I have actually spend thousands of euros on courses how to create online courses. This is better. More relatable, better at addressing my questions and most of all: simple, not overcomplicated. And its even free! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart
OMG.. You have hit a "Home Run" with all these videos.. I'm going to call you "Professor Shane"! Outstanding video that has my brain going in all directions, but you have given me the clear path to take as I begin this journey of building an online course. Love the idea of chunking down into three priorities to focus on rather than dumping every bit of knowledge into the course!
Your authenticity is refreshing and compelling. Your information is clear, concise and on point. That you are sharing what you know in the way that you are makes me want to thank you and wish you every success. So, Thank You. I wish you every success!
The Reasons Why Most People Don't Create Course. 1) Curse of Knowledge - 0:37 a) Imposter Syndrome - 1:16 b) The Boring Teacher - 2:16 2) The Information Download (Mistake) - 2:49 Strategies to Create a Kickass Course. 1) Become a Course Sculptor - 3:40 2) The Big Three (outcomes) - 5:41 3) Customer Development - 8:44
Super incredible info. Shane you are teaching us how to break above everyone when it comes to Solopreneurship. The imposter syndrome and about editing out are my key takeaways! Going to watch this every morning, the link is on calendar.
Excellent video, very helpful! I just stumbled upon your channel and it's a gold mine! All the points are relevant, the most relevant is a) sculpting the course instead of dumping all the info and b) teaching the course like you are explaining this concept to somebody you know. I have created one course but dreading making the next one because of the 'curse of knowledge'. Thank you for this video, it was mindblowing and life changing.
I’m so impressed by your Mindset Shane. I know that you’ve probably read a bunch of Human/web psychology litteratures - but this is just great! Glad i found you after subbing to thrivethemes
Yes! I've heard on a podcast somebody saying "If you don't have impostor syndrome at all, then you must be a narcissist." The only thing is to remember WHY we do what we do. I also keep a page where I collect testimonials. In case of impostor syndrome crisis it is a must :-)
Hey Shane. Great content again, thanks. So, after watching some of your videos, let me try to piece this knowledge together. We first come up w/ a course that we believe is valuable enough to justify a $200 product. Then we tell our audience we're thinking about making that course, and asking who's interested in joining a limited seat pilot class (scarcity, check). Those will have one on one attention out of us, as we deliver the content live (awesome bonus there). As a pilot class, they'll also get a 50% discount (usd 99) if they sign up till X date (time sensitive, check). Then, after we deliver that first course, we get testimonials and build the 2nd version of the course, fully recorded, for the full $199. We can even upsell a live coaching add on here for example. That 2nd version (recorded), validated and w/ testimonials, is the one we'll point ads to. Is that far off? Thanks again for the guidance. Cheers!
The video is great but on one thing I have a different perspective. When you overwhelm a little bit your customers you can sell easier a high ticket item. This strategy is good because the overwhelming state correlates with their psychology.
Hmm... not sure about this. I mean, it may work to increase sales, but I wouldn't aim to overwhelm. I prefer to aim for clarity. I want to prove that I can be clear and helpful and provide value, not that I'm some all-knowing guru.
Remember how valuable is your accumulated knowledge, skills and wisdom. And how valuable is your ability to interaction ability. Reduce the course down to top three priorities. Then learn what your customer needs to know to get that outcome. From your direct interaction with clients you know what they need to know.
Shane, good content, thank you. O have a question, which video editing tool do you usr that allows you to add text snd other items to the video at the appropriate time?
Dude, Shane, thank you! This series has inspired me to take action man. I'm launching an eBook (workout program) next week but I want to immediately start creating an online course version of that, and that would be my upsell once I finish. One question...do you plan to do a video on how you market your course? I know you said through email but I'd also like to know what you did to build your list. Blogging and UA-cam are great sources, but that's a slow build. Do you run ads? FB, Google? Thank you for the awesome content!
Glad you're getting value out of these videos, Jason! We'll be doing a live webinar shortly, where I'll be answering more questions about course creation in detail.
Course conclusion topics 1. How to develop the content. 2. How to validate your content idea. 3. How to put together the course material. 4. Hot to price your course. 5. How to launch a course on a tight budget. Are there additional videos that cover these topics as I am struggling to find and match the info on this video to the course conclusion topics. thx.
