sports supplement business plan

How To Write a Business Plan for Sports Nutrition Shop in 9 Steps: Checklist

Resources on sports nutrition shop.

• Financial Model
• Business Plan
• Value Proposition
• One-Page Business Plan

Welcome to our blog post on how to write a business plan for a sports nutrition shop! With the increasing popularity of fitness and healthy living, the sports nutrition industry is booming. In fact, according to statistical data , the global sports nutrition market is projected to reach a value of $XX billion by 2025, experiencing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of X.X% during the forecast period.

To successfully enter this competitive market, it is essential to have a well-thought-out business plan in place. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating a comprehensive plan for your sports nutrition shop in just 9 steps. By following this checklist , you will be equipped with the necessary tools to set up a successful business that caters to the needs of fitness enthusiasts.

• Conduct market research
• Define your target audience
• Identify competitors
• Determine unique selling propositions
• Set specific and measurable goals
• Analyze financial feasibility
• Develop a marketing strategy
• Create a detailed plan for inventory management
• Prepare a budget and financial projections

Ready to embark on your journey to owning a sports nutrition shop? Let's dive right into the first step: conducting market research.

Stay tuned for our upcoming posts where we'll delve into each step in more detail, providing expert tips and insights to help you build a thriving sports nutrition business. Get ready to fuel the success of athletes and fitness enthusiasts in your community!

Conduct Market Research

Market research is a crucial step in starting a sports nutrition shop as it provides valuable insights into the industry, target market, and competition. By conducting thorough research, you can make informed decisions and develop a solid business plan. Here are some key points to consider:

• Identify the overall size and growth potential of the sports nutrition industry in your target location. This will help you gauge the market demand for your products and services.
• Segment your target audience based on factors such as age, gender, fitness goals, and dietary preferences. Understanding their needs and preferences will allow you to tailor your offerings accordingly.
• Research your potential competitors, both online and offline. Identify their strengths, weaknesses, and unique selling propositions. This will help you position your sports nutrition shop effectively.
• Identify any gaps or untapped opportunities in the market that you can capitalize on. This could be offering specialized products, partnering with local gyms, or providing personalized nutrition coaching.
• Utilize online resources and market research tools to gather relevant data and statistics.
• Conduct surveys or interviews with potential customers to gain insights into their preferences and purchasing behaviors.
• Visit existing sports nutrition shops to observe their operations, product offerings, and customer interactions.

By conducting comprehensive market research, you will gain a deeper understanding of the sports nutrition industry and be better equipped to make strategic decisions for your business. This knowledge will guide you in defining your target audience, identifying unique selling propositions, and setting realistic goals for the success of your sports nutrition shop.

Define Your Target Audience

Defining your target audience is a crucial step in creating a successful business plan for your sports nutrition shop. Understanding who your ideal customers are will help you tailor your products, marketing strategies, and overall business approach to meet their specific needs and preferences.

Here are a few important factors to consider when defining your target audience:

• Demographics: Start by identifying the basic demographic characteristics of your target audience, such as age, gender, income level, and location. This information will give you a clear picture of who your potential customers are and will help you make informed decisions about your product offerings and pricing.
• Lifestyle and Interests: Look beyond demographics and delve into the lifestyle and interests of your target audience. Are they avid gym-goers, athletes, or individuals looking to improve their overall health? Understanding their lifestyle choices and interests will allow you to tailor your marketing messages and product recommendations to resonate with them.
• Pain Points and Motivations: Identify the pain points and motivations of your target audience. What challenges do they face in their fitness journey, and what specific goals are they trying to achieve? By understanding their needs and desires, you can position your products and services as the solutions to their problems.

Tips for Defining Your Target Audience:

• Conduct surveys or interviews with potential customers to gather insights and feedback.
• Analyze data from social media platforms and online forums to understand the preferences and behaviors of your target audience.
• Keep an eye on industry trends and stay updated on the latest developments in sports nutrition to identify emerging target audiences.

Once you have a clear understanding of your target audience, document their characteristics, preferences, and pain points. This information will serve as a guide throughout your business planning process, helping you make informed decisions and tailor your strategies to attract and retain your ideal customers.

Identify Competitors

One crucial step in writing a business plan for your sports nutrition shop is to identify your competitors. This will allow you to understand the market landscape and assess the level of competition you may face. Here are some important considerations when identifying your competitors:

• Research the Local Market: Begin by researching local sports nutrition shops in your area. Identify their strengths, weaknesses, and the products and services they offer. This will give you insight into what has been successful in your market and help you develop strategies to differentiate your business.
• Online Competitors: In this digital age, it is essential to consider online competitors as well. Explore e-commerce platforms, websites, and social media channels that sell sports nutrition products. Analyze their pricing, customer reviews, and shipping options to understand their competitive advantage.
• Big-Box Retailers: Don't forget to consider larger retailers or big-box stores that may sell sports nutrition products. While their focus might be broader, they can still pose a threat to your business. Understand their pricing strategies, product selection, and marketing initiatives to identify potential areas of advantage for your shop.

Tips for Identifying Competitors:

• Visit local gyms, fitness centers, and health food stores to gather information about the sports nutrition products they sell.
• Listen to customer feedback and complaints about competitors' offerings to determine areas where you can improve.
• Study online marketplaces and review websites to identify emerging trends and new players in the sports nutrition industry.

By thoroughly researching and identifying your competitors, you can gain valuable insights that will guide your business strategy and help you find unique ways to stand out in the market.

Determine Unique Selling Propositions

When starting a sports nutrition shop, it is crucial to determine your unique selling propositions (USPs) that set you apart from competitors in the market. These USPs will be key factors that attract customers and contribute to the success of your business.

One way to identify your USPs is by analyzing the needs and desires of your target audience. Understand what they are looking for in sports nutrition products and what their pain points are. This will help you tailor your offerings to meet their specific demands.

• Product Quality: Focus on offering high-quality and trusted brands of sports nutrition supplements, powders, bars, and snacks. Emphasize natural and organic options to cater to health-conscious customers.
• Personalized Nutrition Coaching: Stand out by providing personalized nutrition coaching services to your customers. Offer individualized plans and advice tailored to their specific fitness goals and dietary needs.
• Fitness Plans: Differentiate yourself by offering comprehensive fitness plans along with nutritional guidance. Provide workout routines and training schedules that complement your customers' nutrition goals, helping them achieve optimal physical performance.
• Loyalty Program: Implement a loyalty program that rewards repeat purchases. Offer exclusive discounts, free samples, or early access to new products to incentivize customer loyalty.
• Partnerships and Sponsorships: Collaborate with local gyms, sports teams, and fitness events to build partnerships. Offer exclusive discounts and promotions to their members or participants, enhancing your brand visibility and attracting a wider customer base.

Tips for determining your Unique Selling Propositions:

• Research your competitors' offerings to identify gaps in the market that you can fill.
• Seek feedback from potential customers to understand their preferences and pain points.
• Focus on offering a unique combination of products, services, and experiences that your competitors may not provide.
• Continuously evaluate and adapt your USPs based on customer feedback and market trends.

By determining your unique selling propositions, you will be able to position your sports nutrition shop as a go-to destination for customers seeking a comprehensive and personalized approach to their fitness and nutrition needs. These USPs will be the driving force behind attracting and retaining loyal customers, ultimately contributing to the growth and success of your business.

Set Specific and Measurable Goals

When creating a business plan for your sports nutrition shop, it is essential to establish specific and measurable goals. These goals will serve as a roadmap for your business, allowing you to track your progress and make necessary adjustments along the way.

1. Sales Targets: One of the primary goals for your sports nutrition shop is likely to generate profit. Set specific sales targets for each product category or overall sales volume. This will help you gauge the success of your business and guide your marketing and promotional efforts.

2. Customer Acquisition: attracting new customers is vital for the growth of your sports nutrition shop. Set measurable goals for the number of new customers you want to acquire within a specific timeframe. This could be through online promotions, loyalty programs, or partnerships with local gyms and sports teams.

3. Customer Retention: retaining existing customers is just as crucial as attracting new ones. Set goals to measure customer retention rates and establish strategies to increase loyalty. This could include personalized nutrition coaching, exclusive discounts for repeat purchases, or a robust loyalty program.

• Ensure your goals are SMART – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
• Break down your sales targets and customer acquisition goals into manageable milestones.
• Regularly track and analyze your progress towards achieving your goals, making adjustments as necessary.

4. Brand Awareness: Establish goals to measure the level of brand awareness you aim to achieve. This could be through social media engagement, website traffic, or customer recognition surveys. Consistently monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of your brand-building efforts.

5. Financial Performance: Set specific financial goals, such as profitability, return on investment, or cash flow targets. Analyze your financial feasibility to ensure your goals are realistic and attainable.

By setting specific and measurable goals, you provide yourself with clear direction and motivation to take your sports nutrition shop to new heights. Regularly reviewing and adjusting these goals will enable you to adapt to changes in the market and stay ahead of the competition.

Analyze Financial Feasibility

One of the critical steps in writing a business plan for a sports nutrition shop is analyzing the financial feasibility of your venture. This step involves assessing the potential costs, revenue streams, and profitability of your business idea. Conducting a thorough analysis will help you make informed decisions and ensure the long-term success of your shop.

To analyze the financial feasibility of your sports nutrition shop, consider the following:

• Start-up costs: Calculate the initial investment required to launch your business, including expenses such as store setup, inventory, equipment, licenses, and permits.
• Operational expenses: Determine the ongoing costs of running your shop, such as rent, utilities, salaries, marketing, and insurance.
• Pricing strategy: Define your pricing strategy based on the costs incurred and the desired profit margins. Consider the competitive landscape and customer expectations when setting prices for your sports nutrition products.
• Sales forecast: Create a realistic sales projection based on market research, target audience analysis, and competitor assessment. This forecast will help estimate your potential revenue.
• Profitability analysis: Analyze your projected revenue and expenses to determine your shop's profitability. Consider factors such as margins, break-even points, and return on investment (ROI).
• Consult with an accountant or financial advisor to ensure accuracy and reliability in your financial analysis.
• Consider conducting a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) to identify potential risks and opportunities related to your shop's financial viability.
• Regularly monitor and review your financial performance once your shop is operational. This will help you make informed decisions and implement necessary adjustments to ensure ongoing profitability.

Develop A Marketing Strategy

A well-executed marketing strategy is essential for the success of any business, including a sports nutrition shop. It helps to create awareness, attract customers, and build a strong brand image. Here are some important steps to consider when developing your marketing strategy:

• Identify your target audience: Understanding who your customers are and what they are looking for is crucial in creating effective marketing campaigns. Conduct market research to gather insights about their preferences, demographics, and behavior.
• Establish your unique selling propositions: Differentiate your sports nutrition shop from competitors by highlighting the unique aspects of your products and services. Examples could include the emphasis on natural and organic options, personalized nutrition coaching and fitness plans, and a loyalty program for rewards.
• Set specific and measurable goals: Determine the objectives you want to achieve through your marketing efforts. These could include increasing brand awareness, generating sales, or driving traffic to your online store. Make sure your goals are attainable and have clear metrics for evaluation.
• Create a comprehensive marketing plan: Outline the specific tactics and channels you will utilize to reach your target audience. This could include a combination of online marketing strategies such as content marketing, social media advertising, search engine optimization (SEO), and email campaigns, as well as offline methods like local partnerships and event sponsorships.
• Analyze financial feasibility: Consider the allocated budget for your marketing activities and ensure you are investing in strategies that provide the most value. Regularly monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of your campaigns to optimize your spending.
• Monitor and measure your marketing efforts: Implement tools and systems to track the performance of your marketing initiatives. This will allow you to adjust and refine your strategies based on data-driven insights.

Tips for Developing an Effective Marketing Strategy:

• Utilize social media platforms to engage with your target audience and share valuable content related to sports nutrition and fitness.
• Consider partnering with influencers or athletes who align with your brand values to amplify your reach and credibility.
• Offer promotions and discounts to attract new customers and encourage repeat purchases.
• Collect and leverage customer testimonials and reviews to build trust and credibility in your brand.
• Regularly analyze your competitors' marketing strategies to stay informed about industry trends and identify potential opportunities.

By developing a well-planned marketing strategy, you can effectively reach and engage with your target audience, build a strong brand presence, and drive the success of your sports nutrition shop.

Create A Detailed Plan For Inventory Management

Effective inventory management is crucial for the success of a sports nutrition shop. It ensures that you have the right products available at the right time, minimizing stockouts and reducing excess inventory. Here are some important considerations for creating a detailed plan for inventory management:

• 1. Evaluate demand and trends: Analyze market research data, customer feedback, and sales patterns to identify the most popular products and anticipate future demand. Stay updated on industry trends and adjust your inventory accordingly.
• 2. Categorize inventory: Group your products into different categories such as supplements, powders, bars, and snacks. This will help you manage inventory levels more efficiently and prioritize restocking efforts.
• 3. Set par levels: Determine the minimum quantity you should have on hand for each product to avoid stockouts. This will ensure you always have enough inventory to meet customer demand without tying up excessive capital.
• 4. Establish reorder points: Set specific thresholds for each product that trigger the reorder process. This can be based on historical sales data, lead time, and customer demand variability. Reorder points prevent delays in restocking and maintain optimal inventory levels.
• 5. Implement a first-in, first-out (FIFO) system: Ensure that older inventory is sold first to prevent product expiration and waste. This approach minimizes the risk of selling expired or outdated nutritional products.
• 6. Utilize technology: Consider using advanced inventory management software to streamline processes, track inventory levels, and generate automated replenishment alerts. This can improve accuracy, reduce manual errors, and save time.
• Regularly review your inventory performance and update your plan accordingly, especially if your product offerings or market demand change.
• Collaborate with suppliers to negotiate favorable terms, such as bulk discounts or consignment arrangements, to optimize your inventory investment.
• Establish good relationships with reliable suppliers to ensure consistent availability and quality of products.

By creating a detailed plan for inventory management, you can optimize your stock levels, minimize costs, and provide a seamless shopping experience for your customers. This will help your sports nutrition shop thrive in a competitive market.

Prepare A Budget And Financial Projections

Preparing a budget and financial projections is a crucial step in creating a business plan for your sports nutrition shop. It helps you understand the financial viability of your business and sets a roadmap for financial success. Here are some important considerations when preparing your budget and financial projections:

• Estimate startup costs: Start by calculating the initial costs required to establish your sports nutrition shop, including lease expenses, renovation costs, equipment purchases, and inventory. Be sure to include any legal fees or licenses that may be required.
• Forecast revenue: Research the market and analyze similar businesses to estimate your expected revenue. Consider factors such as average customer spending, sales volume, and seasonality. It's important to be realistic in your projections to avoid overestimating sales.
• Determine operating expenses: Identify and list all the ongoing expenses your sports nutrition shop will incur, such as rent, utilities, salaries, marketing costs, and inventory replenishment. Be comprehensive in your estimates to ensure you capture all potential expenses.
• Calculate gross profit margin: Determine the markup or gross profit margin for your products. This will help you understand how much profit you will make after subtracting the cost of goods sold from your revenue.
• Consider using previous financial statements or industry benchmarks to guide your projections.
• Factor in any loans or investments you may need to make to cover startup costs.
• Regularly review and revise your financial projections as your business matures and market conditions change.

Once you have estimated your revenue, expenses, and profit margin, create a financial forecast for at least the first three years of your business. This should include projected income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. These financial projections will provide insights into your expected profitability, financial stability, and cash flow management.

In addition to the financial forecast, develop key performance indicators (KPIs) that will help you track the progress and success of your sports nutrition shop. These may include metrics such as sales growth, customer acquisition costs, average transaction value, and customer retention rates.

By preparing a budget and financial projections, you are demonstrating your understanding of the financial aspects of your business. This not only helps you secure funding from potential investors or lenders but also provides a guideline for your own financial decision-making as you work towards the success of your sports nutrition shop.

In conclusion, writing a business plan for a sports nutrition shop requires careful consideration and research. By following the 9-step checklist outlined in this blog post, entrepreneurs can ensure they have a solid foundation for success. By conducting market research, defining the target audience, and analyzing the financial feasibility, entrepreneurs can make informed decisions and set specific goals for their business. Developing a comprehensive marketing strategy, creating a detailed plan for inventory management, and preparing a budget and financial projections will help entrepreneurs stay organized and focused on their business objectives. By offering personalized nutrition coaching, fitness plans, and a loyalty program, as well as forming partnerships with local gyms and sports teams, entrepreneurs can differentiate their shop from the competition and create a unique value proposition. With a strong online presence and a commitment to providing quality products and services, entrepreneurs can create a one-stop-shop for customers looking to enhance their physical performance and overall health.

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Sports Nutrition Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business Plans » Sports Sector

Do you want to start a sports nutrition company? If YES, here is a detailed sample sports nutrition business plan template & FREE feasibility report. The fact that sports men and women want to continue to stay in shape and become peak performers means that they will do whatever it takes to achieve that goal including eating right and that is where a sports nutrition consultant business comes in.

What It Takes to Succeed as a Sports Nutritionist

Sports Nutrition consultants are knowledgeable when it comes to the type, as well as the quantity of fluids and food to be taken by an athlete. Please note that you are expected to pass the exams given by the American Academy of Nutrition Consultants before you can become a certified nutritionist.

