Selling workout programs online has become a lucrative opportunity for fitness professionals. With the global online fitness market projected to soar to $59.23 billion by 2027. So, let’s think about how to sell an online fitness business.
As more individuals turn to custom branded fitness apps and online training programs for convenience and flexibility, gym owners and trainers can leverage gym management software like WodGuru to streamline their offerings and enhance customer experience.
Fitness studio management software can play a crucial role in helping you manage and sell your online workout programs. These tools can help you create and deliver programs, track client progress, and handle payments.
In fact, approximately 85% of gym-goers express a desire for online fitness options to complement their in-person workouts, highlighting the demand for accessible and diverse training solutions.
By embracing this shift and learning how to sell fitness programs online, you can tap into the booming online fitness industry, create additional income streams, and attract new customers eager for innovative workout solutions. Let’s explore the essential steps to successfully market your workout programs in this thriving digital marketplace.
Key Takeaways
- Identify Your Target Audience to sell workout plans online. Find who you are trying to reach with your programs or online personal trainer offer.
- Choose the Right Business Model: Decide between various monetization strategies, including one-time purchases, subscription services, or a combination of both.
- Create High-Quality Programs: offer a variety of program options to cater to different needs. Ensure programs are well-structured, engaging, and easy to follow.
- Utilize gym management software to streamline program delivery and client management. Explore online platforms and fitness apps to reach a wider audience.
- Develop a Strong Marketing Strategy: utilize social media to promote your programs and engage with potential clients. Offer free trials or introductory offers to attract new customers.
- Provide Excellent Customer Service: respond promptly to inquiries and provide personalized support. Offer ongoing coaching and guidance to help clients achieve their goals.
How to Start an Online Fitness Business Selling Workout Programs?
Starting an online fitness business focused on selling workout programs is an exciting and potentially lucrative venture, especially in today’s digital age where convenience and accessibility are paramount.
With the increasing demand for at-home fitness solutions, individuals are looking for structured workout plans that cater to their unique goals, whether that’s weight loss, muscle gain, or overall wellness.
This shift presents a golden opportunity for fitness enthusiasts and professionals alike to leverage their expertise and passion for health into a scalable online business. By honing in on a particular area, you can tailor your offerings to meet the needs of a targeted audience, thereby enhancing your marketability and establishing a loyal customer base.
How to Sell Fitness Programs Online? Step-by-step guide
Starting an online fitness business selling workout programs can be a highly rewarding venture. Success in selling fitness programs online often comes from a combination of high-quality content, effective marketing, and excellent customer service. Be patient and persistent, as building a successful online fitness business typically takes time and consistent effort.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you successfully launch and grow your online fitness business.
Step 1: Understand your fitness content audience
Identifying a specific niche is crucial. Consider what type of workout plans you can create that cater to particular goals or demographics. Ask yourself who your ideal clients are and what their fitness needs might be. This will guide your content creation and marketing strategies.
Define Your Niche and Target Audience
By targeting these specific niches, you can create more personalized and effective workout programs that resonate with your chosen audience, potentially leading to higher engagement and sales.
- Busy Professionals – time-strapped individuals seeking efficient, effective workouts
- New Moms – offer programs that can be done with babies present or during nap times
- Seniors and Active Aging – older adults aiming to maintain mobility, strength, and independence
- Weight Loss Seekers – individuals primarily motivated by fat loss and body transformation
- Strength Training Enthusiasts – those looking to build muscle and increase overall strength
- Endurance Athletes – runners, cyclists, and triathletes seeking performance improvement
- Beginners – fitness novices intimidated by gym environments
- Prenatal Fitness – expectant mothers wanting to stay active safely during pregnancy
- Corporate Wellness – businesses looking to improve employee health and productivity
- Rehabilitation and Injury Recovery – individuals recovering from injuries or managing chronic conditions
- Bodyweight Fitness Enthusiasts – people preferring equipment-free workouts
- Sport-Specific Training – athletes looking to improve performance in particular sports
Step 2: Plan your content and unique fitness philosophy
To successfully sell workout programs online, it’s essential to plan your content thoughtfully and establish a unique fitness philosophy that resonates with your target audience. This process begins with identifying the types of workout programs you want to offer, such as video tutorials, downloadable PDFs, or interactive online classes. Each format has its advantages; for example:
- video tutorials can provide visual guidance and motivation,
- PDFs can serve as easily accessible reference materials that clients can follow at their own pace.
Equally important is defining your unique fitness philosophy. This philosophy acts as a guiding principle that reflects your values and approach to fitness. It should encompass your beliefs about health, exercise, and the overall experience you want to provide to your clients.
Incorporate both video demonstrations and written instructions to accommodate various learning styles. According to a study by the American Council on Exercise, programs that offer a mix of content types see 28% higher engagement rates.
