Online Personal Training is efficient, scalable, and can be a great way to reach more clients and grow your income. However, like any business, there are important steps you need to take to ensure success.

But where should you start? In this blog, we'll go over the essential steps you need to follow to start your own online Personal Training business.

Decide what types of clients you want to work with online: Before you can start building your business, you need to have a clear understanding of who your target audience is and what niche you want to focus on. Your niche could be anything from weight loss to bodybuilding to pre/postnatal fitness.

Define your ideal client, and what problems you can help them solve. This information will help you tailor your marketing and training services to meet their needs. Consider factors like age, gender, fitness goals, and location when defining your ideal client.

There are many trainers out there, but you can set yourself apart by identifying your unique strengths and areas of expertise. 

You don't need 10,000+ Instagram followers or a massive marketing budget. What you need is to find your 1 Percent Uniqueness Factor—a niche where you have a clear advantage.

Create Your Brand Identity: Your brand identity is the way that you present yourself and your business to the world. It includes things like your logo, colour scheme, and messaging. Create a brand identity that reflects your personality, values, and fitness philosophy.

Build Your Online Presence: Your online presence is how clients will find you and interact with your business. Start by creating a website (see our previous blog ‘How to Create a Website that Reflects Your Fitness Business’) that showcases your services, pricing, and client testimonials. 

You should also create accounts across the popular social media platforms (see our previous blog ‘Setting Up Social Media for Your Fitness Business’) to promote your business and engage with potential clients.

Create a template with three or four training phases for each type of client: Developing a template with three or four training phases for each type of client can save you time and help you provide more efficient service. Templates don’t mean that you won’t individualise it. You'll adapt it for each client based on your onboarding process and initial assessment. And then you’ll continue to modify it over time as you see what does or doesn’t work for this client, and as you develop a deeper understanding of your client’s goals and abilities.

Some parts of the template won't likely change from client to client, such as programming considerations (sets, reps, rest, and tempo), order of movement patterns (your first exercise will probably always be a compound 'lift’ exercise), and workout split over the week. 

Other parts of the template will probably change from client to client, such as specific exercises, grips or equipment, and individualised aesthetic aspirations.

Compile a video library of the exercises in your online training programs

Your clients can't rely on you being present with them to correct their form, which is why video demos are so important. 
Create a video library with proper form and execution for each exercise. You don’t necessarily have to create your own videos, there are many fitness professionals on YouTube that have already created demos that you can share. But, you should make sure that the video accurately represents the form and techniques you want to showcase to your clients. 

Ensure the video is simple, without sound, and at least three full reps. Also, remember to organise your video collection in a spreadsheet for your own easy reference.

Choose an online Personal Training software platform

Using software designed for online Personal Training makes your life a lot easier. It also creates a more professional experience for your clients.

Personal Training software can help you manage your clients, create workout plans, and track progress. Look for software that includes features like client management, billing, and progress tracking. 

Here’s what you can do with most online Personal Training software:

· Deliver your programs and videos
· Track your clients’ progress and data
· Collect payments and automatically bill your clients
· Communicate with clients through messaging, email, or video chat
· Integrate with other software, like fitness tracking apps
· Create custom templates and questionnaires

There are many different online Personal Training software options out there, so do your research and find the one that best fits your needs and budget.

Here are a few popular options:

· Trainerize
· My PT Hub
· TrueCoach
· PT Distinction
· Exercise.com

Consider using free trials to test out different options to determine which is the best fit for your business, before committing to a specific platform.

Set your prices and packages

Before you start marketing your services, you need to decide how much you’re going to charge and what you’re going to offer.

Pricing is a tricky game. You want to be competitive, but you also want to make enough money to justify your time and effort.

The fees for online Personal Training can vary depending on the trainer's experience, the level of support provided to the client, and the chosen model. Generally, the fees for one-on-one coaching are higher than the group coaching model, and the hybrid model falls in between.

Once you’ve figured out your pricing structure, it’s time to create your packages. Here are a few popular options:

One-on-One Coaching Model: This is the most common model used by Personal Trainers who have moved their business online. In this model, the trainer works with individual clients and provides customised workout plans and nutritional guidance tailored to the client's goals, abilities, and preferences. The PT will then provide ongoing support and adjustments to the plan as needed, communicating with the client through video conferencing, email, or messaging. The client can access the workouts and track progress through an app or website. 

Online Personal Trainers who utilise this model typically charge a flat fee for an initial consultation, and then charge a monthly fee, or a package fee for a set time period (eg. 12 weeks), for ongoing coaching and support.

Pros:
Personalised attention and tailored workout plans for the client
More accountability and motivation for the client
Ability to build a strong coach-client relationship
Higher potential for client retention and referrals

Cons:
Higher cost for the client due to the one-on-one attention
Limited scalability for the PT due to the time-intensive nature of one-on-one coaching

On-Demand Model: This model is best suited for clients who prefer a flexible schedule and the ability to work out on their own time. With this model, the PT will provide pre-recorded workout plans that the client can access at any time, along with support and guidance as needed.

The workouts can be tailored to the client's fitness level and goals. Pre-made workouts can be delivered through an online platform or mobile app. Clients pay a flat monthly subscription fee each month for access to your programs and videos.