If you want to partake in this thriving industry, you would need to obtain all the necessary licenses and certifications. Although there are competitions at various levels in the industry, but if you are able to come up with a good business strategy, you are sure of getting your own fair share of the available market.

So, if you have decided to start a sports nutrition consulting business in the united states, then you should make sure that you carry out thorough feasibility studies and market survey. Below is a sample sports nutrition consulting business plan template that will help you write yours without much stress.

A Sample Sports Nutrition Consulting Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

Sports nutrition consulting is the study of nutrition and dieting with regards to improving athletic performance. Nutrition is an important part of many sports training regimens, being popular in strength sports (such as weightlifting and bodybuilding) and endurance sports (e.g. cycling, running, swimming, rowing).

Sports nutrition consulting firm is a niche idea in the Nutritionists & Dietitians industry and players in this industry also includes health practitioners who have a bachelor’s degree, licensure, certification or registration in, and primarily advise on, matters of diet and nutrition and their effects on health. These practitioners operate private or group practices in their own offices or in the facilities of others, including hospitals or other medical centers.

A close study of the Nutritionists & Dietitians industry shows that the industry is truly thriving in the United States as a result of loads of Americans facing a critical obesity problem over the past decade, with skyrocketing levels of diabetes, heart disease and other chronic diseases. As a result, demand for Nutritionists has increased and is expected to continue to rise significantly.

Wellness, maintenance and disease prevention have become some of the buzzwords circulating among people who are becoming increasingly concerned about what they eat and how it affects their health. The industry has a positive outlook due to increasing emphasis on disease prevention through improved dietary habits. Growing focus on preventive care services and public interest in nutrition will also underpin demand.

A recent report published by IBISWORLD shows that the four regions that encompass the greatest percentages of health and wellness centers include the Southeast (22.6 percent of establishments), the Mid-Atlantic (18.7 percent), the West (16.2 percent), and the Great Lakes (15.3 percent) regions of the United States.

Together these four regions account for 72.9 percent of total establishments. The report also shows that other regions including the Southwest and Rocky Mountains account for an estimated 9.0 percent and 3.8 percent, respectively.

Geographic analysis by state indicates that wellness centers are primarily located in California (11.0 percent of establishments), New York (7.1 percent), Texas (5.9 percent), and Florida (5.5 percent). However, the Southeast accounts for the largest region due to its high senior population. The distribution and location of establishments is strongly correlated to population spread.

The Nutritionists & Dietitians industry is a thriving sector of the economy of the United States of America and they generate over $10 billion annually from more than 147,506 registered and licensed nutrition consulting firms (including sports nutrition consultants).

The industry is responsible for the employment of over 195,499 people. Experts project the industry to grow at a 2.3 percent annual rate. It is important to state that there is no single organization that has a lion share of the available market in the industry.

It can’t be over emphasized that the demand for the services offered by nutritionists and dietitians grows when public confidence declines and people’s ability to handle the issues on their own wanes. When the housing bubble burst and the US economy fell into a recession, consumer confidence plummeted.

However, as the economy slowly continues to recover and consumer confidence returns, demand for the services of nutritionists and dietitians is expected to grow. High-income households will serve as the primary vehicle of growth for the industry.

Lastly, as a sports nutritionist, the key attributes needed to be able to make good success from the trade is patience, enthusiasm, passion about the specific area to be handled, and constant positivity. You are also expected to be highly proactive.

It is one thing to have a skill and another thing to know how to counsel people into eating right and living healthy which is why you must constantly get feedbacks from your clients to be able to measure their progress and your performance.

2. Executive Summary

Felix Santos® Sports Nutrition Consulting Firm, LLP is a licensed sports nutrition consulting firm that is specialized in helping her clients (athletes) when it comes to the type, as well as the quantity of fluids and food taken.

The scope of our business offerings covers areas such as nutrition counseling, planning food programs, planning nutrition programs, promoting healthy eating habits, consumption of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, supplements and organic substances that include carbohydrates, proteins and fats et al. Our business will be located in a well-populated residential estate in Los Angeles – California, United States of America.

Felix Santos® Sports Nutrition Consulting Firm, LLP is a client-focused and result driven sports nutrition consulting firm that provides broad – based sports nutrition consulting service at an affordable fee that won’t in any way put a hole in the pocket of our clients.  We will ensure that we work hard to meet and surpass all our clients’ expectations as it relates to their career and personal goals whenever they hire our services.

At Felix Santos® Sports Nutrition Consulting Firm, LLP, our clients’ overall best interest would always come first, and everything we do is guided by our values and professional ethics. We will ensure that we hire professional and certified sports nutritionists with various skills set who are passionate in helping our clients achieve their personal goals within record time.

Felix Santos® Sports Nutrition Consulting Firm, LLP will at all times demonstrates her commitment to sustainability, both individually and as a nutrition consulting firm, by actively participating in our communities and integrating sustainable business practices wherever possible. We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our clients’ needs precisely and completely.

Our overall business goal is to position our nutrition consulting firm to become the leading sports nutrition consulting brand in the industry in the whole of Los Angeles – California, United States of America, and also to be amongst the top 3 sports nutrition consulting firms in the United States of America within the first 5 years of operation.

This might look too tall a dream but we are optimistic that this will surely come to pass because we have done our research and feasibility studies. Felix Santos® Sports Nutrition Consulting Firm, LLP is founded by Dr. Felix Santos and he will run the business with his business partner, Dr. Anthony Wilder.

Dr. Santos is a certified and renowned sports nutritionist and Dr. Anthony Wilder a certified and licensed dietitian. They both have a combined experience of over 20 years working with top government officials, corporate executives, celebrities and sports people both in the United States of America and Canada.

3. Our Products and Services

Felix Santos® Sports Nutrition Consulting Firm, LLP is going to offer varieties of services within the scope of the nutritionists and dietitians’ industry in the United States of America.

Our intention of starting our sports nutrition consulting business is to help our clients stay fit, achieve peak performance and improve their overall wellbeing and productivity, and of course to also make profits and we will do all that is permitted by the law in the US to achieve our business goal. Our service offerings are listed below;

• Sports nutrition counseling
• Planning food programs for athletes
• Planning nutrition programs for athletes
• Promoting healthy eating habits for athletes
• Performing nutrition screenings for athletes
• Retailing of performance enhancing dietary supplements, energy supplements, recovery supplements (such as energy bar, sports drink, multivitamin, bodybuilding supplements and high-protein diet) and nutrition books and materials.

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our vision is to build a highly competitive and effective sports nutrition consulting business that will become the number one choice for athletes in Los Angeles – California and the whole of the United States of America.
• Our mission is to provide affordable, professional and highly effective sports nutrition consulting service to a wide range of clients.
• We want to position Felix Santos® Sports Nutrition Consulting Firm, LLP to become one of the leading sports nutrition consulting brands in the industry in the whole of Los Angeles – California, and also to be amongst the top 3 sports nutrition consulting firms in the United States of America within the first 5 years of operation.

Our Business Structure

Felix Santos® Sports Nutrition Consulting Firm, LLP, is a sports nutrition consulting firm that intends starting small in Los Angeles – California, but hopes to grow big in order to compete favorably with leading firms in the nutritionists and dietitians industry.

We are aware of the importance of building a solid business structure that can support the kind of world class business we want to own. This is why we are committed to only hire the best hands within our area of operations.

At Felix Santos® Sports Nutrition Consulting Firm, LLP, we will ensure that we hire people that are qualified, hardworking, creative, passionate, result driven, customer centric and are ready to work to help us build a prosperous business that will benefit all the stake holders.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our senior management staff/partners and it will be based on their performance for a period of five years or more as agreed by the board of trustees of the company. In view of the above, we have decided to hire qualified and competent hands to occupy the following positions;

• Principal Partner/Chief Executive Officer
• Sports Nutritionist and Dietitian

Office Administrator

• Marketing Executives

Client Service Executive

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Principal Partner/Chief Executive Officer:

• Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results;
• Creating, communicating, and implementing the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals
• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization

Sports Nutritionist and Dietitians

• Retailing of performance enhancing dietary supplements, energy supplements, recovery supplements (such as energy bar, sports drink, multivitamin, bodybuilding supplements and high-protein diet) and nutrition books and materials
• Develop meal plans, taking both cost and clients’ preferences into account
• Evaluate the effects of meal plans and change the plans as needed
• Keep up with the latest sport’s nutritional science research
• Write reports to document patient progress
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
• Regularly hold meetings with key stakeholders to review the effectiveness of the organizations’ Policies, Procedures and Processes
• Maintains office supplies by checking stocks, placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products.
• Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
• Defining job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carrying out induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments
• Oversees the smooth running of the daily activities for the organization.

Marketing Executive

• Identify, prioritize, and reach out to new clients, and business opportunities et al
• Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts
• Writing winning proposal documents, negotiate fees and rates in line with organizations’ policy
• Responsible for handling business research, market surveys and feasibility studies for clients
• Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
• Document all customer contact and information
• Represent Felix Santos® Sports Nutrition Consulting Firm, LLP in strategic meetings
• Help increase sales and growth for the organization
• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensuring compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for the organization
• Serves as internal auditor for the organization.
• Welcomes clients and visitors by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
• Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
• Manages administrative duties assigned by the principal partners in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the organizations’ products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to clients when they make enquiries
• Receives parcels/documents for the organization.

6. SWOT Analysis

Felix Santos® Sports Nutrition Consulting Firm, LLP engaged the services of a core professional in the area of business consulting and structuring to assist our organization in building a well – structured sports nutrition consulting business that can favorably compete in the highly competitive industry in the United States.

Part of what the team of business consultants did was to work with the management of our organization in conducting a SWOT analysis for Felix Santos® Sports Nutrition Consulting Firm, LLP. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Felix Santos® Sports Nutrition Consulting Firm, LLP;

Our core strength lies in our ability to attract local support and frequent referrals, having a high prior success rate and recommendation/accreditation from authoritative source (celebrity sportsmen and women). So also, we have a team that is considered experts in the industry.

Aside from the synergy that exists in our carefully selected team members and our strong online presence, Felix Santos® Sports Nutrition Consulting Firm, LLP is well positioned in a community with the right demography and we know we will attract loads of clients from the first day we open our doors for business.

As a new nutrition consulting firm in Los Angeles – California, it might take some time for our organization to break into the market and gain acceptance especially from top profile clients in the fast – growing nutritionists and dietitians industry; that is perhaps our major weakness.

• Opportunities:

Growing focus on preventive care services and nutrition will strengthen demand, so also the fact that patients have been better able to afford doctor visits and a growing population of people who are actively engaged in one sports activity or the order will create opportunities for industry services in institutionalized settings.

This goes to show that the opportunities in the nutritionists industry are massive. As a standard sports nutrition consulting firm, we are ready to take advantage of any opportunity that comes our way.

Every business faces a threat or challenge at every part of its life cycle. These threats can be external or internal. This shows the importance of a business plan, because most threats or challenges are to be anticipated and plans put in place to cushion what effect they might bring to the business.

Some of the threats that we are likely going to face as a sports nutrition consulting firm operating in the United States of America are unfavorable government policies that might affect businesses such as ours, the arrival of a competitor within our location of operation and global economic downturn which usually affects spending/purchasing power.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

The trend in the nutritionists and dietitians industry shows that in the last half decade, the industry has grown consistently. With the growing population of active athletes in the United State, nutritionist services are needed regardless of economic conditions.

Going forward, as people continue to be employed and regain a steady income, private health insurance will become more affordable, prompting consumers to seek nutritionist services when needed.

One thing is certain, the trend in the industry is such that if you want to be ahead of your competitors, you should be able to acquire as much certifications as possible and you should be able to have loads of testimonies from your clients.

The truth is that if your clients experienced huge difference in their eating habits, health and overall well – being as a result of hiring your services, then they will be compelled to help promote your organization. Another notable trend in this industry is the influence of technology; the advent of technology is responsible for the increase in income generated by sports nutritionists all over the world.

With technology, it is now easier for nutritionists to work with clients that are thousands of kilometers away from them. Tools like video calling/Skype, YouTube, live chat and Webcast et al are being used to counsel clients in different parts of the world.

8. Our Target Market

The target market for sports nutrition consulting firms is all encompassing. As a standard nutrition consulting firm, Felix Santos® Sports Nutrition Consulting Firm, LLP offers a wide range of services hence we are well trained and equipped to services a wide range of clients (athletes).

Below is a list of the clients that we have specifically designed our services for;

• Sports men and women
• Athletes in strength sports (such as weightlifting and bodybuilding) and endurance sports (e.g. cycling, running, swimming, rowing)

Our Competitive Advantage

No doubt, the nutritionists industry is indeed very prolific and highly competitive industry. Clients will only hire your services if they know that you can help them stay fit and achieve peak performance. It is the practice for nutritionists to acquire as much certifications as it relates to their area of specialization; it is part of what will make them stay competitive in the industry.

Felix Santos® Sports Nutrition Consulting Firm, LLP might be a new sports nutrition consulting firm in Los Angeles – California, but the management team and the owner of the business are highly qualified sports nutritionists that can successfully help her clients become peak performing athletes and achieve their personal sports goal within a short period of time. These are part of what will count as a competitive advantage for us.

Aside from our robust experience and expertise of our sports nutritionists, we have a very strong online presence that will enable us work with clients in different parts of the world.

Lastly, our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category in the industry. It will enable them to be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and objectives.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Felix Santos® Sports Nutrition Consulting Firm, LLP is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the industry and we are going to ensure that we do all it takes to attract clients on a regular basis. Felix Santos® Sports Nutrition Consulting Firm, LLP will generate income by offering the following services;

10. Sales Forecast

One thing is certain, there would always be athletes who would need the services of sports nutritionists in other for them to stay fit and achieve peak performance. This is the major reason why our services will always be needed.

We are well positioned to take on the available market in Los Angeles – California and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income/profits from the first six months of operation and grow our clientele base.

We have been able to examine the nutritionists and dietitians market and we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. Below are the sales projections for Felix Santos® Sports Nutrition Consulting Firm, LLP, it is based on the location of our sports nutrition consulting firm and of course the wide range of services that we will be offering;

• First Fiscal Year (FY1): $250,000
• Second Fiscal Year (FY2): $350,000
• Third Fiscal Year (FY3): $650,000

N.B : This projection was done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and there won’t be any major competitor offering same services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

We are mindful of the fact that there are stiff competitions amongst sports nutrition consulting firms in the United States of America; hence we have been able to hire some of the best marketing experts to handle our marketing department.

Our sales and marketing team will be recruited based on their vast experience in the industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to be well equipped to meet their targets. We will also ensure that our clients overcome their challenges in record time.

Our goal is to grow Felix Santos® Sports Nutrition Consulting Firm, LLP to become one of the top 3 sports nutrition consulting firms in the United States of America which is why we have mapped out strategies that will help us take advantage of the available market and grow to become a major force to reckon with not only in Los Angeles – California but also in other cities in the United States of America.

Felix Santos® Sports Nutrition Consulting Firm, LLP is set to make use of the following marketing and sales strategies to attract clients;

• Introduce our nutrition consulting firm by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to sports clubs and key stake holders in Los Angeles – California.
• Print out fliers and business cards and strategically drop them in stadiums, sporting complex, offices, libraries, public facilities and train stations et al.
• Use friends and family to spread word about our firm
• Post information about our sports nutrition consulting firm on bulletin boards in places like schools, libraries, and local coffee shops.
• Place a small or classified advertisement in the newspaper, or local publication about our sports nutrition consulting firm
• Advertise our sports nutrition consulting firm in relevant educational magazines, newspapers, TV and radio stations
• Attend relevant sports competitions, expos, seminars, and business fairs et al
• Engage direct marketing approach
• Encourage word of mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied clients.

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We have been able to work with our brand and publicity consultants to help us map out publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the heart of our target market. We are set to become the number one choice for clients in the whole of Los Angeles – California which is why we have made provisions for effective publicity and advertisement of our business.

Below are the platforms we intend to leverage on to promote and advertise Felix Santos® Sports Nutrition Consulting Firm, LLP;

• Place adverts on both print (community based newspapers and sports magazines) and electronic media platforms
• Sponsor relevant community based sporting events/programs
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote our brand
• Install our Billboards in strategic locations all around Los Angeles – California.
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas
• List our sports nutrition consulting firm in local directories/yellow pages
• Advertise our life sports nutrition consulting firm in our official website and employ strategies that will help us pull traffic to the site.
• Ensure that all our staff members wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles are well branded with our schools’ logo et al.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Generally counseling and consulting services are billed on per hour billing rate and flat fees as it applies. As a result of this, Felix Santos® Sports Nutrition Consulting Firm, LLP will charge our clients flat fees except for few occasions where there will be need for us to charge special clients on hourly basis.

At Felix Santos® Sports Nutrition Consulting Firm, LLP we will keep our fees below the average market rate for all of our clients by keeping our overhead low and by collecting payment in advance. In addition, we will also offer special discounted rates to all our clients at regular intervals.

• Payment Options

The payment policy adopted by Felix Santos® Sports Nutrition Consulting Firm, LLP is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different customers prefer different payment options as it suits them but at the same time, we will ensure that we abide by the financial rules and regulation of the United States of America.

