Creating a course can be overwhelming and exhausting.
You’re trying to balance the content, branding, marketing, launch planning - it just feels like there's so much to do.
That’s why I’m here with 10 essential course creation hacks to help you complete your online course quickly. These methods will save time and energy during the entire process of creating an engaging course for your audience that drives results for your business or personal brand.
This blog post is designed specifically with entrepreneurs in mind so that they are empowered to easily create impactful courses without sacrificing too much effort!
Create an outline of your course before you start creating content. This helps you stay organized and focused while creating the course.
As a consultant, I highly recommend creating an outline of your course before diving into creating content. Not only does it help you stay organized, but it ensures that you stay focused on the key objectives of your course. By outlining the course, you have a clear roadmap of where you want to go and what you want to cover. It also allows for easy identification of any gaps in the content, and ensures that you cover all necessary topics in a logical order. In short, taking the time to create an outline upfront will save you time and headaches down the road, and lead to a more cohesive and effective course.
Check out my Curriculum Day if you are stuck at this stage.
Create or buy templates for your course layout and design to save time plus have a consistent look and feel.
There are a few reasons to have a strong visual identity for a course. Creating or buying templates for your course layout and design can save you time and ensure that your course has a consistent and professional look and feel. Templates can be customized to fit your unique style and personality, while also providing a structure for your content. By having a consistent design, your course will be more visually appealing and memorable for your learners. Good design builds trust and confidence in your learners. Investing in templates may seem like a small detail, but it can make a big impact on the success of your course.
Check out my Course Catalyst Template Kit if you are stuck at this stage.
Record multiple videos in one sitting to save time and ensure a consistent tone and pace throughout your course.
One of the most important things you can do to ensure a consistent and high-quality course is to record multiple videos in one sitting. Taking a day to block out the time and batch your recordings has numerous benefits for both you and your learners. Not only does it save time by allowing you to stay in the "recording zone" for an extended period, but it also ensures that your tone and pace remain consistent throughout the course. By recording all of your videos at once, you can easily spot any discrepancies in delivery and adjust accordingly. Your learners will appreciate the flow of the course and the ease with which they can follow along.
Record your introduction video last. Your course introduction sets the tone for what's to come. So why not save it for last and really nail it? With this counter intuitive approach, you'll not only avoid endless revisions but also sound much more confident
Use the latest ai screen recording ai software while demonstrating a process or teaching a specific topic, it's easier than you think. I use Descript.
With Descript.com, you can capture high-quality recordings of your screen and webcam, making it perfect for creating tutorial videos or online presentations. Descript automatically transcribes your video into text, making it easy to search for specific keywords or phrases. It stiches your edits together smoothly using AI and removes any ums and ahs automagically.
As a course consultant, I've seen the time and effort that goes into creating informative and engaging content. But what happens when you realize there are gaps in your course content? Rather than starting from scratch, consider repurposing previously created content like blog posts or videos. By utilizing content you already have, you can save time and resources while still providing valuable information to your learners. With a little tweaking and editing, you can repurpose your content to fit seamlessly into your course curriculum.
Part two of this process is the idea that with realtime trainings and just in time feedback you can also create content on the fly. A coming soon page lets you share previews of what's to come, giving you the chance to post pop-up or paid workshops for eager learners. These are the perfect opportunity to give a sneak peek of what you have in store, share your knowledge with others, and get valuable feedback as you continue to refine your course content. With a little bit of thought and initiative, you can elevate your production game and start creating work that truly stands out.
You can get help here at Launch Gorgeous if you are stuck at this stage.
If you're a visual learner like me, you know the power of a well-designed graphic or image. They can instantly transform a block of text into an engaging, easy-to-understand piece of content. However, as a course creator, it can be challenging to find the time (or the design skills) to create your own custom graphics. Luckily, there are tons of pre-made graphics, images, and charts available inside Canva that you can use to add visual interest to your course without spending hours creating them from scratch. By incorporating these pre-made visuals into your course content, you'll help your students retain information better and keep them engaged throughout the learning process.
Outsourcing non-essential tasks like editing, transcription, and video captioning can be a game changer for your workload. By delegating these tasks to a professional, you can reclaim valuable time to focus on the things that matter most. Plus, outsourcing can actually increase the quality and efficiency of these tasks, saving you even more time in the long run. So don't let yourself become bogged down by tasks that take you away from your zone of genius. You can outsource the tech, the marketing, or both.
Social media is the key to boosting your visibility and building your list of followers. As a beginner, it's important to have a solid foundation of at least 500-1500 recent followers before you start marketing your course. This will help ensure that you have a receptive audience who are ready to engage with your content. If your presence online is a little dusty, meaning you haven't been active for a while, it is advisable to update your profiles and get busy. Preparing a following for a launch is a huge prerquisite.
You can get help here at Launch Gorgeous if you are stuck at this stage.
As wise adults, we know the importance of setting goals and deadlines for ourselves. When it comes to the course implementation process, it's essential to be your own project manager and work backwards to set attainable milestones. Dedicate time on your calendar to your project, and stay committed to completing each step within the deadline. Remember, the key to completing any task is consistency and dedication. Find an accountability buddy or coach. You've got this!
I'm always on the lookout for that one springboard event that will take a business to the next level. Whether it's a book launch, a viral podcast, or a YouTube interview, capturing the attention of your online audience is the key to success. However, it's not just about getting likes and followers – it's also about building a community of potential buyers. That's where capturing email addresses and feedback from your target market comes into play. By using beta testers with early bird pricing, or running a free or paid workshop version, you can validate your course idea and ensure its success in the market.
Creating courses can be time consuming and intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Take the course creation hacks above and apply them to your next course to get it completed quickly and efficiently. Putting the right structure and content into place today allows you to reap the rewards of a well-crafted course in the future. Remember, when you are ready talk to me about your ideas. I'm here to help turn those dreams into reality!
Claire Lindsey Learning LLC is committed to creating learning experiences with clients where all identities feel welcome and comfortable in being and expressing themselves. We embrace all genders, ages, cultures, ancestries, ethnicities, races, colors, sexual orientations, physical abilities, learning styles, religions, familial statuses, marital statuses, occupations, veteran statuses, nationalities, citizenships, and socio-economic statuses.