How to Make Money Online as a Personal Trainer? [From Home in 2024]

Updated: February 22nd, 2024

Are you looking for ways to make money online as a personal trainer? You're in luck! There are a number of great opportunities available to a personal trainer who want to work from home. In this post, we'll discuss some of the best ways to make money online as a personal trainer. We'll also provide tips for getting started.

So, if you're ready to start making some extra money online from home, keep reading!

1. Start a personal trainer marketplace ($113K/month)

The Personal trainer marketplace is a marketplace of personal trainers and fitness instructors. The latest market trends indicate that the global personal training industry is growing at an exponential rate. With this, the demand for reliable and competent personal trainers and trainers-in-training is also rising.

The market size of the Personal Trainers industry in the United States is $13B in 2022. It increased faster than the Life Sciences sector overall.

How much you can make: $25,000 — $200,000/month

How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)

2. Start a training apparel business ($425K/month)

Looking for a straightforward way to break into the fitness industry? Consider starting a training apparel business.

This venture involves designing, producing, and selling athletic clothing tailored for workouts and sports. It taps into a market that’s continually growing as more people prioritize health and fitness.

Creating a unique brand identity will be crucial, emphasizing quality, comfort, and style to stand out in a competitive field. The work involves researching the latest trends, sourcing high-quality materials, and collaborating with manufacturers to bring your designs to life.

Building an online store and leveraging social media to market your products can drive your initial sales. If you're passionate about fitness and fashion, this combines the best of both worlds, offering not just a business, but a way to inspire a healthy lifestyle.

How much you can make: $250,000 — $600,000/month

How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)

3. Start an e-book publishing business ($227K/month)

Do you have a flair for storytelling and an eye for editing? Dive into the realm of digital literature with an e-book publishing business. In this exciting venture, you will work with authors to bring their stories to life on digital platforms. You assist in the publishing process, from proofreading and formatting to designing the book cover and promoting the final product.

This business thrives on creativity, so there are endless opportunities to cater to various genres and authorial styles. It's a rewarding venture that not only capitalizes on the growing popularity of e-books but also helps authors reach their audience. Plus, it's a business idea that can be run from anywhere and at any time.

Sound thrilling? Start your e-book publishing business today and change the literary world, one book at a time.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $800,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,550 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

4. Start a fitness and wellness programs business ($64.7K/month)

Looking to blend physical fitness and mental wellbeing in one cohesive program? Consider starting a fitness and wellness programs business. This idea centers on offering a variety of fitness classes, nutritional advice, and wellness practices like meditation and yoga to clientele who seek a balanced lifestyle.

You can cater to individuals, small groups, and even corporate clients seeking to improve employee wellness. It’s not just about getting people to exercise; it's about creating a holistic approach to health that integrates body and mind. Utilize social media to build a community and create engaging content that demonstrates the benefits of a balanced lifestyle.

This business will require a good understanding of health and wellness, the ability to personalize programs, and effective marketing strategies to attract and retain clients. If you're passionate about fostering a healthier community, this venture offers a meaningful way to make a positive impact.

How much you can make: $250 — $275,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

5. Start an online course creation software

Online learning has shown significant growth over the past decade. As more people opt to learn online, the demand for online course creation software keeps rising. If you are interested in starting a software business, you may consider building an online course platform. Ensure your platform supports the needs of modern learners and tutors.

How much you can make: $175,000/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

6. Start a freelance writing business ($62.6K/month)

Freelance writing can be a good career choice if you are looking for a flexible online job.

Working as a freelancer gives you the flexibility to define your work schedule. You can work from home at any time. Freelance writers work across various niches, writing about various topics assigned by the client,

To earn good money as a freelance writer, you need the following personal qualities:

  • Strong writing skills
  • Ability to meet deadlines
  • Stay on the cutting edge
  • Be a self-starter
  • Be up-to-date with the current writing tools & writing trends
  • Proper communication skills

How much you can make: $700 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 56 days (?)

7. Start an online course creation business

Starting an online course could be perfect if you want a passive income. Whatever your background, you could start teaching online and earn a passive income.

All you need to start an online course is patience, imagination, and an enabling eLearning platform where you can connect with the relevant audience.

Online courses may take time and require a lot of effort to start selling. However, once your audience finds the content resourceful, they start sharing and recommending it through their network. Remember, creating an online course could take longer than expected, so remain focused and give your best.

