Dietitian Private Practice Business Plan: Where to Start & What Really Matters
Creating a dietitian private practice business plan can feel like a huge, overwhelming task—and it’s one of the main reasons so many aspiring RDs get stuck before they even start. Many of my fellow dietitians dream of running a successful private practice but feel unsure about the business side of things. Questions like, "Do I need a formal business plan?" or "What should I include?" can create uncertainty, making it difficult to take the first step. This feeling of being stuck leads to inaction—and that holds you back from your dream life! I don’t want that for you, love!
The good news is that success doesn’t require a 20-page document—it requires a clear plan, the right mindset, and a strong foundation. In this post, we’ll break down the essential components of a business plan, highlight the key areas to focus on, and explain why having the right support, such as The Foundation®, can make all the difference when launching your nutrition private practice.
Why You Need a Private Practice Business Plan (But Not in the Way You Think)
A Business Plan Isn’t Just a Document—It’s a Roadmap
A business plan isn’t just for investors or banks—it’s a powerful tool to help you clarify your vision, avoid common pitfalls, and build a business that truly works. Many dietitians, with their typical Type A mentality (no judgment—I’m the SAME way), get stuck in perfection paralysis, feeling like they need to have everything figured out before they can start. But the truth is, waiting for the "perfect" plan only holds you back. Instead of overcomplicating things, focus on a simple framework that helps you take action. This isn’t your dietetic internship with rigid curriculum requirements—you’re in control, and you can start with messy action!
The Core Components of a Dietitian Private Practice Business Plan
1. Clarify Your Niche & Ideal Client
Your private practice will thrive when you serve a specific audience with a clear need—not by trying to help everyone. The more focused your niche, the easier it is to attract the right clients and establish yourself as an expert. Ask yourself:
Who do I love working with?
What problem do they struggle with?
How can I position myself as the go-to expert for that audience?
Choosing a well-defined niche makes marketing, messaging, and client attraction so much easier. Here are a few examples of clear, client-focused niches:
Gut health nutritionist for busy career driven women with IBS
Performance RD for high school female athletes
PCOS dietitian helping women regulate hormones naturally and lose weight
By honing in on a niche that excites you and meets a real need, you’ll build a practice that feels aligned, profitable, and fulfilling.
2. Define Your Core Services & Pricing
Keep your service menu simple and clear—there’s no need to start with 10 different offers. Instead, focus on a few key services that align with your expertise and support your income goals without leading to burnout. Here are some common starter services RDs may offer:
1:1 Coaching Packages – Many RDs start here because it allows you to dive deep into your clients’ struggles through in-depth conversations. You’ll learn a lot along the way while providing personalized support.
Group Coaching Programs – A great option for reducing call time while still offering value through community support and accountability.
These are excellent starter services, but as your business grows, you may expand into additional revenue streams like courses, memberships, digital products, and more to scale your impact without trading more time for money.
When it comes to pricing, I typically don’t recommend one-off sessions because they often don’t provide the same level of transformation for your clients or financial stability for you. Instead, structured monthly packages—including calls and messenger access—help create a more predictable income stream while delivering better client results. Offering payment plans can make your services more accessible while helping you manage cash flow. Alternatively, providing an upfront payment option at a small discount can encourage commitment and offset startup costs. By structuring your services and pricing intentionally, you’ll build a more sustainable and profitable private practice.
3. Business Setup & Legal Considerations
Before launching your private practice, it’s important to handle the legal and business setup to protect yourself and operate professionally. I know these parts of business can feel like a DRAG, but it’s essential AND not as complex as you think.
One of the first decisions you'll make is whether to register as a Sole Proprietor or an LLC. A Sole Proprietorship is the easiest and cheapest way to start, but it doesn’t separate your personal and business assets, which can be risky. An LLC (Limited Liability Company) provides legal protection by separating your business from personal finances, but it does come with setup fees and ongoing requirements based on where you live.
Another essential step is getting business insurance. This helps protect you from liability, and you can easily get a quote online to find coverage that fits your needs. I often recommend Proliability for RDs.
Just like in a clinical setting, HIPAA compliance is also crucial if you're handling client health information. Most electronic medical record (EMR) systems, like Practice Better (which I highly recommend), are already HIPAA-compliant. For virtual sessions, Zoom can be HIPAA-compliant, but only if you have a paid plan (such as Zoom Pro or Zoom for Healthcare).
