Whether you are just starting your career or making a shift later in life, you might be drawn to the health and nutrition industry. You could be passionate about nutrition in your personal life or have experience in the wellness field. No matter your background, running a nutrition business can be a fulfilling path. However, you need to have the resources to do it right.
The following are some key components of a successful and legitimate nutrition business. Whether you want to be a nutritional therapist or run a nutrition blog on the side, an informed approach can help you set up your future career.
Education credentials
Before you give nutritional advice to anyone, it’s important to receive the proper education. Your credentials will show that you are legitimate and can offer trustworthy information. Most professionals in this field will seek credentials as a nutritionist or dietitian.
Keep in mind that dietitians are more regulated than nutritionists and are often seen as more legitimate. In most states, those who have an advanced degree can take an exam to become a nutritionist. To become a dietitian, you would need to complete a bachelor’s degree that is approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), complete an internship or practice program, and sit for an exam to become a Registered Dietitian (RD).
As a nutritionist, you might be able to work as a health coach or blogger. However, you will likely need to become a registered dietitian, registered nutritional therapist, or similar professional to work in a healthcare setting or offer accredited nutritional advice. No matter your credentials, be sure to remain ethical and be up front with clients.
A clear niche
Once you decide to start a nutrition business, you need to determine a clear niche. Otherwise, potential clients and partners may not be able to find you. If you become a nutrition coach, decide what demographic you want to work with and what your approach to coaching will be. For example, you might target new moms who want to live a healthier lifestyle. If you have the credentials, you might decide to offer private nutritional counseling for seniors or families with young children. You might also offer products, such as supplements created through Makers Nutrition. Once you decide your niche, you can start searching for clients.
An online presence
Whether your business is fully or partially online, a digital presence is a must for marketing. Be sure that you have a quality website and active social media channels set up. Write compelling copy to market your products and maintain a selection of on-brand photographs. You might need to hire a set of professionals to set up your brand for you, which can make your website and social presence more legitimate. A blog is also key when working in the nutrition industry, since many clients will find your website while searching for information.
Legal details
Check your state’s requirement for small businesses and secure all of the legal accreditations. This could mean setting up an LLC, registering a physical office space, and setting up your tax accounts. A lawyer can help you set up the back end of your business and create contracts for all of your clients. Putting in this effort up front will keep you out of trouble later on, and you can enjoy peace of mind while you focus on the work.
A strong network
Once you set up your business, maintain an online presence and know your niche, you can start networking to find clients. This could mean writing guest blogs for others in your niche, attending conferences, joining relevant Facebook groups, and partnering with other businesses in your area. Putting yourself out these as a qualified nutrition professional, you will start accessing leads and enjoy a steady flow of clients.
Whether you are an online nutritional coach or a private nutritional therapist, establishing a business in this field can take time. So, be sure to be patient. By staying consistent, sticking to your brand, and networking in your community, you can create a positive reputation and make a difference for your clients.