If you believe in a holistic approach that integrates physical training with mental well-being, your content should reflect this by including not just workout plans but also elements like nutrition advice and mindfulness practices. By articulating your fitness philosophy clearly, you can attract clients who share similar values and are more likely to engage with your programs.
Step 3: Build your fitness business online presence
Building a strong online presence is crucial for selling workout programs effectively. Your online presence serves as the foundation for your brand, allowing potential clients to discover, engage with, and trust your offerings.
By consistently delivering high-quality content across various platforms, you can enhance brand recognition and attract a wider audience, ultimately driving sales of your workout programs. What can you do?
- To establish this presence, start by creating a professional website that acts as your digital storefront.
- Engage with your audience on channels like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube by sharing valuable content such as workout tips, client success stories, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of your fitness journey.
- Moreover, consider starting a fitness blogs to provide informative articles related to fitness and wellness. This not only positions you as an authority in the field but also improves your search engine visibility through SEO optimization.
Step 4: Create your workout program for fitness enthusiasts
How to create an online fitness program? Creating an effective online fitness program is crucial to successfully selling training programs in the digital space.
To develop a compelling program, start by clearly defining your target audience and their specific fitness goals. This understanding will guide the content and structure of your program.
Begin by outlining a comprehensive curriculum that includes a variety of workouts, progressions, and modifications to cater to different fitness levels. Next, consider the duration and intensity of your program.
Research by the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research suggests that 8-12 week programs show optimal results for most fitness goals.
Structure your program with clear milestones and achievable weekly targets to keep participants motivated.Integrate nutrition guidance into your program, as diet plays a crucial role in fitness outcomes. A survey by Nutrition Business Journal found that 73% of fitness enthusiasts prefer programs that include nutritional advice alongside workout plans.
Leverage technology to enhance the user experience. Incorporate features like progress tracking, personalized workout schedules, and integration with fitness wearables.
A report by Technavio predicts that the global online fitness market will grow by $10.85 billion from 2021 to 2025, driven largely by technological advancements in fitness delivery.
Finally, include a community aspect in your program. Forums, live Q&A sessions, or private social media groups can foster a sense of belonging and accountability. By focusing on these elements, you can create a comprehensive, engaging, and effective online fitness program that stands out in the competitive digital fitness market.
Step 5: Record workout routine and plans
Recording high-quality workout routines and plans is essential for creating engaging online fitness content. What do you need to keep in mind when recording fitness program?
Lighting
A study by Wistia found that well-lit videos have a 95% higher watch-through rate compared to poorly lit ones. Natural light is ideal, but if unavailable, use a three-point lighting setup:
- Key light: Main light source, placed at a 45-degree angle to the subject
- Fill light: Softer light opposite the key light to reduce shadows
- Backlight: Behind the subject to create depth and separation from the background
Sound
According to a TechSmith report, 75% of viewers consider audio quality more important than video quality in instructional content. Invest in a quality external microphone. Options include:
- Lavalier mics for clear voice recording while moving
- Shotgun mics for capturing overall room sound
- Wireless systems for freedom of movement
Camera angles
Frame your shots using the rule of thirds for visual appeal. A study in the Journal of Vision found that images composed using this rule are 10% more aesthetically pleasing to viewers. Camera Angles:
- Use multiple cameras for varied perspectives (wide shots, close-ups)
- Position cameras at eye level or slightly above for flattering angles
- Ensure clear views of proper form and technique
Remember, consistency in your video quality helps build brand trust. A Brightcove survey revealed that 62% of consumers are more likely to have a negative perception of a brand with poor video quality.
Step 6: Edit and pack a videos
Use editing software to enhance videos and create engaging content; bundle programs for better value. Editing and packaging your fitness videos is crucial for creating polished, engaging content that stands out in the competitive online fitness market.
Editing video of fitness program
- Choose appropriate software: Popular options include Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro X, or DaVinci Resolve for professional results. For beginners, iMovie or OpenShot offer user-friendly interfaces.
- Trim and arrange clips: Remove mistakes and awkward pauses. A study by Wistia found that videos under 2 minutes long have the highest engagement rates.
- Add transitions: Smooth cuts between scenes maintain flow. However, use transitions sparingly; a Microsoft study showed that excessive use of transitions can decrease viewer retention by up to 15%.
- Incorporate text overlays: Include exercise names, rep counts, and key instructions. Research by TechSmith indicates that videos with text overlays are 37% more effective at conveying information than those without.
- Include background music: Choose copyright-free tracks that match the workout’s energy. A study in the Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology found that music can increase exercise performance by up to 15%.
- Color correction: Adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation for a consistent, professional look across all videos.
Workout program packaging
- Create a cohesive brand: Use consistent intro/outro sequences, color schemes, and graphics across all videos. Brand consistency can increase gym revenue by up to 23%.
