Online Courses & Coaching
How I Made My First $1000 Selling an Online Course (About My Hobby!)
I was obsessed with indoor gardening and shared my journey on Instagram. People kept asking for specific tips on propagating succulents. Seeing the interest, I outlined a simple step-by-step video course. Using my smartphone and basic editing software, I recorded modules covering soil, light, watering, and troubleshooting. I hosted it on Teachable (a course platform) and priced it accessibly at $47. Announcing it to my small Instagram following (~1500 followers) felt nerve-wracking, but sales trickled in. Within two months, I’d made just over $1000, proving my hobby knowledge was valuable to others!
My $0 Course Launch: Validating My Idea and Getting Pre-Sales
I had an idea for a course on meal prepping for busy professionals but wasn’t sure if people would pay. Instead of building it first, I created a detailed outline and shared it in relevant Facebook groups, asking, “Would a course covering this be helpful? What’s your biggest meal prep challenge?” The positive response was encouraging. I then offered a limited-time “Founding Member” pre-sale: lifetime access for $49 (planned price $99) if they bought before I finished creating it. Ten people signed up, netting me $490! This validated the idea and funded my initial software costs.
From Free Content to $500 Course: My Value Ladder Strategy
I started by offering free blog posts and checklists about freelance writing. This built my email list. Next, I created a $27 ebook diving deeper into finding clients. People who bought the ebook often asked for more personalized help. This led me to create my signature course priced at $497, teaching my entire freelance system. The free content attracted leads, the low-cost ebook qualified buyers and built trust, and the course offered the complete transformation. This “value ladder” naturally guided people from free resources to my premium offering, making the $500 price point feel justified.
How I Chose the Topic for My Profitable Online Course
I brainstormed topics where I had expertise and saw genuine problems people were willing to pay to solve. I considered my skills in graphic design, project management, and homebrewing coffee. I researched online forums (Reddit, Facebook groups) and keyword search volume. While I loved coffee, many free resources existed. However, I saw constant questions and frustrations around non-designers creating professional-looking graphics for social media. This intersection of my skill, audience need, and willingness to pay led me to create my “Canva for Entrepreneurs” course, which proved far more profitable than a coffee course likely would have.
My Simple Tech Setup for Creating and Hosting an Online Course (Under $100/Mo)
I avoided complex tech initially. My setup: 1) Smartphone: For recording decent quality video. 2) Lavalier Microphone ($20): Plugged into my phone, drastically improving audio quality. 3) Canva: For creating slides and simple graphics (free or Pro version). 4) Loom/Screencast-o-matic: For screen recording tutorials (free or low-cost plan). 5) Teachable: Hosted my course videos, payment processing, and student logins (Basic plan around $39/month when I started). This minimal setup allowed me to create and sell my first course professionally without breaking the bank, costing well under $100 per month.
How I Outline and Structure a Course People Actually Finish
Low completion rates hurt testimonials. I structure courses for progress: 1) Clear Outcome: Define the specific result students will achieve. 2) Modular Breakdown: Divide the journey into logical modules (5-7 ideally). 3) Lesson Focus: Each lesson covers one key concept or action step (5-15 mins max). 4) Actionable Steps: Include worksheets, checklists, or specific tasks in each module. 5) Quick Wins Early: Start with easier lessons to build momentum. 6) Logical Flow: Ensure each module builds upon the last. This clear path keeps students engaged and moving towards the final goal.
My $5k/Month Coaching Business: How I Got My First Paying Client
After years as a marketing consultant, I wanted to coach freelancers. I started sharing valuable tips daily on LinkedIn. I offered free 15-minute “strategy sessions” in my posts – no hard sell, just genuine help. Someone booked a call, impressed by my free advice. During the call, I listened to their struggles and outlined how I could help them achieve their income goals faster with structured coaching. They asked about my rates. I nervously quoted my initial $500/month package. They said yes! That first client, gained through consistent free value, gave me the confidence to build my practice.
My Failed Course Idea (And Why Market Research is Crucial)
I was passionate about historical calligraphy and spent months creating a beautiful, detailed course. I invested in professional camera gear and editing software, maybe $600 total. I launched it with excitement to my small email list (mostly history buffs). The result? Two sales. Total. I realized my fatal flaw: I never validated if people wanted to learn this specific skill online or were willing to pay for it. I assumed my passion equaled market demand. That failure taught me market research – surveys, checking forums, pre-selling – isn’t optional. It must come before creation.