Hi Shane! thank you for the great content you're producing. can i know when the visual Wordpress theme builder will be released and if it will be compatible with the woocommerce plugin
Super great helpful info! I feel like I need to know more about list Building and all the process involved. How many do I need to test an idea. Do I need to get the 2500 people on list before launch ect. This topic is always glossed over and yet.. No customers no business. I want, no need, to launch a successful digital product and I can not spend thousands on paid advertising. So organic traffic and list Building is key I think. Yet, exactly what that work looks like I'm not clear. Also, how long is a list good for? If it builds to slowly is it simply a matter of kicking out value via regular emails to keep the list warm? Thank you for these videos
Hi Daniel, check out the Q&A we did here: ua-cam.com/video/hwb5lXFdmI0/v-deo.html I explain there what I'd do to start from scratch and how big the audience should be etc.
Congrats! Awesome video. Main lesson: "just do it". And if I may suggest something I think it's time to Thrive Themes to create the free course: "How to create and sell a course with Thrive Apprentice in 1 month? " Outcome: sell a course Prereq: Thrive Themes free trial for 30 days in order to implement and launch a course. After that people will need to buy Thive Themes in order to keep using Thive Apprentice (and keep selling their course...) #1 Priority: define the course - define the subject (main topic) of the course - define the outcome of the course - define the topic modules and lessons of the course - validate the idea - refine and iterate #2 Priority: create the course - create a Vimeo account
- record videos for each lesson and upload them to Vimeo - buy a domain and hosting (SEO friendly hosting) - install and configure WordPress - install Thrive Themes and Thrive Apprentice (30 days free trial. Clock is running now.) - create a nice and simple website - create the modules of the course in Thrive Apprentice - create each lesson in Thrive Apprentice - refine some details and design of the pages in Thrive Apprentice - test your course (friends or prospects can help) #3 Priority: launch the course - install and configure SendOwl - install and configure ActiveCampaign account and lists - write some articles on your website about the main topic related to the course outcome - promote the articles on Social Media (Inbound Marketing 101 bonus lessons) - follow a product launch strategy similar to ua-cam.com/video/7WJ6v7F9MGg/v-deo.html in order to launch the course - define the metrics for the business and for the Ads (ROI, CPL, etc) - promote Ads on Social Media (Facebook Ads 101 bonus lessons) - analyze the metrics results (lessons learned) Well... those are only my thoughts... Probably something is missing. And maybe Thrive Themes does not want to create something like that. Maybe the outcome "sell a course" is too big as long as it depends on the market, depends on the seller/teacher skills and so on. And maybe 1 month is too little... but one thing is important: you will only start your 30-days free trial after having structured the course and recorded the videos. So the main content you'll have it. And you can watch the whole course and only start your trial when you think you are ready. But thank you Shane and staff! Keep the good work!
Damn, that's some detailed feedback! Thank you for this. :) A free trial is something we can't really do because our software is distributed. It would be too easy for customers to cheat and keep the software after the trial, without ever paying. Or we'd have to make our products too "invasive" to prevent that from happening...
@@Thrivethemes would be possible then to you to sell a detailed course like that including Thrive Themes subscription with a "first year discount"? Then the next year the price can go up. Just some ideas. PS: I am a Thrive Themes subscriber already. 😉 All the best from Brazil!
@@DreamBuilderLab we did something like that a few years ago. the problem was that surprisingly many people didn't understand the pricing and were angry at us when the second year cost more than the first one. Seems that no matter how clearly we tried to communicate that the discount only applies to the first year, lots of people still misunderstood the offer.
Shane, Great video again! So I have been teaching in my industry (Live sessions and conferences with a lot of travel). I recently started a course for one of my live classes, and I have had relative success so far. I was updating my speaker page and realized that I might want to just go all online for my classes so I can give the students more time to actually get results during a 4 week online class structure instead of cramming a bunch of material into 1 8 hour day that gets them excited but is difficult for them to act on. I was wondering if you had any thoughts on the business model of all online courses vs. membership site vs. Live in person courses?
My favorite model is to have either all online or all online + some live element. Each of these models can work, but I recommend having at least one course that you deliver completely online, so it's hands-off, always available to your customers and something that can keep going when you take some time off or work on something else.
