Course Creators HQ...All About Online Courses

In this week's episode, host Julie Hood shares 6 tough business lessons she discovered playing softball from the age of 6 through high school. You can run with these same ideas to work on your online course business. Get the scoop, links and show notes at https://CourseCreatorsHQ.com/143.  LINKS MENTIONED     Set up your foundation for your online course business. For help, check out the Course Sales Launchpad – 90-day all access pass to set up your email, lead magnet, your sales page and your collaborations/joint ventures. Includes weekly coaching with Julie PLUS AI integration. Flash Sale – Only April 25 – May 2, 2023https://CourseCreatorsHQ.com/Launchpad Malcolm Gladwell's book, The Outliers. Check it out here:https://CourseCreatorsHQ.com/outliers KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR ONLINE COURSE CREATORS  6 Tough Online Course Business Lessons I Learned Playing Softball:“Daily Discipline”The power of having coachesTook years of practiceRegular times to improve, practice & work on our skillsSome things I just couldn’t do wellAccomplishment of a long-term goal COME VISIT!  FREE 2023 Ultimate Course Creators Planner -  https://coursecreatorshq.com/2023planner  Sign up for my email list and get this free course  Is My Course Idea Any Good? here.   GoodPods Let’s talk about this episode on GoodPods – https://CourseCreatorsHQ.com/goodpods (mobile only, download the app first) Clubhouse Connect with me on Clubhouse for FREE masterclasses at @JulieHood.Website https://www.CourseCreatorsHQ.comFacebook https://www.facebook.com/CourseCreatorsHQInstagram  https://www.instagram.com/CourseCreatorsHQTwitter https://www.Twitter.com/CourseHQ   

Do you need to blog? In this episode, host Julie Hood introduces you to some of the basics of search engine optimization and blogging to find and connect with your perfect students. Get the full show notes and links at https://CourseCreatorsHQ.com/142. LINKS MENTIONED      Is Your Course Idea Any Good? Sign up for the FREE mini-course...   Is My Course Idea Any Good? here:  https://www.coursecreatorshq.com/idea  To look for keywords in your specific topic area, go to:  https://coursecreatorshq.com/UberSuggest  For Neil Patel's 7-week SEO action plan:   https://coursecreatorshq.com/NeilPatel7WeekPlan  The Moz.com 4-page SEO Quick Start Guide:  https://coursecreatorshq.com/SEOquickstart  Consider using ChatGPT for ideas & inspiration (but don't only copy - add your own stories and insights, plus verify anything it gives you): https://chat.openai.com/   RELATED EPISODE  E121: Do you have enough Long-Term and Short-Term content?   KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR ONLINE COURSE CREATORS  Blogging is a long-term strategy and best done when it is combined with Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Remember: The goal of search engines (like Google and Bing) is to give you the best answer, as quickly as possible. As a content creator, you want to make sure your content fits that goal. SEO is not a quick strategy - it can take as long as 6-18 months to start seeing results. There is a LOT to doing this well. Make sure you are using current techniques because there is so much old information out there that doesn't work anymore.   Basics of SEO – to show up when people are searching in search engines:  Use the best phrases that people are most likely to type into the search engines (keyword optimized)  Get links to your content (people like it, share it, read/listen/watch it)  Really great content that the search engines can find – and that gives the answer to what a searcher is looking for  Technical setup (gets into how you actually configure your blog posts to signal the search engines about what is important)  Tech for Blogging -  Wordpress.org – the original tool for blogging. Make sure you get "managed Wordpress hosting".  Kajabi – Includes blogging with your website, course hosting, email and funnel building. Get a 30 day trial (instead of the standard 14 day trial here: https://CourseCreatorsHQ.com/KajabiSignup)  Medium  Substack - https://coursecreatorshq.com/substack  LinkedIn - also lets you post articles/blog posts  Typeshare – new tool I’m exploring - https://coursecreatorshq.com/typeshare   Get started by finding some keywords and phrases at UberSuggest. COME VISIT!  FREE 2023 Ultimate Course Creators Planner -  https://coursecreatorshq.com/2023planner  Sign up for my email list and get this free course  Is My Course Idea Any Good? here.   GoodPods Let’s talk about this episode on GoodPods – https://CourseCreatorsHQ.com/goodpods (mobile only, download the app first) Clubhouse Connect with me on Clubhouse for FREE masterclasses at @JulieHood.Website https://www.CourseCreatorsHQ.comFacebook https://www.facebook.com/CourseCreatorsHQInstagram  https://www.instagram.com/CourseCreatorsHQTwitter https://www.Twitter.com/CourseHQ  

