7 Tips on How to Become A World-Renowned Fitness Writer

In the fitness industry, powerful content is the engine that drives traffic and builds empires. And where you find great content, you will always find a talented fitness writer behind it.

So, how do you turn your passion for fitness into a career that helps businesses grow? It takes a clear strategy, but you can absolutely make it a reality.

Now, I know what you might be thinking. “Matt, why are you helping your competition?” Over my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with over 100 supplement brands as a fitness writer, and that doesn’t even count my other clients. I help them boost their revenue by writing content and copy that connects with their audience. I even published a book to help personal trainers grow their business, which you could say creates more competitors for me.

But the truth is, there is more than enough work to go around. My business has grown entirely from word-of-mouth referrals, with zero marketing spend for the last two years. If I can help you build a career as a fitness writer, I’m happy to do it. This guide will break down the exact steps to get you started.

If you follow my work, you know I believe in adding massive value. So, let’s get into the specifics of how to become a successful fitness writer.

What is a Fitness Writer and What Do They Do?
7 Tips to Become A Fitness Writer
Fitness Writer FAQs

Key Takeaways

Find Your Niche: Specialize in a specific area like nutrition for runners or strength training for seniors to command higher rates and attract dedicated clients.
Set Your Value: Establish clear, professional rates for your work from the beginning. Freelance rates can range from $0.10 per word for beginners to over $1.00 for experts.
Build a Professional Website: Your website is your digital storefront. Include essential pages like ‘Services,’ ‘Portfolio,’ and ‘About’ to showcase your expertise and attract clients.
Network Strategically: Connect with industry professionals online through LinkedIn and in person at major events like the IDEA World Convention to build relationships that lead to work.

What is a Fitness Writer and What Do They Do?

A fitness writer is a professional who creates specialized content about health, wellness, and exercise. They do more than just write, they act as educators and motivators, turning complex fitness topics into clear, actionable advice for readers.

Their work appears in many places. You can find them writing for major publications like Men’s Health and Shape, creating blog posts for supplement companies, developing workout plans for fitness apps, or managing social media for gyms. Today, a top-tier fitness writer also understands content strategy, using tools like Ahrefs to ensure their articles rank well in search engines and reach the right audience.

According to recent industry data, freelance writer salaries can vary widely, but a 2024 report from freelance platform Upwork shows that skilled writers in specialized niches often earn between $50 and $150 per hour. This shows that expertise in the fitness space is a valuable asset.

7 Tips to Become A Fitness Writer

Below are seven practical tips you can use to build your business and become a sought-after fitness writer.

1. Figure out what you’re good at

What is your specific area of expertise? Are you deeply knowledgeable about nutrition, supplementation, bodybuilding, or wellness for a specific demographic? You can be a generalist, but finding a niche often leads to higher-paying work. A 2023 study from Contently confirmed that writers with deep subject matter expertise consistently command higher fees.

Think about profitable niches where your passion and knowledge intersect. Here are a few examples:

Nutrition for endurance athletes
Strength training for women over 40
Content for physical therapy clinics
Supplement guides for vegan athletes

Take a hard look at your skills and market yourself as a specialist. It’s the fastest way to become the go-to fitness writer in a specific field.

2. How much time do you have to offer as a fitness writer?

Decide if this will be a full-time career or a side hustle. Both paths can be successful, but you need to set realistic expectations. Be honest about the time you can commit. Are you willing to write during evenings and weekends to build your client list? Or are you aiming for a few clients to supplement your income?

Many aspiring writers fail because they underestimate the time required to build a sustainable business. To stay organized, I recommend using a project management tool. Simple platforms like Trello or Asana can help you track deadlines and manage client work, which is especially helpful when you’re balancing a 9-5 job.

3. Will you work for free or as a fee-based fitness writer?

Your knowledge and the value you provide are worth something. While it can be tempting to write for free to build a portfolio, I strongly advise against it. People tend to take advantage of free work.

