Online Business Speakers

An online business speaker is someone who delivers expert insights, strategies, and stories to a virtual audience, typically in the context of entrepreneurship, digital marketing, e-commerce, or remote business operations.

Unlike traditional keynote speakers who present on physical stages, online business speakers operate in digital spaces - from virtual summits and webinars to podcasts and live social media broadcasts. They're often entrepreneurs, consultants, or educators who specialize in a particular area of online business, such as sales funnels, SEO, email marketing, or scaling remote teams.

These speakers are not just educators - they're connectors. They bridge the gap between theory and practice, offering real-world advice that attendees can implement immediately. Whether they're speaking to a group of startup founders or seasoned digital marketers, their goal is to deliver clarity, motivation, and actionable strategies.

Online business speakers may appear at events hosted by SaaS companies, coaching platforms, industry associations, or even niche communities like membership site owners or Etsy sellers. Their flexibility and digital fluency make them ideal for remote-first audiences who value convenience and expertise.

In short, an online business speaker is a subject matter expert who knows how to communicate effectively in a virtual environment - and who understands the unique challenges and opportunities of running a business online.

When you're building a virtual event or digital learning experience, the right online business speaker can be the difference between a forgettable session and a game-changing one.

First, online business speakers bring credibility. They've walked the path your audience is on - whether that's launching a Shopify store, building a coaching program, or growing a SaaS startup. Their insights aren't just theoretical. They're rooted in experience, which makes them instantly more trustworthy.

Second, they help you attract and retain attendees. A well-known speaker can boost sign-ups, while a high-value session keeps people engaged and coming back for more. This is especially crucial for summits, where each speaker contributes to the overall momentum and perceived value of the event.

Third, they create transformation. A great speaker doesn't just inform - they shift perspectives. They help people see what's possible, avoid common pitfalls, and take the next step in their journey. That kind of impact builds loyalty and trust with your brand.

Finally, online business speakers often bring their own audience. When they promote their appearance, you benefit from increased reach and credibility by association. It's a win-win: they get exposure, and you get more engaged attendees.

So if you're serious about delivering value and growing your platform, investing in the right online business speaker isn't optional - it's essential.

Online business speakers wear multiple hats - but let's break it down into what they actually do, day to day, across different types of events and audiences.

1. Educate and Inspire.
- They share strategies, frameworks, and lessons learned from their own business journeys.
- Whether it's teaching SEO to Etsy sellers or explaining lead magnets to course creators, they make complex topics digestible.

2. Customize Content for Specific Audiences.
- A speaker might tailor their talk for a group of B2B SaaS founders one day, and then switch gears to speak to digital nomads the next.
- They adjust tone, examples, and depth based on who's in the (virtual) room.

3. Engage Through Storytelling and Interaction.
- Great online business speakers use stories, polls, Q&A, and chat engagement to keep audiences involved.
- They're not just talking at people - they're creating a two-way experience.

4. Promote Events and Collaborate with Hosts.
- Many speakers help promote the event to their own email list or social media following.
- They often collaborate on affiliate promotions, giveaways, or bonus content.

5. Contribute to Long-Term Learning.
- Beyond the live session, speakers often provide resources like PDFs, templates, or follow-up trainings.
- This extends the value of their talk and deepens the learning experience.

In essence, online business speakers are educators, marketers, and community builders rolled into one. They don't just show up and talk - they show up to serve, connect, and elevate the entire experience.

Ready to step into the spotlight as an online business speaker? Here's a step-by-step guide to help you build your brand, land speaking gigs, and grow your influence:

1. Define Your Niche and Message
- Focus on a specific area of online business: e-commerce, digital marketing, SaaS growth, remote team building, etc.
- Ask yourself: What unique insights or experiences can I share that others can't?
- Tip: Use your own business journey as a framework, even if you're still growing. Authenticity resonates.

2. Build Your Speaker Page
- Create a dedicated speaker page on your website. Include:
- A professional headshot
- A compelling bio (tailored to event organizers)
- Speaking topics and formats (keynotes, panels, workshops)
- Testimonials or past appearances (even podcasts or webinars count!)
- A clear call-to-action to book you
- Example: Talks.co lets you list yourself as a speaker and connect with virtual summit hosts directly.

