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The Online Course Show

231: The Crazy Difference In Free Courses vs. Charging a Premium (Featuring Mark Smith)

Aug 6, 2024
Mark Smith, a self-taught technology expert, dives into the transformative journey of online courses, revealing how shifting from free to premium offerings skyrockets engagement and success. He emphasizes the power of storytelling and community in course creation while sharing his niche expertise in Microsoft business applications. Furthermore, Mark discusses the significance of personal branding, the psychological benefits of financial commitment, and innovative strategies for sustainable living and mentorship in tech careers.
01:14:50

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Charging for courses leads to higher engagement and success rates as financial investment motivates learners to commit more seriously to their education.
  • Building a personal brand and leveraging consistent content marketing are crucial strategies for establishing authority and attracting potential students in the online course space.

Deep dives

The Value of Charging for Education

Offering courses for free may seem like a way to help more people, but charging for courses can lead to higher engagement and better outcomes for students. This shift in strategy resulted in not only increased financial support but also a noticeable rise in the commitment of learners who are now more invested in their education. Participants who pay for courses often demonstrate a greater willingness to engage, complete, and achieve results because their financial investment motivates them. Ultimately, this approach highlights the idea that selling educational content can be a form of service, enhancing the value perceived by both the instructor and the learners.

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