How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)

8. Start an etsy shop ($47.5K/month)

Etsy is an online marketplace where people can buy and sell all kinds of handmade goods, vintage items, and art supplies.

It's a great way to make some extra cash, and you can use it as an opportunity to build your brand and find new clients.

To get started on Etsy, you'll need these four things:

  • An Etsy account
  • A PayPal account
  • A product idea (or at least a product category)
  • A visually appealing storefront with photos of your products

How much you can make: $100 — $750,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

9. Start a fitness device business ($121K/month)

Imagine making a real impact on people's lives by creating innovative fitness devices. A fitness device business involves developing, manufacturing, and marketing wearable or portable gadgets designed to help users track their physical activity, heart rate, sleep patterns, and more.

In today’s health-conscious world, fitness devices are in high demand, offering a practical solution for individuals aiming to maintain a healthy lifestyle. From smartwatches to specialized fitness trackers, this business leverages technology to provide actionable insights and personalized guidance to users.

Starting this business requires a blend of technical expertise and a keen understanding of market trends. You'll need to collaborate with engineers, designers, and manufacturers to bring your product to life. Successful marketing and ongoing customer support are essential to build a loyal customer base.

Launching a fitness device business is more than just selling gadgets; it's about enhancing the way people live and move.

How much you can make: $2,500 — $240,000/month

How long does it take to build: 920 days (?)

10. Start a vr based fitness & exercise business

A VR-based fitness business uses cutting-edge, immersive VR technology to create a whole new workout environment for health-conscious users globally. The consumers wear a VR headset that plunks them into the middle of a virtual environment where the trainer engages the trainee.

Statistics show that the adoption of VR-based fitness is on the rise. Thus, if you are in the fitness industry, you may consider starting a VR fitness business. You can upgrade the existing gym into a VR fitness center or start from scratch.

11. Start a podcast episode creation business ($23K/month)

Creating podcast episodes offers a unique opportunity to tap into the fast-growing world of audio content. This business idea revolves around producing high-quality podcast episodes for clients, from inception to final edit.

Start by understanding your client's vision, crafting engaging scripts, and handling all recording aspects. With robust editing software, polish each episode to ensure it resonates with audiences. Podcasts are an increasingly popular medium for sharing ideas, storytelling, and marketing, making this a versatile endeavor.

The market need is evident, with businesses, influencers, and individuals seeking ways to connect with audiences in an intimate, impactful manner. Establishing a reputation for delivering compelling, well-produced episodes can lead to substantial demand.

This venture is a blend of creative endeavor and technical skill, perfect for those with an ear for detail and a passion for storytelling. With consistent effort and dedication, creating podcast episodes can develop into a fulfilling and profitable business.

How much you can make: $16,000 — $30,000/month

12. Start a ghostwriting business ($688K/month)

Got a way with words but prefer to stay behind the scenes? Ghostwriting might just be the perfect business idea for you. Ghostwriting involves writing content—books, articles, speeches—that is officially credited to someone else.

You get to wield your writing skills and transform clients’ ideas into polished, engaging text. The spectrum ranges from helping busy execs craft impactful speeches to penning memoirs for public figures. It’s a business that can start small, taking on freelance projects on platforms like Upwork, and scale up to a full-fledged agency.

The appeal here is twofold: flexibility and demand. You manage your workload and choice of projects, making it ideal if you want control over your schedule. Plus, there’s always a market for high-quality content. If you’re disciplined, have a knack for capturing different voices, and love the art of storytelling, ghostwriting can be a rewarding and lucrative business.

How much you can make: $1,500 — $2,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)

13. Start a resume writing business ($22.5K/month)

The resume writing business is a service that helps job applicants write professional resumes, provide details about their past experiences, and highlight their skills. Resume writing makes it easier for clients to capture hiring managers’ attention and shows they are fully qualified on paper.

A successful resume writer should have strong communication skills, proofreading skills, typing skills, and relevant business experience. Besides, the resume writer should have strong interpersonal skills and proven success.

According to glassdoor, 68% of job seekers who hire professional resume writers find a job within 90 days. The study also points out that professionally written resumes score jobs faster and earn more.

