The Art of Online Course Creation – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of The Art of Online Course Creation, host Shannon Boyer addresses one of the most common challenges faced by course creators—getting stuck in the middle of the process. 

Shannon offers actionable strategies to help you break through the barriers, regain momentum, and finally complete your course. 

From overcoming the fear of imperfection to managing the overwhelming scope of your project, this episode is packed with insights to inspire and empower you to reach the finish line.

Key Takeaways:

• Course Creation is Not Easy: Many course creators struggle because they were led to believe that creating a course is a simple process. However, the truth is that it's a challenging, yet rewarding, endeavor.
• Fear of Imperfection: Embrace imperfection in your course creation. High standards are important, but striving for perfection can paralyze progress.
• Overwhelming Scope: If your course feels too large in scope, consider narrowing it down. Breaking it into smaller, more manageable parts can make the process more doable for both you and your students.
• Lack of a Clear Plan: Having a clear, structured plan is essential. Use proven course creation frameworks to guide your process and keep your course organized and coherent.

Additional Considerations:

• Online Courses Are Not Passive Income: Shannon emphasizes that online education requires active effort and is not a form of passive income. High-quality courses demand a significant commitment.
• Mindful Time Management: Creativity requires dedicated time and space. Shannon suggests blocking off substantial chunks of time to focus on course creation without distractions.
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• Join the “Your Best Course Kickstarter Challenge”: If you’re ready to get unstuck and finally complete your course, join Shannon in this free challenge by visiting www.shannonlboyer.com/join.
• Share Your Wins and Struggles: Shannon invites you to share your course creation journey with her via email at [email protected] or through a DM on Instagram at @shannonlboyer.

Support the show

Get started on your own course creation journey or learn how to make your existing course even better at The "Your Best Course" Build Lab, my interactive and supportive online community.

To get started creating your own online course, check out my new freebie that will take you through the steps of choosing a topic that will be profitable for YOU.

To be in the know about new offerings and opportunities, make sure you sign up for my newsletter.

This podcast is produced, mixed, and edited by Cardinal Studio. For more
information about how to start your own podcast, please visit www.cardinalstudio.co
or e-mail [email protected]

Are you in the process of creating an online course, or are you planning to start one soon? This episode of The Art of Online Course Creation is a must-listen! We uncover the top five mistakes that course creators often make, which can be the difference between a course that flops and one that flourishes. More importantly, get actionable strategies to help you avoid these pitfalls and create a course that truly stands out and delivers exceptional value to your students.

Key Takeaways:

1. Incorporate Yourself Into Your Course: Discover why your face, stories, and unique insights are crucial to making your course engaging and relatable.
2. Avoid Content Overload: Learn how to streamline your content to focus on what truly matters, helping your students achieve their desired outcomes without overwhelm.
3. Maximize Your Written Resources: Ensure that your students can easily find and utilize the valuable resources you provide.
4. Be Transparent: Understand why making your course structure and expectations clear from the start is key to student success.
5. Provide Practice Opportunities: Recognize the importance of guided practice and feedback in helping students master new skills.

Bonus: The FREE Your Best Course Kickstarter Challenge, a 5-day event designed for purpose-driven entrepreneurs who want to create a high-quality online course. Don’t miss out! 

Support the show

Get started on your own course creation journey or learn how to make your existing course even better at The "Your Best Course" Build Lab, my interactive and supportive online community.

To get started creating your own online course, check out my new freebie that will take you through the steps of choosing a topic that will be profitable for YOU.

To be in the know about new offerings and opportunities, make sure you sign up for my newsletter.

This podcast is produced, mixed, and edited by Cardinal Studio. For more
information about how to start your own podcast, please visit www.cardinalstudio.co
or e-mail [email protected]

In this episode, we're diving into the three pillars of online course success: creating high-touch, high-quality, and high-impact courses. Contrary to the popular belief that online courses should be passive income generators, we're exploring why a more engaged, hands-on approach can lead to greater student satisfaction and long-term success.

Discover the benefits of offering interactive, personalized courses that truly transform students' lives. Learn why high-touch courses, with live sessions and personalized feedback, stand out in a crowded market. Understand how high-quality content can justify higher prices and attract serious, committed students.

Ready to rethink your approach to online courses? Tune in and find out why high-touch, high-quality, and high-impact courses might be the game-changer your business needs. 

The 7 Things All Courses MUST Have to Max Student Referrals

Support the show

Get started on your own course creation journey or learn how to make your existing course even better at The "Your Best Course" Build Lab, my interactive and supportive online community.

To get started creating your own online course, check out my new freebie that will take you through the steps of choosing a topic that will be profitable for YOU.

