CREATE THE PERFECT ONLINE COURSE

Creating a course is one of the fastest and most lucrative ways to sell your knowledge. By pre-recording and automatically delivering valuable information in a modern and interactive way, you could save time and have a greater impact on the world. Creating courses can allow you to:

>>> Position yourself as an expert.
>>> Make passive income.
>>> Build a backbone for your services.
>>> Spread knowledge all over the wolrd and leave a legacy.

===== RESEARCH YOUR TOPIC=====

Figure out a common PROBLEM your target audience has and deliver the solution. Aim to give as much VALUE as possible. At the same time, don’t over-complicate simple steps just for sake of “producing content.” Thoroughly research your subject by

1) Reading books and blogs,
2) Watching educational videos,
3) Listening to educational podcasts,
4) Studying similar courses,
5) Getting a mentor or teacher.

=== WRITE YOUR COURSE MATERIAL===

Collect and rewrite your notes. Go deep and cover all the aspects of your subject. Start off by introducing yourself and introducing the subject.

1) Map out your course.

Determine where your students are right now and help take them to where they want to be in 4-7 modules. Use the chapters of a book or another course to help you skillfully arrange the modules in a step-by-step format. Consider:

>>> What would the name of each module be?
>>> In one sentence, what would each module be about?
>>> How would each module help your students attain their goals?

2) Plan your lessons.

Each module can be further broken down into 5-7 minute long lessons and accompanied with PDF downloads and action steps (homework). Remember to link each lesson with the next, and always keep the content relevant.

>>> What would the title of each lesson be?
>>> What are the learning objectives for each lesson?
>>> Summarise the information using bullet points and numbered lists.

3) Set constructive tasks.

People learn better when they apply the information that they learn. That’s why it’s important to set projects or actionable tasks after EVERY lesson.You can collect and assess their work through Facebook groups or email.

>>> What are the action steps (homework)?
>>> How will you assess their work? 
>>> How will you give feedback?

======RECORD YOUR COURSE======

Courses can be delivered using text, video or audio. Identify which method would be most suitable for your course and use the best equipment to deliver the content.

1) Text

>>> Use a word processor to type up your work.
>>> Use images, charts and bullet points.
>>> Save your work as a PDF.

2) Videos

>>> Plan out and script the slides for your presentation.
>>> Create a slideshow / presentation of your notes.
>>> Record your screen and audio a screen-recording software such as Zoom or OBS.
>>> Save your video as an MP4.

3) Audio.

>>> Script out your presentation.
>>> Use a professional background to record your voice.
>>> Save your audio as an MP3.

===== PRESENT YOUR COURSE =====

1) Upload your course material.

>>> Use a course platform such as Teachable or Udemy.
>>> Use an email service provider to attach and automatically email out your course material
>>> Upload your course material onto a website page and email the link to your students.

2) Setup a course registration page.

>>> Tell your prospective students the benefits of your course.
>>> Connect with them on an emotional level.
>>> Address their pain points and give solutions.

=== FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS===

1) How can I market my course?

>>> Tell your friends and family about it. 
>>> Advertise it on your social media profile pages.
>>> Put it up in communities such as Facebook groups (with the admin’s permission).
>>> Use Facebook Adverts to target your ideal prospects.

2) How can I attract students?

>>> Give a module or lesson for free as a taster. 
>>> Add bonuses.

3) Do I have to show myself on camera?

>>> No, it’s not a must.

4) How should I price the course?

>>> This depends on how much value your students will receive from the course.
>>> See what others from your niche are charging and use price that as a benchmark. 
>>> Test it out.

=== EXTRA TIPS ===

>>> You can further enhance the user experience of your course by offering 1-to-1 mentoring, a community to engage (like a Facebook group), or by emailing your students advice and reminders.

>>> Before you launch your course, allow a few beta-testers to try it out and survey them to determine their user experience. Get them to leave honest reviews of your course for future prospects to see.

And that’s everything you need to know to get started in creating your own online course. Easier than you thought, right?

Nabila S Ahmed 
#entrepreneurialmuslim