Course Creation for Solopreneurs: How to Design Online Courses That Actually Transform Your Students and Grow Your Business

Curtis Satterfield, PhD. Helping Solopreneurs Create Courses That Transform Students
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Course design that actually works. Learn how to build an online course that transforms your students and grows your business. Course Creation for Solopreneurs is hosted by Dr. Curtis Satterfield. I've spent 17 years as an educator and course designer, helping thousands of students learn new skills. After years of watching solopreneurs struggle with course creation, I see the same problems come up again and again. Courses packed with information but missing clear outcomes. Students who buy but never finish. Launches that flop because the course itself wasn't built to deliver results.  My mission is to show you a better way. One that starts with your student's transformation and builds everything around that. In my under-20-minute episodes, I get straight to the problem and show you how to fix it. You'll learn how to structure your course so students actually complete it, create lessons that stick, and build something you're proud to sell. Whenever it makes sense, I'll link helpful resources in the show notes so you can take action right away. Creating an online course can feel overwhelming. There's conflicting advice everywhere, and it's easy to get stuck overthinking your outline, second-guessing your content, or wondering if anyone will even buy it. This podcast doesn't ignore that. Instead, it walks you through the messy and confusing parts step by step so you never feel like you're doing it alone. My goal is simple. I want to help you create courses that get real results for your students. Courses that transform their lives, build your reputation, and grow your business through word of mouth and repeat buyers. From defining your transformation to structuring your modules, from scripting your lessons to launching with confidence, we'll cover it all. If that sounds like the support you need, take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show. It's an easy way to support the podcast and make sure you never miss an episode.

Episodes

  1. 2D AGO

    Why Students Give Up on Your Course Before They Even Get Started: A Course Creation Mistake Every Solopreneur Makes

    Creating an online course? Solopreneurs often make this course design mistake without realizing it. And it's costing them students, testimonials, and future sales. In this episode, I share a personal story about learning to crochet that reminded me why so many course creators lose students before they even get started. You'll learn: Why students give up on courses in the first few minutesWhat the "curse of knowledge" is and how it affects your course designHow to figure out where your audience truly is in their journeyThe difference between a "beginner" and a "beginner beginner"Why it's okay to include basic information in your courseThe transformation your students get determines your course's value, not how advanced the content is. If you skip the foundations your students need, they'll go elsewhere. And without students completing your course, you won't get the testimonials and social proof you need to grow your business. Check out my Amigurumi Whale (and journey) here. I'm Dr. Curtis Satterfield. I've been an educator and course designer for 17 years, and I help solopreneurs build courses that actually transform their students and grow their business. Ready to stop spinning your wheels? Book a free Course Roadmap Call and let's figure out the right next steps for your course: https://curtissatterfield.com/work-with-curtis/  Send me a message!

    10 min

  2. JAN 21

    Do You Need a Script for Recording Online Course Lessons? Tips for Solopreneur Course Creators

    Are you ready to record your online course lessons but unsure whether to write a full script, use bullet points, or just wing it? This episode explores essential techniques for course creation that help solopreneurs build an online course that truly connects with their students. Learn from my 17 years of experience as an educator and course designer as I break down the three main approaches to lesson delivery and share which method works best. You'll learn: Why repeating yourself on camera tanks your credibility (and how scripts prevent it)The minimum preparation you need before hitting recordHow to read a script without sounding roboticWhen bullet points are enough (and when they'll get you in trouble)A simple tool that changed how I record everythingThe aim isn't perfection but presenting your authentic self while covering everything your students need to succeed. Whether you are just starting to create an online course or looking to improve your delivery, these tips will save you time and help you design more engaging lessons. I'm Dr. Curtis Satterfield, and I specialize in course design and helping solopreneurs create online courses that genuinely transform students and grow their business.  Ready to move forward with your course creation? Book a free Course Roadmap Call to get personalized guidance: https://curtissatterfield.com/work-with-curtis/ Send me a message!