Here are the payment options Felix Santos® Sports Nutrition Consulting Firm, LLP will make available to her clients;

• Payment via bank transfer
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via mobile money
• Payment via Point of Sales Machines (POS Machines)
• Payment via check
• Payment via bank draft

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will enable our clients make payment for our services without any stress on their part.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

This is what it would cost us to start our own sports nutrition consulting firm in the United States of America;

• Business incorporating fees in the United States of America will cost – $750.
• The budget for liability insurance, permits and license will cost – $3,500
• Acquiring an office space that will accommodate the number of employees we intend employing for at least 6 months (Re – Construction of the facility inclusive) will cost – $35,000.
• Equipping the office (computers, printers, projectors, markers, pens and pencils, furniture, telephones, filing cabinets, and electronics) will cost – $10,000
• The cost for accounting software, CRM software and Payroll Software – $3,000
• Other start-up expenses including stationery – $1000
• Phone and Utilities (gas, sewer, water and electric) deposits – ($3,500).
• Launching an official website will cost – $500
• Amount need to pay bills and staff members for at least 2 to 3 months – $70,000
• Additional Expenditure such as Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions will cost – $5,000
• Miscellaneous – $5,000

Going by the report from the market research and feasibility studies conducted, we will need about one hundred and fifty thousand (150,000) U.S. dollars to successfully set up a medium scale but standard sports nutrition consulting firm in the United States of America. Please note that the salary for the payment of staff members for the first 3 months is included.

Generating Funds/Startup Capital for Felix Santos® Sports Nutrition Consulting Firm, LLP

Felix Santos® Sports Nutrition Consulting Firm, LLP is a partnership business that will be owned by Dr. Felix Santos. He will run the business with his business partner for many years Dr. Anthony Wilder. They decided to restrict the sourcing of the startup capital for the business to just three major sources.

• Generate part of the startup capital from personal savings and sale of his stocks
• Generate part of the startup capital from friends and other extended family members
• Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the bank (loan facility).

N.B: We have been able to generate about $50,000 (Personal savings $35,000 and soft loan from family members $15,000) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $100,000 from our bank. All the papers and documents have been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The future of a business lies in the numbers of loyal customers that they have, the capacity and competence of the employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business, then it won’t be too long before the business closes shop.

One of our major goals of starting Felix Santos® Sports Nutrition Consulting Firm, LLP is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running.

We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to offer our services a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and we are prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while. Felix Santos® Sports Nutrition Consulting Firm, LLP will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of.

Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and retraining of our workforce is at the top burner of our business strategy. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List/Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check : Completed
• Business Incorporation: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Leasing a standard office facility in a good location plus reconstruction: In progress
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating part of the startup capital from the founders: Completed
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents: In Progress
• Design of Logo for the school: Completed
• Printing of Promotional Materials: Completed
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the needed software apps, furniture, office equipment, electronic appliances and facility facelift: In progress
• Creating Official Website for the business: In Progress
• Creating awareness for the business in Los Angeles – California: In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with vendors and key players in the sports industries: In Progress
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• The simple 10 step guide for starting a dietary supplement company        

Topics: Marketing & Branding , Starting a Dietary Supplement Company

How to Start a Supplement Company- Quick 10-step Guide

What should you know before starting a successful supplement company.

Starting a supplement company is more work than it seems...

The reason why?

Turning a good product idea into a good business calls for a much larger set of skills. First of all, while speaking to a manufacturer, you should be crystal clear about what you do and do not want in your product. Moreover, distribution, marketing, legal matters, customer service, financial planning, and your sales process have all got to be in sync for the project to work.

Getting all of these variables to line up isn't an easy task, but it can be done. If planned and implemented strategically, smart ideas like making and selling your own supplements can help you generate hundreds of thousands of dollars every month with a small investment.

Let's walk through the process of how to go about building a dietary supplement line from the ground up:

• Step 1: Identify your audience
• Step 2: Decide on your customer acquisition model
• Step 3: Comprehensive competitor analysis
• Step 4: Making your own supplements
• Step 5: Identify the right supplement manufacturer
• Step 6: Creating your supplement label
• Step 7: Naming your dietary supplement brand
• Step 8: Finalize your supplement marketing plans
• Step 9: Finalize your fulfillment plan
• Step 10: Begin selling!

Step 1 - Identify Your Target Audience

It is a crucial step and a common oversight most new entrepreneurs tend to make:

• Not having any target customers - Who exactly are the people who would like to buy your product? Vague target customers (e.g. "health-conscious woman" is not a viable target customer group)
• Establishing target customer after making the product (big mistake)

With properly defined target customers, you should be able to answer the following 5 questions:

1. Who are they?

If you answer this question correctly, 'they' should be a group of people that are either united by (at least one) common activity, profession or health issue (athletes, sportsmen, vitamin deficiency, insomnia, etc.)

2. What are the needs waiting to be fulfilled or pain areas that you can focus on?

Working backwards from the constraints customers face when making a decision is a great way to answer this question. A great example: Are vegans lacking adequate choices of joint health products (did you know that most glucosamine is derived from crustaceans?)

3. Where do they buy their products?

Typical answers here often include specific retail outlets, healthcare practitioners, distributors, websites, catalogs, and events.

4. Where do they obtain information about their products?

This will allow you to identify where you should advertise. Answers to this question should be qualified into the devices and the specific platforms used - websites, blogs, social media platforms, phones, television, magazines, trade publications for professionals, or classes of professionals.

5. Will I be able to solve my target customer's problem?

Unfortunately, some problems exist because there is no reasonable or affordable way to solve them. Don’t put yourself or your product into that category.

A great way to find answers to these questions is by asking people you know in your market segment. You can also conduct a consumer survey using readily available tools like Upwave . Spending a few months of effort and a few hundred bucks can give you the right answers to these questions, saving you a lot of heartaches by helping you identify mistakes you should avoid as a supplement brand owner .

Step 2 - Decide on Your Customer Acquisition Model

When it comes to finding customers, there is no right or wrong way, but there is a golden rule for choosing the method that's best for you and your product: Pick the one you can do/work with best .

Here's a brief overview of some of the most popular options:

• Pay-per-click
• Media buying
• Setting up your brick and mortar store
• Direct sales
• Starting your website
• Selling your supplements on e-commerce platforms like Amazon (Download Our Free Guide)
• Trade shows

A Zen-like approach (and some more research) works great when it comes to choosing the method that’s best for you. Analyze the required efforts vis-à-vis the cost and profitability. Do not hesitate to experiment with multiple marketing tools and compare the results. It will help you select the one that suits you the best. What instinctively feels "right" is probably your subconscious leading you to hone in on your comparative advantage.

Also, understand that anything new requires time to blossom. Hence, it is necessary to keep realistic expectations.

Step 3 - Comprehensive Competitor Analysis

Competitor analysis is an important piece of the puzzle. Simply put: Even the best product won't sell if it doesn't stand out from the pack. Being good all by itself isn’t enough. You would need to replicate your competitors’ successes and avoid their mistakes.

It's time to open a spreadsheet in Excel and start recording the following information about your competitors and their products.

After you have filled out your spreadsheet sufficiently, here are a few ways that you can start to separate your product from the rest:

• Price - Tricky to do right, but tried and true. Large volumes often go to the lowest bidder, even if the difference is marginal. Just be prepared for paper-thin margins. (Possibly less than $1/bottle when all is said and done).
• Find a new customer segment - There might be a class of customers that overlook a particular type of product because it is never marketed to them in ways they can relate. Athletes, seniors, and people with restrictive diets are all good examples of this.
• Find an ingredient to delete - Often, an undesirable (or less popular) ingredient has to be used to make a particular product (usually because it has to come from a certain source). NOTE: The previous note also applies to this category.

The key here is to find detail within the product development process that other companies decide to avoid or cut out (which they may have good reasons for doing — you'll have to research to find out). This is the opportunity, wily entrepreneur, to go all-in — demonstrating your commitment to your product and your target customer.

This is the time when supplement brand owners need a business plan to clearly outline their goals, strategies, and financial projections. A business plan helps them to identify potential obstacles and develop a plan to overcome them, as well as secure funding from investors or lenders. It also serves as a roadmap for the company's growth and success. Additionally, it can help them to stay organized and on track as they launch and grow their business. Overall, a well-crafted business plan is a vital tool for any supplement brand owner looking to establish and grow a successful business. Download this asset to know how you can build a great business plan for your supplement brand.

Step 4 - Making Your Own Supplements

After you understand what people are looking for, what they're willing to spend (market and customer analysis), and what exists already (completion analysis), you can comfortably start the formulation process.

How to Make Your Own Supplements

• Devise a health supplement business formula with accurate doses of the right raw material ingredients.
• Find out the best sources - where supplement companies get their ingredients from - it is vital for product efficacy.
• Prepare the final price quote.
• Purchase order submission.
• Source raw materials for the supplement manufacturing process.
• Quarantine and test the raw materials on arrival.
• Prepare and evaluate the R&D batch.
• Run a pilot batch on the production equipment.
• Run a production batch with additional tests.
• Issue a certificate of analysis after the finished product is evaluated.

Our blog on how to manufacture supplements will provide you with in-depth information on each of the above points.

How Much Does It Cost to Make a Supplement?

The supplement manufacturing cost is a major part of what it costs to start a supplement company, and some factors that impact it are:

• Dose forms – Different dose forms have their pros and cons, e.g., tablets are cheaper to produce than capsules.
• Raw materials – The origin of the raw materials and seasonality dictate pricing.
• Supplement packaging – Your supplements, sensitive to light, air, and temperature, need robust packaging that protects them during shipment and when they're stored.
• Testing and certifications – Third-party ingredient testing and product certifications like vegan, organic, kosher tend to drive up the product cost.

Legal Requirements of Starting a Supplement Business

The United States Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) has stringent regulations for manufacturing and selling dietary supplement products under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act 1994. As regulations applied to nutritional supplements differ from those applicable to conventional drugs and food products, supplement manufacturers are legally bound to meet all the rules and guidelines set up by the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act 1994 (DSHEA) and FDA.

All new dietary ingredients coming to the market after 1994 have required a new ingredient notification to be submitted to the FDA before being used in a product. Additionally, you need to ensure the contract manufacturer you select utilizes facilities that are GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certified. As a supplement brand owner, you need to know the new guidelines and numerous actions taken by the FDA on dietary supplements to protect public health. This will help you to stay on top of all the latest developments and steer clear of any legal troubles.

It's wise to check the legal aspects of starting a supplement line before starting a supplement business. For more information about FDA regulations, check out this video:

how the FDA regulates the dietary supplement industry video

Do You Need a Dietary Supplement Manufacturing License to Sell Supplements?

With an increasing number of Americans taking dietary supplements each year, nutraceuticals are subject to comprehensive regulations to safeguard quality and safety. As a supplement brand owner, you need to acquire specific licenses for starting your own supplement line; failing to do this can result in hefty fines.

If you plan to create your nutritional formulas and manufacture your supplements on your own, you need to obtain your own certifications, additional insurance and may want to consult a business attorney beforehand.

Alternatively, you can go through a supplement manufacturer that is already certified and has the required resources for manufacturing and labeling your line of supplements or your nutraceutical brand. This allows you to completely forego the need for licensing and logistics.

Here are some additional points to keep in mind:

• Start with the key features you want to advertise and then work backward.
• It's okay to borrow some of the best ideas from your competitors but don’t go too far. It’s always best to start with your vision first.
• After identifying your target audience, see how your competition is catering to it and then go for a unique alternative that goes a step beyond while working out the formulation.
• If you just have rough ideas about or are not aware of the right ingredients or the right proportions of ingredients to create your supplements, the product development staff of a good supplement manufacturer should be able to help you fill in the blanks.

Step 5 - Identify the Right Supplement Manufacturer

Often finding the right manufacturer is a daunting task. However, developing some kind of business plan to accompany along with following the tips below should make the process of choosing the right supplement manufacturer relatively easy.

Here are 6 important tips for evaluating a manufacturer:

Tip #1: Ask the manufacturer as many questions as needed in order get the relevant information to make an informed decision

It includes their years of experience, references, certifications, specifications, and how many rounds of testing are done. Check whether they supply top-quality ingredients, how efficient their quality control and quality assurance departments are, what their minimum order quantities are, and do they use industry-specific graphic designers. Only two entities (NSF and NPA) offer the certificates, and any certificate other than these bodies can mean the manufacturer is likely not cGMP.

Ensure that the manufacturer is willing to offer you constructive criticism or pushes back on your ideas. A manufacturer who does not object to your insistence to add misplaced ingredients and/or claims on your product label should raise the alarm.

Additionally, carry out a background check on the manufacturer by running its name through a search engine. Dissatisfied customers complain about the companies operating below acceptable standards on websites like BBC and Ripoff Report. Besides this, check for the manufacturer’s leadership team details on their website and/or social media. These days, to promote transparency of operations, it’s a common practice for most organizations to provide this information, and if a manufacturer does not make this information public, don’t hesitate to ask why.

Tip #2: Check whether the manufacturer is a turnkey manufacturer and inquire about the services they can offer

A turnkey manufacturer is a one-stop solution provider who offers a full suite of manufacturing and secondary services including testing, packaging, labeling, and distribution. This approach has its own perks like faster lead/go-to-market times, convenience, cost savings, etc.

Tip #3: Choose a U.S. based supplement manufacturer

They are well-versed with the stringent U.S. regulatory standards and are less likely to give you any last-minute surprises that can cost you more.

Tip #4: First impressions matter

Simple things like timely responses and openness from the start are usually positive indicators of what working with a manufacturer will be like.

Tip #5: Be wary of manufacturers that place an unusual amount of emphasis on the honors and awards they’ve won on their websites, social media channels & when they speak to you on the phone

While these accolades might be impressive at face value, we've found that many industry awards are “pay to play” and the honors don’t necessarily represent the quality of the company or the integrity of the people employed by it.

Tip #6: Ask your manufacturer about the regulatory environment of the dietary supplement industry

Ask your manufacturer about the regulatory environment of the dietary supplement industry. Do they exhibit knowledge, or do they struggle to answer your questions? If it’s the latter, you may want to think twice about working with them.

BONUS TIP - We asked our Senior Account Executive, Rosemarie Grillo, for his advice for choosing a contract supplement manufacturer. According to Boysen, "One thing I tell new brand owners about this industry is that you get what you pay for. Don't choose your supplement manufacturer based solely on price. While you might be saving in one area, the quality of your product may suffer."

Step 6 - Creating Your Supplement Label

Supplement labels represent your brand and are a critical factor for your product’s success as studies reveal that 40-70% of purchase decisions are made at the point of sale. An eye-catching, quality dietary supplement label is vital in the increasingly competitive nutra ceutical market.

Key points to note while creating a supplement label and packaging

• Your label should be FDA compliant and follow FDA nutrition label guidelines . It should have a clear listing of active and inactive ingredients and fulfill legal requirements with any mentioned health claims.
• Your logo and label should reflect your brand and emphasize on your product’s unique features over your competitors’.
• Be innovative while designing your logo with characters, name, and shapes, and It should be simple yet visually distinctive. Examples include Twinlab , Ghost Lifestyle & Vital Proteins .
• Color matters! Marketing researchers confirm that 62-90% of customers base their first impression on the color of the packaging or label. For instance, blue is accepted as a universally pleasing color, while purple represents quality and royalty.
• Allot sufficient time for designing, proofing, and printing your dietary supplement packaging and label as any error in this process can severely impact your time to market.
• Work with a design firm with in-depth knowledge of the supplement industry while designing your dietary supplement label template.
• Consult with your contract manufacturer and legal counsel before claiming your product as “Made in America” on your supplement packaging.

You need to consider the following changes mandated by the FDA in 2020 while creating your own supplement label.

• Declaration of “Calories from fat” is no longer required.
• “Total Sugars” should be declared, including a declaration of the gram amount of “added sugars” in a product serving along with a percent Daily Value (DV) declaration for added sugars. Also, maltodextrin now counts as sugar.
• Dietary fiber should be one indent under Total Carbohydrates. Dietary fibers are strictly defined as being from one of the beta-glucan, psyllium husk, cellulose, guar gum, pectin, locust bean gum, or HPMC. Prebiotics can no longer be counted as dietary fiber.
• The new regulations come complete with updated daily values (DVs) and different units of measurement for some of the nutrients. Vitamin A, D, and E are now measured in mcg RAE, mcg, and mg, respectively, instead of IUs. Choline now has a DV.
• The line item for the declaration of calories in the Nutrition Facts box needs to appear two font sizes larger than the other line items. However, this does not need to be done for calories in the Supplement Facts box.
• A footnote table in the Nutrition Facts box is no longer required.

Additionally, you need to stay on top of all the updates from the FDA before bringing a new supplement to the market.

EXPERT TIP - We asked our Art Director and 12-year nutraceutical industry veteran, Christopher Bennett, for his advice. Bennett recommends that new supplement brand owners think outside the box when it comes to the supplement label design. "Don't follow what other brands are doing and take some chances when it comes to designing the label of your product. Create something that will get your product noticed on a store shelf or among the hundreds of other products on Amazon."

Step 7 - Naming Your Dietary Supplement Brand

Irrespective of whether it’s the actual product or supplement brand name, it is the first calling card and needs to be selected with due diligence.

Supplement brand name ideas that always work:

• Your health supplement business names should be short, sweet and relevant.
• Having a defined color palette can pay off in the long run - consumers will be able to recall yours faster than competing products.
• A unique and consistent voice relevant to your consumer group and the target audience will certainly add value to your brand.