Therefore, the demand for professional resume-writing businesses will keep increasing.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $62,500/month

How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)

14. Start a proofreading service ($18.3K/month)

Finding typos and grammatical errors is a painstaking task, but it's essential for polished content. Welcome to the world of proofreading services, where your meticulous eye for detail can turn into a profitable venture.

In simple terms, a proofreading service involves reviewing documents to identify and correct errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting. As a proofreader, your role is to ensure that the final written content is coherent, error-free, and professional.

If you have a knack for spotting mistakes and a passion for words, this business idea offers significant potential. Start by seeking clients on freelance platforms, or directly reaching out to companies, authors, and academics. Once you've built a solid reputation, you can even hire additional proofreaders to expand your service offerings.

The need for high-quality written content is ever-increasing in our digital age. Opening a proofreading service can satisfy this demand while offering you a flexible, steady income stream.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $50,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)

More business ideas

  • 15. Start a diy youtube channel

16. Start a teaching business ($15.8K/month)

A teaching business involves providing educational services to students of all ages, either in a group or individually. This can include tutoring, teaching language skills, music lessons, or providing educational workshops or classes.

To run a successful teaching business, it is important to have a strong background in the subject matter you will be teaching. This may involve obtaining a degree or certification in a particular field. Additionally, practical communication skills and the ability to adapt to different learning styles are essential in teaching.

Marketing and networking are also vital to growing a teaching business. Building relationships with schools, community centers, and other educational organizations can help to attract more students. Social media and other online platforms can also help promote your services and reach a larger audience.

Another tip for running a successful teaching business is to be organized and efficient with your time. Creating lesson plans and keeping track of student progress can help ensure that you provide the best possible education for your clients.

Overall, a teaching business can be a fulfilling and lucrative venture for entrepreneurs with a passion for education and a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

How much you can make: $1,500 — $45,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)

17. Become an affiliate marketer ($55.3K/month)

An affiliate marketer business is a venture where you promote other companies' products or services and earn a commission for every sale made through your referral.

It's a low-cost business idea because you don't need to create or own the products yourself. Instead, you use your marketing skills to drive traffic and sales to the products of other businesses.

To start, you'll need to sign up for affiliate programs offered by companies in your chosen niche.

Once approved, you'll receive unique tracking links that help the company identify sales generated through your efforts, allowing you to earn a commission for each successful referral.

This business model requires minimal upfront investment, making it an accessible option for those looking to start a business on a budget.

How much you can make: $18,000 — $83,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)

How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)

18. Start a reviews and rating app business ($19K/month)

Imagine a platform where users can discover the best products and services using authentic, crowd-sourced opinions. That's the essence of a reviews and rating app business.

This app serves as a reliable hub where consumers rate and review various items, giving potential buyers valuable insights before making decisions. It bridges the gap between users and quality products, enhancing shopping experiences through trustworthy feedback.

To get started, you’ll need to focus on developing a user-friendly interface, ensuring genuine reviews through verification processes, and driving user engagement. Building partnerships with businesses and maintaining a robust backend for data management are core tasks.

Creating such an app can carve out a niche in a market that thrives on social proof, making this a promising venture for those interested in tech and community-driven platforms.

How much you can make: $40 — $50,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

19. Start a website designer ($22.8K/month)

Delivering digital artistry for the modern age, becoming a website designer offers a blend of creativity and technical skill.

Simply put, a website designer is responsible for crafting the visual layout and user experience of a website. It’s not just about making things look good; it’s about creating intuitive, engaging digital environments where users can seamlessly navigate.

The demand for polished online presences is ever-growing, making this a business idea with considerable potential. Companies and individuals alike are always in need of visually appealing, functional websites to represent their brands and interests.

For those with a flair for design and a knack for technology, website design can be both rewarding and versatile. Building a portfolio and honing your skills can pave the way for a successful career, blending artistry with strategy.

How much you can make: $2,350 — $100,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $4,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

20. Become a social media influencer ($57.4K/month)

Social media has become integral to people's lives and daily routines. Given the importance of social media, brands are flocking to different social media platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok in the hope of connecting with their target audience.

A popular approach taken by these brands is engaging social media influencers. A social media influencer has established credibility in a specific industry and has access to a vast audience they can persuade to act based on recommendations.

Anyone can become a social influencer so long as they have the right strategy. Choose a popular niche based on your interests and start creating relevant content.

How much you can make: $2,500 — $166,666/month

How much does it cost to start: $800 (?)