Building an Audience Before Launching My Course (My Email List Strategy)
I knew launching a course to nobody wouldn’t work. Before creating my course on mindful productivity, I focused on building an email list. I offered a free “5-Day Mindfulness Challenge” lead magnet on my blog and social media. People signed up by providing their email. I then nurtured that list weekly with valuable tips and insights related to mindfulness and productivity, building trust. When I finally launched my course six months later, I had an engaged list of 800+ subscribers who already knew, liked, and trusted me, resulting in a much stronger launch.
How I Create Engaging Video Lessons for My Online Course (Simple Setup)
My first videos were boring talking heads. I learned engagement needs variety: 1) Good Audio: Use an external microphone (
50); bad audio is unforgivable. 2) Good Lighting: Film facing a window for natural light, or use a simple ring light. 3) Mix Formats: Combine talking head segments (for connection) with screen recordings (for demos) and slides (for key points). 4) Keep it Concise: Aim for 5-10 minute lessons focused on one topic. 5) Edit Ruthlessly: Cut out pauses and mistakes. Add simple text overlays for emphasis. My smartphone, mic, and basic editing software were enough!
My Sales Page Formula That Converts Visitors into Course Students
A sales page needs structure. My winning formula: 1) Compelling Headline: Focus on the desired outcome/transformation. 2) Problem Agitation: Describe the pains my ideal student currently faces. 3) Solution Introduction: Introduce my course as the answer. 4) Detailed Module Breakdown: Show exactly what they’ll learn. 5) Meet the Instructor: Build trust with my story/credentials. 6) Testimonials/Social Proof: Show results from past students. 7) Clear Call to Action: Multiple “Enroll Now” buttons. 8) Bonuses & Guarantee: Add urgency and reduce risk. This flow guides visitors logically towards making a purchase decision.
How I Offer Coaching as an Upsell to My Online Course
My course taught foundational business skills. Many students finished wanting personalized guidance. On the course thank-you page and in follow-up emails, I offered an optional upgrade: a package of three 1:1 coaching calls for $497 specifically designed to help implement the course material in their unique business. About 15% of course students took this offer. It provided significant extra value for them and increased my average customer revenue substantially, leveraging the trust already built through the course without requiring a hard sell.
How I Deliver Amazing Results for My Coaching Clients (My Framework)
Clients pay for results, not just calls. My coaching framework: 1) Clear Goal Setting: Define specific, measurable outcomes in our first session. 2) Actionable Roadmap: Break down the goal into weekly or bi-weekly steps. 3) Accountability: Check progress on action items each call. Adjust plan as needed. 4) Resource Provision: Share relevant tools, templates, or contacts. 5) Skill Building: Teach them how to do things, not just what to do. 6) Mindset Support: Address fears and limiting beliefs holding them back. This structured yet flexible approach ensures clients make tangible progress.
My Experience with Different Course Platforms (Teachable vs. Kajabi vs. Thinkific)
I started with Teachable – simple, affordable ($39/mo), great for beginners focused just on hosting course content. As I grew, I needed more marketing tools integrated. I tried Kajabi – powerful all-in-one platform (email, landing pages, course hosting), but significantly more expensive (starting $149/mo). It streamlined my tech stack. I also explored Thinkific – similar to Teachable but with slightly different features and pricing tiers. My verdict: Teachable/Thinkific are excellent starting points. Kajabi is powerful for scaling if you want everything integrated and can justify the higher cost.
How I Get Testimonials and Case Studies That Sell My Course/Coaching
Social proof is crucial. How I get it: 1) Ask at Peak Excitement: Request feedback right after a client achieves a significant win or finishes the course feeling accomplished. 2) Make it Easy: Send a simple form with specific guiding questions (e.g., “What was your biggest struggle before? What specific result did you achieve?”). 3) Offer Incentives (Optional): A small gift card or discount for completing a video testimonial. 4) Request Permission: Always ask to use their name/photo/story in marketing. Powerful testimonials detailing specific transformations (e.g., “doubled my income,” “launched my website”) sell better than generic praise.
My Strategy for Running a Beta Launch for My Online Course
Before a full public launch, I ran a “beta” round for my course on podcast editing. I offered it at a steep discount (50% off) to a small group (20 people) from my email list. Their “payment” was providing detailed feedback via surveys after each module and participating in a group feedback call. This helped me: 1) Identify confusing lessons or tech glitches. 2) Gather powerful testimonials before the main launch. 3) Refine the content based on real student experience. The beta testers felt special, and I launched a much stronger course thanks to their input.