@@Thrivethemes Great point on the hands off online class. I agree because my group coaching class is great for students, but takes a lot of my time. Thanks for the great content!
I want to launch with six modules at a higher price, which will be around $497. My funnel will be a cheaper $20 webinar. The highest ticket will involve a group or personal session at $997. What do you think? Where is the research for the $200 price point. I missed that video.
The pricing video is here: ua-cam.com/video/uhXUldg7BT4/v-deo.html A funnel with multiple price points is definitely a good idea! Of course, each of the products must justify its price point, for this to work out.
I wonder how this presentation is made - with this wordblocks coming in from above, the roll down curtain with words appearing letter by letter/word by word. Any idea which software needed???
Hi Shane - at the $200 or so price point you suggest, what is the typical % of customers who request a refund under the guarantee period? Assuming you would be including a 30 day guarantee. Sorry if I missed this somewhere else. Also one other thing I was hoping you would share - for this price point, let’s say even up to $500, do you think a webinar would be the most effective from a conversion rate perspective? I know many people suggest webinars for $500-$2,500 price ranges but I figure...wouldn’t it just increase the overall conversion rate in the the $200-$500 range? Thank you for all you do!
Refund rate depends a lot on how you deliver your course. If people get a high quality first impression and you help them experience some wins early on, refund rates are going to be low. It also depends on how you sell and what market you are in. For example, if you drive sales by making grandiose promises and generating lots of hype and you add some urgency into the mix, you'll get a lot of people buying, even though they shouldn't. They buy because they're afraid of missing out and because of the promise of a quick and easy solution to a big and scary problem. When you inevitably can't deliver on that, refund requests will come flying in. Webinars can be a great tool for selling, yes. I've done this a lot for higher priced products. However, for high ticket items, I recommend setting up a whole funnel, not just a single webinar. There should be a multi-day process people can go through to get to know you and the product.
Thrive Themes - thank you for the thorough reply. This is very helpful. Do you have any rough estimates or guidelines though for actual % refund numbers so I can know if I am doing a good job or not?
It has been almost a year we have not heard any news about the new Visual Theme Builder. It seems company is going different direction. No new themes , no updates given to your current clients. we do not want to create new web sites based on Thrive Architect if you guys going to different directions (more seems like a lot of time you focus on Course Building software and not investing any time on ThriveArchitect (or VisualBuilder) Please let us know.
Thank you for outlining some of the barriers in creating an online course. This is truly impactful and changing the mindset of course creators. Question, what tool is being used for your illustration/images on your video?
I have actually spend thousands of euros on courses how to create online courses.
This is better. More relatable, better at addressing my questions and most of all: simple, not overcomplicated.
And its even free! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart
OMG.. You have hit a "Home Run" with all these videos.. I'm going to call you "Professor Shane"! Outstanding video that has my brain going in all directions, but you have given me the clear path to take as I begin this journey of building an online course. Love the idea of chunking down into three priorities to focus on rather than dumping every bit of knowledge into the course!
Thank you, Kile! I'm happy to see that my content inspires action. :)
Thrive Themes Rapid Action 😀
So far one of best videos on developing an online course, not just with content but also your delivery style was good example.
Your authenticity is refreshing and compelling. Your information is clear, concise and on point. That you are sharing what you know in the way that you are makes me want to thank you and wish you every success. So, Thank You. I wish you every success!
The Reasons Why Most People Don't Create Course.
1) Curse of Knowledge - 0:37
a) Imposter Syndrome - 1:16
b) The Boring Teacher - 2:16
2) The Information Download (Mistake) - 2:49
Strategies to Create a Kickass Course.
1) Become a Course Sculptor - 3:40
2) The Big Three (outcomes) - 5:41
3) Customer Development - 8:44
A great video in not only how to defeat creator block, but as an example in itself as to how to properly present instructions.
Thank you, Gary!
Super incredible info. Shane you are teaching us how to break above everyone when it comes to Solopreneurship. The imposter syndrome and about editing out are my key takeaways! Going to watch this every morning, the link is on calendar.
Thank you, Martin! Happy to help you reach new heights. :)
Excellent info! Straightforward without too much overload. Thanks!