    8 min

  3. JAN 14

    Turn a Low Enrollment Online Course Launch Into a Win: Course Creation Strategies for Solopreneurs

    You build an online course, launch it, and only a few people sign up. For solopreneurs trying to create an online course that grows their business, low enrollment feels like failure. But it doesn't have to be. In this episode, I share exactly what happened when my course launch got only one paid student, and the course creation strategies I used to turn it into a sold-out relaunch just months later. You'll learn: Why low enrollment only matters for certain types of coursesHow to cap your enrollment so selling feels easier and scarcity stays honestThe "scholarship" strategy that filled my seats without destroying my pricingWhy slashing your price after a bad course launch backfires long-termThe one thing I asked from free students that made my relaunch completely differentA disappointing first launch isn't the end. It's an investment in testimonials, refined content, and a better second launch - but only if you play it right. I'm Dr. Curtis Satterfield. I've been an educator and course designer for 17 years, and I help solopreneurs build courses that actually transform their students and grow their business. Ready to stop spinning your wheels? Book a free Course Roadmap Call and let's figure out the right next steps for your course: https://curtissatterfield.com/work-with-curtis/ Send me a message!

    5 min

  4. JAN 7

    Two Tools to Help You Create Online Courses Your Students Will Actually Finish

    Online course completion is the key to course creation success. If your students aren't finishing, you're not getting testimonials, referrals, or repeat buyers. Just silence. The problem isn't your content. It's that your students don't understand why each lesson matters to them. And the common advice to "just explain why" doesn't work because it relies on you remembering to do it every single time. In this episode, I'll show you two structural tools that build purpose into every lesson automatically. You'll learn: Why students check out even when your content is solidThe real reason "start with why" advice fails most course creatorsThe Outcome Test: one question that forces clarity into every lessonHow to use Problem-Example-Lesson structure to make students care before you teachWhy building purpose into your course architecture beats relying on willpowerHere's what most course creation programs won't tell you: the courses that generate testimonials and referrals aren't doing it because of fancy production or better marketing. They're doing it because students actually finish, implement, and get results. And that happens when every lesson has a clear purpose your students can feel. I'm Dr. Curtis Satterfield. I've been an educator and course designer for 17 years, and I help solopreneurs build courses that actually transform their students and grow their business. Ready to stop spinning your wheels? Book a free Course Roadmap Call and let's figure out the right next steps for your course: https://curtissatterfield.com/work-with-curtis/ Send me a message!

    10 min

  5. 12/31/2025

    How Long to Make Your Course: Modules, Lessons, and What Makes a Valuable Course

    You're building your first online course and you can't stop asking: how long should it be? You've searched for answers. Maybe you even bought a course creation program hoping they'd tell you. But nobody gives you a straight answer. In this episode, I share 4 course length realities no one talks about - and they directly affect whether your course succeeds or fails. You'll learn: Why the "more content = more value" myth is destroying course completion ratesWhat actually determines how much you can charge (hint: it's not length)Real numbers for modules, lessons, and lesson lengthWhy I can't give you the exact answer for your course - and why that's actually freeingAfter 17 years as an educator and online course designer, I've seen what works and what doesn't. The courses that transform students aren't the longest ones. They're the ones that give students exactly what they need to get results - nothing more, nothing less. I'm Dr. Curtis Satterfield. I help solopreneurs build courses that actually transform their students and grow their business. Ready to build a course that delivers real results? Book a free Course Roadmap Call and let's figure out the right next steps for your course: https://curtissatterfield.com/work-with-curtis/ Send me a message!