How I Handle Student Support and Community Management for My Course
Students need support beyond lessons. My approach: 1) Dedicated Support Channel: Use the course platform’s comments or a private Facebook/Slack group (avoids email overload). 2) Set Expectations: Define response times (e.g., within 24 business hours) in the welcome module. 3) Encourage Peer Support: Foster community in the group so students help each other. 4) Weekly Q&A (Optional): Host live calls or threads for common questions. 5) FAQ Document: Create a resource answering frequent queries. Providing timely support and fostering community increases course value and reduces refunds.
My Free Challenge Funnel That Leads to Course/Coaching Sales
To sell my fitness coaching, I ran a free “5-Day Healthy Habits Challenge.” Participants signed up via email. Each day for five days, they received an email with a small, actionable task (drink more water, short workout video, mindful eating tip) and joined a temporary Facebook group for support. The challenge delivered real value and built momentum. On Day 5, I hosted a live workshop summarizing the habits and introduced my paid coaching program as the next step for ongoing support and personalized plans. This generated warm leads and consistently converted 5-10% of challengers into clients.
How I Structure My Coaching Calls for Maximum Impact
Winging coaching calls leads to wasted time. My structure: 1) Check-in (5 mins): How was the past week? Any immediate wins or challenges? 2) Review Progress (10 mins): Discuss action items from the previous call. What got done? What obstacles arose? 3) Deep Dive (30 mins): Focus on the main topic/goal for this session. Brainstorm solutions, teach concepts, work through blocks. 4) Action Plan (10 mins): Define clear, specific action steps for the client to take before the next call. 5) Wrap-up (5 mins): Summarize actions, confirm next meeting time, offer encouragement. This ensures every call is productive.
My System for Onboarding New Coaching Clients Smoothly
A strong start sets the tone. My onboarding process: 1) Welcome Packet: Sent immediately after payment. Includes contract, scheduling link, intake questionnaire (goals, challenges, background), and communication guidelines. 2) Intake Questionnaire Review: I study their answers before our first call. 3) First Call (“Kick-off Session”): Focus on building rapport, clarifying goals deeply, setting initial milestones, and confirming expectations for the coaching relationship. 4) Shared Folder Setup: Create a Google Drive folder for call notes, resources, etc. This organized process makes clients feel supported and confident from day one.
How I Repurpose My Course Content for Marketing (Blog, Social Media)
My course on budgeting contained valuable lessons. I repurposed this content for marketing: 1) Lesson Summaries -> Blog Posts: Expanded key concepts from video lessons into detailed articles. 2) Key Tips -> Social Media Posts: Turned actionable advice into bite-sized Instagram carousels or Twitter threads. 3) Module Concepts -> YouTube Videos: Created shorter public videos teasing topics covered more deeply in the course. 4) Worksheets -> Content Upgrades: Offered course worksheets as free lead magnets on related blog posts. This maximizes my creation efforts, provides value, and naturally leads people towards the paid course.
My $50 Investment in a Microphone That Improved My Course Quality Dramatically
My first course videos used my laptop’s built-in mic. The audio was echoey and unprofessional. Reviews mentioned it was distracting. Based on advice, I bought a simple USB microphone (a Blue Snowball iCE) for about $50. The difference was night and day. My voice became clear, crisp, and background noise was significantly reduced. Students immediately noticed the improved quality. That single, affordable investment made my course feel much more professional and valuable, likely preventing potential refunds due to poor audio. It was the best $50 I spent early on.
How I Use Payment Plans to Make My Course More Accessible (And Increase Sales)
My signature $997 course was a significant investment for some. To make it accessible, I offered a payment plan option directly through my course platform (Kajabi/Teachable handle this). Option 1: One payment of $997. Option 2: Three monthly payments of $397 (slightly higher total to cover increased processing risk/fees). Adding the payment plan noticeably increased conversions. Many students who couldn’t afford the lump sum happily signed up for the monthly payments. It lowered the barrier to entry and boosted overall enrollment numbers significantly.
