Guest blog by Holly Larson, MS, RD
Hey there! More and more dietitians are using writing to drive business growth. The best nutrition blogs by dietitians leverage purposeful content – and deliver results. But what separates an underperforming blog from a champion? The best nutrition blogs by dietitians are purposeful and drive the growth of their businesses.
Let me ask you this:
- Do you want your blog to attract clients eager to book a session with you?
- Do you want to partner with your favorite brands and get paid to write about why you love them?
- Are you looking for passive income from advertising revenue created by traffic to your blog?
- Is converting blog readers into subscribers and then buyers of your online course or group program a tactic you’d like to use?
How can you have a blog that fuels your business revenue? It starts with good writing and is propelled with an effective action plan.
Disclosure contains affiliate links. As an affiliate, WellResourced earns a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you.
What makes “good” writing good?
There are a lot of things that go into “good” writing. And most of us were not taught writing skills that translate well into growing a successful business.
While the technical writing we were taught in school is evidence-based and well cited, it tends to be dense, impersonal, and not compelling to the average consumer.
And when the writing is a snoozefest, your reader is not going to jump to becoming your client.
While many of these skills are not that hard to learn, you need a bit of guidance.
I get it.
Let’s explore how to make your dietitian blogs better, together!
In this post, I’ll be rounding up my top ways to improve your writing as well as showcasing dietitian bloggers who are hitting it out of the park. Their blogs are not just an assortment of thoughts and recipes, their blogs deliver results: ad revenue, booking clients and paying partnerships. And good news: there is plenty of room in the market for your blog to do the same!
I hope that this whets your appetite for writing and leaves you feeling empowered to write your next (or first!) blog post.
3-2-1: action! Let’s explore the best nutrition blogs by dietitians and see why they work, starting with having a clear audience. Let’s pick your niche!
Have a clear audience
First and foremost, it is important to write with a specific audience in mind. Picking a niche can feel scary…not to mention vulnerable, as you exclude people from your ideal reading list, but this is a good thing. I promise!
Clients want to work with specialists, not generalists. If you’re writing content that includes post-bariatric surgery care, pediatric sports nutrition, and geriatric weight gain, your readers will be confused. The bad news? Confused readers do not take action to become clients.
Having a clear niche allows you to speak directly to your ideal reader and make them feel seen and understood. This is how your readers become clients!
And remember: you always have permission to change your mind. Try a niche out, see how it feels, and go from there. If it isn’t the right niche the first time – that’s ok! Keep exploring…and keep writing!
Best Nutrition Blog Examples
Here are two examples of dietitian bloggers who are rockin’ it with a very clear target audience.
Dairy-Free for Baby
Chrissy Carroll, registered dietitian, and blogger runs the site Dairy Free for Baby. The title, content, and recipes are all clearly targeted to breastfeeding moms who need to avoid dairy because of their baby’s intolerance.
Not only are the recipes tastefully photographed and clearly explained, she knows her audience’s needs well: none of the recipes are fussy or complicated. New moms don’t have time for that!
The Parenting Dietitian
The Parenting Dietitian is owned and operated by Suzi Hinck MS, RDN, LD. As with Dairy Free for Baby above, it is 100% clear who Suzi is targeting with her business and valuable blog posts.
Her growing collection of content answers some of the most common questions that parents ask about feeding their kiddos.
Write in your own voice
Writing really is putting yourself out there. It can feel vulnerable to put your work out…drafts are much safer!
But with practice, you’ll get to know your own writing voice and feel more confident publishing. Your ideal clients are out there, waiting to work with you. There is no reason to attempt to emulate anyone else: you’re the perfect fit (and perfect writer) for your ideal clients.
Some of us are more formal, some of us prefer a casual tone…and some of us cannot get enough food puns! Come as you are.
Not only does writing in your own voice help to attract the right clients to your business, but it also helps to repel those who aren’t actually a good fit. This is a good thing!
Best nutrition blog example
Here is my favorite example of a dietitian entrepreneur and blogger who confidently writes in her own unique voice – and her audience continues to grow and grow as she authentically presents her true self!
Colleen Christensen Nutrition
Colleen Christensen has an approachable, casual vibe with the occasional sass. Her writing is a clear illustration of who she is as a dietitian.
For example, in her blog post What is an Intuitive Eating Dietitian, Exactly?, Colleen explains how her work as an Intuitive Eating Dietitian is different from what many consumers expect when they work with a dietitian.
Provide value
No matter what, your blog post needs to provide value to your reader…how is your post helping to improve their day, to simplify something that is frustrating them, or to solve a problem?
There is no substitute for good writing. If your readers find that your writing is not improving their day, they won’t be coming back. But, with high-value writing, not only will your readers become clients, they’ll refer your content to their friends and family, furthering the growth of your business.
