The first time you run your course, it will be the worst it will ever be. That's not criticism—it's opportunity. Every time you offer your course, you'll learn, adjust, and improve. Why settle for good when it can be great?
Polish Your Content Until It's Exceptional
These resources will walk you through the exact steps to tighten up your content and make it remarkable—without adding unnecessary complexity.
1. Use AI to Identify Content Gaps
In 2026, AI tools like Claude and ChatGPT can analyze your course outline and identify gaps in your logic flow. Use them to pressure-test your curriculum before students do. Ask: "What questions might students have after this lesson that I haven't addressed?"
2. The "Less Is More" Audit
Many creators start with too much content. Review each lesson and ask: "Does this directly serve the transformation I promised?" If not, cut it. A focused 4-module course beats a bloated 12-module one every time.
Learn about the Transformation Promise framework →
3. Apply Spaced Repetition
Learning science research shows that revisiting concepts at intervals dramatically improves retention. Build callbacks to earlier lessons throughout your course—brief "remember when we covered X?" moments that reinforce key ideas.
Help Your Students Get Life-Changing Results
Your students don't buy your course simply to learn information. They buy results. They're hoping you'll help them make their lives better somehow.
4. Design for Completion, Not Consumption
The average online course has a completion rate of just 5-15%. But courses designed with active learning, community support, and milestone celebrations consistently see 60%+ completion. The difference isn't content quality—it's course architecture.
5. Build in Accountability Checkpoints
Add moments where students share their progress—not just with you, but with peers. Public commitment increases follow-through. A simple "share your homework in the community" prompt can double engagement.
6. Create Quick Wins Early
Students who complete one small action in the first 48 hours are significantly more likely to finish the entire course. Design your first lesson to deliver an immediate, tangible result.
Transform Your Teaching with Modern Approaches
Education is constantly evolving. These approaches work in 2026's course landscape—where students are more discerning and attention is scarce.
7. Teach How to Learn Before Teaching Content
Many students are new to online courses. A brief "how to get the most from this course" orientation dramatically improves outcomes. Cover: ideal study environment, how to take notes, when to ask questions.
8. Embrace the Growth Mindset
Carol Dweck's research on growth mindset applies directly to course design. Praise effort and progress, not just results. Normalize struggle as part of learning. Your language shapes student psychology.
9. Use AI as a Learning Companion
Consider how students might use AI tools alongside your course. Rather than fighting it, design activities that leverage AI productively—using it for practice, feedback, or deeper exploration of concepts.
Fascinate Learners with Multimedia Done Right
You want your students to finish your course. But shiny objects and short attention spans make it hard for online learners to focus.
10. The Truth About Video Length
There's no magic number. A 20-minute video that's engaging beats a 5-minute video that's boring. Focus on value density—eliminate filler, keep energy high, and chunk complex topics into logical segments.
11. Apply Multimedia Learning Principles
Cognitive science shows that using the wrong combination of text and visuals can actually impair learning. Match your media to your content: demonstrations need video, concepts often work better as diagrams, and text shines for reference materials.
Foster a Community That Falls in Love with You
1,000 true fans. An audience that purchases—and raves to friends about— everything you create. It's something your online course can help you build.
12. Engage and Energize Your Students
Creative strategies for keeping students engaged and energized throughout your course, from the Authentic Expert podcast.
13. Build a Brilliant Online Learning Community
How to create an outstanding community of learners who love being in your courses.
Apply These Resources
If you apply what you learn from even some of these resources, you'll see greater participation, more meaningful engagement, and happier students. That's a win for everyone involved!