If you’re a health coach or nutritionist, one big question on your mind is likely how to price your coaching programs. I remember having this question when I was a new health coach too, so I totally get it! Just know that the pricing you decide on right now will change over the coming months as you get more experience, fine-tune your niche and get super clear on your messaging. You can raise prices as you go, and getting experience as a new health coach is the best thing you can do to build your confidence.
Before we dive into how to price your programs, you want to consider two things:
1. What the transformation is going to be – the expected outcome for your clients – this is what they are paying to get.
2. What your program will include (based on what your target audience wants – we’ll cover this in a bit)
Your clients are coming to you because they’re struggling with something they can’t figure out on their own. Or, they need your support to implement what they know they should be doing. This goes back to knowing your niche and understanding what they want help with the most. The more you know their challenges, the more you can gear your program to solve them. Check out this post to help you figure out your niche if you aren’t sure.
Like I mentioned above, you first need to figure out the solution you provide and what your program will include . When coaches ask me, “What should I charge for my program?” I can’t offer much information when I don’t know the details about it (or what their target market is willing to pay).
So, let’s look at different elements of support you can include in your programs:
- Workouts
- Meal plans
- Recipes
- One-one-coaching (how many sessions per month?)
- Group coaching calls (Zoom is one option).
- Facebook group (not as important for your 1-on-1 clients, but great for group coaching programs)
- Email support between sessions
- Weekly check-ins (via text or email)
- Daily prompts (via apps like NudgeCoach)
Next, you want to consider how you’re packaging your programs.
Will you offer your coaching programs based on:
- Per session
- Per month (if so, how many sessions per month?)
- Per package (example: 3 or 6 months)
- An online group continuity program or membership – low monthly fee ($29 – $39) with no set end date (recurring revenue with more people).
You can probably now see that there are many variables to consider as you figure out pricing. Stay with me though – we’re going to figure this out together!
What you decide to price when you first start out will likely be lower than what you charge as you get more experience and build your confidence. Starting is the hardest part, right?
When I did a poll in the Health Coach Peer Support Facebook group recently, I discovered that most coaches charge by the package (3 or 6 months), but some offer month-to-month after the package program is over.
This is what I have come across for one-on-one coaching program pricing:
- Most coaches offer two sessions per month, and the session time ranges from 45 – 60 minutes.
- New coaches that are just starting out charge around $50 – $75 per session.
- More experienced coaches charge $100 – $200 per session.
- There are also coaches that charge by the package ($1,200 – $3,000 for 3 months) so there is quite a range.
- The more niched your market is, the more you can charge because you’re providing a very specific solution.
To discount or not to discount your programs
The value of your program is the desired outcome, so the only time I would recommend discounting your one-on-one coaching services is when you offer a savings for those that pay in full for your 3 or 6-month program. A suggested savings would be 5% (I prefer saying the word “savings” to clients vs. “discount”). For a 3-month program priced at $600, that would be a savings of $30.
Pricing for group online programs
Again, depending on the promised outcome and what you will include with your group online program, pricing will vary. In general, group coaching online pricing is anywhere between 1/3 – 1/2 of your one-on-one program because it takes up less of your time and people are not receiving one-on-one time with you.
A discount for an online program could be an “Early-Bird Savings” and/or bonus that goes away at a predetermined date (5-7 days before your program starts is one example). The discounted amount will depend on the regular price of the program, but 15% – 20% is a range to consider. If your 90-Day online program is priced at $297, the early-bird savings could be $50 or so. There isn’t a hard and fast rule, so test your pricing until you find the sweet spot (where you get enough people enrolled, and you’re earning what you want to make).
Group online programs are great because you can help people from all over the world, and you can scale your business. Imagine taking 20-50 people through your program at one time. You can earn more revenue and work fewer hours with this model.
Know your goals
You also want to determine your income goals, and how you can plug the pieces into place to reach those goals. For example: If you price your 1-on-1 coaching program at $197 per month, how many clients do you need to meet your income needs? Perhaps you want to offer a combination of one-on-one coaching and group online coaching to mix things up a bit, and bring in more revenue.
Don’t stress over figuring out the exact right pricing as you get started. It will change as time goes on. Most coaches start out at a lower price so they can gain experience, build their confidence, and get testimonials.
