An hourly rate is one of the most common practices for a personal trainer when it comes to charging services. Thus, you charge for the number of hands-on hours that you dedicate to the client.
However, an online personal training business presents other challenges. In this case, the amount of hours varies considerably. So, what is the best way to go about it?
Some professionals provide weekly 15-minute checks or coaching calls of one hour. Several trainers provide customized programs while others offer pre-designed sessions. The latter doesn’t include one-to-one contact.
Personal trainers must consider this when developing their fee scheme. They want to charge enough to make a living, but not so much that nobody wants to hire them. So, how much should I charge for online personal training?
To answer this question, first, we need to understand how much personal trainers make nowadays.
How Much Should I Charge for Online Personal Training?
There’s no wrong answer to this question. The price that you put on your services will depend on many factors: experience, types of services, location, equipment costs, etc.
An hour-long online session usually costs from $30 to $150. Packages of several sessions usually involve a flat fee. This includes one-time payments, recurring pricing, and monthly subscriptions. Generally, the more the client pays in advance, the lower the per-session fee should be.
When it comes to downloadable materials you can offer PDF files. Include a workout plan considering the needs of your target market. In this case, the material can cost from $20 to $30 for one-month plans. Including the possibility to make consultations is a plus.
Initial consultations are usually free. You can have these before new clients sign up for an activity. Once this is done, you can give consultations and combine them with larger programs. For example, a plan can provide monthly workout materials and include weekly phone consultations.
According to Indeed, average online personal training salaries are approximately $25 an hour or $41,307 a year. Yet, this varies due to the factors described above: location, experience, marketing efforts, etc. The lowest salary is $21,734 a year and the highest is $78,504.
How Does an Online Personal Training Business Make Money?
To answer the question of how a personal training business makes money, we need to establish how it relates to clients. The type of engagement that you have with trainees is vital. Below you’ll find some guidelines to consider for online fitness coaching.
Live sessions (one-on-one or in groups)
Training sessions can be like virtual meetings. Thus, trainees reach their fitness goals by meeting with their personal trainer online. Provide guidelines, offer routines, correct exercises, give tips, and track progress.
Downloadable guides, videos, or plans
This approach has high competition when it comes to online personal training services. Usually, this alternative works best when complemented with live online training.
However, you can offer downloadables as an additional option or customize programs to meet your client’s needs.
Email and phone consultations
Combine consultations with live sessions or downloadable programs. Through email or phone consultations you can track progress. Also, you can answer clients’ questions and make adjustments.
In general, combining these three options is the best choice. It allows you to cover more needs and reach a wider scope of potential clients. The way you break down these alternatives depends on the characteristics of your personal training services. Consider how many clients you want to have, your internet connection, your target audience, and the payment structure that best fits your needs.
Choosing the Pricing Structure: Most Common Pricing Models
If you’re wondering how much you should charge for online personal training, it’s time to consider pricing options.
Hourly rate
Charging by the hour is one of the most common models of an online personal trainer. This is known as the “hourly rate”.
It’s generally considered the best option for both personal trainers and clients since they can track the time spent on each encounter.
Monthly payments
If you want a more stable alternative, go for a monthly subscription. This is one of the best pricing strategies to build a relationship with the client. A long-term contract gives access to continuous training. It also helps online trainers organize their finances as they know how much they will be receiving the next month.
One-time payment structure
Other online personal trainers charge a one-time payment for a certain number of sessions. This pricing strategy is best for new online fitness coaches as they can work with clients without making a long-term commitment. It also allows them to test important factors of a personal training business.
Pay-as-you-go pricing structures
Also a good option for coaches that are only starting. Before forming a client base, they can charge a lower fee and get the ball rolling. When new clients come, they will have more experience thanks to this pricing strategy.
One-time fee to access training materials
Some online personal trainers charge a one-time fee in exchange for unlimited access to certain material. This allows you to reach a wider target audience and more clients with the same material. On the other hand, clients can review the sessions at their convenience.
Bundles of online personal training services
Price packages are a great option for any online fitness coach. Among its many benefits, bundles can help you lock in your clients. This reduces the risk of cancellations and encourages long-term commitments.
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Finding The Right Rates for Your Online Training
Choosing the right fees can be challenging at first. Below you’ll find some tips that will help you.
Your rates should make your work worth it
Think about whether you would work as an online personal trainer for $5 an hour. What if someone offered $150 an hour? Would you do it then?
Make sure you charge a fee that’s convenient to you. If you don’t, your personal training services will become a burden to you.
Consider your experience
Usually, coaches that are just starting charge less. A personal trainer needs qualifications and experience to raise his/her fees.
Keep in mind that potential clients will do a background search. They will be more likely to hire a certified personal trainer or someone with a proven track record.
Consider what your competitors are charging
How much should I charge for online personal training? How much do your competitors charge? What do they offer for this amount?
It’s not a matter of mimicking what others are doing. Instead, do your research and understand how the market works. Having an idea of what the market offers will help you establish a fair strategy.
