The Course Creators Circle Podcast Linda Reed-Enever

Many people ask me, "How do you think of course topics?"

The secret lies in combining your expertise with what your audience needs.

Amazing course ideas are closer than you think, just waiting to be unearthed and developed.

Ready to explore this together?

Listen to Your Audience
One of the best ways to brainstorm course ideas is to simply listen. Yes, it's that easy!

Pay attention to the questions people are asking you. Whether it's during a workshop, a coaching session, or even casual conversations, those queries are gold mines waiting to be explored. Keep a handy notebook or digital record to jot down these questions – trust me, they'll come in handy later.

Draw from Personal Experience
You're an expert in your field for a reason, right? So why not share that expertise with the world? Think about the areas where you excel and consider how you can package that knowledge into a course. For example, if you're a whiz at software development and people are constantly picking your brain about mobile app creation, why not create a course on the topic? It's a win-win for everyone involved.

Staying Ahead of the Curve:
In today's fast-paced world, staying on top of industry trends is crucial. Keep your finger on the pulse of emerging technologies and developments within your niche. Not only does this keep you informed, but it also provides ample opportunities for course creation. By offering courses or memberships that help learners stay current, you become their go-to source for up-to-date knowledge.

Identify Gaps in Knowledge
Ever come across someone who's eager to work with you but lacks the necessary skills or knowledge? That's where you come in. Identify the gaps in your audience's skill sets and create courses to fill them. Whether it's a beginner's guide or an advanced masterclass, there's always room to empower others through education.

Leverage Existing Content
Chances are, you already have a treasure trove of content just waiting to be repurposed into courses. Take a look at your blog posts, podcasts, or videos – what topics consistently resonate with your audience? Use tools like Google Search Console to identify your top-performing content and consider bundling related posts into comprehensive course modules.

Repurposing existing content, such as top-performing blog posts, can be a goldmine for course inspiration. By organising your blogs into modules, you can quickly develop engaging course content.

Harnessing Search Tools:
Finally, don't underestimate the power of search tools like Answer the Public. By typing in relevant keywords or problems your audience faces, you can uncover valuable insights that inspire course ideas. Use these search results to craft compelling module names or even entire course topics.

At the end of the day, a great course idea isn't just about what you know – it's about solving someone's problem. So don't overthink it. Start with the questions people are asking you, tap into your expertise, and get creative. After all, the best course is the one that's created and done, not sitting on your to-do list gathering dust.

In course creation, understanding what a course offers is fundamental to fostering a positive learning experience with your students.

In this episode, I want to dive into a topic that I think is really important for us as course creators and also important for our students. That is setting clear expectations and understanding about what that course is going to offer our audience in the course journey.

Understanding Diverse Needs
Let's face it: learners come in all shapes and sizes. Some are just dipping their toes into the subject matter, while others are practically experts. That's why it's crucial to offer a variety of course levels and formats, from beginner-friendly modules to advanced masterclasses. Whether it's self-paced learning or live sessions, catering to diverse needs is key. Understanding the learning styles is a great way to start.

Benefits of Clear Expectations
Setting clear expectations establishes trust and credibility, creating a positive learning environment for both you and your students.

Plus, knowing what's expected of them keeps learners engaged and motivated.

And hey, who doesn't love fewer confused emails from students?

Setting Clear Landing Pages
First impressions matter, right? That's why our course landing pages should be crystal clear. A friendly video intro from the instructor goes a long way in building rapport and setting the tone.

Curriculum modules should be clearly outlined, providing a roadmap for learning.

Including a checklist of key takeaways and addressing frequently asked questions further clarifies what the student can expect inside your course as well.

Communicating Learning Outcomes
By using tools like our Course planning sheets you should be able to clearly articulate how the course addresses specific problems and highlight key learning areas on your landing pages that allow students to make an informed decision.

Be consistent across all platforms—landing pages, social media, you name it—so students know exactly what they're signing up for.

Setting clear expectations isn't just good for us—it's great for our students too. It builds that all-important trust and lays out the roadmap for success. So let's keep things clear, keep 'em honest, and keep those students coming back for more.