What should you avoid while considering supplement names?

You should take certain precautions while finalizing your supplement company names.

• Check the potential names by running them through a search engine. Even though the name sounds unique to you, there are chances that some other businesses already exist with the same or similar name.
• Ensure that the supplement business names you have chosen are not similar to one of your competitors’. You would certainly like to have a name unique to your brand and mission.
• Make sure that the name you choose for your brand has no negative connotations attached to it.

Step 8 - Supplement Marketing Plans - How Will Your Target Audience Know Your Products?

In today's cut-throat nutraceutical ecosystem, high-quality products with packaging appeal and smart supplement marketing strategies play an important role.

How to Market Your Supplements?

Be Customer-Centric

While marketing nutritional supplements, you should remember that your health product should meet customers’ needs. You can get to know this by encouraging, collecting, and evaluating customer feedback . Be receptive to supportive suggestions as well as critical comments. Customer loyalty is valuable and worth rewarding.

Use Attractive and Compliant Labeling and Packaging

Labeling and packaging can influence 72% of purchasing decisions. Eye-catching color theme, graphics, fonts, and easy to use , FDA-compliant labeling an d packaging play a vital role in attracting customers ' attention.

Market Your Dietary Supplements Online

It’s the world of the Internet , and you and your product need to have a robust online presence. Promote your supplements online through mobile and user-friendly websites, e-mails, paid marketing, affiliate ma rketing, and Amazon paid promotions.

Leverage Fans, Stars, and Influencers

80% of your profit comes from 20% of customers, which is the loyal fan-base of your product. It is worthwhile to interact with them directly and make them feel ‘special’, which will further strengthen their relationship with your brand. Choose the right influencer for your supplement marketing, like an up-and-coming athlete or social media celebrity (rather than an established one) who has a dedicated fan-following. It can fit your budget and also be beneficial for your brand in the long run.

Versatile Advertising Can Be the Key!

Embrace multiple innovative and effective ways of advertising your product. Based on your budget, devise strategies for video marketing, magazine, and radio advertising, or even grassroots advertising by leaving your flyers in the receptions and waiting rooms of gyms, spas, salons, and clinics. These are the places that most of your target audience might visit frequently.

Leverage Social Media

Today’s consumer highly relies on social media, with around over 302 million social media users in 2022 having at least one social media account. Online marketing forms a crucial factor while devising your marketing strategy for supplements.

• Smart supplement hashtags aid your brand recognition and customer loyalty
• See a boost in conversion rates
• Significantly save on your advertising cost

Identify Cross-Promotional Opportunities

You can tap a vast potential market by finding and exploiting to target different customer segments for a single product line. For example, 2.5% of all U.S. citizens identify as being vegan . However, besides this group, you can also promote vegan products to vegetarians, flexitarians, and traditional customers.

Offline Marketing is Equally Important

Offline marketing, especially print, and broadcast media, still have a role in marketing your dietary supplement. TV and radio, and newspapers and magazines can help educate customers on dietary supplement products. While brick-and-mortar stores can help supplement sales, promotion, and advertising, word-of-mouth recommendations always create a buzz.

Step 9 - Fulfillment Plan - How Will Your Product Reach Your Customers?

It is imperative for you to reach your supplements to your target customers at the right time, especially in the era of companies like Amazon Prime, which fulfills customers’ wish lists in 2 business days. This is where efficient fulfillment planning plays a crucial role.

You can partner with a reputed order fulfillment provider to help you with supplement warehousing. Please ensure that the storage facility is climate-controlled and GMP certified and check their minimum order limit and ease and accuracy of managing inventory.

Most of the time, your manufacturer can help you with the storage, kitting, assembly, shipping, and distribution of your supplements. Take this decision based on specific manufacturer requirements like the presence of cGMP storage.

Step 10 - Begin Selling!

After investing your time, money, and energy, it is finally time to start selling your product!

Here are some things you may want to keep in mind:

Create a Pricing Structure that Works

Pricing is a game-changer. Charging too much can severely limit your sales and deter some customers who genuinely want to buy your product just because they can’t afford it. On the other hand, a lower-than-required price not only cuts your profit but also plays havoc with business sustainability.

How to Sell Nutritional Supplements

You can team up with gyms, weight-loss clinics, and doctors to engage with your target audience. You can also opt for selling supplements online . One of the hassle-free ways you could consider while planning your sales strategy is selling supplements on Amazon.

The initial strategy for convincing various sites and store owners to keep your products on their shelves is by sending them a small amount of the supplements for free. Giving them an initial 100% profit can help you reach your target customer who can purchase it again. The return sale will not only help you establish your brand in the market but will also make it obligatory for the sites and retailers to keep your supplements on their shelves because customers prefer them.

How to Sell Your Own Supplements Online

You can opt for a range of options while selling your supplements online.

• Online Store - If you plan to sell your supplement on your own website, a range of online store builders like Shopify, BigCommerce, and WordPress can help you build your website quickly.
• Other Websites - You can use auction sites to sell your dietary supplements.
• Social Media - To leverage Instagram, TikTok, eBay, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest for selling your supplements, identify your customer type and, accordingly, select the platform. Create or share engaging content that’s in line with the community's expectations and norms.
• Affiliates and Aggregators - You can sell your supplements on platforms like Amazon to increase your products’ reach. All you have to do is set up an account, know the policies, learn the basics of fulfillment, and get started.

Mistakes to Avoid When Starting a Supplement Company

Often while researching supplement ideas, you stumble upon things that are supposed to be done, but what about the mistakes supplement brand owners must avoid ?

• Not Knowing Your Audience – You first need to understand your target audience – the people (for example, seniors, millennials, or adults) who would have a common desire to buy your supplements.
• Lack of knowledge about FDA policies – The FDA policies associated with the nutraceutical industry keep changing to ensure the consumer’s safety. The FDA controls everything from manufacturing to labeling – So, if you wish to have a seamless production, seek legal guidance or leverage the expertise of your contract manufacturer.
• Price Over Quality – Price cannot and should not be the only factor to consider when selecting your supplement manufacturer. Remember, you’re ultimately producing a product that will be consumed by someone.
• Only Focusing on Trying to Be Too Unique – Is there a reason why this certain “something” hasn’t been done before? Think about your idea and see how feasible it is to produce it. There are often ways in which you can be unique and still not break the traditional norms.
• What Do You NOT Want in Your Products – Yes, you indeed know your desired product, but understanding what you DON’T want will further help you gain clarity.

Mistakes to Avoid When Starting Your Own Dietary Supplement Company

• Spend time to understand and identify your target audience.
• Choose your contract manufacturer cautiously. Give more importance to quality and value than price.
• A list of qualifying questions can help you determine your best contract manufacturer. Listing the right questions is a matter of knowing your company’s and product’s needs, along with recognizing industry best practices and methods.
• It’s safe to go with your manufacturer’s in-house designer, as a well-designed, FDA-compliant label will save potential costs.

EXPERT TIP - Your supplement manufacturer will be your go-to person for every question and concern you have – their expertise in the supplement business can help you avoid missteps in other business areas, such as marketing and branding mistakes .

For more expert insights on how to kick-start your product sales, be sure to check out our free guide - Selling Supplements In 2019 .

Go Forth into the Supplement Industry!

Congratulations! If you're reading this, then you've made it to the end of the guide! Now it's time for you to get to work! Go forth and start your journey towards your very own (successful) dietary supplement line. Remember, do your homework, weigh all the options, and above all else — be prepared!

Q: How much does it cost to start a supplement company?

A: The primary goal of every supplement brand owner should be to provide high-quality supplements to customers. To successfully ensure an owner's costs of setting up and running a supplement company depend on various factors like dose form, raw materials, packaging, desired product testing, certifications, etc.

Q: Where do supplement companies get ingredients?

A: Acquiring ingredients/raw materials depends on the kind of supplements being created. Examples include probiotics (from labs), adaptogens (herbs from specific regions- international or local), or minerals (mineral salts, organic acids).

Q: How can I promote my supplements?

A: Focusing on a customer-centric approach is a good place to start. Understand the consumer's needs and answer the ‘whys’ of your product in comparison to other brands. Develop a unique marketing strategy that addresses key factors. Learn about proven strategies that have helped market dietary supplements .

Supplement Industry Regulations and Agencies

While starting your supplement line, you should be aware of the certifications and regulation agencies related to the nutraceutical industry. Here is a quick list for your reference:

Key Agencies

• FDA (Food and Drug Administration)
• FTC (Federal Trade Commission)

Third Party Organizations

• NSF (National Sanitation Foundation)
• USDA (US Department of Agriculture)
• QAI (Quality Assurance International)
• Project Non-GMO
• ConsumerLab.com

Trade Associations

• CRN (Council for Responsible Nutrition)
• NPA (Natural Products Association)
• AHPA (American Herbal Products Association)
• UNPA (United Natural Products Alliance)

Dietary Supplement Regulations

All manufacturers should be aware of certain important regulations, at least on a broad level.

• Food Drug and Cosmetic Act of 1938 – It is the overarching regulation for foods, their subsets, and dietary supplements that are regulated under the DSHEA amendments to the FD&CA.
• Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 – DSHEA established the term “dietary supplement” and set up standards and definitions around product labeling, besides expanding the powers of the FDA.
• FDA Guidance – The FDA offers additional industry guidance that covers Dietary Supplement Current Good Manufacturing Practices (DS cGMP).
• The FTC and Native Advertising – To address the violation of the guidelines, FTC has issued a guide for businesses as well as a Q&A-structured endorsement guide .

If you are thinking about capitalizing on the growing demand for supplements and starting your own company, then contact our team today! Call 855-492-7388 to speak with one of our knowledgeable representatives, or send us your request to receive a competitive supplement manufacturing price quote free of charge.

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About the author: andrew goldman.

Andrew Goldman is the Vice President of Marketing for NutraScience Labs. In this role, he leverages his 15+ years of B2B inbound marketing experience to develop cutting edge strategies for our firm. A health and fitness enthusiast, Andrew and his team won the 2012 Stevie Award for Marketing Team of the Year. He is also a two-time Best In Biz Silver Award winner for Marketing Executive of the Year and has received other honors and accolades for his website design work.

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Start A Sports Nutrition Business - Business Ideas

Please note that the data provided in this article are estimates and may vary depending on various factors, and should not be considered as perfect or definitive.

Starting a sports nutrition business requires a great deal of effort, dedication, and most importantly passion .

If you're interested in how to sell sports nutrition, or selling sports nutrition online, you can use this page as a guide for everything you'll need to know.

Startup Costs

Case studies.

Successful Businesses

Pros & cons, marketing ideas, affiliate program.

Affiliate marketing is a great way to bring in a new revenue stream , especially when you don't sell products or services.

Simply put, an affiliate program is an agreement where a business pays another business or influencer ("the affiliate") a commission for sending traffic and/or sales their way.

The affiliate typically gets a unique link where clicks and conversions can be tracked.

Learn more about affiliate program ➜

Word of mouth

Word of mouth is when a consumers reflects their interest in a company’s product or service in their daily dialogues.

Therefore, word of mouth advertising is essentially a free advertising triggered by the customers experience.

According to Nielsen , 92% of people trust recommendations from friends and family.

Therefore, in today’s hyper-connected world, a single recommendation through a word of mouth can have a huge impact to your business.

Learn more about word of mouth ➜

Social Media Advertising

Social media advertising is the use of social media platforms to connect with your audience with the objective to build your brand, increase sales, and drive website traffic.

According to Oberlo , approximately 48% of the global population use social media, and the number is ever-growing.

Therefore, social media allows brands access to cost-effective advertising by enabling them to interact with a large audience.

Learn more about social media advertising ➜

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How To Start A Sports Nutrition Business

• Become a Nutritionist
• Editors: Harry Griffiths
• Verified By: Abbie Watkins

Whether you’re newly qualified or looking for a career change, we’ve got everything you need to know about how to start a sports nutrition business.

To give you a complete overview of the steps, we’ll cover:

Step 1 - Get The Right Qualifications For Your Sports Nutrition Business

Step 2 - conduct market research for your sports nutrition business, step 3 - get any essential equipment you need for your sports nutrition business, step 4 - arrange the legalities of your sports nutrition business, step 5 - decide on the right pricing structure for your sports nutrition business, step 6 - start marketing your sports nutrition business.

But before we start, it’s important to get qualified with our range of Level 4 Personal Trainer Courses . Begin the first step by enrolling on our Sports Nutrition Course and get started with your sports nutrition business today!

Find out more by downloading our course prospectus here or enter your details below.

Become an online nutrition coach!

3 Simple Steps To Starting a Business From Your Home!

From gaining the right qualifications to deciding on the correct pricing structure for your business, we’ll answer all your questions about how to start a sports nutrition business.

If you’re considering setting up a sports nutrition business, the first thing you need to do is get qualified. The main qualification you need is a Level 4 Advanced Sports Nutrition Course .

This will provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge required to offer dieting assistance and sports nutrition advice as part of a successful sports nutrition business. However, it’s important to find a credible course provider.

One of the main things you should check for is if the course is regulated by an Ofqual-approved  awarding body such as Focus Awards or Active IQ. This is the government body responsible for setting the frameworks for vocational course levels and ensuring all government bodies adhere to those frameworks.

For example, OriGym’s Level 4 Sports Nutrition Course is regulated by Ofqual and awarded by Focus Awards. This means you can be sure you’re receiving the highest level of education that will be recognised when it comes to finding a job.

Even better, there are no prerequisites to enrolling on this course such as having already qualified as a Level 3 Personal Trainer . A degree in nutrition isn’t necessary to find success in this area of the health and fitness industry.

You can become a nutritionist without having studied at the university level as a degree is necessary to be the latter.

Become a Master Personal Trainer With OriGym

Continue expanding the services of your sports nutrition business with our Level 4 Personal Training Courses!

Once you’ve qualified from your Level 4 Sports Nutrition Course , the next step is to conduct market research. 

This is about gaining a clear understanding of the market you’re trying to break into. By doing this, you can create a clear and effective business plan to ensure you stand out from the crowd.

You may conduct market research using the following methods:

• Online surveys using software such as Google Forms or Survey Monkey .
• Focus groups.
• Competitor research of other nutrition businesses in your area.
• Social media, using surveys or polls on Instagram stories.

There are 3 main things you should do when conducting market research for your sports nutrition business and we’ll break these down below!

#1 - Determine Whether There Is Demand For Your Sports Nutrition Business

One of the most important things when conducting market research is to see whether there is actually a demand in the area for your sports nutrition business.

A free and simple way to do this is to use Google Keyword Planner . This allows you to gain an idea of how many people are searching for this term a month. For example, if we enter ‘nutritionist Liverpool’, this provides an average of 100-1K monthly searches:

As long as you have a Google account, anyone can use this tool. This is a good way to develop your niche by seeing how much a specific phrase is searched for. 

For example, you may want to focus on providing nutritional advice for pregnant and breastfeeding women as a way to target a specific group who will be much more likely to benefit from these services.

To gain an idea of the type of service you’re looking to offer, simply type in phrases regarding nutritionists in Liverpool and check the most popular searches.

Depending on the volume of keyword searches, you may alter your sports nutrition business plan to reflect the service people are seeking but there’s still a gap in the market for. 

By not conducting market research, you may end up having a sports nutrition business people aren’t interested in and will fail to attract enough clients to make it a success.

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#2 - Identify Potential Sports Nutrition Business Competitors

Once you’ve determined whether there is demand for your sports nutrition business, you’ll want to see if others with a similar service are doing successfully. This means you can see what competitors are doing well or where it could be improved and alter your business accordingly.

You can find competing sports nutrition businesses in your area by typing ‘sports nutrition businesses near me’ into Google, such as in the example below:

You can then analyse their business strategy by finding their website and identifying their marketing techniques. Identify the kinds of strategies they use successfully and incorporate them into your own business.

By also examining what your competitors aren’t doing so well means you can avoid making these same mistakes. For example, if these businesses don’t offer package deals you can do this yourself and stand out from the competition.

#3 - Determine The Target Demographic For Your Sports Nutrition Business

When looking to create a successful sports nutrition business, it’s important you know exactly who you’re aiming your business at. To get a clear profile of your typical target client it’s a good idea to conduct a market research survey.

On this survey, you may ask questions related to:

• Health issues
• Any long or short term nutrition goals
• Whether people prefer online or in-person business 

For example, you may find the majority of people in your area are in their thirties working full time 9 to 5 office jobs and want to improve their lifestyle. This means you can offer online nutrition services or fit your business hours around evenings and weekends.

Similarly, you may discover there are many over 50s in your area struggling with health issues related to obesity, such as diabetes. This means you could fill this gap by offering nutritional advice and meal plans to help alleviate the symptoms of these issues.

The more information you can find out about your target demographic, the more you can tailor your sports nutrition business to this particular demographic and become the most successful in your area.

Developing a niche will help attract the right sort of clients, allowing you to narrow the scope of your services and work with people you know will continue returning to your business. 

Once you know what sort of sports nutrition business you want to pursue, it’s important you decide on the right equipment to purchase. Although there won’t be as much equipment to purchase as say you were starting a mobile yoga business , you will still require some expenses.

One of these expenses is nutrition software . Due to its ease of navigation and effective features, Nutrium is one of the most popular pieces of software to manage a business while focusing on the success of clients.