Heather Zeitzwolfe of GetRadBiz.com joins host Julie Hood to talk about business and accounting - and taxes - just in time for tax season. Get the full show notes and the business checklist at https://CourseCreatorsHQ.com/141.  Note: This episode does not contain business, tax or legal advice. Visit your tax or legal specialist  for advice for your business.LINKS MENTIONED     Get the full Business and Accounting Checklist for free at   https://coursecreatorshq.com/BizChecklist  To connect with Heather Zeitzwolfe, visit GetRadBiz.com and sign up for her monthly workshop, How to Run, Read and Rock Your Profit and Loss Statement.    KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR ONLINE COURSE CREATORS  There are simple steps you can take to:Protect your businessTrack your income accuratelyAvoid mistakes with expensesDo better with bookkeepingGet the detailed checklist at https://coursecreatorshq.com/BizChecklist .  COME VISIT!  FREE 2023 Ultimate Course Creators Planner -  https://coursecreatorshq.com/2023planner  Sign up for my email list and get this free course  Is My Course Idea Any Good? here.   GoodPods Let’s talk about this episode on GoodPods – https://CourseCreatorsHQ.com/goodpods (mobile only, download the app first) Clubhouse Connect with me on Clubhouse for FREE masterclasses at @JulieHood.Website https://www.CourseCreatorsHQ.comFacebook https://www.facebook.com/CourseCreatorsHQInstagram  https://www.instagram.com/CourseCreatorsHQTwitter https://www.Twitter.com/CourseHQ  

In this episode, you'll discover 5 secrets to creating better PowerPoints and slide shows to use in your courses - or even when promoting your online course business. Get the full show notes at https://CourseCreatorsHQ.com/140.LINKS MENTIONED   Join us to learn Julie's secrets for cranking out PowerPoints - quickly and easily - on Saturday, April 8, 2023. Save 87% and jump in for only $37! Save your spot here - https://CourseCreatorsHQ.com/PPPHire out your presentation creation on Fiverr - https://CourseCreatorsHQ.com/fiverrKEY TAKEAWAYS FOR ONLINE COURSE CREATORSOne of the ways to make it easier to create your online course is to use PowerPoints or slide shows - and then voice over them. It's SO much easier than just talking head videos. So let's talk about how to make the slide shows even better!Secret #1 - Start with the End in MindSecret #2 - Decide the Order of Your ContentSecret #3 - One Thought Per SlideSecret #4 - Add a Relevant Image to the ThoughtSecret #5 - Get Speedy with the Tool You Pick Secret #5b - Hire it Out if You Can!COME VISIT!  FREE 2023 Ultimate Course Creators Planner -  https://coursecreatorshq.com/2023planner  Sign up for my email list and get this free course  Is My Course Idea Any Good? here.   GoodPods Let’s talk about this episode on GoodPods – https://CourseCreatorsHQ.com/goodpods (mobile only, download the app first) Clubhouse Connect with me on Clubhouse for FREE masterclasses at @JulieHood.Website https://www.CourseCreatorsHQ.comFacebook https://www.facebook.com/CourseCreatorsHQInstagram  https://www.instagram.com/CourseCreatorsHQTwitter https://www.Twitter.com/CourseHQ 

