Frequently Asked Questions – Delivering an Online Course

This is to provide an answer to the questions that I get asked on a regular basis, in order to help better inform you with regard to your own online course.

If there is anything else you need to know, or would like to arrange a consultation, please email me at: gems@gemscollins.com

 

1. Why should I launch an online course?

• An online course provides opportunity for your business to reach more people, further away while still providing the personal touch.
• It also allows for you to teach your clients some of the smaller, more time consuming tasks (for you), in order that they can do those themselves giving you the time and ability to focus on the more strategic items for your clients.
• In times when personal contact isn’t possible, it’s a great way to maintain and continue to provide value to your clients and nurture your relationship with them.
• It’s a great way to provide additional income to your business and strengthen your bottom line.

 

2. How much does it cost to have your own online course?

Unfortunately there is no straight answer for this, it very much depends on the platform you use and the capabilities you require. 

Teachable, for example, has a initial package of $27 a month which provides the platform and unlimited amount of students, payment processes etc. but allow for very little customisation.

Kajabi, has a higher starting rate of around $150 per month, but provides more all-in-one solutions like landing pages, email automation – that sort of thing.

These are just options – there are hundreds out there, so it is important you do your research and understand how much additional work you may be required to put in. 

 

3. What model should I use?

This very much depends on a number of factors:

• You!
• Your business
• Your content – what is it you’re teaching
• Your income goals
• The value you are providing

For example: you are a business coach and you want to provide a course teaching people who to create a successful business plan and engage them on an individual basis. In this instance you would want to cap numbers as you don’t want to overload your schedule with 1-1 time. 

If you want to reach more people and offer group coaching, you could a 1-many model as opposed to 1-1 offering group sessions rather than individuals ones.

Perhaps your course is 100% self-taught so once they purchase the program there doesn’t need to be anymore interaction from you.

If you can only have a certain amount of clients and you need them to be at the same stage in the course, you may want to consider a specific “doors open-doors closed” period.

If people can roll through the program then consider an Evergreen model.

You need to decide the model of your program before you create it, as this will impact the way in which you organise your modules.

 

4. How long should my course be?

How long is a piece of string?! 

Again, no right or wrong answer here but consider the outcomes, the time commitment you are asking of people, your business goals and your audience’s ability to commit. 

A 12 week program is a great starting point and is a decent chunk of time to ensure people get value, learn from you without getting bored or losing their way.

 

5. How do I get started?

Work with me! I can create the course FOR you or work WITH you to achieve your desired goal – find out more here.

OR……..

Check out my 3 Tips here! https://gemscollins.com/2020/03/24/3-tips-to-help-you-start-your-online-course/

 

6. What should I charge people?

This is where you need to consider:

• Duration of the program
• Your current hourly rate (if you have one)
• Does the offer include some of your time, or is it set and forget?
• The value you are providing
• Industry standards
• Competitor pricing

 

7. What if there is already someone offering what I do?

STOP THAT RIGHT NOW! 

If every successful business thought that, would we have Coke and Pepsi? Nike and Adidas? Apple and Samsung? The list goes on.

The one thing that your competition doesn’t have? YOU!!! 

An online course is the perfect way to let your personality and your authentic-self shine through and that is why people will love you and will buy from you!

 

8. Is there an easy step-by-step?

Nothing worth having is easy 😉 But, I have created an awesome webinar AND a pdf (you only need to download 1!) which details my 8-steps to launching an online course, you can catch them here: 

PDF

Webinar

Wishing you every success!