When it comes to business finances, setting up a separate business bank account (once your LLC is established) helps keep your practice finances organized. You’ll also need a secure payment processing system and legally binding contracts to protect yourself and your clients. Tracking expenses—such as Zoom, your EMR system, and LLC fees—is important since these can be tax-deductible. Working with a small business CPA can help ensure you’re managing your finances correctly from the start.
For more guidance, I highly recommend Sam Vander Wielen, our legal expert, and Megan Naasz, our financial expert, in The Foundation®.
4. Marketing & Client Acquisition Strategy
If you don’t have a plan to attract clients, your business won’t survive. However, marketing doesn’t need to feel sleazy—your care and empathy are the foundation of attracting clients.
While there are many marketing strategies out there for dietitians, I recommend starting with one and refining it before trying to do everything at once. The key is to focus on where your ideal clients are and create content that speaks to them.
One of the most effective ways to establish credibility is by having a simple website with a clear message. It doesn’t need to be perfect—clarity is what matters. Platforms like Squarespace offer easy-to-use templates, allowing you to create a professional-looking site without the tech overwhelm.
A social media presence can also be a powerful tool, but you don’t need to be on every platform and posting silly dances every. single. day! Instead, think about where your ideal client spends time—are they on TikTok or Instagram? Start by creating content that feels authentic to you and aligns with your brand, rather than trying to follow every trend.
Another valuable strategy is email marketing, using platforms like Flodesk or Mailchimp. Unlike social media, where algorithms control visibility, an email list gives you direct access to your audience. Offering a free resource (e.g., 10 Easy Breakfasts for Busy Moms or Labs to Ask Your Doctor to Optimize Hormones) in exchange for an email sign-up helps build a list of engaged potential clients.
5. Financial Planning & Income Goals
A SUPER common question I get is, “Jaime, how much do I actually need to make per month to go full-time?” The truth is, I can’t answer that for you, love—but a great starting point is calculating your monthly expenses and considering saving up a financial safety net before diving into your business full-time. Having a clear understanding of your financial needs will help you set realistic revenue goals. Her First $100K is a great financial literacy resource to check out!
You’ve probably seen online success stories claiming dietitians can make six figures overnight, but the reality is that building a profitable private practice takes time, trial, and error. While some RDs do reach six figures (or more), it’s unlikely to happen in just a few weeks or even months. Instead of chasing unrealistic expectations, focus on what you need to earn to feel financially secure and fulfilled. Consider whether starting your business as a side hustle could provide extra income and enjoyment in your career while you grow.
Budgeting for expenses is also crucial when planning your practice. Fortunately, marketing can be completely free when using social media, and tools like Canva offer free options for creating professional graphics. Software costs can range from $25 to $200+ per month, depending on what you need— for example, Practice Better has different pricing tiers. Business insurance, such as coverage through Proliability, may cost $75–$100 per year but your quote will be custom to you and your business needs. Taking the time to map out these costs will help you create a sustainable financial plan for your business at the start.
The Mindset Shift You Need for Private Practice Success
Stop Waiting for the “Perfect Time” to Start
I KNOW you’re a perfectionist—you want to wait until you feel 100% ready. But I’m telling you, that perfect moment never comes. Starting a business is scary… you may be thinking, “What if I fail?!” But let’s reframe that—what if you don’t take action? What if you stay stuck in a career that doesn’t bring you joy after all the years of schooling and your dietetic internship?
You don’t need a fancy logo, a 10-page website, or a massive audience to begin.
What do you need? Clarity, confidence, and a willingness to take messy action. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll learn, grow, and create a business that truly supports the life you want.
Why The Foundation® is the Next Step for Private Practice Success
I know you might be wondering, “How do I actually gain that confidence and clarity?” The truth is—you don’t have to do it alone.
That’s where The Foundation®, comes in. My step-by-step program that helps you build a business that feels aligned, profitable, and fulfilling—without the guesswork.
Inside The Foundation®, you’ll learn how to:
Clarify your niche and attract ideal clients
Set up your business legally & professionally
Create high-value services and set sustainable pricing
Start seeing your first clients
Market yourself without feeling salesy
With the right support and strategy, you can stop overthinking and start building the private practice you’ve been dreaming of!
Ready to Build Your Nutrition Private Practice the Right Way?
A business plan isn’t about perfection—it’s about clarity and action. No more getting stuck in research mode or waiting for the “right” time. It’s time to actually take those first steps toward your dream business! And guess what? You don’t have to do it alone. Join The Foundation®, where you’ll get the exact system (plus expert support) to build a profitable, fulfilling private practice—without all the guesswork. Let’s make it happen, love!
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