Launching an online course is one of the most effective ways to share your expertise, attract clients, and create a revenue stream that works around the clock. In this episode of the Brand Up Podcast, Sean Cannell, a YouTube expert and creator of Video Ranking Academy, joins us to offer his expert insights into what it takes to Create Your First Online Course and set it up for success.
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The episode dives into crucial strategies and steps to create your first online course, from initial planning to choosing content that draws in high-quality leads, even if profitability isn’t the immediate focus. Sean also touches on overcoming common hurdles and cultivating an online presence that generates sustained results. Below, let’s explore the key takeaways to help you start strong with your online course journey.
Why Creating an Online Course is Worth It
With a well-structured online course, you can attract your ideal clients and build a reliable income source. Sean Cannell emphasizes that online courses provide a powerful way to position yourself as an expert, reach a wider audience, and ultimately generate leads and sales. For those serious about creating their first online course, getting a start in content creation and audience building can set a strong foundation for success.
Start with a “Baby Offer” Approach
Sean advises beginners to launch with a “baby offer,” a concept introduced by one of his own mentors. This offer is more about lead generation than immediate profit. By keeping the cost low or even free, you can reach a larger audience and introduce people to your knowledge and style. Sean explains that a baby offer is a smart strategy when you want to create your first online course, as it allows potential clients to experience your teaching before committing to higher-ticket options.
“One of the smartest things you can do is to create content that drives people to your first offer – one that’s low-stakes and inviting for new audiences,” says Sean.
Free vs. Paid Content: Striking the Balance
Understanding where to draw the line between free content and paid content is critical when you create your first online course. Sean recommends using free content to answer common questions and provide value upfront. However, save your more specialized strategies, structured training, and deeper insights for your paid course. This approach not only builds trust with your audience but also establishes the perceived value of your paid offering.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Course Creation
One challenge Sean faced when creating his own course, Video Ranking Academy, was the delay caused by overthinking the content and setup. He emphasizes the importance of considering your customer’s needs before creating the course and of not letting fear of imperfection hold you back.
“You don’t have to wait for the perfect moment to start,” Sean advises. “Just get in the game and refine as you go.”
Build Your Course With Your Audience in Mind
Another crucial takeaway from Sean’s discussion is the need to be laser-focused on solving a specific problem for a defined audience. Identifying your target audience’s struggles is essential. Knowing the issues they face helps you create content that genuinely resonates.
“Start by getting really clear on who you’re helping and what you’re helping them achieve,” Sean recommends.
He also suggests brainstorming 30-100 video or content ideas that tackle these issues, which will serve as a solid foundation for your course material.
Creating Evergreen Video Content for Long-Term Success
A significant advantage of online courses, particularly those that incorporate video content, is the long-term impact they can have. Sean likens YouTube content creation to building real estate: once a video is up and ranking, it can continuously attract new viewers.
“Think of your content like real estate,” he says. “Create evergreen videos that keep driving leads into your funnel.”
This strategy allows your videos to act as continuous lead generators, funneling more and more people into your course over time. When planning to create your first online course, consider including video content that addresses high-traffic keywords and commonly searched questions.
Taking Action and Scaling Up
Sean encourages course creators not to wait and overanalyze but to dive in and start putting their plans into action. Building an online course may seem daunting, but he stresses that there is always room to improve and expand as you go along. Sean’s message is clear: Take that first step, and each move forward will reveal new ways to grow.
To support his followers, Sean and his team run monthly giveaways for new course creators, offering prizes like books, software, and mentorship opportunities to encourage continued growth.
Key Takeaways
Creating your first online course is a significant opportunity to grow your audience, generate leads, and build a scalable income source. From understanding your target audience to leveraging evergreen content, Sean Cannell’s insights offer a clear roadmap for any aspiring course creator. As Sean says, “Don’t hesitate. Get in the game, and see where it takes you.”
With these strategies, you can feel confident in starting to create your first online course and taking your business to new heights.
📌 Ready to Start Creating Your First Online Course?
Starting is the most critical step! Remember to focus on your audience’s needs, keep building valuable content, and learn as you go. Dive in and make your expertise work for you.
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