- Bundle programs: Offer different packages (e.g., beginner, intermediate, advanced) or themed bundles (e.g., weight loss, muscle gain). Bundling can increase perceived value and boost sales by up to 30%.
- Add value: Include supplementary materials like PDF workout calendars, nutrition guides, or access to a private community. A study by the American Council on Exercise found that programs offering additional resources have 45% higher completion rates.
- Optimize for platforms: Create versions optimized for different platforms (e.g., YouTube, Instagram, your website). According to Hubspot, 64% of consumers are more likely to buy a product after watching a video about it.
- Create teasers: Develop short preview clips for social media. Videos under 15 seconds on Instagram have the highest engagement rates.
Step 7: Set up an online platform
Setting up an online platform to sell workout programs requires careful consideration of the tools and systems you will use to host and manage your content. Choosing the right website builder or e-commerce platform is crucial for ensuring a seamless experience for both you and your clients.
When choosing a website builder, gym membership app or e-commerce platform to sell your workout programs online, consider factors such as ease of use, integration capabilities, and specific features that align with your business model. By selecting the right platform, you can create a professional online presence that enhances customer experience and drives sales.
Step 8: Prepare business plan and sales strategy
Preparing a solid gym business plan and sales strategy is crucial for successfully selling fitness programs online. Think of:
- Pricing Your Programs: Strategies to set competitive yet profitable pricing. Consider value-based pricing. Price should be based on the perceived value to your target audience.
- Implement tiered pricing: Offer basic, standard, and premium options to cater to different budgets.
- Use psychological pricing: Prices ending in .99 or .97 can increase sales by up to 24%.
- Marketing Techniques: Effective marketing strategies including SEO, social media marketing, email campaigns, and partnerships.
- Promotions and Discounts: How to use promotions to boost initial sales and gather customer testimonials.
Step 9: Optimize and monitor selling fitness programs online
To effectively optimize and monitor the selling of fitness programs online, it’s essential to establish a systematic approach that enhances visibility and tracks performance. Start by utilizing analytics tools integrated into your e-commerce platform, such as Google Analytics or built-in metrics from platforms like Shopify or WordPress. You can also use reports that you will find in eg. spin studio software or your gym marketing software.
These tools allow you to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as traffic sources, conversion rates, and customer engagement levels, providing insights into what works and what needs improvement.
Regularly assess your marketing strategies to ensure they align with your target audience’s preferences. This can involve A/B testing different sales pages, promotional offers, or email campaigns to see which variations yield the best results.
Additionally, gather customer feedback through fitness surveys or reviews to refine your offerings and improve client satisfaction. Keep your content fresh and relevant by updating workout programs based on current fitness trends and customer feedback.
Step 10: Expand your workout plans online
To expand your workout plans online, consider diversifying your offerings and enhancing accessibility for a broader audience. Start by creating a variety of programs tailored to different fitness levels and goals, such as beginner courses, advanced training, or specialized programs like yoga or HIIT.
This allows you to cater to a wider demographic and meet the unique needs of your clients.
Step 11: Add real life examples in new videos
Adding real-life examples in new videos can significantly enhance the effectiveness and relatability of your fitness content. By showcasing actual clients or scenarios, you create a connection that resonates with viewers, making your programs more appealing.
Consider using interactive video formats that allow viewers to engage directly with the content. For example, you could create a series where clients share their stories while demonstrating exercises from your program. This approach not only highlights the effectiveness of your workouts but also personalizes the experience, making it more relatable.
Where to sell fitness programs online?
When considering where to sell fitness programs online, several platforms cater specifically to fitness professionals, each offering unique features that can enhance your sales strategy. Let’s find out which solution will be the best.
E-commerce - all in one platform
For a comprehensive solution, all-in-one ecommerce platforms like Shopify, Uscreen, and WordPress with WooCommerce are excellent choices.
Shopify allows you to create a professional online store with customizable features and integrated payment processing, making it easy to sell digital products like workout programs. Uscreen specializes in video monetization, enabling trainers to sell video content through subscriptions or pay-per-view models.
Third Party platforms
Third-party platforms such as Teachable, Udemy, and Vimeo On Demand provide additional avenues for selling fitness programs. Teachable is user-friendly, allowing you to bundle workout videos with educational content while offering integrated payment processing and marketing tools.
Udemy has a vast audience but takes a percentage of sales, which can be a downside for some instructors. Vimeo On Demand is ideal for those focusing on video content, providing high-quality streaming options but lacking some of the interactive features found on other platforms.
Social Media Platforms
Leveraging social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube can also be an effective strategy for promoting and selling your fitness programs directly. Instagram allows you to share engaging content, build a community, and link to your sales page through posts or stories.
YouTube can serve as a platform for free content that drives traffic to your paid offerings, while also allowing you to monetize through ads or memberships.