To be in the know about new offerings and opportunities, make sure you sign up for my newsletter.

This podcast is produced, mixed, and edited by Cardinal Studio. For more
information about how to start your own podcast, please visit www.cardinalstudio.co
or e-mail [email protected]

In this episode of "The Art of Course Creation," we tackle the critical question: "Is Creating an Online Course Right for Your Business?" 

We delve into six key considerations, including alignment with your business’s mission and values, selecting the right course type, choosing a valuable topic, setting realistic revenue expectations, and understanding the effort required for success. 

I provide practical advice and real-world examples to help you make an informed decision about integrating an online course into your business strategy.
 
Tune in to discover if creating an online course is the next step for you and how to ensure its success!

Don't forget to leave a 5-star review and follow.  Your support helps me reach more purpose-driven course creators like you and truly means the world to me.

Support the show

Get started on your own course creation journey or learn how to make your existing course even better at The "Your Best Course" Build Lab, my interactive and supportive online community.

To get started creating your own online course, check out my new freebie that will take you through the steps of choosing a topic that will be profitable for YOU.

To be in the know about new offerings and opportunities, make sure you sign up for my newsletter.

This podcast is produced, mixed, and edited by Cardinal Studio. For more
information about how to start your own podcast, please visit www.cardinalstudio.co
or e-mail [email protected]

Welcome to The Art of Online Course Creation - the podcast where we talk (like no one else does) about how to create a successful, scalable, and sustainable online course.

In this episode you'll learn:
- What the podcast is all about and why you want to make sure you don't miss a single episode,
- How the podcast will help you create amazingly successful online courses,
- Why the podcast is called "The Art" of Online Course Creation,
- A bit more about your host, Shannon Boyer.

You will find this episode both informative and inspiring.  Let's get started!

Support the show

Get started on your own course creation journey or learn how to make your existing course even better at The "Your Best Course" Build Lab, my interactive and supportive online community.

To get started creating your own online course, check out my new freebie that will take you through the steps of choosing a topic that will be profitable for YOU.

To be in the know about new offerings and opportunities, make sure you sign up for my newsletter.

This podcast is produced, mixed, and edited by Cardinal Studio. For more
information about how to start your own podcast, please visit www.cardinalstudio.co
or e-mail [email protected]

Think a big launch and soaring sales are the ultimate signs of a successful online course? Think again.

In this episode of The Art of Online Course Creation, Shannon Boyer challenges one of the biggest myths in the online course industry. Spoiler alert: The most important metric for a sustainable and impactful course has nothing to do with how much money you make on launch day! Curious? You should be! This one game-changing metric could completely transform how you approach your online course business.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why Course Completion Rates Matter: It’s not about how many people sign up for your course; it’s about how many finish it! Shannon dives deep into why high completion rates are the real measure of success for any online course creator. You’ll learn why this metric is crucial for both your students' success and your business growth.
• The Domino Effect of High Completion Rates: Discover how improving your course completion rates can lead to more positive testimonials, stronger word-of-mouth referrals, repeat customers, and a reputation as a course creator who genuinely changes lives.
• Strategies to Boost Your Course Completion Rates: Shannon shares actionable tips for creating engaging, bite-sized content, fostering community among students, and providing consistent feedback. You’ll also hear about some pro tips on how to re-engage students even after they’ve left your course.
• Overcoming Common Challenges: Are your students dropping off midway through your course? Is your content overwhelming or not engaging enough? Shannon identifies the common pitfalls that cause low completion rates and how to tackle them head-on with practical solutions.
• The Secret to Lower Refund Rates: Hint—it’s not just about delivering value. Learn how targeting the right students from the get-go and setting them up for success can significantly lower refund rates and build trust.
• Quick Wins and Keeping Students Engaged: Find out how adding ‘quick wins’ early in your course and creating a strong community feeling through live sessions and personalized emails can keep your students motivated to reach the finish line.

And don’t miss the bonus tip at the end of the episode! It’s a special incentive strategy that can help keep your students engaged all the way through to course completion. Trust us, it’s one you won’t want to miss.

Join the Challenge!

Are you ready to take your course creation to the next level? Join Shannon in the "Your Best Course" KICKSTARTER Challenge and learn how to create a course that not only sells but also truly delivers value and impact. Sign up here!

Support the show

Get started on your own course creation journey or learn how to make your existing course even better at The "Your Best Course" Build Lab, my interactive and supportive online community.

To get started creating your own online course, check out my new freebie that will take you through the steps of choosing a topic that will be profitable for YOU.

