Group programs can feel like the golden ticket to scaling your business – less time, more income, more impact. But how do you know if and when it’s the right next step for you?
In this episode of the Dietitian Success Podcast, I break down everything dietitian business owners need to know about a group offer – the pros, the challenges, and what needs to be in place before you launch.
Whether you’re dreaming about your first group program or wondering how to shift away from 1:1s, we’ll walk through what to consider, how to position your offer, and creative ways to structure pricing and delivery. Plus: I answer your real-time questions on pricing, live sessions, and blending insurance into your model.
Inside the episode, we’ll chat about:
- The benefits and challenges of running a group program
- What needs to be in place before you launch
- Whether you can skip 1:1 and go straight into groups
- How to build your audience and price your program in a way that actually works
Links:
Transcript Summary:
[00:00:00] Welcome + Free Resources at DSC
- Overview of the free starter kit
- What you get (cheat sheets, handouts, community access)
[00:01:30] Why I’m Talking About Group Programs
- Why they’re often seen as the “goal”
- The gap between perception and reality
[00:03:00] What Is a Group Program, Exactly?
- A structured, cohort-based experience
- Usually includes live calls, video modules, and a community forum
- Solves a specific problem for a specific person
[00:06:00] Island A to Island B: Designing with Outcomes in Mind
- How to frame your program around the transformation
- Why clear start and end points are essential
[00:08:00] Pros of Group Programs
- Scalable income
- Less time-for-money exchange
- Community support adds value for participants
[00:10:00] Cons of Group Programs (and Why They Flop)
- Harder to sell than 1:1
- You need multiple people ready at the same time
- Requires a larger audience or strong referral network
[00:13:00] The Basil, Carrot, Apple Analogy
- Understanding your audience’s readiness
- Why it’s not enough to just “build it and they will come”
[00:17:00] Do You Need an Email List? Yes—Here’s Why
- Conversion rates explained
- Email as a long-term trust-building strategy
- Community = audience too (it’s not just email!)
[00:19:00] Real Example: Two DSC Members Who Skipped 1:1
- How a group program worked without an email list
- Using personal networks and community connections
[00:21:00] What Makes Someone Ready to Launch a Group Program?
- You’ve built an audience or personal network
- You’ve worked with people 1:1 and see a recurring problem
- You’re ready to shift away from direct client care
[00:24:00] Community Questions: Insurance & Group Programs
- How to frame the value of a paid group when 1:1 is covered
- People pay for solutions—so sell the transformation
- Unregulated providers are doing it, so RDs can too
[00:25:00] Hybrid Programs: Group + 1:1 Add-On
- How to combine models creatively
- Strategic pricing: offer two tiers
- Help people say “which one?” instead of “yes or no”
[00:27:00] When You Might Want to Wait
- No audience? Start building that first
- Not sure what problem to solve? 1:1 might help clarify
- Consider an online course or membership as an alternative
[00:29:00] Are Live Sessions Necessary?
- Why live sessions often increase perceived value
- Being transparent with timing during marketing
- Alternatives if you want less real-time interaction
[00:32:00] How to Price Your Group Program
- Break down each component
- Assign value to each, then add it up
- Offer pay-in-full and monthly payment options
- Adjust pricing after round one (and that’s normal!)
[00:35:00] Final Thoughts + Getting Started
- Start building your email list
- Consider a course or membership while you grow
- Think long-term—group programs take planning, but they’re worth it
