Ep. 286 Should You Start with a High Ticket Program or a Low Ticket Starter Course

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Should You Start with a High-Ticket Program or a Low-Ticket Starter Course?

If you’re a health professional considering adding an online program to your practice, you’re probably asking yourself:

“Should I start with a high-ticket signature program or a low-ticket starter course?”

This is one of the most common questions I get from my clients who are shifting from 1:1 work to online programs. Whether you’re a dietitian, therapist, naturopath, or any other health professional, figuring out where to start can be overwhelming.

In this post, I’ll walk you through both options, the pros and cons of each, and how to decide which path is right for you. By the end, you’ll have the clarity to confidently move forward with your first online course or program.

Why Starting an Online Program is the Best Next Step for Your Practice

As a health professional, you’re used to giving your clients incredible results through 1:1 sessions. But the reality is that working with clients one at a time limits your income and your impact.

I’ve worked with hundreds of health professionals who were burnt out, seeing 8-10 clients a day, and feeling trapped by the limitations of 1:1 work. By adding an online program, you can:

Reach more people and expand your impact
Create predictable revenue that doesn’t rely on your time
Stop trading hours for dollars and build a scalable business

But when it comes to actually creating that first online offer, the big question is: Do you start with a small, low-ticket course or jump straight into a high-ticket signature program?

Let’s explore both options.

What is a Low-Ticket Starter Course?

A low-ticket starter course (also known as an intro course) is a small, easy-to-create online program that gives your audience a quick win. It’s usually:

A 90-minute live class, a half-day workshop, or a short 2-4 week live group
Priced under $100, often in the $47-$97 range
Focused on solving a specific, small problem for your audience

Pros of Starting with a Low-Ticket Course

Faster to Launch: You can outline and launch a starter course in as little as 30 days.
Lower Risk: Because it’s a smaller offer, there’s less pressure to get everything perfect.
Test Your Market: A starter course helps you test your topic, validate your idea, and gather feedback before creating a larger program.
Build Your Confidence: Teaching a small group online helps you get comfortable with the tech and the teaching style of an online format.

Cons of Starting with a Low-Ticket Course

Lower Revenue: You’ll need to sell a lot of low-ticket courses to generate significant income.
Potential Distraction: If your long-term goal is to build a signature program, focusing on a smaller offer may delay your bigger vision.

What is a High-Ticket Signature Program?

A high-ticket signature program is a comprehensive online course or group coaching program that takes your client through a complete transformation. These programs are:

3-6 months long, delivered as a hybrid group or cohort model
Priced between $1,000-$5,000 or more, depending on the offer
Often include a mix of recorded content, live coaching, and group interaction

Pros of Starting with a High-Ticket Program

Higher Revenue Per Sale: One sale at $3,000 equals the same revenue as selling 60 low-ticket courses at $50 each.
Deeper Impact: A longer, more comprehensive program allows you to guide your clients through a full transformation.
Faster Path to Replacing 1:1 Work: A high-ticket program can quickly replace your 1:1 sessions, giving you more freedom and flexibility.

Cons of Starting with a High-Ticket Program

Takes Longer to Build: Mapping out your entire signature program takes time and focus. It usually takes 6-8 weeks to plan and develop the curriculum.
Higher Risk: Launching a high-ticket program requires a strong marketing strategy and the confidence to sell at a higher price point.

How to Decide: Which Option is Right for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to whether you should start with a low-ticket starter course or a high-ticket signature program. The right choice depends on your goals, your business stage, and your personality.

Here are a few questions to help you decide:

1. How Much Time Do You Have Right Now?

Low-Ticket Course: If you’re short on time and want to get something out there quickly, a low-ticket course is a faster, easier option.
High-Ticket Program: If you have the capacity to dedicate 6-8 weeks to planning and building a comprehensive program, a high-ticket offer may be a better fit.

2. What’s Your Financial Goal?

Low-Ticket Course: A low-ticket offer is a great way to build momentum, test your market, and create a small revenue stream.
High-Ticket Program: If you’re looking to generate higher revenue and replace your 1:1 income more quickly, a high-ticket program will get you there faster.

3. Are You Feeling Stuck or Overwhelmed?

Low-Ticket Course: If you’ve been thinking about launching for months (or years) but haven’t started, a low-ticket course can help you rip off the Band-Aid and get moving.
High-Ticket Program: If you’re confident in your methodology and ready to commit the time to build something bigger, a signature program may be the right choice.

Why I Started with a Low-Ticket Course (and How It Changed Everything)

When I first transitioned from my 1:1 practice to online programs, I didn’t start with a massive signature program. My first product was a tiny course called Beat the Bloat that sold for $49. It was just five short lessons, and I sold 10 of them, making $500.

That small win gave me the confidence to keep going. From there, I built more programs, refined my process, and eventually created the high-ticket signature program that scaled my business.

And when I started coaching health professionals on building online programs, I did the same thing. I ran a half-day business workshop for $89 and had 23 people sign up, generating over $2,000. That initial workshop helped me build the foundation of the business I run today.

Why Some Health Professionals Prefer Starting with High-Ticket Programs

Not everyone wants to start small. I’ve worked with many clients who knew they wanted to completely replace their 1:1 work with a high-ticket program.

These clients had full practices, were financially stable, and didn’t want to waste time with smaller offers. They were ready to dedicate 6-8 weeks to building out a comprehensive program and launching it strategically.

If you’re someone who’s ready to move quickly, wants to create a deeper impact, and is clear on your methodology, a high-ticket program may be the best starting point for you.

Both Options Will Help You Build a Profitable Online Program

The good news is that both low-ticket and high-ticket programs work. They both allow you to help more people, create additional revenue, and grow your business.

The key is to check in with yourself and ask:

What feels most exciting and manageable for me right now?
Am I ready to commit to building a high-ticket program, or would a small win with a low-ticket course give me the momentum I need?

When you align your decision with your goals and your strengths, you’ll set yourself up for success—no matter where you start.

Ready to Launch Your Online Program?

If this post has helped you clarify your next steps and you’re ready to take action, I’d love to support you. Inside the Healthcare Impact Academy Membership, I teach health professionals how to plan, build, and sell online programs with done-for-you templates, tech, and support.

Plus, members get free access to our course hosting software, email platform, and marketing funnels.

To learn more, join the membership here or DM me “Membership” on Instagram.

If you’re ready to make 2025 the year you finally launch your online program, let’s get started together.

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