Highlights

[00:00:00] The importance of setting clear expectations
[00:00:54] Differentiating course offerings for diverse needs
[00:02:24] Benefits of clear expectations: trust, engagement, learning outcomes
[00:03:14] Tips for setting clear expectations on course landing pages
[00:05:29] Communicating additional support options and upselling
[00:06:03] The significance of clear expectations

Resources

The Course Creators Circle https://enevergroup.thinkific.com/courses/coursecreatorscircle 
Course Planning Sheets https://www.enevergroup.com.au/product/course-creators-circle-course-planning-sheets/ 
Thinkific http://snip.ly/thinkific 
Naming Your Course Modules https://www.enevergroup.com.au/naming-your-course-and-modules/
What Is Your Learning Style Quiz https://www.enevergroup.com.au/what-is-your-learning-style-quiz/ 

Engaging your students after a course is vital for the ongoing success of your business. It's about creating that relationship that keeps them learning with you and continuing along the journey.

In this episode of The Course Creators Circle Podcast, I will delve into strategies on how you can engage with your students post-course. Join me as we explore effective tips to maintain that connection with your learners even after they've completed their journey with you.

Creating Lasting Relationships
Imagine you've just finished a course. You're brimming with newfound knowledge and eager for more. That hunger for continuous learning is what drives many of our students beyond the course completion. As course creators, it's our responsibility to foster this desire and keep them engaged post-course.

Introducing Membership Opportunities
One effective way to extend the learning journey is by introducing students to our membership programs. These platforms like The Course Creators Circle provide ongoing support, opportunities for further learning, and a sense of belonging to a community of like-minded individuals. By inviting them to join our inner circle, we ensure they have access to continued guidance and resources.

Utilising Free Communities
For those not ready to commit to a membership, offering access to free communities can be equally valuable. These spaces like the Business Business Business allow students to interact with peers, ask questions, and stay updated on relevant topics. It's about providing avenues for engagement that suit the diverse needs of our audience.

Harnessing the Power of Email
Email remains a potent tool for post-course engagement. By crafting targeted email sequences, we can guide students towards their next steps, whether it's joining a membership, exploring additional courses, or scheduling a follow-up call. Personalised communication shows our commitment to their ongoing development.

Automation and Technology
The digital age has given us access to advanced automation tools and AI-driven solutions. Leveraging these technologies allows us to streamline our communication processes and deliver timely, relevant content to our students. Whether it's triggering emails based on course completion or inviting them to join exclusive communities, technology enhances our ability to nurture relationships effectively.

The Importance of Feedback
Feedback is invaluable for refining our post-course engagement strategies. Encouraging students to leave reviews not only provides valuable insights but also offers an opportunity to express gratitude and extend further support. By listening to their feedback, we can continuously improve and tailor our offerings to meet their needs.

As course creators, our journey doesn't end when the course concludes—it's just the beginning of a lifelong relationship with our students. By implementing robust post-course engagement strategies, we ensure they remain inspired, supported, and eager to continue learning with us. Remember, it's not just about teaching content; it's about guiding and empowering our students every step of the way.

Highlights

[00:00:56] Emphasising the importance of continuous learning beyond course completion
[00:01:35] Introducing membership programs for ongoing support and community engagement
[00:02:45] Utilising free communities as valuable spaces for interaction and knowledge sharing
[00:03:03] Leveraging email to guide students towards further learning opportunities
[00:03:42] Harnessing automation and technology to streamline communication processes
[00:04:11] Encouraging feedback to refine post-course engagement strategies

Resources

The Marketing Circle https://enevergroup.thinkific.com/bundles/MarketingCircle 
The Course Creators Circle https://enevergroup.thinkific.com/courses/coursecreatorscircle 
Business Business Business https://www.businessbusinessbusiness.com.au/ AI, Async, Automation Hub https://enevergroup.thinkific.com/courses/aaah

As a course creator, one of the most frustrating things that can happen in your course creation journey is to have created a course, to feel like you're marketing it, and then find out that your course is not selling. Let’s explore some common reasons why your course may not be selling and provide actionable strategies to address each of these issues.