Gym Management Systems and Fitness Apps
For gym owners looking to integrate the sale of workout programs into their existing management tools, systems like WodGuru provide seamless solutions.
WodGuru allows gym owners to manage memberships, schedule classes, and sell workout programs all in one place. This integration streamlines the process for both trainers and clients, enhancing the overall experience and improving retention rates.
With the help of gym membership management software like WodGuru, you can sell your club members… practically everything and with online payments. You just need to have several options running to configure any products, including online exercise programs as well as physical products.
With WodGuru you can sell products in the app, as well as embed the store directly on your website. Additionally, you can embed online products to use in advertising campaigns or social media posts.
Using the store in WodGuru is extraordinarily easy. We allow your club members to purchase several products at once. You go to the store link and can see the products that are available for sale. We click Add to Cart and the product is added.
We choose if we want to keep buying or if that’s the end of our shopping. If we end, it redirects us to a form where we have to fill in the data. If we want to keep buying, we add more products to the cart. In the shopping cart we can change the number of products, or remove any of the products completely. We then proceed to payment, enter the data and finalize the purchase. Simple, isn’t it?
Why should you think of selling workout programs online?
Selling online training programs can be a lucrative and rewarding venture for fitness professionals. By selling online training programs, you can tap into a growing market, expand your reach, and make a significant impact in the fitness industry.
Generate additional income
Selling online training programs presents a significant opportunity for gym owners and trainers to generate additional income. By creating digital products, you can establish a new revenue stream that operates independently of in-person sessions. This flexibility allows you to earn money while maximizing your time, especially during periods when in-person training may be limited or less feasible.
Expand reach
Online training programs enable trainers to reach clients far beyond their local area. This expanded reach allows you to tap into a global audience, attracting individuals who may not have access to quality fitness resources in their region. By leveraging digital platforms, you can build a diverse clientele and increase your overall market presence.
Attract new customers outside your walls
Online programs serve as effective marketing tools that can draw in new clients who may later convert to in-person training or gym memberships. By offering free trials or introductory courses, you can showcase your expertise and build trust with potential clients. This strategy not only increases your visibility but also creates opportunities for upselling your in-person services.
Make your personal branding
Selling online training programs allows you to enhance your personal branding as a fitness professional. By creating high-quality content that reflects your unique approach and philosophy, you position yourself as an authority in the fitness industry. This not only helps differentiate you from competitors but also fosters a loyal community around your brand, ultimately driving long-term success in both online and offline ventures.
How much money can you make selling workout plans online?
Generally, fitness professionals can earn anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month. For instance, subscription models typically range from $10 to $50 per month, allowing for a steady stream of recurring revenue.
Some top-tier fitness influencers and trainers have reported six-figure incomes from their online offerings, showcasing the lucrative possibilities in this market.The online fitness industry is experiencing rapid growth, projected to reach $81.47 billion by 2028, with a compounded annual growth rate of 29.6%.
FAQ
The cost of online training can vary widely based on the trainer’s experience, the complexity of the program, and the market demand. On average, online personal training sessions can range anywhere from $30 to $70 per session.
Subscription-based programs, which provide access to a series of workouts or a training plan, can cost between $50 to $200 per month. Factors such as the inclusion of customized workout plans, real-time coaching, and additional support like nutrition plans also influence the pricing.
While it is legally possible to sell workout plans without a certification, doing so is not recommended. Certification from a recognized organization ensures that you have a basic understanding of anatomy, kinesiology, and exercise science, which is crucial for designing safe and effective workout programs.
Additionally, being certified enhances your credibility and trustworthiness in the eyes of potential clients and may protect you from legal issues related to negligence or injury.
Starting an online personal training business involves several key steps:
- Get Certified: Obtain certification from a reputable organization. This not only boosts your credibility but also ensures that you are equipped to offer safe and effective guidance.
- Identify Your Niche: Focus on a specific area of fitness that you are passionate about and that meets a particular market need. This could be anything from weight loss, strength training, senior fitness, or sports-specific training.
- Develop Your Program: Create comprehensive training programs that include workouts, nutritional advice, and guidelines. Make sure your programs are adaptable to different fitness levels.
- Set Up a Professional Website: Your website should include your bio, services, testimonials, a blog or resources section, and a contact page. Ensure it’s user-friendly and optimized for search engines.
- Choose the Right Tools: Invest in reliable best gym management software for managing clients, scheduling sessions, and processing payments. Platforms like Trainerize, TrueCoach, or WodGuru can provide robust solutions for managing your online business.
- Market Your Services: Use social media, content marketing, email marketing, and local advertising to reach potential clients. Regularly posting educational content and client transformations can help attract a wider audience.
- Launch and Scale: Start by offering introductory rates or free trials to attract clients. Collect feedback to improve your services, and consider expanding your offerings as your client base grows.