My Strategy for Updating and Improving My Course Over Time
An online course isn’t “one and done.” I keep mine relevant by: 1) Gathering Feedback: Regularly solicit student input via surveys and community discussions. What’s outdated? What’s confusing? 2) Monitoring My Niche: Stay updated on industry changes and new best practices related to my course topic (e.g., social media algorithm updates). 3) Annual Review: Block time once a year to review all lessons. Re-record outdated videos, add new relevant content, update resources. 4) Inform Students: Announce major updates to existing students – it adds ongoing value to their purchase. Continuous improvement maintains course value and justifies the price.
How I Built Authority in My Niche Before Selling Anything
Before launching my coaching program for virtual assistants, I spent six months focused solely on building authority: 1) Consistent Content: Published valuable blog posts and LinkedIn articles weekly addressing common VA challenges. 2) Free Resources: Offered high-quality checklists and templates (lead magnets) to build my email list. 3) Active Engagement: Participated helpfully in relevant Facebook groups and online forums, answering questions without pitching. 4) Guest Appearances: Spoke on podcasts popular with my target audience. By providing consistent value upfront, people began to see me as a trusted expert before I ever asked for a sale.
My Client Attraction Strategy That Doesn’t Rely on Cold Outreach
Cold emailing felt spammy. Instead, I attracted coaching clients by: 1) Creating High-Value Content: Sharing practical tips and insights consistently on my blog and LinkedIn, demonstrating expertise. 2) Offering Lead Magnets: Providing free guides relevant to my ideal client’s problems, capturing email leads. 3) Nurturing My Email List: Sending weekly valuable emails, building relationships. 4) Clear Call to Action: Inviting interested subscribers/followers to book a free “discovery call” to discuss their needs. Clients came to me because they resonated with my content and saw me as a helpful authority, rather than me chasing them.
How I Manage My Time Between Creating Content and Coaching Clients
Balancing content creation (marketing) and client delivery (coaching) is tough. My system: Time Blocking. 1) Client Days: Dedicate specific days (e.g., Tue/Thu) primarily for coaching calls and client support. Minimize distractions. 2) Content Days: Allocate other days (e.g., Mon/Wed) for focused content creation – writing blog posts, recording videos, planning social media. 3) Admin Time: Schedule short blocks daily or weekly for emails, invoicing, planning. Sticking to this schedule (as much as possible) ensures both crucial areas get adequate attention without constant context switching, reducing overwhelm.
The Legal Agreements Needed for Online Courses and Coaching
Protecting myself and setting clear expectations required legal documents. Key ones: 1) Website Terms & Conditions/Privacy Policy: Standard for any website collecting info. 2) Course Terms of Purchase: Outlines refund policy, intellectual property rights, disclaimers about results, payment terms. 3) Coaching Agreement: Defines scope of coaching, session details, payment schedule, confidentiality, client responsibilities, cancellation policy, disclaimers. I purchased customizable templates from reputable legal professionals (like The Contract Shop, Coaches & Co.) for around
1000 total, a crucial investment compared to potential legal issues later.
My $500 Coaching Package: What’s Included and How I Justify the Price
My initial 1:1 coaching package was priced at $500/month. To justify this, I clearly outlined the value: 1) Two 60-Minute Calls: Bi-weekly deep-dive sessions focused on their specific goals. 2) Unlimited Email Support: Access to me between calls for quick questions (with 24-48hr response time). 3) Personalized Action Plan: A documented roadmap we updated each session. 4) Resource Vault Access: Templates, checklists, and guides relevant to their needs. I focused on the transformation (e.g., “gain clarity and land your first 3 clients”) rather than just the calls. This value proposition made the $500 investment feel worthwhile.
How I Use Email Marketing to Nurture Leads into Buyers
My email list is my biggest asset. Nurturing leads involves: 1) Welcome Sequence: A series of automated emails introducing me, providing value, and sharing my story when someone first subscribes. 2) Weekly Value Emails: Consistent newsletters with tips, insights, or behind-the-scenes content related to my niche – builds trust. 3) Segmentation: Tagging subscribers based on interests (e.g., downloaded a specific guide) allows for more targeted messaging. 4) Launch Sequences: Dedicated email series when promoting a course launch or coaching spots, addressing pain points, sharing testimonials, and clearly outlining the offer with calls to action.
My Journey From Service Provider to Course Creator/Coach
I ran a successful web design agency but felt burnt out trading time for money. I noticed I was teaching clients the same basic WordPress skills repeatedly. This sparked an idea: package that knowledge into an online course. I created “WordPress Basics for Beginners.” It sold modestly but freed up some time. Seeing the leverage, I gradually created more courses based on common client needs and eventually added coaching for personalized support. This shifted my income from purely service-based (limited scalability) to include scalable digital products and higher-value coaching, transforming my business model.