    9 min

  6. 12/24/2025

    What to Put in Your Online Course: 5 Course Creation Truths Most Solopreneurs Never Learn

    You want to build a course that helps people. But when you sit down to actually create it, you're staring at a blank screen thinking... what do I actually put in this thing? Most course creators just record everything they know and hope something sticks. That's why their students don't finish - and why refund requests pile up. In this episode, I share 5 truths I've learned in 17 years as an educator that separate courses that transform students from courses that just dump information. You'll learn: Why nobody buys a course for information - and what they're actually paying forThe "ladder test" for making sure every lesson has a clear, actionable outcomeHow to sequence your content so students build momentum instead of forgetting everythingThe difference between teaching and dumping (and why one of my students remembered a lesson years later on the job)How to know what to cut - because more content actually makes your course worseHere's what most course creation programs won't tell you: your students aren't paying for hours of content. They're paying to go from "I don't know how" to "I did it." If you don't design your course around that transformation, no amount of marketing will save it. I'm Dr. Curtis Satterfield. I've been an educator and course designer for 17 years, and I help solopreneurs build courses that actually transform their students and grow their business. Ready to stop spinning your wheels? Book a free Course Roadmap Call and let's figure out the right next steps for your course: https://curtissatterfield.com/work-with-curtis/ Send me a message!

    9 min

  7. 12/17/2025

    The Truth About Passive Income from Online Courses (For Solopreneurs)

    Passive income from online courses is a lie. At least the way course gurus sell it to solopreneurs. You followed the launch formula. Built your list. Sent the emails. Did everything the gurus told you to do. And you got almost no sales. In this episode, I share the story of my first course launch. $2,000 spent on a program. Six weeks of work. 2,000 people on my list. One sale. I break down why this happens to most course creators and what actually works instead. You'll learn: Why the success stories you see are cherry-picked from the top 5%The real reason launch-focused programs fail most studentsWhat "passive income" from courses actually looks likeThe one question you need to answer before building anythingThe truth is, you can build something where your work multiplies if you start in the right place. I'm Dr. Curtis Satterfield. After 17 years as an educator, online course designer, and helping thousands of students learn new skills, I help solopreneurs create courses that actually transform their students. Ready to build a course that works? Book a free Course Roadmap Call and let's figure out the right next steps for your course: https://curtissatterfield.com/work-with-curtis/ Send me a message!

    7 min

  8. TRAILER

    Course Creation For Solopreneurs - Trailer

    Welcome to Course Creation for Solopreneurs, the podcast that helps you design online courses that actually transform your students and grow your business. I'm Dr. Curtis Satterfield. I've spent 17 years as an educator and course designer, helping thousands of students learn new skills. On this show, I'll help you build courses that get real results - courses that students actually finish, that generate testimonials, and that grow your business through word of mouth instead of constant marketing. Send me a message!

    1 min

  9. 12/10/2025

    How to Build an Online Course That Actually Transforms Your Students

    Course creation as a solopreneur doesn't have to be overwhelming. In this episode, I'm sharing my complete framework for building an online course that actually transforms your students and grows your business. You'll learn: Why most course creation programs set you up to fail (and what to do instead)How to identify exactly who your course is for and what they actually needThe one-sentence test that tells you if your transformation is clear enough to buildHow to structure your modules and lessons so students finish instead of dropping offWhy information alone doesn't create transformation and what to do about itThe recording and editing basics that make your course look professional without spending a fortuneMost course creation advice focuses on marketing and launching. But here's the problem: if your course doesn't actually transform people, no amount of marketing will save it. You'll be grinding for every sale because your course isn't doing any of the work for you. When you build a course that transforms students, they leave testimonials, tell their friends, and book your higher-ticket services. Your course starts growing your business instead of you constantly pushing it. I'm Dr. Curtis Satterfield. I've been an educator and course designer for 17 years, and I help solopreneurs build courses that actually transform their students and grow their business. Ready to stop spinning your wheels? Book a free Course Roadmap Call and let's figure out the right next steps for your course: https://curtissatterfield.com/work-with-curtis/ Send me a message!

