Proven Marketing Strategies to Attract Clients as a Holistic Nutritionist

Trying to get more nutrition clients as a holistic practitioner can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re doing all the things and still hearing crickets. You’re posting on Instagram and TikTok, tweaking your website, showing up with heart… and yet, the client inquiries just aren’t flowing in the way you hoped.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why isn’t anyone booking with me?” or “What should I even post to attract clients?”, you’re in good company and you’re definitely not doing anything wrong. The truth is, most nutritionists are incredibly gifted at healing, guiding, and educating… but they were never taught how to market their magic.

That’s where this guide comes in.

As a certified holistic nutritionist myself, I’ve been right where you are – knowing I could help, but not knowing how to actually reach the people who needed me most. So I’ve compiled a list of the most effective strategies I’ve seen work. Simple, doable ways to start getting more of the right clients.

Here’s what you’ll walk away with:

• Tangible how-to’s you can implement today
• Aligned strategies that don’t feel pushy or salesy
• A fresh sense of clarity and confidence around your visibility

Let’s get into it 👇

1. Identify your ideal client and craft your core message

You’ve probably heard this before, but it really is one of the first things that actually makes a huuuuge difference. Before you try to get more nutrition clients, it’s absolutely essential to know who you’re talking to.

Ask yourself: who is your dream client? The one you love working with. Is it busy moms navigating hormonal chaos? Plant-based women struggling with digestion? Professionals feeling burnt out and struggling with energy crashes?

Often, this is someone you’ve been yourself or someone whose struggles feel deeply familiar to you. You don’t need to have lived their exact story, but some emotional or experiential connection often shapes the way you show up to serve.

Here’s how to clarify it:

• Who am I best equipped to help, based on my experience and knowledge?
• What struggles do they face on a daily basis – physically, emotionally, etc.?
• What do they wish someone would help them with, even if they don’t know how to ask?
• What is the transformation I can help them create?

Then use that insight to shape your core message in plain language. For example: “I help high-achieving women overcome burnout and build energy with simple, sustainable nutrition habits.”

👉 Once you’ve got this, put it everywhere—your Instagram bio, homepage headline, welcome email, and yes, even in how you introduce yourself IRL. The more consistently you say it, the more clearly people understand what you do and who you’re for.

2. Position yourself as a trusted guide (not just a service provider)

The truth is, people aren’t buying meal plans or protocols. They’re buying hope. They want to feel better, have someone in their corner, and know they’re not crazy for being tired after breakfast.

That’s where you come in, not as just another practitioner with a degree, but as someone who truly gets it and can guide them with empathy and clarity.

Here’s how to build that positioning:

1. Share your story strategically. Your story isn’t just background, it’s one of your most powerful tools for building trust. But the key is to tell it in a way that reflects your client’s struggles and shows them what’s possible. It’s not about centering yourself, it’s about helping them feel seen, understood, and supported. When done right, your story becomes proof that you truly get it and that you can help them through it too.
   • Bad Example: “I’ve always loved nutrition and wellness. It just made sense for me to become a nutritionist!” (This is vague, self-focused, and doesn’t show a personal journey or connection to your client’s experience.)
   • Good Example: “After years of dealing with afternoon crashes, bloating, and burnout from my corporate job, I discovered how nervous system support and intentional nutrition could change everything. Now, I help other women rebuild energy and feel at home in their bodies again.” (See how in this example it’s not just about you, it’s about what it means for them.)
     
2. Show social proof. Don’t wait for long, dramatic transformations. Start collecting quick wins and kind words from clients and share them (*with permission!*) Feature them on your website pages, sprinkle them into your social posts, and share them in an IG highlight labeled “Client Wins” or “Kind Words”.
   
3. Live your values. Showcase what you believe in through your content. If you value food freedom, share about how you enjoyed a dessert without guilt or navigated a social meal intuitively. If you support nervous system regulation, post a reel showing your practices and techniques. If you believe in personalized nutrition over trends, create a story explaining why one client thrived off warm breakfasts while another felt best on smoothies.

These micro-moments offer your audience a peek behind the curtain and build connection while reinforcing your core values in action. Every piece of content is a micro-invitation to work with you. The more your content sounds like you and reflects your values, the more it will resonate with the people meant for your work.

