The demand for eCourses has never been higher. And guess what? They’re not just popular; they’re also incredibly profitable too!
Imagine teaching a bunch of eager learners all at once instead of just one at a time. That’s the beauty of eCourses.
You put in the work once, and voila – you’ve got yourself a course that can keep earning for you all year long. That’s what we call smart hustling!
And if you sell services…there’s even more benefits to having a course.
When you’ve got an awesome eCourse out in the world, you can start charging premium pricing for your one-on-one work. eCourses turn you into a go-to expert, and people will be willing to pay more for your personal touch.
This week’s newsletter is packed with practical, step-by-step advice for those wanting to get their first online course up and running quickly.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s turn your knowledge into a money making venture that keeps on giving!
Whether you’re a seasoned professional in your field or someone with a passion to share, this guide will equip you with the tools and confidence to create an eCourse that not only sells but also genuinely helps people learn.
So let’s get into it!
This week’s newsletter brings you:
- Trends – Take a look at the latest data on the E-learning market.
- Strategies – This week we’re giving you an easy peasy step-by-step guide to getting your course out into the wild!
- Tool of the Week – A platform that makes hosting a course so. much. easier. You’ll definitely want to check this one out!
Trends
First things first, let’s take a look at the latest data on the E-learning market.
Major Categories in the E-learning Market
According to data published by Statista, by 2026 the global e-learning market is forecast to reach almost 400 billion U.S. dollars. Compare that to 2019, when the global e-learning market was sized at almost 200 billion U.S. dollars. That’s incredible growth if you ask us!
E-Learning Market Size
As you can see from this data collated by Technavio, the e-loearning market size is growing steadily, with no signs of slowing down. One thing’s for sure, more and more people are embracing being able to learn online!
Strategies
With the juicy data out of the way let’s get into creating your first online program.
Step One: Brainstorm Your eCourse Idea
Before we get started let’s get one thing super clear upfront – you don’t need to an expert to create a course.
All it takes is knowing a bit more than others in a certain area, that’s it. Seriously! So, let’s get those creative ideas flowing.
Create a Mind Map of All Your Awesome Ideas
First things first, time to get those thoughts down. Whether it’s with a classic pen and paper or a digital note-taking app, start sketching out all those brilliant ideas you have.
What are you passionate about?
What unique experiences do you have?
What’s your expertise?
Get it all down. Your life’s journey is rich with knowledge – it’s time to tap into it!
Choosing the Perfect Idea
Now that you’ve got a bunch of ideas here’s how to narrow them down:
- What Excites Me the Most?: If you’re excited about a topic, chances are, others will be too.
- Profit Potential: Think about which topics could be the most lucrative. We’re in this to make a mark and a profit, right?
- Demand in the Market: Have people been asking you for advice on a specific subject? That could be your eCourse goldmine!
Pre-Write Your Sales Page – A Strategic First Step
This might seem a little backward, but writing your sales page this early on is a strategic move.
It helps you clarify what your course will deliver, its goals, and who it’s perfect for. This clarity will be invaluable when you start creating the actual course content. You can learn more about sales writing here.
Decide on the Length of Your Course
Your course can range from a concise, impactful 1-hour workshop to an extensive year-long mastermind program. It really depends on what you’re teaching!
The length should suit the topic you’ve chosen and the amount of time you can dedicate. You have the flexibility to design it in a way that best fits your vision.
Step Two: Map Out Your eCourse
Alright, now that you’ve decided on your course topic and the length of it, it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty of creating your eCourse. This step is all about getting down everything you know about your course topic – no judgment, no holding back!
Vomit Out All Your Content Ideas
Yes, you read that right! This is your moment to let every single idea out. Don’t worry about organizing them yet or whether they make perfect sense. Think of this as a brainstorming session on steroids.
Every thought, every nugget of wisdom you have about your topic – get it out of your head and onto the page.
Create the Course ‘Skeleton’
Now, with all your ideas laid out, it’s time to give your course a structure. This is where you start turning that wild brainstorm into a well-organized framework. Think of it as building the skeleton of your course – the basic structure that’ll hold everything together.
There are a couple of ways to go about this:
- Mind Mapping: Great for visual thinkers. You can visually link concepts and ideas, making connections that you might not see in a linear format.
- Linear Approach with Bullet Points: Perfect if you prefer a more straightforward, step-by-step layout. This method helps in creating a clear, logical progression for your course.
Choose the method that clicks with your brain. The goal here is to transform your raw ideas into an organized, coherent course outline.
Here’s an example of what yours might look like:
Step Three: Decide on Tech – Crafting Your eCourse Delivery
Now that you’ve got your course mapped out, it’s time to dive into the tech side of things. Don’t worry, it’s not as daunting as it sounds! This is all about choosing how you’ll deliver your amazing content to your eager learners.