    15 min

  10. 12/10/2025

    Why Course Creation Programs Don't Teach You How to Build a Course (And What to Do Instead)

    You bought a course creation program expecting to learn how to build your course. But module after module was about launching, selling, and marketing - with almost nothing on how to actually structure your content so students get results. In this episode, I share the story of Anna, a book coach who paid $2,000 for a course creation program and asked for a refund. Then I walk you through the specific guidance I gave her that helped her sell out two courses. You'll learn: Why understanding your student's transformation drives every other course decisionHow to structure lessons so students see progress and don't get overwhelmedThe "stepping stones" approach to lesson outcomes that keeps students moving forwardWhether you should show your face on camera (and the dating profile problem that catches most creators)What Anna said she actually needed that the expensive program never gave herThe big programs give you marketing strategies and launch frameworks. But when you sit down to actually build your course? You're on your own. That's the gap I help course creators fill - designing courses that transform students into fans who come back for more and sell your next launch for you. I'm Dr. Curtis Satterfield. I've been an educator and course designer for 17 years, and I help solopreneurs build courses that actually transform their students and grow their business. Ready to stop spinning your wheels? Book a free Course Roadmap Call and let's figure out the right next steps for your course: https://curtissatterfield.com/work-with-curtis/ Send me a message!

    7 min

  11. 12/10/2025

    How to Make Your Second Course Launch Easier: Online Course Creation Tips

    Course design determines whether your second launch is easier or harder than your first. Learn how to build an online course that turns students into your marketing team. Your first course launch is a grind. You don't have testimonials, success stories, or proof that your course works. You're convincing people to take a chance on something unproven. But your second launch? That one should be easier. And whether it is or isn't comes down to what happens inside your course after people buy. In this episode, I'll show you the system that turns your students into your marketing team and three things you can do right now to make it work. You'll learn: Why your second launch depends on what happens after the saleThe growth cycle that makes each launch easier than the lastHow to design lessons as stepping stones so students don't get overwhelmedWhy sequencing matters and how to build your course in the right orderThe curse of knowledge and how it's causing your students to quitMost course creation advice focuses on launching and marketing. But a fancy launch won't save a course that doesn't transform your students. When your students get results, they become your marketing team. They give you testimonials. They tell their friends. And your next launch gets easier. I'm Dr. Curtis Satterfield. I've been an educator and course designer for 17 years, and I help solopreneurs build courses that actually transform their students and grow their business. Ready to stop spinning your wheels? Book a free Course Roadmap Call and let's figure out the right next steps for your course: https://curtissatterfield.com/work-with-curtis/ Send me a message!

    8 min

Trailer

About

Course design that actually works. Learn how to build an online course that transforms your students and grows your business. Course Creation for Solopreneurs is hosted by Dr. Curtis Satterfield. I've spent 17 years as an educator and course designer, helping thousands of students learn new skills. After years of watching solopreneurs struggle with course creation, I see the same problems come up again and again. Courses packed with information but missing clear outcomes. Students who buy but never finish. Launches that flop because the course itself wasn't built to deliver results.  My mission is to show you a better way. One that starts with your student's transformation and builds everything around that. In my under-20-minute episodes, I get straight to the problem and show you how to fix it. You'll learn how to structure your course so students actually complete it, create lessons that stick, and build something you're proud to sell. Whenever it makes sense, I'll link helpful resources in the show notes so you can take action right away. Creating an online course can feel overwhelming. There's conflicting advice everywhere, and it's easy to get stuck overthinking your outline, second-guessing your content, or wondering if anyone will even buy it. This podcast doesn't ignore that. Instead, it walks you through the messy and confusing parts step by step so you never feel like you're doing it alone. My goal is simple. I want to help you create courses that get real results for your students. Courses that transform their lives, build your reputation, and grow your business through word of mouth and repeat buyers. From defining your transformation to structuring your modules, from scripting your lessons to launching with confidence, we'll cover it all. If that sounds like the support you need, take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show. It's an easy way to support the podcast and make sure you never miss an episode.

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