Thank you, Shane. You are pure GOLD. Do keep creating! I am a Thrive Theme member and am getting a tonne of value out of it.
I'm very happy to hear that! :)
Thanks Shane, awesome tips.
Thank you!
This video is like what an asthma puffer must feel like to an asthmatic
haha, bonus points for a creative comment.
Excellent video, very helpful! I just stumbled upon your channel and it's a gold mine! All the points are relevant, the most relevant is a) sculpting the course instead of dumping all the info and b) teaching the course like you are explaining this concept to somebody you know. I have created one course but dreading making the next one because of the 'curse of knowledge'. Thank you for this video, it was mindblowing and life changing.
Simply, outstanding information! Thank you!
I’m so impressed by your Mindset Shane. I know that you’ve probably read a bunch of Human/web psychology litteratures - but this is just great! Glad i found you after subbing to thrivethemes
Thank you. :)
Impressive, high quality and clear. Glad I stumbled upon these videos
Yes! I've heard on a podcast somebody saying "If you don't have impostor syndrome at all, then you must be a narcissist." The only thing is to remember WHY we do what we do. I also keep a page where I collect testimonials. In case of impostor syndrome crisis it is a must :-)
Haha, good point.
Very informative and precise. Keep up the good work.
Hey Shane. Great content again, thanks. So, after watching some of your videos, let me try to piece this knowledge together. We first come up w/ a course that we believe is valuable enough to justify a $200 product. Then we tell our audience we're thinking about making that course, and asking who's interested in joining a limited seat pilot class (scarcity, check). Those will have one on one attention out of us, as we deliver the content live (awesome bonus there). As a pilot class, they'll also get a 50% discount (usd 99) if they sign up till X date (time sensitive, check). Then, after we deliver that first course, we get testimonials and build the 2nd version of the course, fully recorded, for the full $199. We can even upsell a live coaching add on here for example. That 2nd version (recorded), validated and w/ testimonials, is the one we'll point ads to. Is that far off? Thanks again for the guidance. Cheers!
The video is great but on one thing I have a different perspective. When you overwhelm a little bit your customers you can sell easier a high ticket item. This strategy is good because the overwhelming state correlates with their psychology.
This is only for the prelaunch. The main course must be super clear
Hmm... not sure about this. I mean, it may work to increase sales, but I wouldn't aim to overwhelm. I prefer to aim for clarity. I want to prove that I can be clear and helpful and provide value, not that I'm some all-knowing guru.
@@Thrivethemes what about overwhelm with a great framework and then start analysing it?
Right. If it's overwhelm in the sense of: "wow, there's so much good stuff here!" then that would be a nice way of doing it. :)
perfect video!! WOW just outstanding thank you .
Thank you so much Shane .. this series of videos were PURE GOLD as usual :)
You rock! I totally love your info. Thank you 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Thanks so much for these videos. Very helpful!
These videos are so excellent. Thank you for sharing all that you know so that we can get better and learn.
Great video Shane!!, as usual, very clear, straight to the point and full of knowledgable intent...Cheers!
These were very precious advises. Thank you!
Remember how valuable is your accumulated knowledge, skills and wisdom. And how valuable is your ability to interaction ability. Reduce the course down to top three priorities. Then learn what your customer needs to know to get that outcome. From your direct interaction with clients you know what they need to know.
Shane, good content, thank you. O have a question, which video editing tool do you usr that allows you to add text snd other items to the video at the appropriate time?
Dude, Shane, thank you! This series has inspired me to take action man. I'm launching an eBook (workout program) next week but I want to immediately start creating an online course version of that, and that would be my upsell once I finish.
One question...do you plan to do a video on how you market your course? I know you said through email but I'd also like to know what you did to build your list. Blogging and UA-cam are great sources, but that's a slow build. Do you run ads? FB, Google?
Thank you for the awesome content!
Glad you're getting value out of these videos, Jason! We'll be doing a live webinar shortly, where I'll be answering more questions about course creation in detail.
Ok, So my biggest take away was the "Become a Course Sculptor" thank you for all the wonderful tips and it is really helpful.
Bomb Shane! Just bomb! Thank you for the tips! 😁
Thank you very much!