Lack of Sufficient Marketing
One of the primary reasons your course might not be selling is that you haven't actually marketed it enough. If people don't know about your course, they can't buy it. To overcome this, it is crucial to tap into evergreen marketing strategies and ensure that you are consistently promoting your course through various channels. Utilise tools like Meet Edgar to automate your promotional posts and videos on social media. Additionally, consider guest appearances on podcasts and explore guest speaking opportunities to expand your reach.

The Course is not Addressing the Desired Problem
Another possible reason for low sales is that your course may not be solving the problem that people are willing to pay to solve. It is essential to deliver what your audience wants and align your course content with their expectations. Take the time to understand the needs and desires of your target audience and incorporate this knowledge into your lessons. Communicating the value of your course and clearly outlining its benefits are key aspects of addressing this issue.

Insufficient Communication of Value
If potential customers cannot see the value in your course, they are unlikely to make a purchase. It is crucial to clearly communicate the benefits of your course and demonstrate how it can help them achieve their desired outcomes. Include detailed information about what the course includes and what participants will learn by the end. Additionally, highlight your expertise and value as an instructor in your biography to build trust and credibility.

Incorrect Pricing
Pricing your course incorrectly can significantly impact its sales. Ensure that your price point aligns with the perceived value and return on investment your course offers. Avoid pricing too low, as customers may question the quality and value they will receive. Conversely, pricing too high can deter potential buyers who do not see a compelling return on investment. Conduct market research and analyse competitor pricing to determine the optimal price for your course.

Targeting the Wrong Audience
Marketing your course to the wrong audience can lead to low conversion rates. Take the time to identify and understand your target audience's interests, needs, and preferences. Leverage highly targeted ads and promotional strategies to reach your ideal customers. Avoid wasting marketing opportunities by targeting individuals who are not interested in or do not have a need for your course.

If you are struggling to sell your course, carefully consider the reasons outlined in this blog post and take actionable steps to address each issue. Be proactive in your marketing efforts, deliver what your audience wants, effectively communicate the value of your course, ensure correct pricing, and target the right audience. Remember, building a successful course takes time and dedication. Seek feedback from course creation communities, ask for help when needed, and give yourself time to establish credibility and connect with your audience.

We hope these insights and strategies will help you increase the sales of your course. Happy course selling!

Highlights

[00:00:00] Why are your courses not selling
[00:01:10] Insufficient marketing
[00:03:04] What the audience wants and their willingness to pay
[00:05:20] Communicate value
[00:06:47] Incorrect pricing
[00:07:06] Targeting the wrong audience
[00:07:41] Competition, technical issues, timing, poor sales copy, and the risk of giving up too soon
[00:08:51] Encouragement to persist, seek help, and give the course enough time to gain traction in the market

Resources Men

Congratulations! You've decided to embark on the exciting journey of creating your own course. In this episode, we will explore the key steps to get you started in crafting a successful and engaging course.

Whether you're an expert in a particular field or have a passion you want to share with the world, this guide will help you define your goals, choose the right topic, create a course outline, and much more. So, let's dive in and discover where to start with your course creation journey.

Defining Your Goals
Before diving into the course creation process, it's crucial to define your goals. Ask yourself, "What do I want to achieve with my course?" Understanding the purpose and desired outcomes of your course will help you stay focused and motivated throughout the creation process. Additionally, identifying your target audience and understanding what they will get out of your course is essential for effective course planning.

Finding Your Course's Place in Your Business
Now that you have a clear vision of your course goals, it's essential to consider where your course fits within your business offering. Take a step back and evaluate how your course aligns with your other products or services. By strategically positioning your course, you can create a cohesive and valuable experience for your customers. For example, if you offer one-on-one coaching or have other entry-level offerings, consider how your course can complement and enhance these existing offerings.

Choosing the Perfect Topic
Selecting the right topic for your course is a crucial step in ensuring its success. Ideally, you want to choose a topic that you are knowledgeable and passionate about. Your enthusiasm will shine through and engage your students. Additionally, consider what your target market is searching for. Using descriptive and straightforward titles for your course modules and lessons will increase the chances of your course being discovered and sought after by your audience.