How I Overcame Imposter Syndrome to Sell My Expertise
Launching my first course, I was terrified. “Who am I to teach this? What if people find out I don’t know everything?” Imposter syndrome hit hard. What helped: 1) Focusing on Helping People One Step Behind Me: I didn’t need to be the world’s #1 expert, just knowledgeable enough to help beginners. 2) Collecting Early Wins/Feedback: Positive comments from early students/clients boosted my confidence. 3) Remembering My Unique Journey: My specific experiences offered value others didn’t have. 4) Action Over Perfection: Launching despite the fear. Realizing perfection isn’t required, just genuine effort to help others.
My Tools for Scheduling Coaching Calls and Managing Clients
Managing clients manually became chaotic. Key tools I adopted: 1) Online Scheduler (Acuity Scheduling or Calendly): Clients book calls directly based on my availability, sends reminders, handles payments. Huge time saver (
25/month). 2) Video Conferencing (Zoom): Reliable platform for coaching calls, includes recording option. 3) Shared Notes/Documents (Google Workspace/Notion): Central place for call notes, action plans, shared resources with each client. 4) Payment Processor (Stripe/PayPal): Integrated with scheduler for easy invoicing and payments. These tools automate admin tasks, allowing more focus on actual coaching.
How I Set Boundaries With Coaching Clients (Availability, Scope)
Early on, clients texted me at all hours. Setting boundaries was crucial for sustainability: 1) Define Communication Channels & Hours: Clearly state in the contract/welcome packet preferred methods (e.g., email, Slack) and expected response times (e.g., within 24 business hours, Mon-Fri). 2) Stick to Session Times: Start and end calls on time. Gently redirect if sessions consistently run over. 3) Clarify Scope: Define what coaching includes and excludes. Avoid “scope creep” where clients expect help beyond the agreed areas. 4) Model Boundaries: Don’t reply to non-urgent messages instantly outside work hours. Respecting my own boundaries encourages clients to respect them too.
My Strategy for Launching New Courses or Coaching Programs
Launching isn’t just opening enrollment. My strategy: 1) Pre-Launch Buzz (2-4 weeks prior): Build anticipation via email/social media – hint at the topic, share behind-the-scenes, run polls. Grow waitlist. 2) Formal Launch Week (5-7 days): Open enrollment with a clear start/end date. Daily emails/posts addressing pain points, highlighting benefits, sharing testimonials, overcoming objections. 3) Bonuses/Urgency: Offer limited-time fast-action bonuses or early bird pricing to encourage quick decisions. 4) Closing Sequence: Remind people clearly as the cart closes. This structured approach maximizes visibility and conversions during the launch window.
How I Use Bonuses and Guarantees to Increase Course Conversions
On the fence buyers often need reassurance. Bonuses and guarantees help: 1) Relevant Bonuses: Offer extra value directly related to the course outcome (e.g., extra templates, a bonus mini-course, access to a live workshop). Make them time-sensitive for urgency (“enroll by Friday to get X”). 2) Strong Guarantee: Offer a conditional money-back guarantee (e.g., “Complete the first 2 modules and show me you did the work; if you’re not satisfied, get a full refund within 30 days”). This reduces perceived risk for the buyer without opening the door to effortless refunds.
My Analytics Tracking for Course Sales and Funnel Performance
“What gets measured gets managed.” I track key metrics using my course platform (Kajabi/Teachable) and Google Analytics: 1) Sales Page Conversion Rate: (Purchases / Unique Visitors) – shows page effectiveness. 2) Email Open/Click Rates: Monitors engagement during launches. 3) Webinar Registration/Show-Up/Conversion Rates: Tracks webinar funnel performance. 4) Sales by Traffic Source: Identifies which marketing channels (email, social, ads) drive the most revenue. 5) Average Order Value (if using upsells/tiers). Monitoring these numbers helps me identify weak points in my funnels and make data-driven decisions to improve sales.
How I Create Worksheets and Resources to Complement My Course Lessons
Videos teach concepts; resources help implement them. I create simple, actionable resources using Canva: 1) Checklists: For multi-step processes taught in a lesson. 2) Worksheets: With prompts or tables for students to apply concepts to their own situation (e.g., defining target audience). 3) Templates: Pre-formatted documents students can customize (e.g., email scripts, budget spreadsheets). 4) Resource Guides: Curated lists of tools or further reading. Offering these as downloadable PDFs within each relevant module enhances learning, provides tangible value, and caters to different learning styles.