Today host Julie Hood talks about refunds and some of the decisions you'll need to make around your guarantee and refund policies to maximize your course revenue. See the full course notes and links at https://CourseCreatorsHQ.com/139LINKS MENTIONED   Get the free mini-course... Is My Course Idea Any Good? here.  KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR ONLINE COURSE CREATORSYour refund and guarantee policy can definitely impact how many sales you make - especially for people who are on the fence. Standard advice is that a 365-day refund period is the most likely to help you get more sales. However, there are some downsides. As the course business owner, you get to decide!When putting together your policy, answer these 5 questions:Does your course hosting or tools have a specific refund policy?Are you subject to any other legal requirements?Are you a "no questions asked" refund?Will you require some proof of work completed to refund?How will they receive their refund?For the next few weeks, read guarantees and see which ones you like or don't like!Also, don't take refund excuses personally - or too seriously - unless you get a bunch of them. Remember, refunds are simply a cost of doing business - similar to paying for your tools or your website hosting.  COME VISIT!  FREE 2023 Ultimate Course Creators Planner -  https://coursecreatorshq.com/2023planner  Sign up for my email list and get this free course  Is My Course Idea Any Good? here.   GoodPods Let’s talk about this episode on GoodPods – https://CourseCreatorsHQ.com/goodpods (mobile only, download the app first) Clubhouse Connect with me on Clubhouse for FREE masterclasses at @JulieHood.Website https://www.CourseCreatorsHQ.comFacebook https://www.facebook.com/CourseCreatorsHQInstagram  https://www.instagram.com/CourseCreatorsHQTwitter https://www.Twitter.com/CourseHQ

Want to make Zoom a better experience for your students? Listen in for some Zoom secrets that are easy to implement from expert, Robbie Samuels. Get all the links and show notes at https://CourseCreatorsHQ.com/138. LINKS MENTIONED   Robbie's Book on Zoom and BonusesGet it by March 27, 2023 for only $2.99 for the Kindle version (or $9.99 after that): https://CourseCreatorsHQ.com/ZoomBookVirtual Happy Hour to improve your Zoom skillshttps://NoMoreBadZoom.comRobbie's 2nd BookSmall List Big Results Book - https://coursecreatorshq.com/SmallListBigResultsKEY TAKEAWAYS FOR ONLINE COURSE CREATORSZoom is not only good for hosting your group calls. It's also good for recording your course lessons.  Loom is another option to record lessons - https://CourseCreatorsHQ.com/loomWhen recording on Zoom, use Stop and Restart the recording to get separate audio/video files that start exactly when you want and you don't have to edit.  5 Pet Peeves and How to Avoid Them on ZoomEye contact with the camera.Start with the waiting room but then turn off the waiting room so people don't get stuck in the waiting room.Turn off the distracting doorbells (known as the "Sound notification when someone joins or leaves").Start meetings with an orientation on the rules (when and how can I ask questions?). Structure creates a sense of belonging for everyone.Create a "name badge" by telling them to update their names.Plus a couple bonus tips - Start your room on time, mute everyone on entry, and consider using music + countdown clock. He gives a 2-minute grace for bio breaks.Use timers in your breakout rooms (listen in to hear what and where to click).There is a timer built-in app called "Timer" to put a circle countdown clock on your gallery, next to your head.  Blue Sky Timer is another option.These tools can help make your Zoom experience so much better!COME VISIT!  FREE 2023 Ultimate Course Creators Planner -  https://coursecreatorshq.com/2023planner  Sign up for my email list and get this free course  Is My Course Idea Any Good? here.   GoodPods Let’s talk about this episode on GoodPods – https://CourseCreatorsHQ.com/goodpods (mobile only, download the app first) Clubhouse Connect with me on Clubhouse for FREE masterclasses at @JulieHood.Website https://www.CourseCreatorsHQ.comFacebook https://www.facebook.com/CourseCreatorsHQInstagram  https://www.instagram.com/CourseCreatorsHQTwitter https://www.Twitter.com/CourseHQ

In this episode, host Julie Hood talks about a new way to approach the concept of a "niche" and how you might be able to use it (or not use it!) for your online course. See the full show notes at https://CourseCreatorsHQ.com/137.  LINKS MENTIONED    24 Hour Course Creator Daily - Starts March 15, 2023. Check it out -   https://CourseCreatorsHQ.com/PodcastDaily   KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR ONLINE COURSE CREATORS  Whether or not to choose a niche is actually a much more nuanced discussion.   If it's holding you back and getting in your way, then make sure you listen to this episode to see if you could try out another approach. Don't let the "You must pick a niche" statement stop you from creating your next course or mini-course!  COME VISIT!  FREE 2023 Ultimate Course Creators Planner -  https://coursecreatorshq.com/2023planner  Sign up for my email list and get this free course  Is My Course Idea Any Good? here.   GoodPods Let’s talk about this episode on GoodPods – https://CourseCreatorsHQ.com/goodpods (mobile only, download the app first) Clubhouse Connect with me on Clubhouse for FREE masterclasses at @JulieHood.Website https://www.CourseCreatorsHQ.comFacebook https://www.facebook.com/CourseCreatorsHQInstagram  https://www.instagram.com/CourseCreatorsHQTwitter https://www.Twitter.com/CourseHQ