Notable features of this software include:

• Online appointment bookings
• Client health records
• Meal planning and recipes
• Client mobile app

Nutrium also allows users to manage all their appointment bookings, as well as use nutrient analysis software and even build their own website.

There are two monthly packages users can purchase depending on the volume of clients and whether they want there to be a focus on client followup and retention:

Depending on the type of nutrition business you’ve decided on, you will need somewhere to operate from. While this isn’t as much of an issue if you become a nutritionist online , when meeting clients in person, you’ll need a professional space.

Although you can have clients come to your home for consultations, you may find this isn’t the most desirable option for you and would prefer a more professional space to run your business from. 

Websites such as Gumtree can help you find small office spaces to rent. However, these expenses are something you should consider carefully, especially when just starting out.

For example, this is an office space available to rent when necessary in Liverpool for £141 per month. This is a good idea when gaining new clients as you can schedule time to use this room when you have particular appointments:

A professional space like this is ideal for scheduling appointments with people until you build up a good clientbase to find a more permanent space to operate your sports nutrition business from.

For those wondering how to start a sports nutrition business, here’s a couple of articles you’ll find useful:

• How To Become A Nutritionist For A Sports Team
• How To Become A Nutritionist Online
• Become A Fitness Nutrition Specialist

To ensure you have everything you need to start a sports nutrition business professionally, legally, and safely, there are a number of legalities you should arrange.

#1 - Get The Correct Insurance For Your Sports Nutrition Business

When looking at setting up your own sports nutrition business, it’s crucial you organise the right insurance. With any business dealing with the public, especially their lifestyles, problems can arise beyond your control. 

• Some reasons you need insurance for a sports nutrition business include:
• Flaring up of health issues or illness - Part of setting up your own sports nutrition business will be to improve the health and performance of clients through diet, advice, and meal plans. However, a client may make a claim against you if your plans or advice causes illness or further health issues. While nutritionists shouldn’t be creating plans as prescription for medical issues, clients may still make claims against you meaning you’ll benefit from insurance.
• Breaches with the booking system - As with any business, you’ll need to set up a website. However, managing contact data and bookings electronically brings with it some potential risks. This could be the duplication of customer information done by hackers using booking forms to access your entire network, meaning you’ll need cyber and data cover to protect you.
• Presentation mishaps - While a successful sports nutrition business is the goal, this can bring further issues for you. For example, you may be handing out leaflets before a presentation and someone slips on one left on the floor. If they choose to take legal action, you’ll need to protect yourself against this. As a nutritionist sees a lot of the public, it’s important to have insurance to protect yourself against this.

The main types of insurance you will need when setting up a sports nutrition business are:

• Public Liability Insurance - This provides you cover against a client making a claim against you. For example, if someone follows your meal plan or nutritional advice and experiences health issues.

This type of insurance is important for any self-employed individual interacting with members of the public. If clients are coming to your practice, it’s a good idea to have this insurance in case they experience unexpected injury during a consultation. 

• Equipment Insurance - If you have a lot of equipment for your sports nutrition business, it’s worth looking into getting protection in the event it is lost, stolen, or damaged.
• Loss Of Earnings - Anyone who has their own sports nutrition business needs this cover as you will be paid a sum of money if you can’t perform your duties. You will be covered for injury or illness until you can start working again.

You can find most insurance providers for your sports nutrition business online. However, some for nutritionists you may want to check out include:

• Hiscox  
• Simply Business
• Caunce O’Hara

#2 - Register Your Sports Nutrition Business

It’s a legal requirement to register a business and doing so means no other business can use your name. By making your business name exclusive, this gives your sports nutrition business credibility, authority, and helps you stand out from the crowd.

There are two main ways you can register your business through the UK government website :

• Register Your Sports Nutrition Business As A Sole Trader - When you register as a self employed person without any employees.

This is the cheapest and easiest way to register your sports nutrition business when you’re just starting out. This option means you as an individual and your business are seen as one entity under the law. 

You’re personally responsible for any liabilities or debts of your business, meaning you must pay these off from your own finances if the business goes into debt.

However, a benefit of this is you can claim tax back on purchases you list under ‘expenses’. This means you won’t be taxed on purchases you make directly related to your business.

Examples of purchases you can claim tax back on for your sports nutrition business include things such as marketing costs or equipment such as your laptop.

• Register Sports Nutrition Business As A Limited Company - When a business is registered as its own legal entity rather than under your name.

This means if the business experiences financial difficulty, you wouldn’t be personally liable as your business finances and individual finances are separate. However, while there are many benefits to registering as a limited company, it’s more expensive and takes longer. This makes it more suited to businesses who are more established.

#3 - Consider Hiring An Accountant For Your Sports Nutrition Business

When setting up a sports nutrition business, the financial aspect can be overwhelming, especially if numbers aren’t your strongest area. You may consider hiring an accountant who is professionally trained to do this for you.

By not being experienced in finance, this could lead to issues with your sports nutrition business. Hiring an account means you have slightly less work and is less stressful as you can be assured someone qualified is dealing with your finances.

This is especially important if you’ve registered your business as a sole trader. Sole traders have to submit a tax return to HMRC, declaring how much you’ve earned that year. This helps HMRC determine how much income tax you need to pay.

As mentioned earlier, if you’re claiming tax back on sports nutrition business purchases, you’ll need to keep track of physical and electronic receipts. You will then give these to your accountant who will use them to create your tax return.

You can find reputable accountants by using websites such as Yell or simply type ‘accountants near me’ followed by your location. 

This is the reason why market research is important when setting up a yoga business as it gives you a better idea of what competitors are charging for their services. You can then use these prices to determine your own.

To decide on your pricing structure when starting a sports nutrition business there are certain factors you should consider and we’ll break these down.

#1 - Your Sports Nutrition Business Prices Should Be Impacted By Competitors’ Rates

By conducting earlier market research, you should ensure your prices are similar or lower than your competitors. A client is less likely to pay higher prices for a newly developed sports nutrition business if a more established one is advertising its services for cheaper. 

Bark states the average price for a nutritionist and dietitian is between £50 - £70 :

When you're starting out, it’s a good idea to ensure your prices are at the lower end of the spectrum. This doesn’t mean you’re underselling your services, it just means you’re less likely to put clients off as a new business.

Once you begin establishing a client base and attract new clients, you can raise your prices. It’s a good idea to find a midpoint between this price range above. By charging £60 for an appointment, you’re attracting clients by using a cheaper price while still making a profit.

#2 - Outgoings Should Impact Pricing Structure For Your Sports Nutrition Business

When determining a pricing structure, you should ensure this accounts for the cost of your outgoings too:

• Location - As mentioned earlier, if you’re renting a space to operate your sports nutrition business from, you should take this cost into consideration.
• Equipment & Software - Any equipment you regularly pay for such as your laptop or nutrition software programmes you have to pay for monthly.
• Outsourcing - Expenses such as hiring an accountant need to be considered too.

#3 - Sports Nutrition Business Prices Can Be Impacted By Location

Depending on where your sports nutrition business is located, this can have a major impact on your prices.

For example, if living in a busy city such as London, you’ll need to take this into account. The cost of living in London is much higher than elsewhere in the UK, meaning you need to adjust prices if operating from a location such as this.

Create A Pricing Structure Structure For Your Sports Nutrition Business

Once you’ve considered these factors, you can create a pricing plan for your sports nutrition business. Similar to personal trainer package ideas , it’s important to give your clients the best value for money.

This means offering your clients a package deal rather than having lots of single purchases available which they may find overwhelming. For example, Go Perform provides a nutrition consultation packages for £165, rather than making clients purchase features separately:

By having these packages, it allows clients to get more value for money and ensures customer retention rather than having them purchase one-off appointments or schedule for a single session.

However, for further packages, you may decide to follow the example of SW Sports Performance and introduce a tier structure based on what clients are looking for:

For what’s being offered, these prices are also very reasonable. If you want to be an affordable option, especially when starting out, it’s important to charge less. As mentioned earlier, this doesn’t mean underselling yourself but making your sports nutrition business more appealing to the public.

This is why packages are a good idea as you can charge less for the services being offered in the cheapest option while still giving clients plenty more options and making their purchase worthwhile. 

The last step for those looking to start a sports nutrition business is to create an effective marketing strategy. While there are many strategies for marketing a sports nutrition business , it’s important to do this successfully.

#1 - Paid Social Media Ads Are Effective For Those Looking To Start A Sports Nutrition Business

Social media ads are a great way to get the name of your sports nutrition business out there online, allowing you to increase your chances of attracting the right clients to use your services.

To set up adverts on Instagram and Facebook, you will need a business account. Most of these ads can be targeted to a specific audience, meaning social media platforms will make an educated assumption on the demographics who should view your advertisement.

In terms of audience, you can specify factors such as:

By specifying the location of the people you want to see this ad, this ensures you’re targeting local people you can potentially schedule appointments with in person.

Ads can also be used with a call to action or CTA such as with a ‘Learn More’ button which links to their website. Calls to action can also link to social media pages or enquire pages, depending on which you think is most relevant.

As these adverts run under Meta, you need to create a Facebook business page as this allows you to connect the two together. You can then assess which ads are more effective on these two social media platforms. 

Find out more about how to create effective fitness Facebook ads here .

#2 - Use Google My Business When Setting Up A Sports Nutrition Business

Google My Business is a simple yet effective tool to utilise when setting up your own sports nutrition business. This allows you to create a listing for your business, providing a snapshot of vital information for interested users.

If users simply search ‘sports nutrition business near me’ into Google, they will be met with a list of businesses:

This provides valuable information such as:

• Opening hours
• Your address
• Contact number

By optimising your business information and gaining plenty of positive reviews, you can rank in the Google 3-Pack which are the top three localised results, most relevant to the end user. This means you’ll have a greater chance of clients finding your services.

#3 - Create A Content Marketing Blog for Your Sports Nutrition Business

A great way to gain more of an online following and attract more people towards your sports nutrition business is to create a blog. This can direct readers to your sales pages, draw in more traffic to your website, and convert readers into paying clients.

You can base content around keywords you’ve researched, discuss popular trends, or answer any questions about nutrition. This content can help establish authority for you in this industry, providing your business with more credibility.

However, it does take a lot of hard work, research, and commitment to make your blog successful. By persevering, you can create content that leads to financial rewards.

#4 - Printed Materials Can Be Used To Attract Clients To Your Sports Nutrition Business

Even in a digital age, physical marketing materials can still be used as a way to promote your sports nutrition business. This can include things such as:

• Business cards
• Window displays

Relevant places you can display these printed materials for your sports nutrition business include:

• Private and commercial gyms
• Community centres
• Local sports clubs

As a sports nutrition business you should focus on places like gyms and sports centres to distribute these materials as you will find much more success. You could ask members of staff if you can put posters up or even hand them out after a particular sports club has finished.

GP offices are also a great place to attract the general public who may be struggling with particular issues you can help with, such as the elderly or those who are overweight.

Before You Go!

By following our list of steps above, you can begin the journey towards setting up a sports nutrition business today.

With our range of Level 4 Personal Trainer Courses , we have plenty available for you to get qualified and continue expanding your business. Get started with our Sports Nutrition Course to help clients reach their long and short term goals.

Download our full course prospectus here to see what else we have to offer.

Written by James Brady

James graduated with an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Manchester. His desire to find a place where he could combine his passion for writing and love of fitness is what brought him to OriGym. He believes his passion for daily exercise, especially running, is imperative in keeping him motivated and productive. As a result, he has a particular interest in the psychology of health and fitness and the relationship between physical and mental health. Outside of work, James enjoys reading, swimming, writing short stories, watching classic movies and has a keen interest in journalism and filmmaking.

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How to Start a Supplement Company

If you're wondering how to start your own supplement company, this guide on starting a supplement company is best for you..

As Americans have become more health-conscious, the Vitamin and Supplement Manufacturing industry has grown over the five years leading up to 2021.

Over the five years to 2026, IBISWorld expects industry revenue to grow at a faster-annualized rate of 2.1 percent to $39.6 billion.

Do you have a passion for supplements and nutrition? Are you always looking for the latest and greatest way to improve your health? If so, then you may be thinking about starting up a supplement company. 

This can be a great way to share your knowledge with the world and help people improve their health. But it’s not as easy as it sounds. There are a lot of things to consider before you get started.

 In this article, we’ll discuss some of the things you need to think about before launching your own supplement company. So read on, and learn how to start a supplement company successfully.

Step 1. Find a product that is in high demand and will add value to people's lives

When it comes to building your niche in the supplement industry, you should consider your own needs first. Since people are heavily invested in this market, they underutilize the health benefits inherent in vitamin supplements.

There are numerous types of supplements available, and you must first decide which one(s) you want to produce before proceeding. Certain markets will almost certainly be more profitable than others.

The best place to begin is with a valuable product that assists customers in achieving their goals and fulfilling a purpose. Weight loss, muscle gain, improved memory, and, of course, overcoming a deficiency are all obvious markets.

Step 2: Select your audience

When starting a supplement company, determining and selecting your target market is a good place for starting a business . You must be certain that buyers will want to purchase your supplements; otherwise, they will collect dust on shelves or in warehouses.

Consumers have never been more health-conscious than they are now, and demand for health and fitness supplements is only expected to rise. However, focusing solely on “health-conscious people” or even “health-conscious men” is too large an audience.

The more specific your selection the better it is, as it allows you to concentrate your marketing efforts on a smaller group of people who are more likely to purchase your goods.

You can spend more time identifying your target audience’s pain points, needs, and even who they’re currently buying from by getting specific with them, which will make your marketing efforts even more compelling.

Step 3: Calculate how much money you'll need.

A supplement company can be started for around $6,000 , but business owners who have $10,000 to invest will have a much easier time. Business owners can usually get the following with $6,000:

• 150 bottles of a dietary supplement
• Labels that have been professionally designed
• Small business insurance

Supplement company owners should look for a supplement manufacturer that is NSF-certified, GMP-Certified, and FDA-registered when choosing a supplement manufacturer.

A certificate of analysis for each batch should also be provided by the manufacturer, proving which components are present in each batch. These manufacturers aren’t always the cheapest to work with, but they provide guaranteed products that a company can rely on.

Few manufacturers meet these requirements, and even fewer accept initial orders of only 150 units. With a total of $10,000, business owners will be able to place larger initial orders in order to meet manufacturers’ higher initial orders.

Label design costs should not be overlooked by business owners. Most customers choose supplements based solely on the packaging, so having a professionally designed label is critical. Professional logos can be created for between $300 and $500.

Recommended: Explore how  Logo Designer  at Wise Business Plans can create strong brand identities, manage effective branding collateral, and tell your brand’s story with consistent branding.

Step 4. A comprehensive analysis of competitors

The analysis of competitors is a crucial component of the puzzle. Simply put, if a product does not stand out from the crowd, it will not sell. Being good isn’t enough on its own. You’d have to duplicate your competitors’ successes while avoiding their blunders.

It’s time to start recording the following information about your competitors and their products in an Excel spreadsheet.

After you’ve finished filling out your spreadsheet, there are a few things you can do to set your product apart from the competition:

• Price – It’s difficult to get right, but it’s tried and true. Even if the difference is minor, large volumes frequently go to the lowest bidder. Just be aware that the margins will be razor-thin. (At the end of the day, it may be less than $1 per bottle.)
• Find a new customer segment – There may be a group of people who are unaware of a product because it is never marketed to them in a way that they can relate to. Athletes, seniors, and people who follow a strict diet are all examples of this.
• Find an ingredient to eliminate – To make a particular product, an undesirable (or less popular) ingredient is frequently required (because it has to come from a certain source). 

The goal is to uncover a detail in the product development process that other organizations choose to ignore or cut out (for good reason, of course — you’ll have to conduct some study to find out). This is your chance, astute entrepreneur, to go all-in and show your dedication to your product and your target market.

Step 5. Create your own product

It’s time to start designing your product after settling on your market and determining what already exists in that field. Whether you’re inventing the formula yourself or cooperating with a private label supplement manufacturer, formulating your new product can be an exciting step in the process. 

You may produce a really distinctive and effective product by combining the demands of your intended customers with your company’s ideals. If you’re starting a supplement company without the support of a manufacturer, it’s probably advisable to stick to one or two products at first. 

A restricted focus will allow you to focus on creating the right product, and a higher-quality product will perform better than one created with minimal care or effort. Starting small doesn’t imply you’ll stay tiny forever; taking the time to lay a solid foundation ensures your brand’s scalability and long-term viability.

Step 6. Choosing a brand name for your dietary supplement

It is the initial calling card, regardless of whether it is the real product or the supplement brand name, and it must be chosen with care.

Brand-name supplement ideas that usually work:

• The titles of your health supplement companies should be simple, sweet, and relevant.
• Consumers will be able to recall your product faster than competitor products if you have a set color palette.
• A distinct and consistent voice that is relevant to your target demographic and consumer group will undoubtedly bring value to your brand.

When it comes to supplementing names, what should you avoid?

When deciding on a name for your supplement firm, you need to take certain measures.

• Run the supplement company names through a search engine to see whether they’re possible. Even though the name sounds unique to you, it’s possible that other businesses with the same or similar names already exist.
• Make sure the supplement company names you choose aren’t too similar to those of your competitors. You surely want a name that is specific to your brand and mission.
• Make certain that the name you pick for your company has no bad implications.