3. Give value first with a client-attracting freebie

Want to get more nutrition clients without cold DMs or awkward pitches? Give something away that’s so good, they wonder if you even meant to give it away for free.

That’s the magic of a great lead magnet.

Think:

• A realistic weekday meal plan for women navigating energy crashes, with time-saving tips and flexible swaps
• A free mini-training video on how to eat to support your nervous system during burnout
• A mind-body nutrition starter kit with journaling prompts, a few go-to meals, and tips for slowing down before meals

Here are some tips for true effectiveness:

1. Make it hyper-specific to your niche
2. Deliver it beautifully (use Canva for a clean design and set it up with an easy email opt-in using a tool like Flodesk (here’s a link to try it for free). Just create a form, link it to your freebie, and you’re good to go. Or reach out to me if you’d love support creating something gorgeous and aligned. I love helping with these!
3. Follow up with an email sequence that introduces who you are, how you help, and what the next step is (hello, discovery call!)

4. Use Instagram intentionally

Instagram is a great for connection, but you need to use it strategically. You don’t have to post every day or make silly lip syncing videos, but you do need to show up with a clear message and a bit of intention.

Here’s how to make it work:

1. Pick 1–2 content themes that speak to your ideal client’s experience. Content themes are just repeatable topics you come back to again and again—they help your audience know what to expect and make creating content way easier. For example:
   • “Tired Tuesday” posts that talk about low energy and what might be causing it
   • Stories that show what balanced eating looks like in real life
   • Behind-the-scenes moments of how you practice what you teach
     
2. Use your bio and highlights wisely
   • Bio: Who you help and how (remember point #1 above ☝️) and what to do next (e.g. “Book a free call” or “Download my free guide”)
   • Highlights: Client wins, FAQs, values, your freebie, and how to work with you
     
3. Post consistently-ish. The aim is consistency, but life will life and that’s okay. What matters most is showing up in a way that feels sustainable and not stressful. Find a posting rhythm you can stick to more often than not, and let go of perfection. When you do post, speak directly to the person you’re trying to help. Use line breaks and emojis to keep it easy to read, and close with a warm call-to-action like: “Ever felt this way? I’d love to hear.”

Remember, the goal is to build trust. Keep it honest, helpful, and human.

5. Host free workshops or webinars

One of the fastest ways to build trust and get more nutrition clients is to teach something valuable live. Whether it’s a Zoom webinar, Instagram Live, or in-person workshop at your local yoga studio, these events let people experience your personality, your knowledge, and your vibe in real time.

Here’s how to make it simple and effective:

• Pick a focused topic that solves one small but sticky problem your ideal client has. For example: “3 Ways to Beat Afternoon Energy Crashes Without More Coffee” or “How to Stop Overthinking Every Meal and Start Eating with Confidence”.
• Promote it a week or two in advance on your email list, Instagram, and stories. Use a clear call-to-action like: “Save your spot for my free Zoom class on how to rebuild your energy with food and lifestyle tweaks you can actually stick to.”
• Keep the format friendly and low-pressure Aim for 20–30 minutes of teaching and a little time at the end to share how they can work with you if they want more support.

P.S. If you need help designing slides or promoting your workshop, I’ve got you. This is something I love supporting practitioners with – just reach out.

Why it works:

People are way more likely to book with you once they’ve seen you “in action.” A free workshop builds credibility and connection – and even if they don’t book right away, they’ll remember you.

👉 And by the way, even if only 3 people show up, that’s 3 people you’ve connected with directly. Every workshop is a chance to get better, refine your message, and move closer to getting more nutrition clients who truly align with your work.

6. Collaborate with like-minded professionals

One of the most underused (and wildly effective) ways to get more nutrition clients? Partnering with other practitioners and wellness pros who already serve your ideal audience – but in a different way.

The obvious ones are: yoga instructors, massage therapists, naturopaths, chiropractors, personal trainers, doulas, acupuncturists, etc.

But what about your favorite café or juice bar? You could co-create a seasonal recipe card, do a pop-up at their location, or feature a “Nutritionist’s Pick” on their menu.

Or, maybe a financial coach? ✋ Hear me out… Budgeting and meal planning go hand-in-hand. Ever thought of a joint webinar on something like “Healthy Eating That Doesn’t Break the Bank”. Could be a big win?

