Creating an online course isn’t easy. You need to create something that is going to engage a person to a.) want to invest in it from the start and b.) keep at it for a long period of time. And then, of course – encourage them to sign up to another one of your courses because they loved it so much.
I have created a number of brilliant online courses that have gone down so well. There’s EMPOWER which is my 300 hour certified YogaBellies teacher training course aimed at women who want to become yoga teachers or those people who want to add another string to their bow, such as wellness professionals, nurses, physicians, midwives and the like.
I’ve also created online courses for people going through specific stages in their lives, including pregnancy and menopause.
So here are my tips for creating the perfect online course:
- Be Personal
When people sign up to the course, even though it is remote, make sure that you make them feel an important part of your community. Make them feel valued. I reach out to everyone of my course attendees personally so they know that I am there as and when, able to provide advice if they need and give encouragement along the way. And if you personally aren’t available, have a team of talented experts able to guide them at every step. For example, we have a weekly live Q&A and group discussions which follow and expand on the Home Study Curriculum. Give regular feedback and encourage those on the course to chat so they feel like they’re in this together, supporting one another along the way.
- Be certified
There are so many online courses out there that probably are not worth the money so you need to prove that what you’re selling is worth it! If you can, get certified so that once people complete the course they have a qualification that they can shout about. With EMPOWER you gain your Yoga Alliance International certificate upon graduating which is really something to celebrate.
- Be an expert
Make sure that whoever is teaching the online course is an expert in what they do with a number of years of teaching and training experience.
- Be accessible – for life
Make sure your course is accessible worldwide so people can do it at a time that suits them, no matter their timezone. You’ll be missing out on so much business if not. Similarly, give lifetime access to the programme so if a person isn’t able to complete the course in a year, they can log in and do it at a time that suits them – life often gets in the way.
- Know your audience
Make sure you tailor the content of the course to who you want to target. Everything matters, from the way you word your copy, the tone to the graphics and imagery you use so take everything into consideration.
- Make the tech work
Being online, you need the technology to be second to none so make sure you invest in a decent platform that is easy to use and people enjoy working. Make a mixture of online solo learning with live interactivity and zoom calls so people can ask questions while going at their own pace.
~Business Game Changer Special Promotion~
So, do you think you have the skills to make an online course? Good luck!
By Cheryl MacDonald
Cheryl MacDonald is the Founder of YogaBellies and her 300-hour course, YogaBellies Empower is available for £3497 via www.yogabellies.com/empower