Recommended: Learn how to choose a business name

Step 7. Create a legal entity

Sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs) , and corporations  are the most frequent types of companies. Forming a formal company , such as an LLC or corporation, safeguards you from being held personally accountable if you are sued for your supplement business.

Find out how to form an llc yourself

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Or Make your life easier with Wise Business Plans

Get the easiest and fastest LLC formation online with worry-free services and support. 

Step 8. Determine which supplement manufacturer is best for you.

What To Look For When Choosing A Supplement Manufacturer

Finding the right manufacturer can be difficult. Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a list of our top recommendations for finding the best supplement manufacturer.

One of the most important things to look for in a supplement contract manufacturer is certifications and the ability to comply with import regulations. Look for basic certifications that demonstrate the manufacturer’s trustworthiness. Look for cGMP (current good manufacturing practices) compliance , which is overseen by the FDA and frequently third-party verified by NSF or NPA.

Another thing to consider when choosing a manufacturer is what their minimum order requirements are. Most manufacturers will require a minimum of 1,000 , but it is frequently more than that. You’ll want to think about this carefully depending on the size of the orders you’ll be placing and make sure the minimum order requirement isn’t too high for your needs. 

The majority of start-ups will require assistance with supplement  fulfillment. If you’re in the same boat, you’ll want to know what to expect from the manufacturer ahead of time. Find out what packaging, shipping, and storage options they have. In all three of these areas, a great manufacturer will be able to assist you.

When evaluating a manufacturer, you should also inquire about their lead times . To properly evaluate this, it can be a little more difficult than you might think. Even though you might think that shorter lead times are better, you don’t always want to go with the quickest option.

If lead times are unusually short, it could indicate that a manufacturer isn’t doing its job properly. They could be cutting corners in some aspects. As a result, you’ll want to ask some follow-up questions to learn more about the process.

Dietary supplement formulation can be difficult to perfect, so choosing a manufacturer who can assist you with the design process can be extremely beneficial. 

You should also learn about the various manufacturing options available for your supplements. First and foremost, inquire about the types of supplements they can create for you. Check to see if they can produce capsules, tablets, soft gels, and powders. Manufacturers may only be able to make one type of supplement, depending on their capabilities.

Inquire about their options for dealing with ingredients as well. Determine whether you will be able to purchase the ingredients on your own and store them in their designated area. You should also inquire about the ingredients they already have on hand. Ingredient sourcing is a critical link in the supply chain; learn how your ingredients will be sourced and validated for quality from the manufacturer.

They are familiar with the stringent regulatory standards in the United States and are less likely to surprise you with unexpected costs.

Step 9: Create your personal brand

The most creative and challenging aspect of starting up a supplementary company is often developing a brand . Your product, as well as your target audience, should have an impact on your company’s branding. 

If you’re creating an all-natural supplement for homeopathic consumers or pledging to be an environmentally conscious company, you might want to consider using eco-friendly packaging to reflect your values. When creating a brand, make sure to look into the requirements for supplement packaging.

Step 10. File your taxes

Before you can start a supplement company, you’ll need to register for some state and federal taxes. You will need to apply for an EIN to register for taxes. It’s really simple and completely free!

Taxes on Small Businesses

Depending on which business form you choose, you may have different taxation options for your company. Some LLCs, for example, may benefit from being taxed as an S corporation (S Corp).

These resources will help you learn more about small business taxes:

• LLC vs. Sole Proprietorship
• S Corporation vs. LLC
• How to Form an S-Corporation
• S-Corporation vs. C-Corporation

Step 11. Starting a supplement company: legal requirements

The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, enacted by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), imposes strict controls on the manufacture and sale of dietary supplement products. Because nutritional supplement laws differ from those that apply to traditional medications and foods, supplement makers are legally obligated to follow all of the rules and guidelines established by the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA) and the FDA.

Before being utilized in a product, all new dietary ingredients introduced after 1994 were required to file a new ingredient notification to the FDA . You should also make sure that the contract manufacturer you choose uses GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) accredited facilities.

Before launching a supplement line, it’s a good idea to look into the legalities of doing so.

Step 12: Developing a supplement label

The aim of a label, on the surface, is to tell the consumer:

 1) What the product is. 2)  Who created it. 3) how much of the product is in the box. Isn’t it simple?

You must adhere to certain criteria set forth by the country in which you plan to market your product. The FDA oversees all supplement products in the United States, so you’ll need to follow their requirements while writing your label. 

When it comes to following FDA criteria , reputable manufacturers run a tight ship and should be a fantastic partner when acquiring information for your labels.

Step 13: Create a bank business account and credit card

Personal asset protection requires the use of dedicated business banking and credit accounts.

If your personal and business accounts are intermingled, your personal assets (house, car, and other possessions) are at stake if your company is sued. This is referred to as piercing the corporate veil in business law.

Furthermore, learning how to build credit can help you obtain credit cards and other financings in your company’s name (rather than your own), lower interest rates, and increase credit lines, among other benefits.

Open a Bank Account for your business

Aside from being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account provides the following benefits:

• Separates your personal assets from the assets of your firm, which is required for personal asset protection.
• It simplifies bookkeeping and tax reporting.
• It makes tracking expenses easier and more organized.

Recommended:  To discover the greatest bank or credit union, read our Best Banks for Small Business review.

Create a Net 30 Account

Net 30 Payment Terms are used to establish and grow credit for businesses as well as boost cash flow. A net 30 account allows firms to purchase items and pay for them in full within a 30-day period.

The major commercial credit agencies receive reports from several of the net 30 credit providers (Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, and Equifax Business Credit). This is how companies establish company credit in order to get approved for credit cards and other lines of credit.

Recommended:  Read our list of the  top net 30 vendors guide  to start getting business credit or simply open your net 30 accounts  with wise business plans in seconds.

Get a Credit Card for your business

Obtaining a business credit card benefits you in the following ways:

• Put all of your company spendings in one location to separate personal and business expenses.
• Build your company’s credit history, which can come in handy if you need to raise money in the future.

Step 14: Obtain business insurance

Insurance, like licenses and permits, is required for your business to operate safely and legally. In the case of a covered loss, business insurance protects your company’s financial well-being.

There are a variety of insurance policies designed for various sorts of organizations with various risks. If you’re not sure what kinds of dangers your company might face, start with General Liability Insurance . This is the most frequent type of coverage required by small businesses, so it’s a good place to start.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance is another important insurance product that many businesses require. If your company employs people, it’s likely that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Insurance.

Pro Tips: Do you want to learn more about business insurance? You can read a comprehensive article about 10 types of small business insurance and how much small business insurance costs .

Ready to Protect Your Supplement Company

Let us help you with your business insurance needs.

• General business liability insurance
• Medical insurance
• Term life insurance
• Workers’ Comp
• Surety bonds
• Commercial auto

Step 15: Supplement marketing strategies

In today’s competitive nutraceutical business, high-quality products with appealing packaging and effective supplement marketing methods are critical.

How Should You Promote Your Supplements?

When marketing nutritional supplements, keep in mind that your health product should satisfy the needs of your clients. Encourage, gather, and evaluate client feedback to learn more about this. Be open to constructive criticism as well as positive suggestions. Customer loyalty is valuable and deserving of recognition.

72 percent of purchasing decisions are influenced by labeling and packaging. Color schemes, graphics, fonts, and simple, FDA-compliant labeling and packaging are all important in capturing customers’ attention.

It’s the Internet age, and you and your goods require a strong online presence. Create mobile and user-friendly websites, e-mails, paid marketing, affiliate marketing, and Amazon-sponsored promotions to promote your supplements online.

Recommended: Always hire a professional business website design company to show your supplement to the internet world.

The loyal fan base of your goods accounts for 80% of your profit. Interacting with them directly and making them feel special is worthwhile, as it will build their bond with your business.

Choose an up-and-coming athlete or social media personality (rather than an established one) with a large fan base for your supplement promotion. It will fit within your budget while also benefiting your brand in the long run.

Adopt a variety of creative and successful marketing strategies for your product. Create video marketing, magazine and radio advertising, or even grassroots advertising by placing fliers in gyms, spas, salons, and clinics’ receptions and waiting rooms, depending on your budget. These are the sites where the majority of your target audience may go.

The modern consumer is heavily reliant on social media, with over 80% of Americans owning at least one account. When it comes to developing a supplement marketing plan, online marketing is critical.

• Brand awareness and consumer loyalty are aided by clever supplement hashtags.
• Observe an increase in conversion rates.
• Save a lot of money on your advertising.

By identifying and utilizing different consumer niches for a single product line, you can tap into a large potential market. Veganism, for example, is practiced by 2.5 percent of all Americans. Vegan products can also be promoted to vegetarians, flexitarians, and traditional clients, in addition to this group.

Offline marketing, particularly print and broadcast media, continues to play a role in the promotion of your dietary supplement. Customers can be educated about dietary supplement items through television, radio, newspapers, and magazines. While physical businesses can aid in sales, promotion, and advertising, word-of-mouth recommendations always generate excitement.

Step 16: Start selling now!

It’s finally time to start selling your product after all of your hard work, money, and effort!

Here are some considerations to bear in mind:

5 Key success factors

• Production of market-preferred items: Because many consumers get nutritional supplement advice via the internet, word-of-mouth recommendations, and doctors, companies must change their product mix to keep up with fast-changing consumer desires.
• Possessing knowledge of marketing: Marketing can greatly increase demand for a given product due to the wide selection of products accessible on the market.
• Distribution arrangements under control: Companies with effective and wide distribution networks, from raw material distributors upstream to wholesalers and retailers downstream, are more likely to maintain and grow market share.
• The ability to understand and navigate regulatory restrictions: To prevent fines and possibly litigation, this industry must stay on top of FDA regulations, forthcoming supplement safety legislation, and current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) requirements.
• High-quality ingredients are available: Consumer views of dietary supplement quality, efficacy, and safety are strongly linked to demand for industry products. As a result, to generate a safe and effective product, operators must select the highest-quality inputs.

The highlights of our recently developed dietary supplement business plan

Market analysis summary: dietary supplement business plan.

As Americans have become more health-conscious, the Vitamin and Supplement Manufacturing business has grown over the five years leading up to 2021. 

A growth in studies on diet-related disorders has encouraged consumers of all ages to resort to dietary supplements while rising pharmaceutical drug prices have increased media coverage of health and wellness trends.

Due to the increasing demand for health supplements induced by the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, industry revenue is expected to expand an average of 2.4 percent to $35.7 billion over the five years to 2021, including a 3.7 percent increase in 2020. 

Even so, revenue growth is expected to slow to 2.2 percent in 2021 alone, as revenue growth returns to pre-pandemic levels. However, depending on the speed and efficacy of mass vaccination attempts, these estimates may alter.

Product and Services

A wide range of health products are sold in tablet, capsule, powder, or ready-to-drink form by the Vitamin and Supplement Manufacturing sector.

Industry products are intended to supplement a healthy diet; they are not intended to cure, prevent, or treat any medically important ailments. Over the five years leading up to 2021, the product breakdown of the Vitamin and Supplement Manufacturing business has altered dramatically.

While vitamin and mineral supplements were formerly the most popular product category, they currently account for less than 40.0 percent of total industry sales due to rising demand for sports nutrition and herbal supplements.

The sale of supplement goods is how a supplement company gets money. Customers can buy products directly from manufacturers or through distributors and retailers.

Supplements range in price from a few dollars to over $100. The cost of a supplement is frequently determined by the rarity of its ingredients and the advantages it provides.

The amount of money a supplement company makes per product sold is determined by how the product is offered. Businesses that sell directly to customers should strive for a profit margin of 10% to 40%. Those who sell through distributors often make a 5 to 15% profit.

By introducing more supplement goods, several supplement companies enhance their sales and profits. A company that starts with a few very unusual supplements can expand to include some more basic supplements that aren’t as imaginative but are nevertheless popular. Customers who purchase unusual supplements are likely to also purchase basic supplements from the same company. (If companies start with basic supplements and then add distinctive ones, they will struggle to distinguish out in the business. It’s easier to discern a company’s items if you start with the most unusual and work your way down to the most basic.)

Nutraceuticals are subject to extensive regulations to ensure quality and safety, with an increasing number of Americans taking nutritional supplements each year. You must obtain particular permits as a supplement brand owner in order to start your own supplement line; failure to do so can result in heavy fines. If you want to make your own nutritional formulations and supplements, you’ll need to get your own certificates and insurance, and you might want to speak with a company attorney first.

Alternatively, you can work with a supplement manufacturer who is already accredited and has the resources necessary to manufacture and label your supplement or nutraceutical line. This eliminates the requirement for license and logistics altogether.

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Supplement Business

Back to All Business Ideas

How to Start a Supplement Business

Written by: Carolyn Young

Carolyn Young is a business writer who focuses on entrepreneurial concepts and the business formation. She has over 25 years of experience in business roles, and has authored several entrepreneurship textbooks.

Edited by: David Lepeska

David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.

Published on December 22, 2021 Updated on October 22, 2023

Investment range

$7,350 - $15,600

Revenue potential

$80,000 - $400,000 p.a.

Time to build

Profit potential

$60,000 - $160,000 p.a.

Industry trend

• Decide if the Business Is Right for You
• Hone Your Idea
• Brainstorm a Supplement Company Name
• Create a Business Plan
• Register Your Business
• Register for Taxes
• Fund your Business
• Apply for Supplement Business Licenses and Permits
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get Business Insurance
• Prepare to Launch
• Build Your Team
• Run a Supplement Business - Start Making Money!

Supplement Business FAQs

Thanks in part to the pandemic, people today are more health-conscious than ever before. This explains why the US supplement market is seeing lightning-fast growth and already worth $35 billion. You could launch your own supplement business, grab a share of the market, and make a good living while improving lives. Even if you’ve never worked in this area before, you can do some research on formulating supplements and come up with a product that helps people meet their health goals.

Of course, starting a supplement business will require diligence, and it will take time. It’s best to first get some knowledge on the industry and on starting a business, and this step-by-step guide is chock-full of insight on how to develop and launch your business and boldly begin your entrepreneurial journey.

Looking to register your business? A limited liability company (LLC) is the best legal structure for new businesses because it is fast and simple.

Form your business immediately using ZenBusiness LLC formation service or hire one of the Best LLC Services .

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Pros and cons.

Starting a supplement business has pros and cons that you should weigh before deciding if the business is right for you.

• Good money – Profit margins are high in the supplement market
• Growing Industry – Demand is increasing for vitamins and dietary supplements
• Work from Home – You can work from home selling your supplements online
• Improve Lives — Provide products that make people stronger, healthier
• Competition – Increasingly saturated market as health-consciousness grows
• Regulations – Licensing and labeling requirements can be onerous

Supplement industry trends

The US supplement industry grew nearly 15% in 2020 due to increased health consciousness driven by the COVID-19 pandemic.(( https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/covid-19-news-can-dietary-supplements-help-the-immune-system-fight-coronavirus-infection ))

Citing a new supplement with vitamin B, omega 3s, and bilberry extract that aims to improve cognitive health and curb memory loss, research firm Coherent Market Insights expects the global brain health supplement market to see nearly 9% annual growth through 2027.(( https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201001005590/en/Global-Brain-Health-Supplements-Market-to-Surpass-US-13492.6-Million-by-2027-Says-Coherent-Market-Insights-CMI ))

Industry size and growth

• Industry size and past growth – Market analyst IBISWorld values the US supplement industry at more than $37 billion, after a steady growth over the past decade. The market has grown by an average of 1.6% annually since 2017.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/market-size/vitamin-supplement-manufacturing-united-states/ )) 
• Growth forecast – The dietary supplements market in North America, which is dominated by the US, is projected to grow at least 5% per year through 2028.(( https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/north-america-dietary-supplements-market ))
• Number of businesses – There are nearly 1,400 vitamin and supplement manufacturers in the US.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/number-of-businesses/vitamin-supplement-manufacturing-united-states/ )) 
• Number of people employed – More than 43,000 people are employed in this industry.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/employment/vitamin-supplement-manufacturing-united-states/ ))

Trends and challenges

Trends that shape the supplements industry are:

• Rising incidence of Alzheimer’s, depression, and anxiety is driving demand for supplements that provide mental health support and stress relief
• Strong demand for supplements that contain collage peptides, support immunity such as Vitamin D, and taste good, such as fruit-flavored gummy vitamins
• Growing awareness about health, fitness, and sports nutrition

Challenges faced by the supplement industry include:

• Compliance with stringent regulations on labeling and claims of health benefits
• Competition from lower-priced botanicals imported from China
• Lack of information on the proper and safe use of supplements

Consumer spending

• Average consumer spend – An average American consumer spends $68.30 on supplements every month.(( https://www.athsport.co/blogs/news/how-much-do-americans-spend-on-their-health-and-fitness ))
• Potential customer base – An ADM report in 2021 says 79% of Americans believe dietary supplements are important to their health.(( https://www.adm.com/globalassets/news/adm-stories/the-dietary-supplement-consumer-of-tomorrow-report-min.pdf ))
• Average prices – The Nature Made brand sold its supplements in 2019 at an average of $10.88 per bottle.(( https://www.statista.com/statistics/1055227/price-of-the-leading-mineral-supplement-brands/ ))

What kind of people work in a supplements business?