Instead, establish professional rates from the start, even if they are modest. A great strategy for new writers is to offer guest posts to reputable websites. You may not get paid in cash, but you get a valuable portfolio piece and exposure to a new audience. Many writers start by charging on a per-word basis. Beginner rates often fall between $0.10 and $0.20 per word, while an experienced fitness writer with a proven track record can charge $0.50 per word or much more.

4. Forums are your friend

When I was starting, online forums were essential for my growth. Today, this principle applies to modern online communities. Businesses are constantly monitoring these platforms to find knowledgeable experts. To establish yourself as a fitness writer, you need to be an active, helpful voice where your ideal clients are hanging out.

Here are a few places to build your authority:

Reddit: Participate in subreddits like r/fitness, r/personaltraining, or r/nutrition by providing thoughtful, in-depth answers.
LinkedIn: Engage with posts from fitness brands and marketing managers. Share your own insights on industry trends.
Facebook Groups: Find groups dedicated to fitness professionals or specific health topics and become a valued contributor.

The goal is to consistently add value. Don’t just promote your services. Become known as an expert, and you’ll be surprised by who reaches out to you for help.

5. Make a website

Your website is your professional home base. It’s where potential clients can see examples of your work and learn about your services. You don’t need to be a tech expert, platforms like Squarespace and Wix make it easy to build a clean, professional site. For more customization, WordPress is an excellent choice.

A professional website is a critical trust signal. A 2023 consumer trust study from Edelman showed that brand trust is essential for engagement. Your site proves you are a serious business. Make sure it includes these key pages:

Services: Clearly list what you offer (e.g., blog posts, e-books, supplement copy).
Portfolio: Showcase 3-5 of your best writing samples.
About: Tell your story and highlight your credentials.
Contact: Make it easy for potential clients to get in touch.

6. Publish e-Books as a fitness writer

Writing articles is great, but publishing an e-book instantly boosts your credibility as a fitness writer. Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) make it simple to self-publish your work. You can create e-Books on specialized topics and even repurpose them into audiobooks.

Beyond being a potential revenue stream, an e-book is a powerful marketing tool. Many writers offer a short e-book as a “lead magnet” to encourage visitors to sign up for their email list. It’s a fantastic way to build an audience and nurture potential client relationships. While it requires more upfront work, the authority and opportunities it creates are well worth the effort.

7. Network

If no one knows who you are, they can’t hire you. Networking is non-negotiable. A LinkedIn study from 2022 found that up to 85% of all jobs are filled through networking, and this is just as true for freelance projects.

Attend major industry events if you can. Trade shows like the Arnold Classic and the Olympia are great, but also consider professional conferences like the IDEA World Convention or IHRSA. These events are filled with brand managers and marketing directors who need a great fitness writer.

Your online networking is just as important. Don’t just send blank connection requests on LinkedIn. Find a marketing manager at a company you admire, mention a piece of their content you enjoyed, and then connect. This personalized approach shows you’ve done your research and makes a memorable first impression. Always have digital or physical business cards ready to share.

Fitness Writer FAQs

Do you need a certification to be a fitness writer?

While not strictly required, having a reputable certification like a CPT from NASM or ACE adds immense credibility. It shows clients you have a foundational understanding of exercise science and physiology, which can set you apart from other writers.

How much should I charge as a new fitness writer?

New writers often start by charging per word, typically in the $0.10 to $0.20 range for blog posts and articles. As you gain experience and build a strong portfolio, you can increase your rates or move to per-project pricing, which can be more profitable.

Where is the best place to find my first fitness writing clients?

Freelance marketplaces like Upwork can be a good starting point to build your portfolio. Also, proactive networking on LinkedIn is highly effective. Identify 5-10 fitness or supplement brands you admire and connect with their content or marketing managers with a personalized message.

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7 Tips on How to Become A World-Renowned Fitness Writer