How long does it take to build: 155 days (?)

21. Start a resume writing service ($23.1K/month)

A resume writing service offers professional assistance in crafting compelling resumes for job seekers.

With this service, your day-to-day activities revolve around collaborating with clients to gather their employment history, skills, and achievements, and transforming that information into well-crafted resumes that highlight their qualifications.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $62,500/month

How much does it cost to start: $35 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 8 hours/week

22. Start an online fitness business ($78K/month)

Thinking of starting an online fitness business?

Online fitness is growing rapidly in popularity because it’s convenient, affordable, and accessible to everyone. The best part is that you can stay in your home to start.

Starting an online fitness business can be a great way to make money and help people. When you start an online fitness business, you don’t have to worry about overhead costs like rent or maintaining a physical location - all you need is a computer and an internet connection to get started.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

More business ideas

  • 23. Start a dividend investing business
  • 24. Start an eteaching business
  • 25. Start a training manuals printing business
  • 26. Start a health education company

27. Start an internet trainer business

In today's digital age, everyone is looking to enhance their online skills. Enter the Internet Trainer business. This innovative concept involves teaching individuals and businesses how to effectively use the internet to meet their personal and professional goals.

As an internet trainer, you’ll provide specialized training sessions covering topics like social media marketing, cybersecurity, and website management. Your clients could range from small business owners needing a web presence to grandparents wanting to stay connected via social media.

The demand for internet literacy is ever-growing, offering you a steady stream of clients. Starting this business requires knowledge, patience, and excellent communication skills. While this venture demands a solid understanding of digital tools and trends, the payoff is significant. Not only do you get to empower others, but you also position yourself as an expert in a critical and expanding market.

How much you can make: $25,000/month

How long does it take to build: 1 days (?)

28. Start a start a blog ($57.5K/month)

Ever considered sharing your insights and passions with a wide audience? Starting a blog might be your ideal business venture. A blog allows you to write and publish articles on topics you're passionate about or knowledgeable in, reaching readers across the globe.

Launching a blog involves choosing a niche, setting up a website, and consistently generating valuable content. It's a flexible business that offers autonomy and a platform to voice your opinions, teach, or entertain.

Interest grows when you realize the potential for income through ad placements, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing. It's an opportunity to build a personal brand, connect with a community, and even turn a side project into a full-time career.

If you've got a unique perspective or specialized knowledge, starting a blog is a compelling way to share it while creating an avenue for growth and income.

How much you can make: $15,000 — $100,000/month

How long does it take to build: 179 days (?)

29. Become an e-commerce web page developer

Global eCommerce sales are expected to reach over $6 trillion in the next few years. The market growth is because of the increased number of merchants following consumer demand online.

Online stores are popping up daily, with an estimated 12-24 million eCommerce sites across the globe.
If you are wondering how to build a profitable business within the eCommerce industry, consider becoming an eCommerce webpage developer.

eCommerce web developers play a critical role in ensuring potential customers can easily navigate eCommerce stores, find what they are looking for, and checkout easily and safely. To become an eCommerce platform developer, you must have the capability to:

  • Design your eCommerce storefront to be both functional and beautiful
  • Make it easy for customers to find what they want, whether through filtering options like size, color, or price
  • Help eCommerce platform owners decide which features work best with the rest of the website content

How much does it cost to start: $20 (?)

How long does it take to build: 88 days (?)

More business ideas

  • 30. Start an affiliate marketing without website business

31. Start a digital document platform

Streamline business operations and enhance productivity with a digital document platform. This business idea revolves around creating a centralized system where companies can store, manage, and share their documents securely online.

The allure of this platform lies in its ability to eliminate the chaos of paper trails and scattered digital files. By offering features like encrypted storage, real-time collaboration, and automated workflows, you provide a solution that’s indispensable in today’s data-driven world.

Setting up this platform involves developing intuitive software, ensuring robust security measures, and crafting a user-friendly interface. It’s a venture that requires investment in technology and a keen understanding of modern business needs.

For those who thrive on technological challenges and see the value in making work environments more efficient, this business idea offers not just profitability but also the chance to drive significant improvements in day-to-day enterprise operations.

How much you can make: $1,000/month

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

More business ideas

  • 32. Start a health and fitness youtube channel
  • 33. Become a homeschool teacher
meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.