How would a best-selling course layout look like? Here are the answers to all of your questions, as voted by Your Course Creation Lab audience on Instagram!
Have you ever wondered why some courses succeed while others don’t?
It seems like the baseline for many courses is rather similar: most of the evergreen courses will have some video content with additional supportive materials, if relevant.
But is there some type of a secret formula to follow that most successful courses have incommon?
Let’s explore how a best-selling course loks like.
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Blueprint for a best-selling course layout (as voted by you!)
The following results have been taken from an audience survey in @coursecreationlab Instagram.
How long should be your course lessons?
88% of the audience prefer shorter but more lessons versus longer but fewer.
Generally, I have discovered that most people prefer for the course lessons to be as short as possible – up to 5 mins, ideally. However, if the topic requires it and if it makes sense, 10-20 minute long course lessons are also alright.
The main thing to keep in mind here is that people have to find time for these lessons in their daily run. Don’t waste their time and if you can give the information in a shorter timeframe, go for it!
Your goal shouldn’t be to add as much content as possible but instead – focus on providing the simplest path to the results your audience wants!
Should you drip your course content?
83% of respondents prefer having full access to all of the course content right away. The instant gratification at its best!
While generally, this seems like the most acceptable way to go, it would really depend on your content and type of course.
If enforcing a specific order of the lessons makes sense for your content OR you’re guiding a group coaching along with that, dripping the content might work just as well.
Additionally, if you know your audience should take longer time going through some of the tasks before they move forward, content dripping can help you to support your audience in this journey.
No matter which way you decide to go – make sure to always clarify this as you open the enrollment.
How to present your course content?
Repeatedly, the favorite way of learning is from the slides with the presenter window instead of slide-only or talking head videos.
This way of presenting your course content definitely is very effective as you can lay out all of the must-know information and also provide the personal touch by being present 0n the screen.
Should you add interactive elements to your course?
54% of the voters have said that it’s alright if the course has no interactive elements, for example, quizzes or similar.
From my experience, I’d like to say that it really depends on how relevant these elements might be. I’ve always been against adding worksheets or quizzes if they are put within the content just for the sake of it.
However, if adding these elements make sense and will increase the likelihood of your audience earning more from your content, don’t hesitate to add them.
Remember that not all of your course lessons must include same type of learning materials – choose whatever is the best fit for each specific lesson.
Is having Live coaching a must for your course?
57% of the respondents say that having LIVE interaction (for example, Live coaching) is not that important for an effective course experience.
This is the kind of element that should be clearly stated as the person is making the purchase.
I believe that most are okay with prerecorded video modules, as long as it’s a known fact that the content is provided in such a way.
However, adding Live elements is a great way to increase your course value!
Should you add 1:1 support?
61% of the responders voted that they prefer 1:1 support versus group coaching.
While adding 1:1 support might be ideal and often can be a great deal for high-end products, it definitely won’t be as versatile for smaller or evergreen products that are created for more passive income.
The main focus when creating a course should be on delivering valuable content and giving as much support and guidance as needed and possible.
Courses, by default, can be created as fully self-paced products, therefore, you shouldn’t overthink this.
If you intended to add 1:1 or group support, go for it! But if this wasn’t your plan, your course can thrive without that as well.
Explore more ways to support your students here!
How does a best-selling course look like?
To wrap it up, here’s how a best-selling course would look like:
- Your course should include rather short lessons that can be finished in 5-20 minutes.
- The course content should be available right away.
- Present your course content with slides with a presenter’s screen. Add some Lives and interactive elements if that makes sense for you and your content.
- Don’t forget to give some 1:1 support or add in group coaching if your business model supports this idea.
Related read: How much does it cost to create an online course?
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