Creating an Effective Course Outline
Once you have determined your topic, it's time to create a course outline. Begin by outlining the main points or modules you want to cover in your course. These modules will serve as the roadmap for your students' learning journey. Within each module, break down the main points into individual lessons. This division will keep the content digestible and prevent overwhelming your students. Remember, creating a cohesive and well-structured course outline will lead to a better learning experience for your students.

Choosing the Right Course Format
When it comes to course formats, you have several options to consider. Will your course be self-paced, a live workshop, or evergreen? Each format has its advantages and best suits different teaching styles and subject matters. Self-paced courses provide flexibility and allow students to progress at their own speed. Live workshops offer real-time interaction and engagement. Evergreen courses can be bundled with memberships and provide ongoing value. Consider your teaching style, the nature of your content, and the preferences of your target audience when choosing the right format for your course.

Developing Engaging Content
With your course outline and format in place, it's time to develop your course content. This step may include creating videos, tutorials, audio files, lectures, and interactive workbooks. Keep in mind that delivering engaging content is key to capturing your students' attention and driving their learning experience. Leverage different mediums to appeal to various learning styles and make your content as interactive and practical as possible.

Deciding on the Right Delivery Platform
Once you have your content ready, you need to choose a reliable and user-friendly platform to deliver your course. Thinkific, a renowned online course platform, offers a seamless experience for both course creators and students. Its features allow you to upload and organize your content, interact with

The course creation journey is a life cycle of its own. In this episode, we will explore the different stages of the life cycle of an online course.

Understanding these stages and their respective elements will help you successfully navigate through your course creation journey.

Planning and Development
The first stage of the life cycle is the planning and development stage. Here, you will identify your goals, set objectives, define your target audience, and develop a course outline. Building a content plan is crucial at this stage. Consider using tools like the course credit circle planning sheets or guidebooks to assist you in this process. Additionally, booking a strategy session can provide valuable insight. The planning and development stage sets the foundation for creating a successful online course.

Course Creation
Once you have a solid plan in place, you move on to the course creation stage. Here, you bring your course content to life. This includes creating text, images, videos, quizzes, and other multimedia elements that will engage your learners. You may also develop assessments to evaluate your students' progress. As you progress through this stage, you start to fill in the learning structure established during the planning and development phase.

Marketing and Promotion
Marketing and promotion play a significant role in the success of your course. Consider starting your courses with pre-sale options, allowing interested individuals to pre-order and engage with your promotional materials. Create compelling landing pages, sales pages, and utilise social media channels to reach your target audience. Consider incorporating podcasts and other marketing strategies to generate interest and drive enrollments. Marketing and promotion efforts should be ongoing throughout the entire life cycle of your course.

Enrollment and Delivery
After successfully marketing your course, it's time for enrollment and delivery. This stage involves signing up students for the course and conducting the launch day. Choose a suitable learning management system, such as Thinkific, to facilitate the enrollment process and make the course content accessible to students. Determine whether your course will have a live component or be self-paced and evergreen. Be prepared to deliver the course content effectively, ensuring students receive the necessary support and materials.

Evaluation and Assessment
As learners progress through your course, it's crucial to evaluate their performance and provide assessments. Regularly monitor student progress and reach out for feedback. Quizzes, exams, and live interactions can help gauge comprehension and address any roadblocks students may encounter. This stage allows you to fine-tune the course content and make necessary improvements.

Maintenance and Updates
Once your course is launched, it requires maintenance and updates. Keep the material relevant and engaging by regularly updating and improving it. Monitor student engagement and satisfaction levels. Request reviews from satisfied students and utilise them as a marketing tool to attract new enrollees. Maintain an ongoing marketing journey by leveraging these reviews and appearing on podcasts to keep the course in the spotlight.

Review and Renewal
The final stage of the life cycle is the review and renewal phase. Continuously assess your plan and development, making any necessary additions or modifications to the course. Create new content to keep the course fresh and up-to-date. Update your marketing and promotion strategies to reflect these additions. Maintain the enrollment and delivery process, evaluate and assess student progress, and ensure course satisfaction. This cycle of review and renewal allows your course to evolve and remain relevant.

Creating an online course is a process that involves several stages. Understanding the life cycle and its key components provides a roadmap for success. From planning and development to enrollment and del