PROGRESS NOTES

How to Create an Online Course For Beginners (6-Step Guide)

Aug 31, 2023

Hey there! If you're itching to dive into the world of online courses, you're in the right place. I'm your guide to crafting your very own online course, even if you're a complete newbie. Let's jump into these six essential steps, shall we?

1. Find Your Spark: Unveiling the Perfect Idea

First things first, you need a shining idea for your course. But don't worry if you're drawing blanks – your audience holds the key. Scan your social media comments, YouTube videos, Instagram, TikTok – wherever your people hang out. As I always say, "Those comments are gold." See what questions and issues they're buzzing about. That's your cue. Look for problems that are urgent, necessary to solve, and painful for your future customer. It's all about aligning your expertise with what people need. Check out this resource to help you research and validate your course topic.

2. Craft the Blueprint: Mapping Out Your Curriculum

Once you have your idea locked down, it's time to design your course curriculum. Keep it straightforward. The trick is to build a logical sequence. Here are some more tips for getting started with your curriculum:

Clarity of Objectives: Clearly define the learning objectives of your course. What should students be able to do or understand by the end of the course? These objectives will guide the entire curriculum design process.
Structure and Sequence: As mentioned, building a logical sequence is essential. Start with foundational concepts and gradually progress to more advanced topics. Each module or unit should build upon the knowledge gained in the previous one. This helps students see the natural progression of the subject matter.
Modularity: Divide the course into manageable modules or units. Each module should focus on a specific topic or concept. This makes the content more digestible for learners and allows them to track their progress more easily.
Balance Depth and Breadth: Strive for a balanced curriculum that covers the key concepts comprehensively without overwhelming the learners. Decide how deep you want to go into each topic based on the course's level and duration.
Engagement and Variety: Incorporate a variety of teaching methods and resources to keep learners engaged. This could include videos, readings, quizzes, assignments, discussions, and more. Different learners have different preferences for learning, so offering multiple avenues can enhance the learning experience.

3. Format Matters: Pick Your Course's Style

The format is the soul of your course. Will you go for snazzy PDF guides or power-packed videos? You decide. If you're going for guides, whip up sleek ones using Canva. Your visuals should be like Instagram-worthy pancakes. If video's your thing, grab your phone and a quality microphone. Remember, clear audio is key, and a budget-friendly lav mic can do wonders. Your audience deserves a smooth, engaging experience.

4. Name That Course: Let the Title Shine

Coming up with a course name can feel like naming your firstborn. But relax, it doesn't need to be immediate. It's okay if it hits you later in your journey. Keep the name catchy, but concise. My tip? Keep it under three words. If you want to explain more, throw in a descriptive subtitle. This helps learners understand what's cooking without overwhelming their memory. Always make sure the title highlights the benefits of your course.

5. Your Platform Haven: Where Your Course Lives

Picking the right platform is like choosing your course's home sweet home. Options like Thinkific, Kajabi, and Teachable are your real estate agents here. Thinkific is like building your own mansion – it offers sleek course-building and even lets you craft snazzy landing pages. Payhip is a cozy cottage – great for simpler courses. But don't overthink this step – your course's quality matters more. Kajabi is like a small town covering blogging, web pages, email marketing, and podcasting.

6. Lights, Camera, Action: Creating Your Masterpiece

Now comes the thrilling part – creating your course content! If you're writing guides, hit up Canva or Designrr to design stunning eBooks. If videos are your jam, whip out that smartphone and level up your audio game with a lav mic. Roll out your content based on the curriculum you've sketched.

Your Action Steps for Success

Audience Insight: Dive into comments and messages from your audience to discover their pain points and needs.
Curriculum Blueprint: Design your course's skeleton with an engaging flow of modules and lessons.
Format Decisions: Choose between guides or videos based on your comfort and what suits your content.
Course Title Magic: Craft a short, snappy course name with an explanatory subtitle if needed.
Platform Pick: Opt for a user-friendly platform like Thinkific, Payhip, or Teachable to host your course.
Creation Time: Dive into content creation, creating guides with Canva or videos with a smartphone and mic.

Remember, every master was once a beginner. Don't get caught up in perfectionism – focus on providing value and making learning enjoyable for your audience. So, go on, create your online course and share your expertise with the world!

Resources to Get Started

With these steps, you're all set to embark on your online course creation journey. Remember, your knowledge is a treasure waiting to be shared. So, seize the moment, and let your expertise shine through your very own online course!

Course Creation Planning Worksheet Download

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