Choose Your Course Format
First up, decide on the format of your course. This is crucial because it’s how your students will experience what you have to teach. Here are some popular options:
- Ebook: Great for text-based courses, especially if you’re a wizard with words.
- Video + Worksheets: Perfect for a more interactive approach. Videos keep learners engaged, and worksheets help reinforce the learning.
- Talking Over Slideshows: Ideal if you want to present information in a clear, structured way. It’s like giving a dynamic lecture, but online!
Hosting Your Course – Finding the Perfect Online Home
Choosing where to host your course is like picking the right stage for a play. It’s all about finding the best spot to showcase your masterpiece. Here’s an overview of your options:
- Password-Protected Page on Your Website:
- Total Control: You have complete control over the user experience and branding.
- Customization Freedom: Tailor everything to fit your brand and style.
- Tech Know-How Needed: This option requires a bit more technical expertise to set up and manage.
- Direct Relationship with Students: You have direct access to your students for future marketing and course updates.
- Free Platforms like Udemy or Skillshare:
- Ease of Use: These platforms are user-friendly for both you and your learners.
- Broad Reach: Tap into an existing audience of eager learners.
- No Upfront Costs: Great for starting out without any investment.
- Limited Control and Competition: You’ll have less control over pricing and student data, and you’ll be in a marketplace with other courses.
- Paid Platforms like Kajabi or Teachable:
- Professional Features: These platforms offer advanced tools for course creation, marketing, and sales.
- Custom Branding: More options for personalizing the look and feel of your course.
- Investment Required: There’s an upfront cost, but the return can be worth it for the added features and control.
- Integrated Tools: Benefit from built-in marketing tools, payment processing, and student management systems.
Each option has its own set of benefits and challenges, so consider what aligns best with your goals, technical comfort level, and how you envision interacting with your students.
The right platform will not only host your content but also enhance the learning experience for your students.
Step Four: Marketing Your Course – Getting the Word Out
Creating your eCourse is just the beginning. Now, it’s time to let the world know about your fantastic course. Marketing is key, and here’s how you can effectively communicate the value of your course and attract learners.
Communicate the Value – What’s In It For Me (WIIFM)?
It’s crucial to clearly articulate why someone needs your course. What problem does it solve? How will it improve their life or skills? Remember, people are always tuned into their favorite radio station: WIIFM – “What’s In It For Me?” Make sure your course sings the right tunes!
No Audience Yet? Start with Your Network
Don’t have a big audience to sell to right off the bat? No worries! Start by thinking about people you already know who might benefit from your course.
And this isn’t about spamming your friends; it’s about sharing your new offer in natural conversations. Even if they’re not interested, they might know someone who is. Word of mouth is incredibly powerful!
Leverage Social Media
Social media is your best friend when it comes to marketing your eCourse. It’s a fantastic way to reach a wider audience, engage with potential students, and create buzz around your course. Share snippets, teasers, and testimonials to pique interest.
Create a Sense of Urgency with Deadlines
Having a deadline for enrollment can significantly boost sign-ups, especially if your course includes live elements like group coaching sessions. A deadline creates a sense of urgency and helps people make a decision faster.
Promote to Your Mailing List
If you have a mailing list, it’s gold. These are people who have already shown interest in what you have to offer. Let them know about your new course – they could be your most enthusiastic students!
Marketing your course effectively is about connecting with the right people, in the right way, at the right time. Use these strategies to showcase the value of your course and watch your sign-ups grow. You’ve got a fantastic course – now it’s time to show it off to the world!
Tool of the Week
Kajabi is a powerful online platform designed for side hustlers looking to create, market, and sell their digital products, particularly eCourses.
Known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive set of tools, Kajabi simplifies the process of turning your knowledge and skills into a profitable online course.
Key Features of Kajabi:
- Course Creation and Management: Kajabi provides a seamless experience for creating engaging courses. With its intuitive course builder, you can easily upload videos, create quizzes, and organize your content into modules and lessons.
- Website and Landing Page Builder: Kajabi offers a range of customizable templates for building your own website and landing pages. These are crucial for showcasing your course and capturing leads.
- Marketing Tools: The platform excels in its integrated marketing features. From automated email campaigns to sales funnels, Kajabi has everything you need to attract and retain students. Its advanced email marketing system allows you to segment your audience, send targeted emails, and track performance.
- Payment Processing: Kajabi simplifies the sales process with built-in payment processing. It supports various payment models like one-time payments, subscriptions, and payment plans.
- Analytics and Reporting: With Kajabi’s detailed analytics, you can track your course’s performance, understand your revenue streams, and gain insights into student engagement and behavior.
- Community Building: The platform also offers tools to build a community around your courses. This feature enables students to interact with each other and engage more deeply with the material.
- Customer Support and Resources: Kajabi provides excellent customer support and a wealth of educational resources, including webinars, tutorials, and a community forum.