In this episode, host Julie Hood talks about when and how to hire experts to help you move forward, more quickly - and questions to use as you evaluate where to invest next. Get the full show notes and links at https://CourseCreatorsHQ.com/136. LINKS MENTIONED   Topic and Title Challenge - Come join us!  Runs through Sunday, March 12, 2023 - last chance to jump in!  https://coursecreatorshq.com/PodcastTTC   24 Hour Course Creator Daily - Starts March 15, 2023. Check it out -   https://CourseCreatorsHQ.com/PodcastDaily   RELATED EPISODES  E086: Save Time with 9 Things Every Online Course Creator Should Automate  E021: 10 Time-Saving Secrets to Course CreationE095: Is Now the Time to Create an Online Course    KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR ONLINE COURSE CREATORSWhat criteria should you use when you decide whether to invest in help, coaches, courses and other resources? Here are some ideas for you & questions to ask:What's my timeline? Am I on the fastest path to cash or more of a dabbler (like Julie was)?How much capital do I have to invest in my business right now?Is this going to move me forward?Am I committed to doing my part of the process?Where will this fit into my time?How much longer will it take to grow my course business - if I try to do it all myself? One last suggestion: Follow just one coach or marketer at a time. Go all in and then evaluate the results. (That way you don't add conflicting advice to the mix.)COME VISIT!  FREE 2023 Ultimate Course Creators Planner -  https://coursecreatorshq.com/2023planner  Sign up for my email list and get this free course  Is My Course Idea Any Good? here.   GoodPods Let’s talk about this episode on GoodPods – https://CourseCreatorsHQ.com/goodpods (mobile only, download the app first) Clubhouse Connect with me on Clubhouse for FREE masterclasses at @JulieHood.Website https://www.CourseCreatorsHQ.comFacebook https://www.facebook.com/CourseCreatorsHQInstagram  https://www.instagram.com/CourseCreatorsHQTwitter https://www.Twitter.com/CourseHQ

Join host Julie Hood for a deep dive discussion into how one simple question can improve your courses, your marketing, your sales and your relationships with students and even prospective students! Get the full show notes and links at https://CourseCreatorsHQ.com/135.LINKS MENTIONED  Topic and Title Challenge - Come join us!  Starts March 6, 2023 - last chance to save your spot!   https://coursecreatorshq.com/PodcastTTC    KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR ONLINE COURSE CREATORS  In today's episode we talk about the one question that hit me in the car while I was listening to a podcast... and how it can make a dramatic impact on your courses. Usually I post the main content in the Show Notes for you, but this week I'm not going to. Why not? Because you really need to hear the rest of the discussion about this question and how to use it - so that you get the full impact! So listen in to get the question (I give it away in the first five minutes)! Enjoy and please let me know if this one question helps you with your online course business. COME VISIT!  FREE 2023 Ultimate Course Creators Planner -  https://coursecreatorshq.com/2023planner  Sign up for my email list and get this free course  Is My Course Idea Any Good? here.   GoodPods Let’s talk about this episode on GoodPods – https://CourseCreatorsHQ.com/goodpods (mobile only, download the app first) Clubhouse Connect with me on Clubhouse for FREE masterclasses at @JulieHood.Website https://www.CourseCreatorsHQ.comFacebook https://www.facebook.com/CourseCreatorsHQInstagram  https://www.instagram.com/CourseCreatorsHQTwitter https://www.Twitter.com/CourseHQ

Avoid these 5 big mistakes when choosing your online course topic: Too broad, unclear outcomes, multiple passions, uncertain market demand, and doubting expertise. Learn how to prepare effectively to sidestep these pitfalls.