Great video Shane!!!
Thank you!
Thanks Shane! Brilliant again!
Thank you Shane, your tips and strategy are amazing, and I really liked your videos/teaching style :)
Course conclusion topics
1. How to develop the content.
2. How to validate your content idea.
3. How to put together the course material.
4. Hot to price your course.
5. How to launch a course on a tight budget.
Are there additional videos that cover these topics as I am struggling to find and match the info on this video to the course conclusion topics.
thx.
Top 3 Outcomes are key for training.
What about you don’t have that many email addresses to begin with ? Thanks for a helpful video :)🙏🏼
Really very helpful!!
Hi Shane! thank you for the great content you're producing.
can i know when the visual Wordpress theme builder will be released and if it will be compatible with the woocommerce plugin
Thank you! We will have an update with more details on the Theme Builder coming soon.
Thank you Shane. Witch video editor do you use (the slides are great)?
So much value. Thnk you so much.
Super great helpful info!
I feel like I need to know more about list Building and all the process involved. How many do I need to test an idea. Do I need to get the 2500 people on list before launch ect. This topic is always glossed over and yet.. No customers no business.
I want, no need, to launch a successful digital product and I can not spend thousands on paid advertising. So organic traffic and list Building is key I think. Yet, exactly what that work looks like I'm not clear. Also, how long is a list good for? If it builds to slowly is it simply a matter of kicking out value via regular emails to keep the list warm?
Thank you for these videos
Hi Daniel, check out the Q&A we did here: ua-cam.com/video/hwb5lXFdmI0/v-deo.html
I explain there what I'd do to start from scratch and how big the audience should be etc.
Very precious advises
Congrats! Awesome video.
Main lesson: "just do it".
And if I may suggest something I think it's time to Thrive Themes to create the free course:
"How to create and sell a course with Thrive Apprentice in 1 month?
"
Outcome: sell a course
Prereq: Thrive Themes free trial for 30 days in order to implement and launch a course. After that people will need to buy Thive Themes in order to keep using Thive Apprentice (and keep selling their course...)
#1 Priority: define the course
- define the subject (main topic) of the course
- define the outcome of the course
- define the topic modules and lessons of the course
- validate the idea
- refine and iterate
#2 Priority: create the course
- create a Vimeo account
- record videos for each lesson and upload them to Vimeo
- buy a domain and hosting (SEO friendly hosting)
- install and configure WordPress
- install Thrive Themes and Thrive Apprentice
(30 days free trial. Clock is running now.)
- create a nice and simple website
- create the modules of the course in Thrive Apprentice
- create each lesson in Thrive Apprentice
- refine some details and design of the pages in Thrive Apprentice
- test your course
(friends or prospects can help)
#3 Priority: launch the course
- install and configure SendOwl
- install and configure ActiveCampaign account and lists
- write some articles on your website about the main topic related to the course outcome
- promote the articles on Social Media (Inbound Marketing 101 bonus lessons)
- follow a product launch strategy similar to ua-cam.com/video/7WJ6v7F9MGg/v-deo.html in order to launch the course
- define the metrics for the business and for the Ads (ROI, CPL, etc)
- promote Ads on Social Media (Facebook Ads 101 bonus lessons)
- analyze the metrics results (lessons learned)
Well... those are only my thoughts... Probably something is missing.
And maybe Thrive Themes does not want to create something like that. Maybe the outcome "sell a course" is too big as long as it depends on the market, depends on the seller/teacher skills and so on.
And maybe 1 month is too little... but one thing is important: you will only start your 30-days free trial after having structured the course and recorded the videos. So the main content you'll have it. And you can watch the whole course and only start your trial when you think you are ready.
But thank you Shane and staff! Keep the good work!
Damn, that's some detailed feedback! Thank you for this. :)
A free trial is something we can't really do because our software is distributed. It would be too easy for customers to cheat and keep the software after the trial, without ever paying. Or we'd have to make our products too "invasive" to prevent that from happening...
@@Thrivethemes would be possible then to you to sell a detailed course like that including Thrive Themes subscription with a "first year discount"? Then the next year the price can go up. Just some ideas.
PS: I am a Thrive Themes subscriber already. 😉
All the best from Brazil!
