Starting An Online Yoga Business for Yoga Teachers

Starting an online yoga business is now a viable option for yoga teachers, and many have followed this path. Understanding the many nuances that come along with starting an online yoga business is the key to success.  There are many options out there for software and online platforms and its tough to know which is the right one for you.  It can be challenging to create a yoga program that is unique from all others and catches the attention of the students you're trying to attract.  Even once you've created a premium yoga course, it can be tricky to learn how to market it.  Even the best courses don't get enrollments if nobody knows they're available.  Building business funnels is also an important skill for converting potential students into enrolled students.

Why Starting An Online Yoga Business Makes Sense

As the world becomes increasingly digital, more and more businesses are moving online, and yoga is no exception. Starting an online yoga business can be a smart move for yoga teachers, especially in today's pandemic era where people are staying home and practicing social distancing. Here are some reasons why starting an online yoga business makes sense for yoga teachers:

1. Reach a Wider Audience

One of the main benefits of starting a yoga business online is that you can reach a much wider audience than you could with a traditional, in-person yoga studio. With an online business, you can attract students from all over the world, not just the local community. This means that you can potentially reach thousands of students, which can greatly increase your earning potential.

2. Flexibility and Convenience

Starting an online yoga business also gives you much more flexibility and convenience than a traditional yoga studio. You can create your own schedule, teach from anywhere, and work with students on their own time. This can be especially appealing for yoga teachers who have other commitments, such as a full-time job or family responsibilities. With an online business, you can create a schedule that works for you and your students.

3. Lower Overhead Costs

Another advantage of starting an online yoga business is that you can keep your overhead costs low. You won't need to rent a space or pay for utilities, which can be a significant expense for a traditional yoga studio. You can also save money on equipment, such as mats and blocks, since your students will be practicing from their own homes. This can help you keep your prices competitive, which can attract more students to your business.

4. More Revenue Streams

When you start an online yoga business, you can create multiple revenue streams. In addition to offering live classes, you can create prerecorded classes that students can access at any time. You can also sell yoga-related products, such as clothing or equipment, or offer one-on-one coaching or group coaching programs. These additional revenue streams can help you increase your income and diversify your business.

5. Easy to Scale

Starting a yoga business online is also easy to scale. Once you have created your classes and other products, you can easily add more students without having to worry about space constraints or hiring additional staff. This means that you can quickly grow your business and increase your revenue.

6. Build a Community

Starting an online yoga business also gives you the opportunity to build a community of students. You can create a private Facebook group or other online community where students can connect with each other and with you. This can help you build relationships with your students and create a sense of community, which can increase student loyalty and retention.

7. Improve Your Teaching Skills

When you start an online yoga business, you'll be teaching in a different format than you're used to. This can be challenging at first, but it can also help you improve your teaching skills. You'll need to learn how to communicate effectively through a camera, how to adjust your teaching style to different levels of students, and how to create engaging classes that keep students coming back for more. These skills can also be valuable if you ever decide to go back to teaching in-person classes.

8. Meet Changing Needs

Finally, starting an online yoga business can help you meet the changing needs of your students. In today's fast-paced world, many people are looking for ways to fit yoga into their busy schedules. By offering online classes, you can provide more flexibility and convenience, which can make it easier for your students to make time for yoga. Additionally, with the pandemic and social distancing measures in place, many students may prefer to practice yoga from the comfort of their own homes.

Is There A Need for More Online Yoga Businesses?

I know what you're thinking.... yoga is so over-saturated.  Is there even a need for more online yoga businesses?  Research and statistics support my conclusion that the overwhelming answer is YES, there is a huge need for more online yoga businesses.

Currently, there are already many online yoga businesses in operation, ranging from large established companies like Glo and Yoga International to smaller independent businesses like mine run by individual teachers. These businesses offer a variety of services, including live and prerecorded classes, one-on-one coaching, and yoga-related products.

