How to Launch Your First Online Course: My Step-by-Step Guide

As a speaker and coach, it is important to me that I create content that anyone can access whether they are watching me live in-person, virtually, or learning through one of my online courses. I want their experience to be filled with empowerment and enlightenment on how they can be successful in building their brand through social media.

While I’m no guru in the online course space, I’ve learned a thing or two while creating multiple online products and I thought it would be fun to share what’s worked, what didn’t, and the tools that have helped me along the way.

Getting Started: My 90-Day Course Creation Plan

Some people online would have you believe that creating an online course is simple and can be done quickly. The truth is, there is a lot of work that goes into creating a course from start to finish, and it takes time.

The process can seem overwhelming but I found a way to break it down into manageable steps by taking focusing on one thing a week.

Each week I focus on one piece of the course: topics, module outlines, deliverables like guides and worksheets, etc.

By doing this, I can zone in on this one area, perfect it, and then move on to the next step instead of bouncing around aimlessly.

Choosing the Right Tools: Tech Stack for building an online course

Investing in a quality online course platform is crucial. You want to find a platform that is easy to work with and will give your students a great experience as well. I choose Kajabi but there are other options like Thinkific and Teachable.

Take the time to do your research as each platform has its pros and cons.

You may want to take a look at your CRM like Dubsado/Honeybook to add any workflows like contracts, invoicing, and questionnaires if your course platform does not offer these features.

While a lot of course platforms offer email marketing, I like to send emails from Flodesk directly because they are beautiful and allow segmentation and analytics!

Monthly Investment: The Cost of Running a Course

Yes, launching a course involves spending some money on your end. Kajabi for instance, costs $199 a month. But trust me, the organization it provides is worth every penny.

Course Content Creation: Videos & Visuals

Now for the fun part of planning a course - creating content!

I record my videos on Zoom so that I can share my screen for tutorials and of course, speak directly into the camera. Once I record all of the videos, I save them on Vimeo because they offer settings to allow for privacy and download permissions. For visuals like slides, I like to use Canva.

Student Accessibility: Transcripts

To cater to different learning preferences, I transcribe my videos using Rev.com. It is another expense but it not only transcribes my videos, it adds closed captioning as well.

I love offering different consumption options for everyone who signs up because some people learn best with videos, while others prefer to read.

Templates & Shortcuts: Etsy Goldmine

Not a design pro? No problem. Don’t get sucked into hours of design.

Etsy is a goldmine filled with templates that can help make your course look professional and polished. They have templates for sales pages, lead magnets, course workbooks and so much more!

You’ll save so much time and your sanity.

Dress Rehearsal: Pre-Launch Checklist

Before you officially launch, have a friend take a look around your sale pages, check-out page, and course material for any errors or missteps.

Make sure that it’s easy to sign up and that the material is easy to navigate through.

Ready, set, LAUNCH! : Marketing Strategy

Once your course is ready, it’s time to market it and get people in.

Of course, you want to use social media but don’t forget about email campaigns, paid ads, collaborations, etc.

If you’re doing any live events, create a QR code for easy sign-ups.

You can also start an affiliate program to allow others to help you promote your course and make a commission.

And there you have it, your first course!

I hope that my process helps you create a program your ideal clients will rave about.

Happy creating!

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