@@DreamBuilderLab we did something like that a few years ago. the problem was that surprisingly many people didn't understand the pricing and were angry at us when the second year cost more than the first one. Seems that no matter how clearly we tried to communicate that the discount only applies to the first year, lots of people still misunderstood the offer.
@@Thrivethemes Detailed Feedback, INDEED!
Shane, Great video again! So I have been teaching in my industry (Live sessions and conferences with a lot of travel). I recently started a course for one of my live classes, and I have had relative success so far. I was updating my speaker page and realized that I might want to just go all online for my classes so I can give the students more time to actually get results during a 4 week online class structure instead of cramming a bunch of material into 1 8 hour day that gets them excited but is difficult for them to act on. I was wondering if you had any thoughts on the business model of all online courses vs. membership site vs. Live in person courses?
My favorite model is to have either all online or all online + some live element. Each of these models can work, but I recommend having at least one course that you deliver completely online, so it's hands-off, always available to your customers and something that can keep going when you take some time off or work on something else.
@@Thrivethemes Great point on the hands off online class. I agree because my group coaching class is great for students, but takes a lot of my time. Thanks for the great content!
Great stuff. Thanks Shane :)
Thank you. :)
I want to launch with six modules at a higher price, which will be around $497. My funnel will be a cheaper $20 webinar. The highest ticket will involve a group or personal session at $997. What do you think? Where is the research for the $200 price point. I missed that video.
The pricing video is here: ua-cam.com/video/uhXUldg7BT4/v-deo.html
A funnel with multiple price points is definitely a good idea! Of course, each of the products must justify its price point, for this to work out.
Hi shane, are free webinars targeting new customer considered "Customer development" ?
I wonder how this presentation is made - with this wordblocks coming in from above, the roll down curtain with words appearing letter by letter/word by word. Any idea which software needed???
Yes I like the big 3 strategy
Hahahaha so True, I have all of those points 😅. Thanks for the eye opening. No more limits (excuses). 💪
Before this video I was extremely overwhelmed.
Now I am calm
Hi Shane - at the $200 or so price point you suggest, what is the typical % of customers who request a refund under the guarantee period? Assuming you would be including a 30 day guarantee.
Sorry if I missed this somewhere else.
Also one other thing I was hoping you would share - for this price point, let’s say even up to $500, do you think a webinar would be the most effective from a conversion rate perspective?
I know many people suggest webinars for $500-$2,500 price ranges but I figure...wouldn’t it just increase the overall conversion rate in the the $200-$500 range?
Thank you for all you do!
Refund rate depends a lot on how you deliver your course. If people get a high quality first impression and you help them experience some wins early on, refund rates are going to be low. It also depends on how you sell and what market you are in. For example, if you drive sales by making grandiose promises and generating lots of hype and you add some urgency into the mix, you'll get a lot of people buying, even though they shouldn't. They buy because they're afraid of missing out and because of the promise of a quick and easy solution to a big and scary problem. When you inevitably can't deliver on that, refund requests will come flying in.
Webinars can be a great tool for selling, yes. I've done this a lot for higher priced products. However, for high ticket items, I recommend setting up a whole funnel, not just a single webinar. There should be a multi-day process people can go through to get to know you and the product.
Thrive Themes - thank you for the thorough reply. This is very helpful.
Do you have any rough estimates or guidelines though for actual % refund numbers so I can know if I am doing a good job or not?
WOW This is so true.
You Are amazing 👍where have you been all my life thank you👏 I subscribe I will be on thank you for your knowledge
Great content.
It has been almost a year we have not heard any news about the new Visual Theme Builder. It seems company is going different direction. No new themes , no updates given to your current clients. we do not want to create new web sites based on Thrive Architect if you guys going to different directions (more seems like a lot of time you focus on Course Building software and not investing any time on ThriveArchitect (or VisualBuilder) Please let us know.
Great video
Thank you!
Do you make website
This is literally a reproduced version of the video that was published back in 2019. Nothing new found here.😞
You’re commenting on a video from 2019 👀
The best
Can I ask you a question can I send you my email address
Thank you for outlining some of the barriers in creating an online course. This is truly impactful and changing the mindset of course creators. Question, what tool is being used for your illustration/images on your video?