To be in the know about new offerings and opportunities, make sure you sign up for my newsletter.

This podcast is produced, mixed, and edited by Cardinal Studio. For more
information about how to start your own podcast, please visit www.cardinalstudio.co
or e-mail [email protected]

In this episode of The Art of Online Course Creation, host Shannon Boyer dives deep into a hotly debated topic in the course creation world: pre-selling your course before it's fully developed. Many see it as a savvy business move, but Shannon reveals why this strategy might not be as foolproof as it seems. Could taking this shortcut backfire and affect your long-term success?

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• The real impact of pre-selling on your course quality and your reputation as a course creator.
• The hidden costs and pressures that come with selling a course before it's ready.
• Why this approach could be particularly risky for new course creators who are still building trust with their audience.
• Alternative paths to launching a course that ensure you deliver true value to your students from the get-go.
• Key considerations for anyone thinking about pre-selling and how to decide what's best for your business.

Plus, Shannon offers a glimpse into her upcoming program, Your Best Course Experience, a unique opportunity for those who want hands-on support and guidance in creating a standout online course. If you're serious about making an impact, this might just be the answer you've been looking for.

Curious about whether pre-selling is right for you or if there’s a better way to set yourself up for success? Listen in as Shannon shares her honest insights, hard-earned wisdom, and strategies that could save you from common pitfalls.

Subscribe now and make sure you’re ahead of the game when it comes to building and launching a course that truly stands out.

Support the show

Get started on your own course creation journey or learn how to make your existing course even better at The "Your Best Course" Build Lab, my interactive and supportive online community.

To get started creating your own online course, check out my new freebie that will take you through the steps of choosing a topic that will be profitable for YOU.

To be in the know about new offerings and opportunities, make sure you sign up for my newsletter.

This podcast is produced, mixed, and edited by Cardinal Studio. For more
information about how to start your own podcast, please visit www.cardinalstudio.co
or e-mail [email protected]

Do you ever feel uneasy about the marketing tactics you see in the online space? In this episode of The Art of Online Course Creation, Shannon Boyer welcomes Jan Ditchfield, a business strategist with a remarkable background in fundraising and ethical marketing. Together, they explore how to create genuine connections with your audience while staying true to your values—and how these principles can transform your online course business.

Drawing from her years in the nonprofit sector, Jan shares actionable strategies for avoiding the manipulative tactics of "bro marketing" and fostering trust through ethical sales practices. You'll also learn the key differences between ethical urgency and misleading scarcity, how to qualify leads to ensure your students are set up for success, and why building trust begins long before—and long after—the sale.

This conversation is packed with practical tips and empowering insights to help course creators navigate the often-confusing landscape of online marketing. If you're looking for strategies to grow your business authentically while delivering exceptional value to your students, this episode is a must-listen.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What "bro marketing" really means and why it’s harmful.
• Practical ways to sell authentically and ethically.
• How to use urgency and scarcity without crossing ethical lines.
• Why trust-building begins after the sale—and how it can lead to long-term success.
• Key strategies for ensuring your marketing aligns with your values.

Guest Spotlight:
Jan Ditchfield is an award-winning business strategist and ethical sales expert who has generated over $25 million in revenue in her career. She helps purpose-driven women turn their expertise into thriving, online businesses that generate consistent $10k months—without sacrificing their values or burning out. Jan left her 20+ year career as a professional fundraiser to build a multiple 6-figure business during the height of the pandemic, with a toddler under her desk. She’s also the straight-talking host of the Top 3% podcast No BS Business School, where she teaches women how to master ethical sales and marketing strategies that deliver real results.

Links & Resources:

• Connect with Jan: JanDitchfield.co or @janditchfield.co on IG and FB
• Listen to Jan’s podcast: No BS Business School
• Unlock your six-figure potential with Jan's FREE $100,000 Online Business Checklist.

Don’t Miss This Episode If You Want To:

• Learn how to market your online course with integrity.
• Build long-term relationships with your students and customers.
• Find joy in selling through alignment with your values.

Rate & Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, we’d love to hear your thought

Support the show

Get started on your own course creation journey or learn how to make your existing course even better at The "Your Best Course" Build Lab, my interactive and supportive online community.

To get started creating your own online course, check out my new freebie that will take you through the steps of choosing a topic that will be profitable for YOU.

To be in the know about new offerings and opportunities, make sure you sign up for my newsletter.

This podcast is produced, mixed, and edited by Cardinal Studio. For more
information about how to start your own podcast, please visit www.cardinalstudio.co
or e-mail [email protected]

When it comes to creating course modules, how much is too much? How do you keep your learners engaged while delivering meaningful results? In this episode of The Art of Online Course Creation, we’re exploring the secrets to designing modules that hit the perfect balance—structured enough to guide your learners but flexible enough to meet their needs.