The pandemic has certainly accelerated the growth of the online yoga industry. According to a report by Yoga Alliance, 78% of yoga teachers now offer online classes, compared to just 24% before the pandemic. Many students have also shifted to online classes, with Yoga Alliance reporting that 71% of yogis are now practicing at home, compared to just 37% before the pandemic.

It is important to note that the demand for yoga continues to grow. According to a survey conducted by the Yoga Alliance and Yoga Journal, the number of people practicing yoga in the United States has increased by 50% in the past four years. In addition, the study found that the number of people who say they are very or extremely likely to try yoga in the future has also increased.

This growing demand for yoga presents an opportunity for new online yoga businesses. As more people become interested in yoga, there is a need for businesses that can cater to their needs. Online yoga businesses can provide a convenient and accessible way for people to practice yoga, particularly in the current pandemic era where social distancing measures are in place.

Furthermore, the yoga industry is diverse and offers a range of styles and approaches. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to yoga, and different people may have different preferences when it comes to practicing yoga. This presents an opportunity for new online yoga businesses to cater to specific niches or audiences. For example, a business may focus on offering yoga classes for seniors, or for pregnant women.

In addition, new online yoga businesses can also differentiate themselves by offering unique or innovative approaches to yoga.   That could mean pulling in new technology or it might mean approaching yoga with a new style or twist.  

Believe it or not, with so many existing online yoga businesses, there is there still a need for new ones.

Why We Need New Online Yoga Businesses

There are several reasons why new online yoga businesses are necessary:

1. Unique Teaching Styles and Specializations

While there are many existing online yoga businesses, each teacher has their own unique teaching style and specialization. New businesses can offer something different that appeals to a particular niche or target audience. For example, a new business may focus on prenatal yoga or yoga for athletes, offering a specialized experience that is not readily available from existing businesses.

2. Innovation and Technology

New businesses can also bring innovation and technology to the online yoga industry. As technology continues to evolve, there are always new ways to enhance the online yoga experience, such as integrating virtual reality or other interactive elements. A new business may be able to take advantage of these innovations and create a unique offering that stands out from the competition.

3. Changing Market Needs

The market for online yoga businesses is constantly evolving, and new businesses can respond to changing needs and trends. For example, with the pandemic, many students may be looking for ways to relieve stress and anxiety, so a new business could focus on offering classes and resources specifically tailored to those needs. Alternatively, a new business could take advantage of the growing interest in mindfulness and offer classes that combine yoga with meditation or other mindfulness practices.

4. Increased Demand

With the pandemic forcing many studios to close or limit their in-person classes, there is increased demand for online yoga businesses. According to Yoga Journal, the online yoga industry is projected to reach $23 billion by 2026, up from $6 billion in 2019. This indicates that there is still significant growth potential for new online yoga businesses, particularly as more people continue to practice yoga at home.

How to Start An Online Yoga Business Successfully

Another factor to consider is that the market for online yoga businesses is not yet saturated. While there are already many established online yoga businesses, the industry is still relatively new and there is room for new players to enter the market. In fact, some of the established businesses have experienced rapid growth in recent years, which suggests that there is still significant demand for online yoga.

However, it is also important to note that starting a new online yoga business can be challenging. Building a successful online yoga business requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and marketing efforts. In addition, the industry is highly competitive, and new businesses may struggle to stand out from the crowd if not careful.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a lot of uncertainty for businesses, including online yoga businesses. While the pandemic has led to an increase in demand for online yoga classes, it has also created economic uncertainty and forced many businesses to adapt quickly to new challenges.

To sum it up, there is a need for new online yoga businesses, as the demand for yoga continues to grow and there are opportunities to cater to specific niches or audiences. However, starting a new online yoga business is not without its challenges, and new online yoga businesses may have challenges if they aren't prepared.  This is why we've partnered with one of our community's own, Yoga Coach Sarah, to teach you how to start an online yoga business.   If you're interested in starting your own online yoga business, I highly recommend Sarah's new online course "How to Start Your Online Yoga Business Effectively," where you learn all you need to know to manifest the yoga business of your dreams.