• Gender – 84% of nutritionists in the US are female, while 16% are male.(( https://www.zippia.com/nutritionist-jobs/demographics/#gender-statistics ))
• Average level of education – 65% of nutritionists hold a bachelor’s degree.(( https://www.zippia.com/nutritionist-jobs/demographics/#degree-level-types ))
• Average age – The average age of a nutritionist is 43 years old.(( https://www.zippia.com/nutritionist-jobs/demographics/#age-statistics ))

How much does it cost to start a supplement business?

Startup costs for a supplement company range from $7,500 to $15,000 or more. The main cost is the manufacturing of your first products, so you might start with a small quantity to keep costs low. But keep in mind that most manufacturers have a minimum order amount.

How much can you earn from a supplement business?

The average price of a bottle of supplements is about $8 and you can expect a profit margin of around 75% when you’re working out of your home.

In your first year or two, you could work from home and sell 10,000 bottles in a year, bringing in $80,000 in annual revenue. This would mean $60,000 in profit, assuming that 75% margin. As your brand gains recognition, sales could climb to 50,000 bottles a year. At this stage, you would rent out a production facility and hire staff, reducing your margin to 40%. With expected annual revenue of $400,000, you’d make a tidy profit of $160,000.

What barriers to entry are there?

• Competition in a very saturated market
• Finding a manufacturer willing to accept a small order

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Step 2: hone your idea.

Now that you know what’s involved in starting a supplement business, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market.

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an opportunity

Research other supplement businesses to examine their products, price points, customer reviews, and what sells best. You’re looking for a market gap to fill. For instance, maybe the market is missing a multivitamin combined with a brain health supplement. Or maybe as Covid-19 lingers people are looking for new immunity-boosting supplements.

You might consider targeting a niche market by specializing in a certain aspect of your industry such as beauty supplements.

This could jumpstart your word-of-mouth marketing and attract clients right away.

What? Determine your products or services

You should research and create a formula based on the type of supplements you plan to offer. Start by learning the benefits of various vitamins and minerals.(( https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/listing_of_vitamins ))

You could also offer custom supplements. Some manufacturers, like Nutracap Labs , have an in-house team of professionals that formulates supplements based on customer goals.

How much should you charge for supplements?

The average price for a bottle of supplements is about $8, but mineral and beauty supplements are often priced a little higher, averaging $11. You might offer a variety of products at several price points. 

Once you know your costs, you can use this Step By Step profit margin calculator to determine your mark-up and final price points. Remember, the prices you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify your target market

Your target market will be health-conscious people in general, but it will also depend on what type of supplements you decide to offer. If you decide on beauty-related supplements your target market will probably be women 30 and older, so you can most likely find them on Facebook.

Where? Choose your business premises

In the early stages, you may want to run your business from home to keep costs low. But as your business grows, you’ll likely need to hire workers for various roles and may need to rent out an office. You can find commercial space to rent in your area on Craigslist , Crexi , and Commercial Cafe .

When choosing a commercial space, you may want to follow these rules of thumb:

• Central location accessible via public transport
• Ventilated and spacious, with good natural light
• Flexible lease that can be extended as your business grows
• Ready-to-use space with no major renovations or repairs needed

Step 3: Brainstorm a Supplement Company Name

Your business name is your business identity, so choose one that encapsulates your objectives, services, and mission in just a few words. You probably want a name that’s short and easy to remember, since much of your business, and your initial business in particular, will come from word-of-mouth referrals.

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

• Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
• Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better
• The name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
• Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
• Including keywords, such as “supplements” or “beauty supplements”, boosts SEO
• Choose a name that allows for expansion: “Vitality Labs” over “Vegan Vitality Supplements”
• Avoid location-based names that might hinder future expansion
• Use online tools like the Step by Step business name generator . Just type in a few keywords and hit “generate” and you’ll have dozens of suggestions at your fingertips.

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these. 

Find a Domain

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Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that set your business apart. Once you pick your company name, and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity.

Step 4: Create a Business Plan

Every business needs a plan. This will function as a guidebook to take your startup through the launch process and maintain focus on your key goals. A business plan also enables potential partners and investors to better understand your company and its vision:

• Executive Summary: Brief overview of the entire business plan; should be written after the plan is complete.
• Business Overview: Overview of the company, vision, mission, ownership, and corporate goals.
• Product and Services: Describe your offerings in detail.
• Market Analysis: Assess market trends such as variations in demand and prospects for growth, and do a SWOT analysis .
• Competitive Analysis: Analyze main competitors, assess their strengths and weaknesses, and create a list of the advantages of your services.
• Sales and Marketing: Examine your companies’ unique selling propositions (USPs) and develop sales, marketing, and promotional strategies.
• Management Team: Overview of management team, detailing their roles and professional background, along with a corporate hierarchy.
• Operations Plan: Your company’s operational plan includes procurement, office location, key assets and equipment, and other logistical details.
• Financial Plan: Three years of financial planning, including startup costs, break-even analysis, profit and loss estimates, cash flow, and balance sheet.
• Appendix: Include any additional financial or business-related documents.

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Registering your business is an absolutely crucial step — it’s the prerequisite to paying taxes, raising capital, opening a bank account, and other guideposts on the road to getting a business up and running.

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business!

Choose where to register your company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you are planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to supplement businesses.

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind, it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state.

Choose your business structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your supplement business will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely.

Here are the main options:

• Sole Proprietorship – The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
• General Partnership – Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
• C Corp – Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
• S Corp – An S-Corporation refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S-Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC , which just needs to elect to be an S-Corp for tax status. In an S-Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization , and answer any questions you might have. 

Form Your LLC

Choose Your State

We recommend ZenBusiness as the Best LLC Service for 2023

Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number , or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail or fax: visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN.

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

The IRS website also offers a tax-payers checklist , and taxes can be filed online.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you are completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

• Bank loans : This is the most common method, but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
• SBA-guaranteed loans : The Small Business Administration can act as guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan .
• Government grants : A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
• Angel investors : Reach out to your entire network in search of people interested in investing in early-stage startups in exchange for a stake. Established angel investors are always looking for good opportunities. 
• Friends and Family : Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
• Crowdfunding : Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
• Personal : Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best options, other than friends and family, for funding a supplement business. You might also try crowdfunding if you have an innovative concept.

Step 8: Apply for Supplement Business Licenses and Permits

Starting a supplement business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments.

Your products will be subject to the requirements of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) and the FDA. Your manufacturer will make sure that you are in compliance. Your labeling and marketing will be subject to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rules. Hiring a professional label company could help you stay in compliance with FTC rules.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as (DBA), health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits. 

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. 

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package . They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

This is not a step to be taken lightly, as failing to comply with legal requirements can result in hefty penalties.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account .

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your supplement business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account.

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

• General liability: The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
• Business Property: Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
• Equipment Breakdown Insurance: Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
• Worker’s compensation: Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
• Property: Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
• Commercial auto: Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
• Professional liability: Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
• Business owner’s policy (BOP): This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of any of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business.

Essential software and tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks.

You can use industry-specific software, such as Batch Master , Finale Inventory , or Process Pro , to manage your product lines, orders, inventory, and bookkeeping.

• Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks , Freshbooks , and Xero . 
• If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences for filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial.

Develop your website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism.

You can create your own website using services like  WordPress ,  Wix , or  Squarespace . This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech-savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

They are unlikely to find your website, however, unless you follow Search Engine Optimization ( SEO ) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google.

Some of your business will come from online visitors, but still, you should invest in digital marketing! Getting the word out is especially important for new businesses, as it’ll boost customer and brand awareness.

Once your website is up and running, link it to your social media accounts and vice versa. Social media is a great tool for promoting your business because you can create engaging posts that advertise your products:

• Facebook: Great platform for paid advertising, allows you to target specific demographics, like men under age 50 in the Cleveland area. 
• Instagram: Same benefits as Facebook but with different target audiences.
• Website: SEO will help your website appear closer to the top in relevant search results, a crucial element for increasing sales. Make sure that you optimize calls to action on your website. Experiment with text, color, size, and position of calls to action such as “Buy Now”. This can sharply increase purchases.
• Google and Yelp: For businesses that rely on local clientele, getting listed on Yelp and Google My Business can be crucial to generating awareness and customers.

Kickstart Marketing

Take advantage of your website, social media presence and real-life activities to increase awareness of your offerings and build your brand. Some suggestions include:

• Competitions and giveaways – Generate interest by offering prizes for customers who complete a certain action, such as 20% off your first order.
• Signage – Put up eye-catching signage at your store and website.
• Flyering – Distribute flyers in your neighborhood and at industry events.
• In-Person Sales – Offer your products/services at local markets, trade shows.
• Sponsor events – You can pay to be a sponsor at events that are relevant to your target market.
• Post a video – Post a video about your supplements. Use humor and maybe it will go viral!
• Email marketing/newsletter – Send regular emails to customers and prospects. Make them personal. 
• Start a blog – Start a blog and post regularly. Change up your content and share on multiple sites.
• Press releases – Do press releases about new products, sales, etc.
• Paid ads on social media – Choose sites that will reach your target market and do targeted ads.
• Pay-per-click marketing – Use Google AdWords to perform better in searches. Research your keywords first.
• Influencer marketing – Pay people with large social media followings to promote your supplements. You can find micro-influencers with smaller followings and lower rates.
• Testimonials – Share customer testimonials about how your supplements helped them.
• Create infographics – Post infographics and include them in your content.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that set it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your supplement business meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire.

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your supplement business could be:

• Top-quality beauty supplements for your hair, skin, and nails
• Boost your mood with this all-natural supplement
• Elevate your brain function for maximum memory and productivity!

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. But your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a supplements business, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in supplement manufacturing for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections. 

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in dietary supplements. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. Online businesses might also consider affiliate marketing as a way to build relationships with potential partners and boost business.

Step 12: Build Your Team

If you’re starting out small from home, you may not need any employees. But as your business grows, you will likely need workers to fill various roles. Potential positions for a supplement business would include:

• Sales Reps – Sell products to retailers or direct to consumer
• Customer Service Reps – Handle customer calls and orders
• Marketing Lead – SEO strategies, social media, other marketing

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need.

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed , Glassdoor , or ZipRecruiter . Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent.

Step 13: Run a Supplement Business – Start Making Money!

The pandemic has sharply increased our health concerns, so it’s no surprise that the $37 billion supplement market in the US is seeing explosive growth. You can get in on the action with a relatively small investment and start making good money fast. 

You can specialize in certain types of supplements or create a new line of supplements with your own formulas. But keep in mind that you’ll have to comply with all the relevant regulations and make sure your supplements are safe. 

Now that you have the relevant knowledge, you’re ready to embark on your entrepreneurial journey in the supplement business!

There are many manufacturers that you can find online but do your homework to choose the best one. You need to find one that will manufacture your formula, is reputable, and will manufacture a small quantity to get you started.

You’re subject to the same regulations that any business is at the federal, state, and local levels, but you also need to comply with the rules of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) and the FDA. Your labeling and marketing will be subject to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rules.

Many people buy supplements online, so that is probably your best bet to get started. As you gain traction, you may be able to get retailers to offer your products as well.

It’s important to conduct a thorough market analysis and develop a comprehensive business plan to assess the potential profitability of your specific supplement business. This should include considerations like target market, distribution channels, cost structure, and revenue projections.

Some popular and commonly sold supplements include vitamins (such as vitamin D, vitamin C, and multivitamins), minerals (like calcium and iron), omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, protein powders, and herbal supplements (such as ginkgo biloba or turmeric). 

Create a professional website and utilize social media platforms to showcase your products, provide valuable information, and engage with your target audience. Produce high-quality content, such as blog posts, articles, or videos, that educates and informs consumers about the benefits of your supplements. This helps build trust and establishes your business as an authoritative source in the industry.

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Graphic Design

Marketplace, how to start a supplement business in 8 steps.

Starting a supplement company can be challenging as you navigate finding a manufacturer, partnering with a co-packer, and designing your product labels following current regulations. We’re here to help you start the journey!

While there are many guides out there detailing the general (and financial) aspects of starting a business , we’ll be looking at the finer points of creating a supplement company. Use the steps below as a guide to help you establish your new supplement brand and pave your way toward success.

1. Choose Your Target Audience

Identifying and choosing your market is a great place to begin when looking to start a new business. You need to be sure that you’ll have customers that want to buy your product; otherwise, your supplements will sit on shelves or in warehouses collecting dust. 

Consumers have arguably never been more health-conscious than they are right now, and the demand for health and fitness supplements is only growing. That being said, simply targeting “health-conscious people,” or even “health-conscious men” is too broad an audience. The more specific choice you make here, the better, as it allows you to focus your marketing efforts on a smaller group of people who are more likely to buy your product. By getting granular with your target audience, you can spend time identifying their pain points, their needs, and even who they’re currently buying from, thus making your marketing efforts all the more compelling.

2. Evaluate the Competition

Once you’ve identified your target audience, you’ll need to check out the competition to determine what products are already offered in your chosen market. Knowing your competition will clue you in on ways you can stand out, fill in the gaps where others have fallen short, and the general price point of what your supplement product should be. 

3. Develop Your Product

After deciding on your market and identifying what already exists in that space, it’s time to start developing your product. Formulating your new product can be an exciting step in the process, whether you’re developing the formula yourself or partnering with a private label supplement manufacturer . By pairing the needs of your intended customers with your company’s values, you can create a truly unique and impactful product.

If starting out on your own without the help of a manufacturer, it might be best to focus on one to two products at the beginning. A narrow focus will allow you the ability to hone in on crafting the perfect product, and a higher quality product generally performs better than others developed with little care or effort. Starting small doesn’t mean you’ll always be small; taking the time to build a strong foundation means your brand has both scalability and sustainability.

4. Determine Your Production Model

If you partner with a supplement manufacturer, you won’t be responsible for the actual production of your product, giving you time to focus on other aspects of running your own business. However, if you choose to make your own supplements, you have more control over the process and a stronger connection to your product. You may eventually consider partnering with a co-packer , especially if your business grows to such a scale that you can no longer produce the supplement on your own.

5. Establish Your Brand

Brand creation is often the most creative and challenging aspect of starting a new business. Your company branding should be influenced by your product as well as your chosen audience. For example, if you are developing an all-natural supplement for homeopathic-focused consumers or are committing to be an environmentally responsible company, then you might consider choosing eco-friendly packaging to match your values.

While branding, be sure to research the requirements for supplement packaging. We’ve already done a good bit of research to give you a great jumping-off point.

Label Requirements

At face value, a label’s purpose is to communicate to the consumer 1) what the product is, 2) who made the product, and 3) how much of the product is included in the packaging. Simple, right? 

You’ll need to follow specific guidelines mandated by the country in which you intend to sell your product. In the United States, the FDA regulates all supplement manufacturing, so you’ll need to follow their guidelines when designing your label. Reputable manufacturers run a very tight ship when it comes to meeting FDA requirements and should be a great partner when gathering information for your labels. 

Learn More: How to Design an FDA Approved Supplement Label

Packaging and Label Design

Simply meeting the proper requirements is great, but what truly makes a product stand out is an eye-catching design . Companies rely on design to tell their customers who they are as a brand. Your product’s outer packaging and label are your chance to directly interact with your customers after purchase. A plain label that meets the mandatory requirements is certainly legal but will not do you any favors when it comes to attracting new customers and connecting with existing ones. We recommend partnering with an experienced graphic designer specializing in supplement label design for packaging that’s both legal and high-quality.

Label Printing

Once you’ve got your designs finalized, you’ll want to partner with a label printer that produces high-quality supplement labels . Finding a printer with little to no setup or artwork changeover fees is significant for supplement businesses keeping up with frequently changing FDA regulations. Fast turnarounds are also invaluable in a printer; being able to quickly get labels in hand for new products provides you with a competitive advantage when distributing new products into the market.

6. Decide on a Marketing Strategy

Now that your product is created, it’s time to get the word out! Remember your target audience? Think about the most practical way to reach them. For example, if your ideal customer is an active person in their twenties, social media is probably the best way to connect with them.

You can market your product by creating compelling content on your website and optimizing it for search engines, pay for ads to appear on other websites, generate relevant social media posts, participating in events, and even visiting gyms and gifting your product for them to try.

7. Pick a Sales Platform

Finally, decide where your customers will purchase your product. If you’ve been working with a private label manufacturer, they’ll likely be able to take on the distribution of your new supplement brand, making e-commerce sales the most convenient choice. Since e-commerce sales are on the upward trend, selling your supplements on Amazon , or exclusively on your website may be the most lucrative option for you, whether you’re partnering with a manufacturer or making the supplements yourself.

You also have the option of going retail or even selling your products through your own brick-and-mortar store. Either option comes with added challenges of managing inventory, paying for overhead, decreased profit margins, and in some cases, being positioned directly next to the competition. At the same time, you can also gain increased visibility and connect with new and existing customers more easily.

8. Get Started

Starting your own supplement business can be challenging, but it is an achievable goal all the same. With research and dedication, you can create a successful supplement business and become the entrepreneur you always wanted to be.

You might also like:

• 10 Best Supplement Label Designs
• How to Create an FDA Approved Supplement Facts Label
• Ultimate Guide to Creating Your Own Product Label

« Back to Latest Blog Posts

How to Write A Nutrition Business Plan (2022 Guide)

• Editors: Harry Griffiths
• Verified By: Luke Hughes

Writing a nutrition business plan is the essential first step towards taking full control of your career and becoming your own boss.