Best nutrition blog example
Who better than Megan to illustrate value-packed nutrition blogs? Her blogs are indispensable tools for dietitians working in a clinical setting, looking to start their own private practice or to continue to grow and monetize.
WellResourced
Megan Boitano, owner of WellResourced does a great job of providing robust blog posts that offer extensive value to her readers: dietitian entrepreneurs, students, and those who are just dipping their toes into entrepreneurial waters. By having timely content, providing well-researched information, and linking to paid and free tools, her readers are quick to become clients.
WellResourced is a trusted resource because of the quality content published. The Dietitian’s Guide to Starting an Online Nutrition Business is a great example.
Don’t ignore SEO
SEO – that’s Search Engine Optimization – is the process of making your website and individual blog posts robust, credible, and “good” in the eyes of Google.
While this is a topic that is quick to cause anxiety, the truth is, SEO is something that you can learn over time. Just like with learning nutrition, you get to start with the basics and build from there, a bit at a time.
Good content is actually your biggest asset for SEO performance. Good content keeps your audience engaged and active on your website. As you learn more SEO strategies, your posts will perform better and help to grow your audience, and therefore your business, over time.
Best nutrition blog
Who better to feature than the SEO expert, Erica Julson?
Functional Nutrition Answers
The Queen of SEO is Erica Julson. Not only does she have her own course to teach dietitians about SEO, but she also has a separate site dedicated to teaching dietitians about functional nutrition: Functional Nutrition Answers. And guess what? The performance is great!
Flow with good formatting
No matter how wonderfully you’ve wordsmithed your post, if your formatting is clunky, your readers are going to skip over the post.
Formatting helps your readers – most of whom are skimmers – to seep into your content. I like to picture most folks reading blogs while in line at Target; their focus is limited and distracted. Good formatting helps you to get the most out of their limited attention span.
What counts as good formatting? I recommend short paragraphs (2-3 sentences max), the use of subheadings to direct readers to the information that they’re seeking and having enough white space to make the text stand out.
Big ole blocks of text? You’re out!
Note: your website and blog posts need to look professional both on a computer screen as well as on a phone and tablet.
Best nutrition blog
Good formatting included all elements of a blog post, especially the recipes. This is my favorite excellent example of a recipe nutrition blog by dietitians.
The Real Food Dietitians
Not only are their recipes delicious, but each blog post is also full of beautiful photography, clear sections, and a well-formatted recipe plug-in card. The formatting, especially the subheadings, helps the reader to quickly scan the tips and tricks so that they’re ready to dive into the recipe quickly and with confidence.
Check out their 5-Ingredient Healthy Peanut Butter Granola Bars and see if you’re ready to take a quick break to whip up your own snacks – I am, after seeing those pictures!
Wrap up with a CTA
One of the most common mistakes I see new writers make is to write a blog post that only teaches…and then the writer posts it, hoping that the readers will become clients.
The truth is, we need a nudge forward. Ending each blog post with a clear, calm and confident call to action is what makes your blog posts work harder to grow your business.
Best nutrition blog example
Best example of a dietitian with excellent CTAs? Whitney Bateson!
Whitney Bateson Digital Strategy
Whitney is a dietitian and owner of her thriving digital marketing company, creating effective and functional websites to dietitian entrepreneurs.
She knows the importance of a CTA! In her blog post 4 Questions You Need to Ask Before Hiring a Web Designer, she ends with a calm and confident nudge to her readers to book a call to discuss their project. She has provided value throughout the post and is confident in her services. The CTA isn’t pushy, and if the reader has gotten to that point, they’re interested in next steps!
Have an opt-in
As much as we wish readers would be blown away by a single blog post and become clients, most potential clients need a little more nurturing than that.
The best way to stay top of mind for your readers is to email them…but people are quite leery to share their emails.
What’s a dietitian entrepreneur to do? Offer something irresistible!
On your website, I recommend that you have an opt-in that is of value to your ideal reader. In exchange for their email address, your reader will get this free resource. And now that you have the keys to their inbox, you can continue to nudge and nurture them as you provide them with valuable blog posts and emails while building trust.
Best nutrition blog example
Who should you check out for her valuable, well presented opt-in? Jessianna!
The KidneyRD
Jessianna Saville is the dietitian behind The KidneyRD, a website dedicated to helping clients preserve kidney function through the power of good nutrition. Front and center is her opt-in, a mini-guide to preserve kidney function. This is of high value for her target audience and a great way for them to get a sense of who she is and how she can help as a dietitian.
Attract and book new clients
For many dietitians, their goal with starting their business is to work with clients 1 on 1. Your website helps to spread the word about who you are and how you help! And your blog, done well, helps that growth to happen more quickly.
While working with clients 1-to-1 is a common entrepreneurial goal for dietitians, it is not the only possible option. Having passive income, selling digital goods and courses, and having ad revenue are all pieces that you can consider pursuing individually, or adding to the overall plan.