3. Start Speaking (Even for Free)
- Look for virtual summits, podcasts, webinars, or online conferences in your niche.
- Reach out to hosts on platforms like Talks.co or LinkedIn. Offer value first.
- Tip: Record every talk. Build a reel over time.

4. Collect Social Proof
- Ask for testimonials after each appearance.
- Share clips and quotes on social media.
- Highlight audience engagement metrics (e.g. "Over 500 live viewers" or "100+ questions submitted").

5. Scale and Monetize
- Once you've built credibility, start charging for appearances.
- Offer workshops, consulting, or digital products tied to your talks.
- Build a funnel: speaking leads to subscribers, which leads to sales.

Becoming an online business speaker is about consistency, clarity, and connection. Start small, stay visible, and let your expertise do the talking.

To be an online business speaker, you don't need a fancy degree or a million-dollar exit. What you do need is a mix of credibility, clarity, and connection. Let's break it down:

Expertise in Online Business
You need to know your stuff. Whether it's affiliate marketing, building Shopify stores, growing a YouTube channel, or scaling SaaS companies, your audience wants actionable insights. You don't have to be the top expert in the world, but you do need a proven track record or a unique perspective.

Presentation Skills
Speaking online is different from being on stage. You need to:
- Engage through a screen
- Use clear visuals and storytelling
- Manage tech (slides, mics, lighting)
- Handle Q&A smoothly
Practice helps. So does watching top speakers in your niche.

A Platform to Promote Yourself
This is where a speaker page comes in. Whether it's on your own site or a platform like Talks.co, you need a place where event organizers can:
- See your topics
- Watch your past talks
- Read testimonials
- Book you easily

Networking and Visibility
You won't get booked if no one knows you exist. Start by:
- Attending virtual summits
- Commenting in niche Facebook groups or LinkedIn threads
- Reaching out to podcast hosts
- Listing yourself on Talks.co to connect with summit organizers

A Clear Offer
What do you speak about? Who is it for? What's the value? The more specific you are, the easier it is for hosts to say yes.

In short, being an online business speaker is about packaging your knowledge in a way that helps others grow. If you can do that, you're already halfway there.

Yes, online business speakers do get paid-but how much and how often depends on a few key factors. Unlike traditional keynote speakers at in-person conferences, online speakers often operate in a more flexible and fragmented market.
Factors That Influence Payment:
- Experience Level: New speakers might speak for free to build credibility, while seasoned pros can charge thousands per appearance.
- Audience Size: A summit with 10,000 registrants is more likely to offer a fee than a niche webinar with 50 attendees.
- Topic Demand: Hot topics like AI in business, remote team scaling, or e-commerce automation tend to attract higher fees.
- Format: Keynotes and workshops typically pay more than panel appearances or podcast interviews.
Payment Models:
- Flat Fee: A set amount for a talk, often ranging from $250 to $10,000 depending on the speaker.
- Revenue Share: Some summits offer a percentage of ticket or upsell revenue.
- Affiliate Commissions: Speakers promote the event and earn a cut of ticket sales through their unique link.
- Lead Generation: Some speakers waive a fee in exchange for access to attendee emails or the ability to pitch a product.
Pros and Cons:

Model	Pros	Cons
Flat Fee	Predictable income	Harder to negotiate as a newbie
Revenue Share	High upside if event performs	Risk if event flops
Affiliate Model	Scalable with big audience	Requires strong promo effort
Lead Gen	Great for funnel building	No direct payment

So yes, online business speakers get paid-but the smartest ones diversify their income streams, which brings us to the next section.

Online business speakers don't just make money from speaking fees. In fact, many use speaking as a launchpad for multiple revenue streams. Here's how they do it:

1. Paid Speaking Engagements
- Virtual summits, webinars, and online conferences often pay speakers-especially those with a proven track record.
- Rates vary widely, but top-tier speakers can earn $1,000 to $10,000+ per talk.

2. Affiliate Marketing
- Speakers often promote the event or related tools using affiliate links.
- For example, a speaker on e-commerce might recommend Shopify or Klaviyo and earn commissions.
- This works especially well when the speaker has a loyal email list or social following.