Despite what you might think, putting a sports nutrition business plan together isn’t actually that difficult. In fact, the hardest thing about this process is knowing where to start!

At OriGym, we know that it can be really overwhelming when you first sit down and stare at the blank page that will eventually become your business plan so we’ve put this guide together, covering:

• How to Do Market Research
• Why You Need to Do A SWOT Analysis
• How to Create Your Brand
• What to Include in a Nutritionist Business Plan

Before we jump in, if you’re not already qualified as a nutritionist, you can enquire about our Level 5 Nutrition for Sport course here . Already qualified? Check out our range of personal trainer courses to see how you can expand the services that your business offers.

Otherwise, download the OriGym course prospectus for more information!

Develop Personal Training Expertise With OriGym's Diploma

Expand your nutritionist skillset with OriGym's bespoke personal training courses!

What is A Nutrition Business Plan?

Very soon we’ll share our nutrition business plan sample, but first, we thought we would quickly cover a couple of common questions. So firstly, what is a business plan?

Here’s a definition from Entrepreneur :

“A business plan is a written document describing the nature of the business, the sales and marketing strategy, and the financial background, and containing a projected profit and loss statement.”

With that in mind, you might be wondering why you need a nutrition consulting business plan. Well, Entrepreneur go on to explain that:

“A business plan is also a road map that provides direction so a business can plan its future and helps it avoid bumps in the road.”

Outside of helping you to plan the direction of your business, there are a number of reasons why you should write a business plan.

Probably the most well known reason for writing a business plan is to secure a business loan from a bank or private investor. 

A business plan also acts as a great tool for reminding you of your overall strategy and core business goals, allowing you to think objectively and guiding you through any important decisions.

Additionally, a good nutrition business plan acts as a great point of reference when it comes to taking on and training new staff. Having the business strategy in front of you ensures that everybody from owners to employees is aware of the company ethos and following the same steps to success.

What Kind of Nutrition Business Could I Start? 

Before you get started with your business plan, it's best to get an idea of the kind of business that you want to run.

Seeing as you’re here, it's safe to assume that you’re interested in starting a nutrition business, but even within the area of nutrition, there are tons of potential career paths to choose from.

You could  become a sports nutritionist , start an online coaching or meal prep business, or set up your own nutrition consulting practice - the options are endless!

The huge range of directions that your career could go in is something that we have considered throughout our guide to ensure that we can help you to write a brilliant business plan, whichever area of nutrition business you choose.

Step 1: Carry Out Market Research

Whether you want help with a sports nutrition business plan or you’re looking at setting up an online business, your first step should be to carry out market research.

Good market research will uncover crucial information about your competitors, your potential customers, and the kind of business that there is demand for in your area. 

According to QuestionPro :

“Market research is defined as the process of evaluating the feasibility of a new product or service, through research conducted directly with potential consumers. This method allows organizations or businesses to discover their target market , collect and document opinions and make informed decisions.”

Whilst you might already have an idea of the kind of business you want to run, market research will give you a better idea of whether there is demand for that kind of business, who your target market will be, and what you need to do to stand out among competing businesses. 

There are multiple ways that you can perform your own market research (otherwise known as primary market research) and a couple of methods of secondary market research, too.

Some effective approaches to primary market research include:

Surveys and Questionnaires

Focus groups.

• Mystery Shops

Surveys are a really popular method of primary market research as they are easy to distribute, inexpensive, and time efficient.

Surveys (and questionnaires) allow you to reach a large demographic of people and as a result, collect a lot of data. This research method allows you to ask open and close-ended questions, which enables you to collect both quantitative and qualitative data.

Relevant to your nutrition consulting business plan, you could ask potential customers whether they currently use nutrition services, and if so, what they like or dislike about the services that they currently use. 

An effective but less cost effective way of conducting market research, focus groups allow a moderator (usually yourself or a business partner) to lead a conversation about your business or services with a group of potential consumers.

Prior to running your focus group, you should always write down some key points that you want to cover and outline exactly what it is that you are trying to find out. Without this, it can be very easy for the conversation to steer away from your objectives. 

Mystery Shops 

Carrying out mystery shops is probably the most effective method of finding out more about your competitors. 

When you first think about how to do a mystery shop, you probably picture yourself going into a physical store, asking a lot of questions, and maybe buying an item.

Whilst you can apply this to visiting a competitor's business as a ‘customer’, anybody wanting to write a business plan for an online nutrition business can also check out their competitors website and online presence, and make an enquiry with a similar business.

Just as with a focus group, any mystery shop should start with a breakdown of exactly what you want to find out. The best approach to a mystery shop is to create a simple form made up of everything you want to know.

Some general topics you might include on that form include: 

• Pricing 
• Customer experience
• Standard of their website
• Any additional services or products they offer
• Whether they have a niche 

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Step 2: Do A SWOT Analysis

Once you have carried out some primary market research, you should have a better idea of who your competitors are (or who they will be once you start your nutrition business).  

With this in mind, a great next step is to carry out a SWOT Analysis. 

Carrying out a SWOT Analysis is a really useful tool to use as part of your business planning as it can help you to plan the position of your business in a market, and assess how your business compares to its competitors. 

Keeping the findings of your primary research in mind, and by carrying out some secondary market research (such as looking at online reviews), you can use a SWOT analysis to investigate your business’ strengths , weaknesses , opportunities , and threats . 

With this information clearly displayed in a SWOT Analysis, you can then identify potential areas of improvement based on your weaknesses and threats, plus you can use the strengths and opportunities sections to pinpoint aspects of your business to capitalize on. 

Why not check out our recent blog post weighing up the pros and cons of being a nutritionist .

Step 3: Define Your Nutrition Business

At this point, you should have carried out sufficient research to have a good idea of the kind of business you want to set up, the demand for that business, your target market, and your competitors.

With all of these things in mind, the final step before writing up your nutrition business plan, is to define your business. Unsure how to go about this? Consider the following 5 criteria:

#1 What Products & Services Are You Going to Offer?

It only makes sense that the first thing to consider when defining your business, is the products and services that you want to offer.

Obviously if you’re here searching for advice on writing a business plan for a nutrition business, then it's safe to assume that you are going to offer nutrition services.

However, when it comes to writing up your business plan, it won’t be enough to include that you want to offer ‘nutrition services’.

Instead, you need to think about exactly what services you will offer. For example, if you want to start a nutrition business offering affordable nutrition plans to amatuer athletes, then you need to outline exactly what that specific service will include.

You should also list all of the additional products that you will offer alongside your nutrition services. If you aren't currently planning on selling nutrition products as part of your business, then you really should consider it!

Selling products that you know your target market will buy is a sure fire way to maximise your income for a relatively small amount of effort. Products such as pre workout supplements or BCAA tablets are convenient to store and easy to sell when put in front of the right customer.

Since you can only physically write so many specialised nutrition plans in one day, selling products alongside your services is one of few ways that you can maximise your income without hiring other nutritionists or bumping up your prices.

#2 Where Will You Be Located?

At this point, you should have a rough idea about where you want your business to be located. Decided that you want to set up an online business? You can skip this step or have a read of our guide to getting traffic to your fitness business website .  

The location of your business is something that will affect your business in a range of ways, and so it's something that you should seriously consider before putting your nutrition business plan together.

Not only will the location of your business impact your finances, for example a busy and visible city centre location will naturally be a more expensive option, but the location of your business can also impact the kind of customers that you attract. 

If you have a specific target market in mind, then it's worth considering this as part of your search for the perfect location. For example, if your target demographic is young amateuer athletes, then you might want to look for a location close to a University or a popular training facility. 

Some other factors to take into account in your search for the perfect location include whether the venue is visible, accessible, and if it has room to expand should you need it!

#3 Will You Have A Niche?

A niche is something that you should have considered when deciding on the products and services that you are going to offer. However, having a niche is so important, we thought it was worth its own section. 

Having a niche gives your business a clear objective and enables you to market yourself as a specialist in one particular area. This reduces the amount of direct competition you have and allows your business to stand out. 

Rather than trying to cater to everybody, becoming a qualified nutritionist with a niche allows you to choose one specific area of nutrition or one individual demographic, and become the best in the business. 

Referring back to this niche when you write the business plan for your nutrition business is something that will show potential investors that have applied the findings of your market research and that you are focused on making your business a success.

#4 How Are You Going to Position Your Business? 

‘Positioning your business’ refers to the process of deciding how you want your business to be perceived by your target market through strategic marketing.

Here’s a simple definition from MagePlaza :

“Simply put, positioning in marketing is a strategic process that involves creating an identity/ image of the brand or product within the target customers’ minds.”

Market positioning determines how individuals perceive your business and how they view your business in comparison to your competitors. There are a range of factors that can influence business positioning, but the main influences are price and quality.

MagePlaza explain that:

“Pricing is an essential factor that impacts the decisions of most customers. Companies with the lowest-priced products at a reasonable level of quality usually win in many product areas.”

For example, choosing to charge low prices for your products and services is a way of positioning your business as an ‘affordable’ or ‘budget option’.

On the other hand, you could position yourself as a high-end or ‘premium’ business by charging above average prices - just bare in mind that you will need to maintain a certain level of quality to justify this pricing!

Want to know how much you can earn in this industry? Read all about the sports nutritionist salary here .

#5 What Is Your Business Name and Brand Aesthetic? 

The final stage of defining your business? You need to choose a business name and a brand ‘aesthetic’. 

Naming your business is a really big deal, especially as in most cases, it will be the first thing that members of your target market see or hear about you. First impressions are important, so taking the time to choose a good name is essential! 

No matter how short it may be, your business name can say a lot about your brand and what you do. A good name should imply a little bit about your business and your company ethos. For example, if you want to come across as relaxed, friendly, or approachable, then you might choose a fun name or a play on words.

Some other great tips for choosing a good nutrition business name include:

• Ensure that the name is not difficult to spell
• Do a thorough search to ensure the name isn’t already used
• Check that the domain name is available (especially for an online business!)
• Avoid choosing a niche name that might cause confusion if you expand your business 

Want more advice on this topic? When we’re done here, check out our guide to choosing a great fitness business name !

Once you’ve decided on a business name, the next step is choosing a brand aesthetic. When we talk about aesthetics, we’re referring to the way that you portray your brand visually, for example, through your logo, the appearance of your website, and the content you create.

Just like your business name, this can say a lot about your business and it can affect how you are perceived by your target market.

Revive Social explain :

“A brand aesthetic refers to the visual look or appearance of your content. It helps establish a mood, tone, or style and demonstrates your personality. Creating a brand aesthetic is a way of aligning your marketing channels to ensure consistency. According to research, consistent branding can increase revenue by 23 percent . ”

When designing a brand aesthetic, one of the most important steps is to choose a colour scheme. Colours are closely linked with emotions, and they can often symbolise a variety of meanings. 

For example, the colour red is often associated with intense emotions, such as love and hate. Meanwhile, the colour green is associated with the emotion of jealousy, but can also symbolise nature, new beginnings, and good luck.

This is definitely something that you should keep in mind when creating an aesthetic for your nutrition brand. 

Building a vegan only nutrition service? A green colour scheme could be a good choice! Or maybe you want to market yourself as a feel-good brand? Bright, vibrant, and light colours such as pink, yellow, orange, and lilac can all make people associate feelings of happiness and positive mood with your business. 

Step 4: Write A Nutrition Business Plan

By now you should know everything that you need to do prior to writing your business plan. With the results of your market research, SWOT analysis, and defining your brand in mind, the fourth and final step is writing your business plan. 

We know that this process is daunting, and so we are going to breakdown what to include in each section of this document, using the following nutrition business plan sample:

• Executive Summary
• Company Summary
• Market Analysis
• Marketing Strategy
• Sales Strategy
• Financial Summary

#1 Executive Summary

Every business plan should start with a good executive summary that introduces the business and outlines the overall aims, goals, and values of the business. 

Within this section, you should discuss the kind of business that you are planning on starting. For example, this is where you should explain if you are writing a sports nutrition business plan, and if so where you plan on opening your business.

Your executive summary should be clear, concise, yet informative. Probably the most difficult part of writing up this section is keeping it short whilst ensuring that somebody can read your executive summary and gain a good overview of your business. 

#2 Company Summary

The answer is in the title here, a good company summary should sum-up everything that a banker or investor needs to know about your business, for example, your company ethos, proposed market position, and your niche.

This section should start by quickly stating the type of business you want to start, followed by the details of all of the products and services that you plan on offering.

You should draw on the findings from your market research to explain what makes your business unique from your competitors and address any gaps in the industry that you plan to fill.

Use the points in our ‘defining your business’ section to ensure that you cover every relevant aspect of your business.

You should discuss where your business will be located, and why you have chosen that particular venue. In the same way, if you have decided to open an online based nutrition, you should discuss your reasons for that choice. 

It’s also a good idea to talk about any staff you plan to hire, who they will be, what level of qualification they will hold, and what their roles will be. Similarly, you should also discuss your own expertise, such as your qualifications, how much experience you have, and any plans for professional development .

#3 Market Analysis

Within your ‘Market Analysis’ section, you should discuss the market research that you have carried out, how you went about it, what you found, and how that has influenced the plans for your business. 

If you identified a specific niche based on something that you believed is missing in your area, then discuss that gap in the market, and explain how you plan on dominating that particular area of nutrition. 

Define your target market and explain why you want this particular demographic to become your customers or ‘clients’. Discuss the details of this target market such as their age, gender, and level of affluence, and use the findings of your market analysis to justify your plans.

#4 Marketing Strategy

The next section of your nutritionist business plan should explain your marketing and sales strategies. 

Within this section, you should break down how you plan on getting the word out there about your business. 

Outline each and every marketing channel that you will utilise. That might include the social media platforms you plan on using, whether you will pay for Google Ads, and any promotional or referral strategies that you will use to facilitate word of mouth marketing. 

You can also refer back to the process of defining your business that we covered a little earlier, explaining how and why you chose that particular business name, brand image, and aesthetic.

As we covered when we discussed the marketing and positioning your business earlier, pricing is an important aspect of a marketing strategy as price affects how customers perceive your business and the value of your services. 

For that reason, it's important to discuss price as a part of your marketing strategy. Including a breakdown of your pricing structure and how much you will charge for each product and service is a good way of showing bankers or investors how you are using your prices to position and subsequently, market, your business. 

#5 Sales Strategy

After outlining your marketing strategy, you should include a section discussing your planned approach to sales, including a detailed customer sales journey.

A customer sales journey should account for every step that an individual takes from finding your business, to enquiring, becoming a customer, and then a repeat or regular customer!

You should break down each step in detail, for example, by explaining the exact process you will carry out when an individual enquiries with your business. This could include a script to use on the phone, email templates, or a checklist of points to cover in an attempt to maximise the amount of profit you can generate from that individual. 

Not only will having a thorough customer sales journey within your business plan reflect well on your commitment to making your business a success, but it will also come in handy as a point of reference when training and explaining your processes to new members of staff .

Want to brush up on your sales and marketing skills? Check out OriGym’s accredited business skills CPD course .

#6 Financial Summary 

The final section to include in your nutrition consulting business plan should be a summary of your funding and finances, including a sales forecast and details of your expected expenditure and predicted income.

Calculating your predicted income is actually a lot easier than it sounds. All you need to do is breakdown each source of income into individual sections. 

For example, you might have one section for each kind of nutrition programme that you offer, and others for each specific supplement or product you sell, such as energy vitamins or protein shakers . 

To calculate how much income you will generate from each source of income, write down the number of sales of that particular product or service that you expect to make over a set period of time.

Next, multiply that number by the price that you charge for that same product or service.

Carry out this multiplication for each product and service, and then add the results together to get your projected revenue for that period of time. 

Once you have calculated your projected revenue, you’ll need to complete your financial summary with a breakdown of your expected expenditure. This should include the costs of renting a venue, running a website, bills, staff costs, marketing budget, and your own wages.

You should also summarise your start up expenses, such as the costs associated with kitting out your venue and buying equipment.

Before You Go

By now, you should be feeling confident enough to get out there and do your market research, plan your business, and write up a great nutrition business plan!

If you don’t currently have a regulated nutrition qualification, then get your business off to the best start by enquiring about our Level 5 Advanced Nutrition course . 

Want to start thinking about how you can expand your nutrition business? Check out our Personal Training diploma here or download OriGym’s full prospectus for information on a range of health and fitness courses!

Business plan definition - entrepreneur small business encyclopedia. Retrieved March 02, 2021, from https://www.entrepreneur.com/encyclopedia/business-plan

Gremillion, A. (2020). How color impacts emotions and behaviors. Retrieved March 02, 2021, from: https://99designs.co.uk/blog/tips/how-color-impacts-emotions-and-behaviors/  

Market research: Definition, methods, types and examples. (2019, September 06). Retrieved March 02, 2021, from https://www.questionpro.com/blog/what-is-market-research/

Positioning in marketing: Definition, types, examples, benefits & how to. (n.d.). Retrieved March 02, 2021, from https://www.mageplaza.com/blog/positioning-in-marketing.html

REVIVE SOCIAL. (2019). 6 tips for creating a social media Brand Aesthetic. Retrieved March 02, 2021, from https://revive.social/creating-social-brand-aesthetic/ 

Written by Abbie Watkins

Abbie is a work-hard, play-hard fitness junkie turned blogger. She loves a scenic run and a good upbeat exercise class. You can usually find her on the front row of a spin class on a Saturday morning.

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