Some coaches prefer to offer only 3-month coaching programs, then go month-to-month after that.
Start with what makes the most sense to you, and go from there. You don’t have to do what everyone else is doing so keep that in mind as you map things out, and everything doesn’t have to be perfect before you start. Remember that you can adjust course when needed!
I know from my own experience that putting together a health coaching program can be one of the biggest stumbling blocks to getting your business up and running, ESPECIALLY if you want to offer online coaching. When I was a health coach, I created a coaching program from scratch that helped my clients get amazing results. I offer this customizable “done-for-you” program for other wellness business owners to use in their business too. It’s called “Coach with Confidence” and you can find out more about it here. This program gives you everything you need to coach your clients right now.
Oh, and before you leave, grab your FREE Ultimate Health Coach Toolkit below. These 7 customizable client worksheets, handouts, coaching session template, Discovery Call Script, and more will be instrumental in impressing your clients and building your business.
All my best,
Kathleen
Hi Kathleen,
Thank you for this information. We actually live in Vegas. Just started my health coach program after I was able to get a handle on my kids (2yrs & 9months). Not sure if you’re going to be reading your email once you’ve left for Vegas but if you need any help while you’re here you’re welcome to reach out to some natives that may have some thoughts or ideas if you’re looking for Healthy Solutions or unknown places to just experience a nice time with the family.
May God bless you,
Nicole Moore
Vessels of Honor Health Coach
Ph. (702) 580-1667
I recently acquired a VERY SUCCESSFUL business coach. He has been asking me to come up with several packages or programs so he can offer them on the new website he is building for me (which is pretty terrific because he includes following my traffic, putting me on social media, keeping me at the top of the google page and tracking my overall response to make sure I am getting hits on my site).
I was at SUCH a loss as to how to go about putting these packages together and here you hand me everything I need to know and do on a silver platter!
You are TRULY a coaches Coach! Thank you SOOOOO much, Kathleen!
YAY! I’m so glad it came at the right time. Thanks for taking the time to let me know 🙂
Love how you broke this down! Perfect. Thanks so much.
Hi Missi,
So glad you liked it! You are so very welcome 🙂
This is very helpful. Thank you!!
Hi Neelam,
I know pricing can be tricky. So glad it was helpful for you 🙂
This is just the right information I needed right now. The one thing I was overlooking in marketing my programs was the expected outcome! It’s so obvious to me as a coach, but it is a key piece of information that I wasn’t relaying in my marketing. Thank you for such great and concise information.
Hi Tamara,
I’m happy that it came along at just the right time – yay! Can’t wait to hear how it goes 🙂
This is really great info. I am semi-new to coaching but am just starting to branch out. I am working with a business coach and working on getting my website up and running by Sept! Working on creating my content now and wanted a template for Coaching Programs.
Thanks so much
Blessings to you! After reading this I feel more confident about the pricing/programs. I’m working on the Financial analysis portion of my business plan, so this comes at the perfect time. Thanks
Hi Kathleen, I loved your pricing ideas. This is what I was just looking for .
I’m so glad you found it helpful 🙂
Great information. Really liked the way you broke down the pricing piece. Thank you so much for sharing.
Hi Maria, I’m so glad you found it helpful. I know it can be tricky to know where to start 🙂
Very helpful information. Thank you so much. I am a new WFPB coach and not a good sales person. I know my stuff and I can talk about it all day but I need to stop giving it away. Also, I didnt see the free down load you mentioned, Ultimate Health Coach Toolkit…
Hi Michele, Thank YOU! Well, you are not alone in that feeling because most people go to the health coach certification programs to help people, not come out being a marketing ninja, LOL. Happy it was helpful.
You should be able to scroll down to the bottom of the page and see the Ultimate Health Coach Toolkit (as well as on the sidebar of the blog) but let me know if it’s not showing up for some reason, so we can help.
Hi Kathleen,
I am a brand new Health Coach and I really appreciate all of your information. The packages and pricing section was particularly helpful Thank you so much.
Hi Janel, Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know. You made me smile 🙂 So happy it was helpful!
Knowing where to start is always a problem for me. You helped calmed my nerves about pricing and how to market. Very grateful.