How to Start a Nutrition Business: Registered Dietitian Version
As the world becomes increasingly interested and familiar with their own health, the role of dietitians and nutrition-related businesses is becoming absolutely vital. With a wealth of nutrition knowledge and expertise, Registered Dietitians aren’t just advocates for balanced eating (and all things nutrition and life), but also entrepreneurs ready to make a MEANINGFUL impact on the world.
However, no matter how much you learn during your studies, the journey from being a skilled RD to being a successful business owner can often feel SUPER intimidating, particularly for those who didn’t receive any entrepreneurial guidance in training, which is pretty much ALL RD’s.
But that’s okay, because now there are dietitian business coaches out there to help you gain the skills you need to thrive and use your talents. I am one of those coaches and The Foundation™️ program specifically for the aspiring RD entrepreneur who wants to finally start their dream nutrition business! If this resonates with you, you’re in the right place! Today, I’m going to be sharing a guide on how you can not only successfully start, but also sustain, a nutrition business!
How to Start a Nutrition Business: Registered Dietitian Version
Step 1: Identify your business vision.
Before you embark on your entrepreneurial journey, it is a good idea to crystalize your business vision. Identify it, get comfortable with it, and make some decisions. Try to define the purpose of your online nutrition business, values, and goals that will guide you along the journey of growing your business.
Having a clear vision will set the foundations for a successful venture. This step will help to drive you as you build your business and watch it succeed. Consider speaking to other nutrition professionals and creating a strong network too!
Step 2: Define your niche.
Niching down is one of the KEYS to a successful nutrition business. Identify your specific niche to attract your dreamy clients. Your potential clients should see your page and think “WOW! This is the RD for me. I know she can help me.” This is much more effective than casting a wide net and blending in with all the other generic RDs out there.
Remember, niching down and having a target market is important. It makes your job as a business owner easier and smoother when it comes to marketing and program development, so you are not reinventing the wheel constantly. It also makes it crystal clear to the world what you do. This ultimately means your business will make a greater impact, find clients easier, and make more money.
It is also important to know that at the end of the day YOU own your nutrition business and if someone reaches out who isn't in your niche, this doesn't mean you can't help them! You still can! Another HUGE part of niching down is curating a group of clients who bring you joy and the whole point of building an online nutrition business is to LOVE what you're doing.
Step 3: Develop a business plan.
A well-thought-out business plan is truly your roadmap to success. Outline your services, target market, marketing strategies, ideal client base, marketing plan, potential business expenses (here are some tips on tracking business expenses!), and business milestones. A solid business plan will give you so much clarity and direction!
This is the roadmap for all your important business decisions!
Step 4: Register your business.
Now it gets formal, real, and exciting! Kick off your business by registering it with the right authorities. This step is crucial as it includes choosing a business structure, getting the required licenses, and complying with business legal requirements.
When you register your business, you set the stage for a legitimate and professional operation. If you’re not sure where to start, I HIGHLY recommend Sam Vander Wielen, our brilliant legal expert here at JMN.
Step 5: Work on your business mindset.
Transitioning from more of a clinical setting to a business-oriented mindset is a crucial yet sometimes scary step for RDs. Make sure that you invest time in really getting into a positive and growth-oriented mindset. Don’t be afraid to embrace challenges as learning opportunities.
Resilience will also go a long way in the face of setbacks. I HIGHLY recommend getting into the mindset of time-blocking so that you can find and set aside time to work on your business while you're still working full time. Don’t be afraid to TAKE ACTION. Even if it is messy, rushed, or scary.
A business mindset coach is so incredibly HELPFUL. Here at JMN, WE LOVE Jennifer Diaz–Mindset Coach. Jen is our mindset expert for all of our programming and I personally have grown so much from our work together. There are no words to really describe how mindset work impacts your business and your life.
If you’re a highly motivated female entrepreneur looking to level up I suggest you consider looking into mindset work and you’ll definitely want Jen on your team!
So excited for you to start working on your mindset so you can achieve all of your beautiful goals. YOU GOT THIS!
Step 6: Build your brand.
Most people think building a brand is all about picking colors, fonts, and creating a logo. This might be true later on in business, however, this is not what I suggest in the start. In fact, when you’re getting started I don’t suggest spending time or money on traditional branding like logos. So what do I mean when I say build your brand?
Building your brand is all about bringing your values, who you are and what you stand for to the forefront of your business and sharing this with the world. This includes defining your brand voice and showing up as who you truly are in your business.
A great place to practice sharing your beliefs and values is by beginning to establish an online presence through a social media platform. I suggest choosing ONE social media platform to start based on where your most dreamy client spends most of their time.
Please don’t get too caught up thinking you have to create a website in order to start your business. This often get’s in the way of RD’s even starting their business. If you have been holding yourself back because you think you need a website, you don’t! You can start sharing your voice, insight and nutrition information for free on social media.
Then down the line when you have mastered your marketing—at that time I would consider and suggest a website but for now focus on bringing your brand to life through your values and beliefs.
Step 7: Set your rates.
Determine your pricing strategy based on factors including your expertise, market demand, and the AMAZING value you provide. Make sure you are charging adequately for the services you are providing. This will ensure that your nutrition business is financially sustainable long term. Don’t settle for less just because dreamy clients are hard to come by. Using my program, we can help you find clients in your target market without compromising your financial wellbeing!
Step 8: Launch and market your business.
Now it is time to launch and market your business. Honest, ethical, and heartfelt marketing is the KEY to starting a nutrition business that sees growth! With the right marketing strategy, you can attract new clients, build your brand, expand your online presence, and grow your income.
Most cookie-cutter marketing strategies tend to feel odd and uncomfortable for us as ethical dietitians and humans. If it isn’t honest, it WILL NOT WORK LONG TERM. Not only does heartfelt marketing feel RIGHT with our industry, but it is a timeless and profitable strategy. I promise you, you can have successful online nutrition practice without ever having to be pushy, icky, or sleazy when it comes to marketing.
When it comes to graphics, Canva is INVALUABLE. Myself and so many of our colleagues find it so easy to create simple graphics for creating social media posts.
Step 9: Be Comfortable Asking for Help
Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Business strategy and the steps needed to start and grow your business is NOT something we learned in school (as RD’s), but it is SO IMPORTANT. Entrepreneurship is a continuous journey. Be comfortable seeking mentorship, advice, and resources from the people around you.
Asking for help will be such a VALUABLE tool in building the business of your dreams!
Launch your dream nutrition business today!
If you’re looking for some guidance when it comes to launching your dream online nutrition business, I would LOVE to help you! I spend my days coaching RDs and aspiring RDs to start and grow their businesses and succeed in their chosen niche. If you’re ready to get started, apply to work with me!
You are worthy. You are capable. and I can’t wait to watch you make all of your dreams your reality!