Pros:
Flexibility for the client to workout at their own pace and schedule
Potentially lower cost for the client due to the lack of personalised attention
Higher potential for scalability for the PT due to the lack of time-intensive one-on-one coaching

Cons:
Less accountability and motivation for the client
Limited opportunity for personalisation and tailoring of workout plans
Limited potential for building a strong coach-client relationship

Hybrid Coaching Model: This model combines the benefits of one-to-one coaching and group coaching. Clients receive personalised workout plans and ongoing support from a Personal Trainer, but also have access to group coaching sessions with other clients. This model works well for clients who have specific fitness goals and want individual attention but also enjoy the social support of a group. This may benefit clients but also want to be part of a community. Hybrid coaching can be done through video conferencing or messaging apps.

Online Personal Trainers who utilise this model typically charge a flat fee for the plan creation and group coaching, and then charge a monthly or weekly fee for ongoing coaching and support, with fees usually falling between the one-on-one coaching, and on demand models.

Pros:
Combination of one-on-one attention and on-demand flexibility
Ability to personalise and tailor workout plans for the client
Higher potential for scalability for the PT due to the ability to offer both one-on-one and on-demand coaching

Cons:
Higher cost for the client due to the one-on-one attention
Limited scalability for the PT in terms of time-intensive one-on-one coaching

Group Coaching Model: This model involves working with a group of clients who have similar fitness goals. The PT creates a workout plan for the group, provides ongoing coaching and support, and tracks progress, charging a lower monthly fee than you would for one-on-one coaching. This model is ideal for clients looking for accountability and who prefer a sense of community of like-minded individuals to share their progress with, providing an affordable alternative to one-on-one training.

Online Personal Trainers who utilise this model typically charge a flat fee for access to the group coaching program, with fees being lower than one-on-one training. Ongoing coaching and support is provided through a private Facebook group or other online platform.

Pros:
Lower cost for the client due to the shared attention and resources of the PT
Potential for social support and motivation from other group members
Higher potential for scalability for the PT due to the ability to work with multiple clients at once

Cons:
Less personalised attention and tailored workout plans for the client
Limited potential for building a strong coach-client relationship
Potential for scheduling conflicts and missed sessions due to multiple clients with different schedules

Fitness Challenges: This model involves the trainer creating a fitness challenge for clients to complete over a set period of time. Clients receive workout plans and support from the trainer throughout the challenge. Fitness challenges can be done through an online platform or mobile app.

Pros:
Higher motivation and accountability for the client due to the competitive nature of challenges
Potential for social support and motivation from other challenge participants
Higher potential for scalability for the PT due to the ability to work with multiple clients at once

Cons:
Limited opportunity for personalisation and tailoring of workout plans
Limited potential for building a strong coach-client relationship
Potential for scheduling conflicts and missed sessions due to multiple clients with different schedules

As outlined above, each model has its pros and cons, so it's important to choose the one that aligns with your business goals and strengths.

Create an online Personal Training application form: An online Personal Training application form is essential for gathering information from potential clients and building rapport. Your application form should include the basics, such as name and contact information, as well as health, training history, and pre qualifying questions - is the client willing to invest their time and money on their health and fitness?

Think of the application form as your first meeting with a client. 

Choose an Online Training Payment Processing Service

Choose a payment processing service that is secure, easy to use, and has reasonable fees. 

There are several payment processing services that are popular and widely used in the UK and Europe for online Personal Training. Some of the best options include:

PayPal: PayPal is a popular payment processing service that is widely used for online transactions. It is easy to set up and use, and allows clients to pay using their PayPal account or credit/debit card.

Stripe: Stripe is a popular payment processing service that is known for its user-friendly interface and easy integration with websites and mobile apps.

GoCardless: GoCardless is a payment processing service that specialises in recurring payments. It is a good option for Personal Trainers who offer subscription-based services.

Square: Square is a payment processing service that is widely used in the US, but is also available in the UK and Europe. It offers a range of payment options, including credit/debit card payments and mobile payments.

PaySimple: PaySimple is a payment processing service that's designed specifically for small businesses, including Personal Trainers. It offers a variety of payment options, including credit cards, e-checks, and recurring billing.

Revolut: Revolut is a financial technology company that offers online banking services, including a debit card and payment processing capabilities. You can accept payments from clients using Revolut by creating an invoice or requesting a payment through the Revolut app. However, it is important to note that Revolut is primarily designed for individual use and may not be the best option for larger businesses with high transaction volumes.

When choosing a payment processing service, it's important to consider the fees associated with each service, as well as the security and ease of use. It's also important to make sure the service integrates with your website or app, and that it offers the payment options your clients prefer.

Don't be afraid to charge slightly more to account for credit card processing fees, it's a cost of doing business!

Launch your online Personal Training business: Once you've completed all of the previous steps, it's time to launch your Online Personal Training business and begin marketing your services. 

Here are some tips to make sure your launch is successful:

Start with your existing network: Reach out to your current and former clients, friends, family members, and colleagues and let them know about your new online training business. Ask them to spread the word to anyone they know who might be interested. 

Ask your current clients for referrals and incentivise them to bring in new business.

Use social media: Post regularly and engage with your followers regularly across social media platforms to build a strong online presence. Run targeted ads to your ideal clients.

Create valuable content: Create blog posts, videos, and other content that showcases your expertise and provides value to your potential clients. Share this content on your website and social media accounts.

Offer a free trial or consultation: Offer a free trial or consultation to new clients to give them a taste of what you have to offer.

Focus on providing exceptional service: Once you've signed up new clients, focus on providing exceptional service to keep them coming back and referring others to your business.

Remember, marketing is a long game. It takes time and effort to build your online presence and attract clients. But if you’re consistent and strategic, you can build a thriving online Personal Training business that helps people achieve their fitness goals and supports your financial goals as well. Stay focused on your goals, provide high-quality service, and continually learn and improve your skills to grow your business.