How I Use Content Upgrades to Grow My Email List for Future Launches
A generic “sign up for my newsletter” isn’t compelling. Content upgrades work better. On my blog posts, I offer a specific, valuable freebie directly related to the post’s topic in exchange for an email address. Example: On a post about writing headlines, I offer a “10 High-Converting Headline Templates” PDF. Visitors reading the post are highly interested in that specific topic, making the upgrade irresistible. Using multiple targeted content upgrades across my popular blog posts rapidly grew my email list with engaged subscribers interested in my core topics.
My $10k Month Story: Scaling My Course/Coaching Business
Reaching $10,000 in one month felt impossible initially. It happened through combined strategies over time: 1) Maturing Signature Course: My main $497 course had strong testimonials and a proven funnel. 2) Adding a High-Ticket Offer: Introduced a $2,500 group coaching program. 3) Running a Structured Launch: Executed a well-planned launch for the group program to my nurtured email list. 4) Implementing Upsells: Offered payment plans and course bundles. 5) Consistent Marketing: Ongoing content creation drove steady course sales outside launches. It wasn’t one magic bullet, but the synergy of refined offers, strategic launching, and consistent marketing.
How I Handle Refunds and Dissatisfied Customers Professionally
Refund requests sting, but handling them well is crucial. My process: 1) Listen & Understand: If a customer emails unhappy, I first seek to understand why. Is it a tech issue? Misunderstanding? Did they do the work? 2) Refer to Policy: Gently remind them of the refund policy they agreed to (e.g., conditional guarantee requiring proof of effort). 3) Offer Alternatives: Can I help them get value? Offer a troubleshooting call? Address their specific issue? 4) Process Refund Promptly (If Applicable): If they meet policy terms or resolution isn’t possible, process the refund without hassle. Stay professional, avoid arguments.
The Future of Online Education and Coaching (My Predictions)
The space is evolving. My predictions: 1) Increased Focus on Community: Courses will need strong community components, not just content delivery. 2) Hybrid Models: Blending self-paced learning with live elements (Q&As, group calls) will become standard. 3) Niche Specialization: Broader courses face more competition; deep expertise in specific niches will thrive. 4) AI Integration: AI tools might help personalize learning paths or assist coaches with admin tasks. 5) Emphasis on Transformation: Buyers want clear outcomes and results, not just information. Demonstrating tangible ROI will be key for course creators and coaches.
My Advice for Someone Wanting to Create Their First Online Course
- Solve a Specific Problem: Don’t just teach a topic; solve a pain point your audience knows they have and is willing to pay to fix.
- Validate Before Creating: Talk to potential students, survey them, pre-sell your idea. Don’t build in a vacuum.
- Start Simple: Use basic tech (phone, mic, simple platform). You can upgrade later. Focus on quality content first.
- Outline Thoroughly: Structure your course logically for student success and completion.
- Price Based on Value/Transformation: Don’t drastically undercharge. Factor in the result you provide.
- Build an Audience First (Ideally): Launching is easier with an existing email list or following.
How I Got My First Coaching Client Testimonial (Even Before They Paid)
When starting coaching, I lacked testimonials. I offered three free “beta coaching” spots to ideal clients from my network. The condition: In exchange for 4 free sessions, they had to commit to showing up fully, doing the work, and providing a detailed testimonial (written or video) at the end if they found value. Two completed the program and achieved great results. They were thrilled to provide glowing testimonials about their specific transformations. These powerful, authentic stories were invaluable for attracting my first paying clients, proving my coaching worked.
What I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Online Course Business
- It’s More Marketing Than Creating: You spend way more time marketing and selling than actually creating the course content after the initial build.
- Tech Isn’t as Scary (or Important) as You Think: Simple tools work fine initially. Focus on content quality and audience connection.
- Building an Audience Takes Time: Don’t expect huge launches overnight if starting from scratch. Be patient and consistent.
- Completion Rates Matter: Structure for engagement and wins, or refunds and poor testimonials follow.
- Legal Stuff is Important: Get terms of purchase and privacy policies sorted early.
- Mindset is Half the Battle: Overcoming imposter syndrome and fear of selling is crucial.