3. Product or Service Sales
- Many speakers use their sessions to drive traffic to:
- Online courses
- Coaching programs
- SaaS tools or templates
- Membership communities
- Example: A speaker on remote work might pitch a paid Slack group or Notion template.

4. Lead Generation for Consulting or Freelance Work
- Speaking builds authority. Attendees often reach out for 1:1 help.
- This is especially common in B2B niches like SEO, funnel building, or LinkedIn strategy.

5. Sponsorships and Brand Deals
- Some speakers partner with brands to co-host sessions or mention tools during their talks.
- These deals can be lucrative, especially in tech or finance niches.

6. Hosting Their Own Events
- Once established, speakers often flip the script and host their own summits or workshops.
- Platforms like Talks.co make it easy to find other speakers and monetize through ticket sales or upsells.

In short, online business speakers treat speaking as both a revenue stream and a marketing channel. The best ones turn every talk into a business opportunity.

The income of online business speakers varies dramatically based on experience, niche, and business model. Let's break it down with some real-world context:
Entry-Level Speakers
- Often unpaid or paid in exposure.
- May earn $0 to $500 per talk.
- Focus is usually on building credibility and collecting leads.
Mid-Tier Speakers
- Typically earn $500 to $2,500 per appearance.
- May also generate income through affiliate links or product sales.
- Often speak at niche summits or industry webinars.
Top-Tier Speakers
- Can command $5,000 to $25,000+ per keynote.
- Often have bestselling books, large audiences, or a strong media presence.
- May earn six to seven figures annually from speaking alone.
Additional Revenue Streams:

Source	Typical Monthly Range
Affiliate Sales	$500 - $10,000+
Course Sales	$1,000 - $50,000+
Consulting/Coaching	$2,000 - $30,000+
Sponsorship Deals	$1,000 - $20,000+

Example Scenarios:
- A digital marketing speaker with a $997 course might make $10,000 from a single summit by converting 1% of 1,000 attendees.
- A SaaS founder might use speaking to land enterprise clients worth $50,000+.
So, how much do online business speakers make? It depends on how they leverage their platform. The most successful ones treat speaking as a growth engine, not just a paycheck.

Hiring an online business speaker can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands, depending on several variables. Here's a breakdown to help you understand the pricing landscape:
Cost Ranges by Experience Level:

Speaker Level	Typical Cost per Talk
New/Emerging	$0 - $500
Mid-Level	$500 - $2,500
Established	$2,500 - $10,000
Celebrity/Expert	$10,000 - $50,000+

Factors That Affect Pricing:
- Audience Size: Larger events typically pay more.
- Topic Complexity: Niche or technical topics may command higher fees.
- Speaker Reputation: A bestselling author or founder with media exposure can charge premium rates.
- Engagement Type: Keynotes cost more than panels or Q&A sessions.
- Customization: Tailored talks or workshops often come with higher fees.
Virtual vs. In-Person:
- Online events usually cost less due to no travel or lodging.
- However, top-tier online speakers still charge premium rates for high-impact sessions.
Budget-Friendly Options:
- Use platforms like Talks.co to find emerging speakers who offer great value.
- Consider offering a revenue share or affiliate model instead of a flat fee.
- Bundle speaking with other services (e.g. consulting, content creation) for better ROI.
In summary, the cost of an online business speaker depends on what you're looking for. Whether you're hosting a small summit or a global conference, there's a speaker out there who fits your budget and your goals.

Gary Vaynerchuk: Known for his raw, no-fluff delivery on entrepreneurship, branding, and digital marketing. His early YouTube and Wine Library TV days made him a pioneer in online content.

Marie Forleo - A powerhouse in online business and personal development. Her B-School program has helped thousands of entrepreneurs build digital empires.

Tim Ferriss - Author of 'The 4-Hour Workweek', Ferriss has been a staple in the online business world for over a decade. His talks blend lifestyle design with practical business hacks.

Amy Porterfield - A go-to expert in online courses and list building. Her webinars and podcast appearances are masterclasses in online business strategy.

Pat Flynn - Founder of Smart Passive Income, Pat is known for his transparency and step-by-step teaching style. He's helped countless entrepreneurs build passive income streams.

Russell Brunson - Co-founder of ClickFunnels, Brunson is a master of online sales funnels and webinar marketing. His talks are packed with conversion-driven tactics.