What about a physiotherapist or postpartum specialist? This one can be especially relevant for you if you work with moms, hormones, or digestion. You could do a series on postpartum healing from both angles.

And, of course, mental health therapists who understand somatic work and the mind-body connection. If your niche is in stress, gut-brain health, or emotional eating, this is a power collab. A joint series or client referrals both make sense here.

So here’s how you can collaborate strategically:

1. Reach out with a genuine compliment + a win-win idea. For example: “Hey! I keep seeing how much overlap there is between what you’re doing with [X] and what I support clients with nutritionally. Would you be open to collaborating on something like a mini event, resource, or content swap sometime? Could be fun + helpful!”
2. Propose something small and low-lift. Suggest something simple like:
   
   • A joint Instagram Live or shared IG post
   • A “guest expert” swap on each other’s email lists or blogs
   • A co-branded freebie (e.g. your energy guide + their yoga flow)
   • A co-hosted Q&A or themed event
   • Simply referring clients to one another
3. Make it easy for them to say yes. Draft the content or outline the flow yourself, and emphasize how it benefits their audience too. The easier you make it, the more likely they’ll be excited to jump in.

People deeply trust their go-to providers. So when a client hears something like “You should check out my nutritionist friend who’s amazing with this”, they listen. It also positions you as someone connected, collaborative, and community-focused – which builds credibility fast.

7. Build a referral system with past clients

Happy clients are your best marketing team – you just have to give them a way to help you grow.

Think about it: when someone has a great experience with you and sees real results, they’re often excited to share. But unless you make it easy (and maybe a little rewarding), they might not think to actually do it.

You can set this up in 3 easy steps:

1. Reach out personally to past or current clients you loved working with and say something like “Hi [Name], just wanted to say how much I appreciated working with you! I’m starting to grow more by referral, so if you ever have a friend or client who’d benefit from what we did together, I’d be so thankful if you shared my info with them. I’d love to send you a little gift if they book too 😊.”
2. Offer a small incentive (optional but helpful). This could be a discount on their next session, a free mini resource, or even a gift card or product you love.
3. Make it super simple to share. Create a short referral blurb they can copy and paste into a message or Instagram story. Something like “I worked with [your name] on my energy, hormones, and food mindset and it seriously changed my relationship with wellness. Highly recommend if you’re looking for support that actually feels doable.”

People trust real recommendations more than any ad. A referral from a past client skips the skepticism and immediately positions you as someone worth paying attention to.

8. Turn your website into a client magnet (and yes, you do need one)

Your website doesn’t have to be fancy, but it does need to clearly show who you help, how you help them, and how to take the next step.

If you’re not sure where to start, I’ve got you. I wrote The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Beautiful & High-Converting Website, where I walk you through everything from picking your platform (Squarespace, Wix, or Showit) to designing, booking integrations, SEO, legal essentials, and so much more.

And of course, if you’d rather not go at it alone, I’m happy to do all the heavy lifting for ya! Helping wellness practitioners build elevated, intentional websites that actually convert is kind of my thing.

So here are some must-knowns when it comes to turning your site into a client magnet:

• Above-the-fold clarity. When someone lands on your site, like in 3 seconds before they even scroll down, they should immediately know who you help, what you help with, and how to take action.
• Clarity over fluff. Skip vague phrases like “empowered nourishment” or “mindful vitality”. Say it clearly: “I help women balance hormones and boost energy with simple, whole food nutrition.”
• Give them somewhere to go: Every page should have a clear next step. Ex: “Book a free call,” “Download the free guide,” or “Work with me.”
• Sprinkle in proof. Client testimonials, screenshots of feedback, DMs, before and after feelings, or just kind words – these all built trust and connection.

9. Create content that answers real questions

If you want to get more nutrition clients, start answering the questions they’re already asking.

Whether it’s a blog, Instagram post, email, or reel, your content should feel like it was made for them. Because when your content speaks to what they’re already thinking or struggling with, it builds trust fast.

If you need inspiration, try these:

• Questions your current or past clients have asked you (scroll your DMs, emails or intake forms)
• Google searches related to you niche (look at the “People also ask” section – these are gold!)
• Wellness myths your niche is confused about (but afraid to ask out loud)
• A moment in your journey you’ve already overcome and now help others through

When you’re all set, make your content super practical and easy to act on. Give them a small win they can implement today like, “Try this instead of skipping breakfast…” or “Here’s what I recommend for clients who feel snacky at night…”

When you consistently show up with value, people start to see you as their go-to guide – even before they’ve booked a single session.

