If you are a blogger, coach, consultant, or literally a human with a hobby that’s easy for you, then you can create a course.
In fact, according to market research firm Global Industry Analysts, the online education industry will grow from $107 billion in 2015 to $370 billion in 2026. (foundr.com)
So if you are hunting for this answer, I am 100% sure, you are ready to create your course. Now, if the course will be successful? Or… if you will be resourceful enough to make it a reality?
Those are completely different questions. But don’t worry I got you covered to make sure you create your irresistible offer and launch with ease.
Do you need to be an expert to create a course?
No. You do not need to be Einstein, Elon Musk, or Julie Stoain to create an online course. You do, however, need to have the skills to deliver on the results your course promises.
{While we are here, I am going to jump on my soap box}
You need to be an ethical course creator. To be profitable year over year, you need to be creating a course that is yours. That means your “offer hacking” is just research, not the base of your program. {End rant.}
If you are still reading, that says you aren’t scared. Also, you agree that being an ethical entrepreneur is so much sexier than tricking and bamboozling your way to thousands of dollars.
Additionally, it shows me you are serious about creating your course, which means you are my kind of woman.
But the question remains if I am not an expert, why would I create a course?
Why you should create a course?
Any skill or knowledge you have is likely 2 -3 steps ahead of someone else who wants to learn what you know. More importantly, most people want to learn from someone who is only a few steps ahead of them. Otherwise, they get intimidated, or the teacher is ineffective because of the knowledge gap.
Essentially you wouldn’t want to learn the ABCs from someone with a Ph.D. in literature. They might start talking about cadence, diphthongs, etc. While, a 10-year-old would point at the letter ‘A’ and say, “ahhh.”
You should also create an online course because of all the benefits for you and your audience.
- They are an effective way for people to access your knowledge at any time.
- They can help you grow your audience.
- They can help you be seen as an authority on your topic.
Are you ready to create an online course?
You are ready to create a course when you know what your ideal human needs to receive their core desire. More importantly, you need to know how to provide it in a way that is unique and proprietary.
Learning what your ideal human wants and needs, requires a lot of market research.
If you are starting out, then you should be getting on calls with prospective buyers and figuring out:
- How do they talk about their pain points?
- How do they talk about the pleasure of the imagined result?
- What do they currently buy to get that result?
If you already have an established business send your customers surveys. You can also review your customer service tickets and testimonials.
While creating online courses is worth the time and effort it takes to create them, it’s a lengthy process if you aren’t resourceful.
Many people who want to create an online course get so bogged down in the details that they give up. Afterward, they return to creating free content to drive to their other products.
That is a huge disservice to you and your audience. Most people do not learn complete lessons from free content. They will pick and choose what they need.
Data gathered by Teachable found that in paid courses, 36% of students on average completed the course. In free courses, only 9% on average would see it through to the end. (foundr.com) So if you truly want to serve your audience, then you need to create a paid-for course.
How do you make your online course unique?
Earlier I mentioned that your course should provide your ideal human’s core desire in a way that is unique and proprietary. For many that may seem impossible.
I have been on several calls, where my client will start by saying it is impossible to be unique in their niche. I will always call bull sh*t. {In the most loving way possible}
The fact that it is being created by YOU already makes it unique. Your goal should be to capitalize on what makes you different. Here are some questions I ask my clients to get the juices flowing:
- Do you start at a point that is unconventional? Or do things backward?
- Do you focus on a specific part of the process that is normally ignored?
- Do you take smaller action steps?
- What do you disagree with that others believe is important?
There are hundreds of ways to focus your course and your framework to create your unique selling proposition. Sometimes it boils down to asking the right questions or having a 3rd party opinion.
Conclusion: Are you ready to create an online course?
Of course you are! {Pun intended}
If we are being honest you already know that you are. You are probably worried about how much time it will take. Or what tools and technology you will need.
I get it. I’ve been there. I have helped a lot of coaches and consultants bust through those beliefs and create the course of their dreams.
If you are ready to create a clear path tailored to your business, book a free listening session today. Click here to schedule yours.
