Creating an Online Course That Sells: 3 Core Principles for Success
Dec 20, 2023As an aspiring course creator, one of the most daunting tasks you'll face is transforming the wealth of knowledge in your head into a format that's not only easy to follow but also empowers users to apply what they've learned in their everyday lives.
However, a common pitfall many creators stumble into is believing they need to be the smartest person in the room to succeed. In reality, success in course creation hinges on three core principles that prioritize practical learning over mere head knowledge.
Let me illustrate this with a story from 2020. A friend of mine invested $3,000 in a digital marketing course promising to equip her with the skills to plan and implement successful marketing strategies. Yet, upon completion, she found herself armed with theoretical knowledge but lacking the practical know-how to execute real-world tasks. Despite her academic achievements and theoretical understanding, the course failed to deliver on its promise of actionable skills.
The fundamental issue? The course focused solely on imparting head knowledge rather than practical application. This experience reinforced my belief that people enroll in online courses not to collect certificates but to acquire tangible skills they can use to solve real problems.
When embarking on your course creation journey, keep these three core principles in mind:
Practical Learning Over Proving Intelligence:
The primary goal of your course should be to teach people how to do something with practical, easy-to-apply, and actionable steps. Avoid the temptation to showcase your intellect and instead focus on delivering practical value that empowers your students to take action.
Show, Don't Just Tell:
The true power of online courses lies in your ability to not only tell someone how to do something but also show them. Incorporate practical training sections, demonstrations, and real-world examples to enhance learning and retention.
Be the Solution You Wished You Had:
Reflect on your own journey and the challenges you faced when learning the subject matter. Your course should be the resource you wish you had when starting out. Address the questions and hurdles you encountered, and provide solutions that save your students time and money.
Additionally, don't shy away from sharing your own mistakes and learning experiences. These anecdotes serve as valuable teaching tools and resonate deeply with your audience, fostering trust and credibility.
In conclusion, the success of your online course relies on its ability to deliver practical value, empower learners with actionable skills, and address real-world challenges. By adhering to these core principles and staying true to the needs of your audience, you can create a course that not only sells but also transforms lives.