Good writing is the name of the game!
Best blog example
From individual sessions to group coaching and selling packages, there are many ways to work with clients. Here is one example of a dietitian blogger who is using her writing to grow her practice.
360 Girls and Women
Founded by Registered Dietitian Sue-Ellen Anderson Haynes, 360 Girls and Women is a business focused on plant-based nutrition to optimize women’s health.
Sue-Ellen offers nutrition coaching, which he plugs in an effect CTA at the end of her blog posts as well as in other pages on her site. Check out the end of this blog post for ideas of nudging your readers to book with you: Is having your Period a Vital Sign? – National Period Day
Build passive income
As your web traffic grows, you have the option to apply to ad networks. There are a few different options and their application criteria vary.
With an approved ad network, you then get to paid ads on your website. This means that 24/7, as readers visit your website, you’re making revenue!
Best nutrition blog example
You can’t talk about passive income without thinking of Katie Dodd, The Side Hustle Dietitian! Here is one of her websites…but not the only one!
The Geriatric Dietitian
The Geriatric Dietitian is a wonderful blog created by Katie Dodd, MS, RDN, CSG, LD, FAND (you may also know Katie as The Side Hustle Dietitian – same amazing entrepreneur!). On The Geriatric Dietitian, Katie provides incredibly valuable information to support the nutritional needs and weight of geriatric clients. As readers flock to her site, her ad revenue continues to grow.
Accept sponsored posts
Do you have a brand or two that you really love and cannot stop raving about? Any brands that you genuinely care about and are of value to your audience are great candidates for sponsored content.
Like ad revenue, the potential for generating revenue through sponsored posts depends on your following and your web traffic. And, ad revenue and sponsored posts are not mutually exclusive. What an exciting opportunity to garner some cash for the products and services you’d be gabbing about anyway, amiright?
Best nutrition blog examples
Here I have three examples of dietitians who have beautiful websites, growing audiences and value to offer. Their sponsors agree!
Marisa Moore, MBA. RDN. LD.
Marissa Moore is an Atlanta-based dietitian who blogs on her beautiful site, Marisa Moore Nutrition. Marisa boosts her income with sponsored posts. For example, Ball Canning jars sponsored this post: Homemade Apple Pie Spice.
Fannetastic Food
Anne Mauney is the dietitian powerhouse behind the Fannetastic Food blog that has been around since 2009! Anne has a loyal following and her blog has grown and grown over the years.
Not only does she accept sponsored posts, such as this one: We Tried the Blue Apron Thanksgiving Box – here’s how it went! she has ad revenue and sees clients individually. Her business is a great example of one with several revenue streams working together.
Food Heaven Made Easy
Cofounded by registered dietitians (and food BFFs) Wendy Lopez and Jess Jones, Food Heaven Made Easy is a thriving business that inspires its clients to eat in a healthy way without breaking the bank.
Their business began with many healthy cooking classes in low-income neighborhoods in NY and has grown to their own published cookbook, thriving blog, podcast, and more.
Ready to learn more?
No matter your business plan or goals, good writing will get you there faster. To learn how to nail your niche, and speak in a compelling way to your ideal client in your authentic voice, check out my online course: The Writing Course for Nutrition Professionals.
Keeping in mind the busy schedule of the typical dietitian (not to mention the 24/7 life of a dietetic student and intern), each lesson is short and sweet and paired with an activity to actually practice each new skill. No passive, forgettable learning here.
Join The Writing Course for Nutrition Professionals; you’ll gain fresh skills and confidence and learn how to write better and take less time. Banish overwhelm (and the blank Google doc) with the right mindset, the roadmap to outlining a blog post, and the skills to get it done and get it done well.
As a student, you’ll have lifetime access to the course. This means that as new content is added, you’ll get those new lessons, tools, and resources, free of charge! You will also gain admission to the private student group where you’ll have access to live training and office hours.
Key takeaways: Nutrition blogs by dietitians
The recipe for a good blog post has a few key ingredients: speaking confidently in your own true voice, knowing exactly who you help and how, great formatting, and the addition of multiple revenue streams. Whether your blog is your main business or a side hustle, you can take your writing (and revenue) from good to great!
Favorite blogging tools and resources
WellResourced has curated tools and resources for you to start and grow your blog.
First stop? Download the complimentary 5 Steps for Better Writing with list of simple strategies for writing business-building copy.
Download the Better Writing Guide
Write better, right now!
Great writing is the cornerstone of a high-performing blog. Take your writing from technical snoozefest to business building copy with these five simple steps.
Dive in and rock the blogosphere!
One comment
Excellent blog post, Holly! There are so many great nuggets of information in here. Thanks for sharing all your knowledge and insights and for shining the light on so many RDNs who are just smashing it in this blogging world!