidance they need to achieve their health goals.

Different revenue streams for online health coaches

Online health coaches have several revenue streams to earn income. Here are the most common sources of income:

One-on-one coaching sessions

One-on-one coaching sessions involve working directly with clients to help them achieve their health goals. Coaches charge clients based on the duration of the session or a package deal. One-on-one coaching sessions are the most personal and effective way to offer health coaching services.

During one-on-one coaching sessions, coaches can tailor their approach to meet the specific needs of each client. They can provide personalized recommendations and support to help clients overcome any obstacles they may face in achieving their health goals. Coaches can also develop a strong rapport with their clients, which can lead to long-term relationships and referrals.

Group coaching programs

Group coaching programs involve working with a group of clients simultaneously. Coaches charge clients a set fee for a group coaching program, and clients usually gain access to additional resources and support from other members in the group.

Group coaching programs can be an effective way to reach more clients while still providing personalized attention. Coaches can create a sense of community among group members, which can be motivating and inspiring. Group coaching programs can also be more affordable for clients, making health coaching services accessible to a wider audience.

Selling digital products

Selling digital products such as eBooks, meal plans, and workout plans can be an excellent source of income for online health coaches. Digital products offer coaches an opportunity to earn passive income while providing value to clients.

Digital products can be created once and sold repeatedly, providing coaches with a scalable revenue stream. Coaches can also use digital products as a way to showcase their expertise and build their brand. By providing high-quality digital products, coaches can establish themselves as thought leaders in the health and wellness space.

Subscription-based services

Subscription-based services involve providing clients with regular content and resources in exchange for a monthly fee. Coaches can provide clients with valuable content such as newsletters, online courses, and exclusive one-on-one coaching sessions.

Subscription-based services can provide coaches with a reliable and recurring revenue stream. By providing ongoing support and resources, coaches can deepen their relationships with clients and increase client retention. Subscription-based services can also be an effective way to test new products and services with a smaller group of clients before launching them to a wider audience.

Affiliate marketing and partnerships

Affiliate marketing involves partnering with other health-related businesses and promoting their products to clients. Coaches earn a commission on the sales they generate through their affiliate links. The key to successful affiliate marketing is to choose products and services that align with the coach’s brand and philosophy.

Affiliate marketing can be a low-risk way for coaches to earn additional income while providing value to clients. By promoting high-quality products and services, coaches can enhance their reputation and credibility with clients. Coaches can also develop partnerships with other health and wellness professionals, such as nutritionists and personal trainers, to provide clients with a more comprehensive approach to health and wellness.

Online courses and workshops

Online courses and workshops are an excellent way for coaches to provide specialized expertise to clients and earn additional income. Coaches can create their courses, or partner with other experts to provide courses on various health topics.

Online courses and workshops can provide coaches with a scalable revenue stream while still providing personalized attention to clients. Coaches can use online courses and workshops to showcase their expertise and build their brand. By providing high-quality courses and workshops, coaches can establish themselves as leaders in their field and attract new clients.

With Exercise.com, I’m able to reach people around the world with the programs that I design, implement, and push out. You don’t have that opportunity working in a local gym. So that’s been huge.

Kellie Davis

Founder/Trainer, Fit Thrive

Setting up a successful online health coaching business

Here are some steps that coaches can take to set up a successful online coaching business:

Identifying your niche and target audience

Coaches must identify their niche and target audience to create a brand that resonates with potential clients. Coaches should focus on a specific health area and identify their ideal client demographics to create effective marketing strategies.

Building a strong online presence

Building a strong online presence is essential for coaches to attract potential clients and build a robust coaching business. Coaches should create a professional website, social media profiles, and an email list to promote their services and stay connected with clients.

Creating valuable and engaging content

Creating valuable and engaging content is critical to attracting and retaining clients. Coaches should create relevant content that addresses their target audience’s needs and concerns, such as blog posts, videos, and social media posts.

Networking and collaborating with other professionals

Networking with other professionals is crucial for coaches to build relationships, gain referrals, and grow their business. Coaches should attend industry conferences, join online coaching communities, and collaborate with other professionals to expand their network.

Get Started

Online health coaching offers health enthusiasts numerous opportunities to earn a viable income doing what they love. With a wide range of revenue streams to choose from, coaches can combine multiple sources of income to create a sustainable and profitable coaching business. By following the steps to set up a successful online coaching business, coaches can achieve their revenue goals and help clients achieve their health goals simultaneously.

“My custom-branded apps have made my life easier and helped streamline my online training, which in turn has transformed into a pretty awesome additional revenue stream for me and my family.”

Tony Gentilcore

Founder, Core Online

Want to see how Exercise.com can help your fitness business?