What to consider when planning a course or coaching program? How do you make it useful?

Creating a meaningful and impactful online course, coaching program, or membership involves more than just assembling content – it’s about crafting experiences that transform lives.

If you’re on the journey of course creation, understanding the essentials of what makes a course not just good, but life-changing, is crucial.

Here are a few essential things to consider in the planning stage to ensure that your course delivers value to your students:

What do they actually WANT to learn?

Too many course creators get stuc thinking about what’s should be in a pHD in their topic, rather than what their audience want to know.

Spoiler – what they want to know is much more straight forward than what you think your course needs to be!

Find out exactly what your learners are seeking.

What questions do they want answered?

What stuff do they want to get done?

What broken things do they need to get fixed?

What skills, knowledge, and behaviors do they need to acquire to achieve their goals?

An amazing course gives them what they want and need – not the contents of a university theorem.

Get that first bit right, and your course now becomes easier to create AND better for your learners.

Choose the Right Delivery Method

Deciding how to package your knowledge is as important as the content itself. Your delivery method should align with your audience’s preferences and learning styles.

• Lead Magnets: Quick, predominantly informational content that answers two to three key questions can be ideal for engaging potential learners.
• Self-Study Online Courses: These should offer comprehensive instruction, ideally through video, to facilitate learning.
• Group Coaching Programs: Offering real-time, live facilitation can be effective for interactive learning and personal growth.
• Retreats and Memberships: Consider immersive experiences or long-term memberships for deep, ongoing engagement with your content.

Achieve a Transformational Outcome

A meaningful course is defined by the transformation it enables in learners’ lives. Clearly articulate:

• The Desired Transformation: What will your learners be able to do, think, or feel differently as a result of your course?
• Focus Your Content: Use tools like Answer the Public to refine your content, ensuring it’s focused on achieving the specific outcomes you’ve identified.

Streamline Your Course for Maximum Impact

The more focused your program, the more powerful its impact. By targeting a specific outcome, you ensure your course remains streamlined and highly effective.

Join “Concept To Course” for Comprehensive Support

If you’re looking for guidance on every aspect of course creation—from picking a topic to marketing your course—I invite you to join my “Concept To Course” group coaching program. With my experience in educating thousands across various sectors, I’m here to help you turn your knowledge into a course that not only you’re proud of but that genuinely changes lives.