Brendon Burchard - A high-performance coach and speaker who's built a massive online following. His energy and clarity make him a standout on virtual stages.

Mel Robbins - While not exclusively online business-focused, her insights on mindset and productivity are widely applicable to digital entrepreneurs.

Seth Godin - A marketing legend. His talks on permission marketing and tribes have shaped how online businesses build communities.

Dan Lok - Known for his high-ticket sales strategies and online business coaching. His speaking style is direct and persuasive.

Neil Patel (USA/UK): A global SEO and digital marketing expert. His webinars and keynotes are packed with data-driven insights.

Sabri Suby (Australia) - Founder of King Kong agency, Sabri is known for his aggressive growth strategies and high-converting funnels.

Vusi Thembekwayo (South Africa) - A dynamic speaker who blends entrepreneurship with economic insight. His global perspective makes him a standout.

Anik Singal (USA/India) - Specializes in digital publishing and online education. His talks often focus on building scalable online businesses.

Peng Joon (Malaysia) - A master of monetizing content. His virtual presentations are high-energy and packed with actionable tactics.

Tina Tower (Australia) - Focuses on helping women scale online course businesses. Her talks are empowering and practical.

Chris Ducker (UK/Philippines) - Known for personal branding and virtual team building. He brings a global lens to online entrepreneurship.

Lewis Howes (USA) - Host of 'The School of Greatness' podcast. His talks blend business with personal development.

Vanessa Lau (Canada) - A rising star in the online coaching space. Her YouTube and Instagram strategies are especially popular with Gen Z and millennial entrepreneurs.

Liam Austin (Australia) - Founder of Virtual Summit Academy and Talks.co. Known for helping entrepreneurs grow authority and leads through virtual events.

Let's address a few assumptions that keep popping up around online business speakers. These misconceptions can hold people back from stepping into the space or mislead those already in it.

1. You need to be famous to succeed as an online business speaker.
This is a big one. Many believe that unless you're a bestselling author or a household name, no one will book you. That's simply not true. Take someone like Pat Flynn. He built his speaking career by sharing niche expertise in passive income and podcasting. He wasn't a celebrity, but he had value to offer. What matters more than fame is clarity of message, relevance to your audience, and the ability to deliver transformation.

2. Online business speakers just talk about making money online.
It's easy to assume that 'online business' means affiliate marketing, dropshipping, or digital products only. But online business speakers span industries: from remote team leadership to SaaS growth, from e-learning design to virtual event strategy. For example, speakers like Natalie Sisson focus on freedom-based business models, while others like Neil Patel dive deep into SEO. The field is broad and growing.

3. You can't make real money speaking online.
This myth stems from comparing online gigs to traditional keynote fees. But online speaking opens up recurring revenue models: virtual summits, paid webinars, online workshops, and membership-based speaking series. Some speakers earn more from a single virtual summit than they would from a year of in-person gigs. It's not about the format, it's about the offer and audience alignment.

4. You need a TEDx talk to be taken seriously.
TEDx is great, but it's not the only path. Many successful online business speakers have never stepped on a TEDx stage. Instead, they build authority through podcast interviews, YouTube channels, LinkedIn Lives, and virtual summits. Authority today is distributed. You can build it strategically without waiting for a gatekeeper.

5. Online speaking is easier than in-person events.
Different, yes. Easier? Not always. Online speakers need to master tech, engage without physical presence, and often handle their own production. It's a different skill set. But with the right tools and preparation, it becomes second nature. And the reach? Far beyond any conference room.

When you think of online business speakers, you might picture someone on a Zoom screen with a slide deck. But the stories behind the most successful ones are far more dynamic.

Take Chris Ducker. He started as a virtual staffing entrepreneur in the Philippines. Over time, he realized his insights into personal branding and remote team building were in high demand. He began speaking at virtual events, then hosting his own online summits. His brand grew globally, not because he chased every stage, but because he focused on delivering value to a specific audience: entrepreneurs building personal brands.

Then there's Lisa Nichols. While she's known for her in-person charisma, Lisa transitioned into online speaking with powerful digital workshops and virtual keynotes. Her message of transformation and abundance resonates just as deeply through a webcam as it does on stage. She adapted her storytelling and energy to the online format, proving that emotional connection isn't limited by physical space.