If you’ve ever wondered how to decide what belongs in a module, how long it should take, or how to avoid overwhelming your audience, this episode is for you. Get ready for actionable tips, real-world examples, and the clarity you need to create modules that your learners will love.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why every module needs a clear purpose and how defining objectives can transform the learning experience.
• How to make time work for you and your audience by tailoring content to fit their schedules and priorities.
• Simple strategies for managing cognitive load to keep learners from feeling overwhelmed and help them retain what they’ve learned.

Plus, hear real-world examples and practical steps to implement these strategies in your own course.

If you’ve struggled with figuring out how much content to include in a module, or you’re worried about whether your course feels overwhelming to learners, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to move forward. Whether you’re just starting out or refining a course you’ve already created, these tips will help you design with intention and impact.

Want to Learn More About How to Create an Impactful Course That Gets Results:

• Join the Course – The Your Best Course Experience will take you from idea to impact with easy to follow frameworks, strategies, and support.
• Work With Me 1:1 – Book a free discovery call to learn more about how I might support you in creating your first course, your next course, or making your existing course world-class.

Next Episode Teaser: Ever hear of a course marketing strategy that feels icky?  There's a reason for that.  Next week, that amazing business strategist, Jan Ditchfield is going to talk to us about selling our courses ethically.  I can't wait!

Support the show

Get started on your own course creation journey or learn how to make your existing course even better at The "Your Best Course" Build Lab, my interactive and supportive online community.

To get started creating your own online course, check out my new freebie that will take you through the steps of choosing a topic that will be profitable for YOU.

To be in the know about new offerings and opportunities, make sure you sign up for my newsletter.

This podcast is produced, mixed, and edited by Cardinal Studio. For more
information about how to start your own podcast, please visit www.cardinalstudio.co
or e-mail [email protected]

In this episode of "The Art of Online Course Creation," Shannon Boyer sits down with Elizabeth Chappell, a successful quilt pattern designer, author, fabric designer, and podcast host, to discuss her journey from selling physical products to creating a multi-six-figure online course. Elizabeth dives deep into the strategies and lessons learned from her experience in building and scaling an online course that teaches others how to write and sell quilt patterns.

Tune in to Hear:

1. Creating an Online Course: Elizabeth explains how taking a well-crafted course herself inspired her to create her own online course. She discusses the value of learning from others and finding a niche no one else was teaching.
2. First Launch Fears and Strategies: Elizabeth reflects on her initial fears of launching her first course and shares her strategy for overcoming them. She offers practical advice for anyone worried about launching to “crickets” and suggests starting small to test interest and get feedback.
3. Building Credibility and Audience: A major factor in Elizabeth's success was building a strong audience before launching. She highlights the importance of consistency, cross-promotion, and collaboration in establishing trust and engagement.
4. Revamping a Successful Course: Elizabeth talks about why she chose to revamp her course after three successful launches. She and Shannon discuss the value of continuously improving course content and focusing on the student experience.
5. High-Touch Learning and Scaling: Elizabeth explains her unique approach to maintaining a high-touch experience by leveraging alumni to mentor new students. This strategy allows her to scale while ensuring personalized support.
6. Advice for Course Creators: Elizabeth offers key advice for new course creators: prove your concept, become an expert, and focus on quality. For those with existing courses, she emphasizes continuous improvement and seeking external feedback.

Whether you're an aspiring course creator or an established entrepreneur looking to refine your approach, Elizabeth's journey and insights are a goldmine of practical advice and inspiration. Her genuine care for her students’ success and her strategic mindset for growth make this episode a must-listen for anyone serious about online course creation.

Resources and Links:

• Elizabeth Chappell's Podcast: Craft to Career
• Elizabeth Chappell's Website: www.quilterscandy.com
• Elizabeth on Instagram: @quilters_candy
• Learn more about how to work with Shannon at www.shannonlboyer.com

Tune in to hear Elizabeth’s full story and her secrets to buildin

Support the show

Get started on your own course creation journey or learn how to make your existing course even better at The "Your Best Course" Build Lab, my interactive and supportive online community.

To get started creating your own online course, check out my new freebie that will take you through the steps of choosing a topic that will be profitable for YOU.

To be in the know about new offerings and opportunities, make sure you sign up for my newsletter.

This podcast is produced, mixed, and edited by Cardinal Studio. For more
information about how to start your own podcast, please visit www.cardinalstudio.co
or e-mail [email protected]