10 Wellness Business Trends Every Coach and Practitioner Needs to Prepare for in 2026

This week on The Nourished CEO, I'm breaking down the 10 major trends that will define the online health and wellness industry in 2026.

You've probably heard people say the industry is shifting, but almost no one is explaining what that actually means for you as a practitioner, coach, or expert.

Today, I'm unpacking exactly what's changing, why it matters, and how to adapt in a way that makes your business feel clearer, simpler, and more profitable.

If you've been feeling like old strategies aren't working anymore, or you're noticing that clients are becoming more overwhelmed and more selective, you're not imagining it.

These trends are already unfolding, and the entrepreneurs who learn to simplify, personalize, and focus on real transformation are the ones who will thrive in 2026.

Timeline Summary

[00:00] – Why 2026 will look different for online wellness entrepreneurs and why old strategies are losing effectiveness.

[03:18] – Trend #1: The Great Opt Out of traditional health insurance and what the shift to cash pay and concierge models means for your business.

[10:56] – Trend #2: Why session-by-session healthcare is fading and transformation-based programs are gaining momentum.

[15:49] – Trend #3: Clients want less information and more implementation. How to create a minimum viable offer that gets results without overloading people.

[20:15] – Trend #4: The breakdown of trust in healthcare and how listening and personalization set you apart.

[25:45] – Trend #5: On-demand expert access. Why asynchronous support is becoming more valuable than more calls.

[29:52] – Trend #6: Long-form content is making a comeback and why serious buyers are moving away from short-form social media.

[35:36] – Trend #7: The "trust recession." Why buyers are more discerning and how to communicate what truly makes your approach different.

[39:52] – Trend #8: How I use AI ethically to organize my thoughts and streamline communication without outsourcing my voice.

[45:08] – Trend #9: Hyper specificity and why niching is essential for marketing, messaging, and paid ads in 2026.

[48:35] – Trend #10: Simplicity and elegant systems. Why reducing complexity is the only way to stay profitable without burning out.

Top 5 Quotes From This Episode

1. "People are exhausted by the noise. They're done with cookie-cutter protocols and they're not paying premium prices for information they could have just Googled."

2. "If you're still using the same strategies that worked even two or three years ago, you're going to feel like you're running uphill in the wrong direction."

3. "Your clients want the best possible results with the least amount of extra work, and if your offer feels like a second full-time job, they're out."

4. "With AI everywhere, anyone can look like an expert. Buyers want to know why they should trust you and what makes your approach different."

5. "Simplicity isn't optional anymore. It is the only way your business will stay profitable without draining your life."

Links & Resources

• Connect with me on Instagram: @lauraschoenfeldrd

• Apply for the Nourished Business Accelerator: https://www.lauraschoenfeld.com/nba-apply

• Interested in working together 1:1? DM me "PRIVATE" on Instagram to learn more

If you enjoyed this episode or it helped you get clearer about your strategy for 2026, it would mean so much if you rated, followed, reviewed, or shared the podcast.

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