Another example: Nathan Chan, founder of Foundr. He didn't start as a speaker. But as his digital magazine grew, so did his authority. He began hosting webinars, teaching online courses, and speaking at virtual events. His content-rich sessions on startup growth and digital marketing made him a go-to expert for online summits and podcasts.

And don't overlook regional success stories. In South Africa, entrepreneur and speaker Marnus Broodryk built a strong online presence by combining business insights with local relevance. His virtual talks on small business resilience during economic downturns gained traction across African markets.

These stories show that there's no single path to becoming a successful online business speaker. What they share is a commitment to clarity, consistency, and connection. Whether you're teaching SaaS founders in San Francisco or coaching freelancers in Nairobi, the principles are the same: know your audience, deliver transformation, and keep showing up.

The landscape for online business speakers is shifting in some interesting ways. Not just in terms of tech, but in how audiences engage, how speakers monetize, and how authority is built.

First, the rise of micro-communities is changing the game. Instead of speaking to massive, general audiences, speakers are now targeting niche groups. Think: a virtual summit for female SaaS founders in Latin America, or a webinar series for solopreneurs over 50. This hyper-specific approach increases engagement and conversion, and it's where we're headed.

Second, AI is becoming a co-pilot. Tools like ChatGPT and Descript are helping speakers draft scripts, repurpose content, and even generate slide decks. But more than that, AI is helping speakers personalize their delivery. Imagine tailoring your talk in real-time based on audience feedback or engagement data. That's not far off.

Third, monetization models are evolving. Instead of relying solely on speaking fees, online business speakers are building ecosystems: paid communities, cohort-based courses, affiliate partnerships, and licensing deals. The talk becomes the top of the funnel, not the product itself.

Here are a few key trends to watch:
- Interactive formats. Expect more live polls, breakout rooms, and co-creation sessions during talks.
- Global-first audiences. Speakers are designing content with multilingual and multicultural audiences in mind.
- Decentralized platforms. More speakers are moving beyond Zoom and YouTube to platforms like Circle, Butter, and Hopin.
- Data-driven content. Talks are increasingly backed by real-time analytics, helping speakers refine their message faster.

The future isn't just about being a better speaker. It's about being a better facilitator, strategist, and content creator. The line between speaker, educator, and entrepreneur is blurring. And that's a good thing.

Getting started as an online business speaker? You don't need a massive budget or a fancy studio. What you need is the right toolkit. Here's a curated list of tools and resources that can help you build your speaking brand, land gigs, and deliver high-impact virtual talks.

1. Talks.co. A smart platform that matches speakers with podcast hosts. Great for building credibility, practicing your message, and reaching new audiences. Tip: Start with niche shows where your expertise stands out.

2. Ecamm Live. If you're on Mac, this is a powerful live streaming tool. Use it to level up your virtual presentations with overlays, screen shares, and multi-camera setups. Tip: Preload your slides and branding to keep things smooth.

3. Canva. Not just for social media. Use Canva to create slide decks, speaker one-sheets, and branded visuals for your talks. Tip: Stick to one or two fonts and a consistent color palette to look pro without overthinking it.

4. Descript. Need to edit your talk recordings or repurpose them into reels or blog posts? Descript makes it easy. Tip: Use the 'Overdub' feature to fix small audio mistakes without re-recording.

5. Zoom. Still the go-to for virtual speaking gigs. But go beyond the basics: use breakout rooms for workshops, polls for engagement, and custom backgrounds for branding.

6. SpeakerHub. A directory where you can list your profile, get discovered by event organizers, and apply to calls for speakers. Tip: Add video clips of past talks to boost your credibility.

7. Otter.ai. Transcribe your talks automatically. Great for creating blog posts, captions, or course content from your presentations. Tip: Sync it with Zoom for real-time transcription.

8. LinkedIn Events. A free and underused way to host your own virtual sessions. Build your audience while showcasing your expertise. Tip: Promote your event with short video teasers and topic highlights.

These tools won't make you a great speaker on their own. But they'll help you look polished, stay organized, and reach the right people. Combine them with a clear message and consistent outreach, and you're well on your way.