10. Make it easy to book or inquire

Nobody wants to dig through 5 pages or email you back and forth just to figure out how to work with you. If someone’s ready to take action, your job is to make that as simple and frictionless as possible.

Here’s what helps:

• Have a clear “Work with me” or “Services” page on your website. Spell out what you offer, who it’s for, and what they’ll walk away with. Simple is powerful.
• Use direct buttons or links throughout your site and content. Ex: “Book a discovery call,” “Apply to work together,” or “Send me a message.” These should show up on every single page of your website and your Instagram bio.
• Use a booking software or contact form that’s easy and short. Don’t make them write a novel to reach out. A few quick questions is all you need to pre-qualify without overwhelming them.

Oh, and the best way to know if your process works, is to test it yourself. Click through your website & IG profile as if you were a potential client. Was it smooth or a little clunky? Could you find everything you were looking for or did you still have questions? A few small tweaks could make a big difference.

Bonus: Stay top of mind with email marketing

Social media is great for visibility and connection, but email is where the real relationship-building happens. It’s personal, direct, and way more reliable than hoping your post gets picked up by the algorithm.

And the best part is that your email list is yours! No platform rules, no surprise outages… just you and your people.

Here’s how to make it work (without being annoying):

• Start with a freebie that solves a real problem. (Remember #3 above ☝️)
• Send valuable emails regularly (not just promos). Share quick tips, stories from your practice, answers to common questions, or behind-the-scenes insights. Let your voice and personality come through.
• Automate your welcome sequence. Like I mentioned in #3, set up a 3-4 email series that goes out automatically when someone downloads your freebie. Use it to share more about what you do, who you help, and how to take the next step.

And no, you don’t need to send out weekly newsletters forever. Start small, stay helpful, and build from there. I truly think that real connection beats frequency every time.

Start before you feel ready

Everything I’ve shared today—from email lists to collaboration—comes back to one thing: showing up with intention.

And the truth is, you’re never actually going to feel 100% ready to put yourself out there. That first IG post, that first email, that first freebie, that first workshop – they’re inevitably going to feel a little clunky at first. What matters is that you do them anyway. Because over time, it gets easier.

Clarity comes from repeated action.
And clients come from showing up.
So just show up.

And if you need permission, here it is: Done is better than perfect. Show up now, refine later. If you wait until you’ve figured it all out, you’ll miss out on helping people who are already searching for what you offer now. And honestly, they’ll never know you’re here to help unless you tell them.

You don’t have to do everything at once (I definitely don’t). You also don’t have to be on every platform (I’m definitely not.) And you most definitely don’t have to be perfect (can I get a little AMEN SISTA!?)

You just have to keep showing up. Just take one step at a time and know that every bit of showing up is helping you get more nutrition clients who truly align with your work.

You’ve got this. And if you ever need support – I’m right here cheering you on (and helping if you want it 😊). Whether it’s creating a website you’re proud to share or mapping out a strategy that actually fits your life, you don’t have to do it alone.

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FAQs: Getting more nutrition clients – Let’s break it down

1. What if I’m just starting out and don’t have client testimonials yet?
   Totally normal! You can share your own story, use “before/after” feelings from your journey, or even ask a friend to go through a mini offer and give feedback. Focus on building trust with transparency and value.
   
2. How often should I post on Instagram?
   As often as you can stay consistent-ish. If that’s once a week, amazing. The goal is sustainable visibility, not burnout. Prioritize quality and connection over volume.
   
3. Do I really need a website right away?
   If you’re serious about turning this into a business, a simple website can do a lot of heavy lifting. Start with one page that says who you help, what you offer, and how to get in touch. You can grow from there. This post might help.
   
4. What should I give away as a freebie?
   Anything that solves a small, specific problem your ideal client is struggling with. Think: a mini guide, a checklist, a 3-day plan. Keep it focused, actionable, and aligned with your paid offer.
   
5. What if I feel weird promoting myself?
   You’re definitely not alone. Reframe marketing as client care. You’re not necessarily talking about yourself, you’re sharing about how you can help them. You’re showing up for the people who need you. And that’s a beautiful thing.