Estimate your costs
Every online business has its overhead and costs. Website hosting, equipment costs, and advertising are some of them. Thus, it’s important to consider these factors seriously.
Imagine that you are planning to spend $200 on a marketing strategy every month. This means you’ll need to add 25% to your monthly fee. Always make sure you cover your business and personal expenses and get a markup.
The type of online personal training services you provide
When setting your rates as a personal trainer, consider the types of services you offer. Do you offer group sessions or individual training? You can charge higher fees for tailored services. This will give you a good perspective of your pricing options.
What your clients can afford
You could offer online training for $200. However, as worth it as it may be, the question is: are people able to afford it? Think about who your ideal client is and use this as a basis to build your prices. Naturally, you won’t charge the same to a student as you would a Hollywood celebrity.
Another question is: should you charge all your clients the same? While you are not obliged to charge the same amount, this may harm your reputation. If clients find out that others pay less, they may get offended. Also, by keeping the same rates you’ll make bookkeeping simpler.
Be aware of your numbers
You must establish how many clients you can handle. If you appoint too many sessions, there’s a chance you’ll be overwhelmed.
If you want to make $1,000 a month and can handle 50 clients, you need to do your math. In this case, you have to charge at least $20 per client.
The reverse equation also works: establish how much you want to charge and then estimate your clients. For example, if you want to charge $30 and earn $3,000 a month, you’ll need 100 trainees.
The Importance of Recurring Pricing
Recurring income is important for every personal trainer. Generally, online personal training is seen as a simple transaction: you pay the fee and get a one-hour session in return.
Yet, if you decide to use monthly recurring revenue or MRR, the situation changes. Such an approach can be beneficial for both parties. Thus, it’s no longer a one-time transaction but a continuous one. The clients will keep paying until they no longer require the services.
Therefore, recurring income is about having long-term clients that pay a monthly fee in continuity. In exchange, they get a monthly service and usually a lower per-hour rate.
Although at first it’s more tempting to charge one-time payments, this may not be the best option in the long term. This payment strategy will not help you when you need to get a loan or when you have responsibilities like paying for your children’s school, rent, etc.
FAQs about how much to charge for online personal training
1. What is the average hourly rate for online personal training?
The typical hourly charge for online personal training ranges greatly, from $40 to $150. The trainer’s level of expertise, certifications, location, and type of training program given are some variables that may affect pricing.
2. How does the price of online personal training compare to in-person training?
Due to fewer administrative costs, online personal training is typically less expensive than in-person instruction. However, some instructors could charge more for the comfort and adaptability of remote training.
3. Should I charge per session or offer a package deal for online personal training?
Your business model and the preferences of your customers will determine this. Clients who prefer to pay as they go or who have erratic schedules may find that charging by the session is a useful alternative. Providing package packages can increase the stability of your company and might persuade customers to enroll in a longer-term training course.
4. How much should I charge for an initial consultation or assessment for online personal training?
Initial assessments or consultations for online personal training often cost between $50 and $150. The cost may vary depending on the length of the consultation, the extent of preparation necessary, and the trainer’s level of competence.
5. What factors should I consider when determining my online personal training rates?
The type and complexity of training programs you offer, the size of your target market, and the pricing tactics of your competitors are a few things to take into account.
6. Is it appropriate to offer discounts or promotions for online personal training?
Providing specials or discounts can help you draw in new customers or persuade current ones to stick with you. It’s crucial to avoid undervaluing your services or raising irrational expectations, though.
7. How can I adjust my pricing strategy to attract more clients without undercutting my value as a trainer?
Take into account providing flexible price alternatives, such as bundles or packages that offer a discount to customers who sign up for a longer-term program. You could also want to think about enhancing the value of your services by providing more resources or assistance.
8. Should I charge more for specialized or advanced training programs?
Indeed, specialized or advanced training programs could need the trainer to have more knowledge or resources, which could justify a higher charge. It’s crucial to keep the pricing for the client reasonable and fair, nevertheless.
9. Are there any industry standards or guidelines for pricing online personal training services?
Although some organizations provide guidelines and recommendations based on market trends and best practices, there are no formal industry standards for pricing online personal training services.
10. How do I communicate my pricing to potential clients in a way that emphasizes the value of my services?
Be honest and upfront when describing your pricing to clients about what they may anticipate from your services, and emphasize the advantages and value you can offer. Think about providing case studies or testimonials that illustrate the outcomes your clients have obtained from your training initiatives.
How Much Should I Charge for Online Personal Training: Final Thoughts
There are different factors to consider when deciding your rates. The key is to generate earnings and still offer an amount that clients are willing to pay.
Remember that market research is vital. Also, don’t forget that you can increase your fees as you gain more experience and customize your services.
How much should I charge for online personal training? Use this guide to find the answer and optimize your business.
If you enjoyed reading this article about how much should I charge for online personal training, you should read these as well:
- How to be an online personal trainer and be good at it
- The best online personal trainer software to use
- How to Start an Online Personal Training Business (In-Depth Guide)
