The Art of Online Course Creation

She was standing on a subway platform in New York City—pregnant, exhausted, and questioning everything.That moment marked the beginning of Shannon Russell’s second act.After 16 years as a successful TV producer, Shannon didn’t leave her career because she hated it—she left because her life changed. Now she’s an author, career transition coach, course creator, and host of the Second Act Success podcast, helping other women do the same.In this heartfelt and practical conversation, we explore what it really takes to pivot from a 9-to-5 into entrepreneurship. From navigating identity shifts to launching your first course, Shannon shares the raw truth and encouraging wisdom you won’t find on your Instagram feed.We talk about:Why passion alone isn’t enough—and what else you really needThe mindset and identity shifts no one prepares you forHow to know if online courses should be your side hustle… or your second actWhy planning your leap (instead of just jumping) leads to more freedom, not lessIf you’ve ever thought, “I want more, but I don’t know what’s next…” this one’s for you.🎧 Listen now and let’s start mapping out your second act.👉 Resources & Links Mentioned:Shannon Russell’s Website: secondactsuccess.coHer book Start Your Second Act – Available now!Follow Shannon Russell on Instagram,Check out Shannon's FREE ResourcesBook a discovery call with me: shannonlboyer.com/services📌 Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review if this episode resonated with you.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 moreinformation about how to start your own podcast, please visit www.cardinalstudio.coor e-mail mike@cardinalstudio.co

"You can’t just hit “record” on a Zoom webinar, slap a price tag on it, and call it a course. That’s not teaching—that’s repackaging."It’s time we rethink what makes an online course “high quality.”In this episode, Shannon Boyer challenges the common misconceptions about course quality—and reveals what actually drives student success. Spoiler alert: It’s not fancy production or flashy design.Whether you’re just getting started or refining a course you’ve already launched, you’ll learn what separates forgettable content from transformational experiences. Shannon breaks down the key differences between packaging content and designing for learning—and explains why thinking like a teacher is your most powerful asset as a course creator.If you’ve ever felt pressure to have perfect slides, cinematic video, or 57 bonus modules just to feel legitimate… this episode will be a breath of fresh air.You’ll walk away with:Why “production value” is not the same as “instructional quality”How to spot the repackaging trap (and avoid disappointing your students)The mindset shift that separates experts from exceptional educatorsThe three instructional strategies that truly make a course unforgettablePlus, Shannon introduces a brand-new segment: One Bold Idea—a powerful takeaway to help you reflect, refine, and reimagine your course long after the episode ends.🎁 Free Resource:Want to make your course more effective and more shareable? Grab Shannon’s free guide: 👉 The 7 Things All Courses Must Have to MAX Student Referrals Perfect for refining your current course or setting the foundation for your next one.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 moreinformation about how to start your own podcast, please visit www.cardinalstudio.coor e-mail mike@cardinalstudio.co

In this transformative episode of The ART of Online Course Creation, Shannon sits down with bold leadership coach and people strategy expert Lindsay White to dismantle one of the most overused phrases in the entrepreneurial world: imposter syndrome.They unpack why the term doesn't tell the full story—and what’s really going on inside our heads when we hesitate to hit publish on that online course, avoid showing up publicly, or hold back from claiming our expertise.Lindsay introduces listeners to Positive Intelligence and the concept of the internal saboteur—that critical inner voice that keeps us playing small. Together, Shannon and Lindsay explore how to recognize these saboteurs, reframe limiting beliefs, and build the mental muscles needed to step into leadership with confidence and clarity.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Why “imposter syndrome” might be holding you back more than it’s helping✅ The neuroscience behind self-doubt—and how to rewire your brain in just 6 weeks✅ The subtle lies your saboteur tells you (and how to spot them)✅ Why confidence doesn't require perfection—or knowing everything✅ How course creators can reclaim their authority and own their expertise✅ What to do when negative feedback threatens your momentum✅ Tips for both new and experienced course creators to overcome hesitation and stay connected to their purposeLinks & Resources Mentioned:🔗 Learn more about Positive Intelligence Bootcamps: highvoltageleadership.ca📸 Follow Lindsay on Instagram: @highvoltleadership💼 Connect with Lindsay on LinkedIn: Lindsay White on LinkedInFree Saboteur AssessmentIf You Loved This Episode… Please take a moment to leave a 5-star review and subscribe so you never miss an insight-packed conversation. And share this episode with another course creator who might need a reminder that they’re already more than enough.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 moreinformation about how to start your own podcast, please visit www.cardinalstudio.coor e-mail mike@cardinalstudio.co

You’ve got a list of course ideas longer than your arm—but which one should you actually choose? Which one will sell? And more importantly, which one will make you feel excited to show up, teach, and talk about it for the long haul?In this episode of The Art of Online Course Creation, Shannon walks you through the two most important steps you need to take before you ever start building your course: identifying your most marketable area of expertise and narrowing your topic so it’s clear, focused, and profitable.If you’ve ever found yourself spiraling in indecision—knowing you have so much to offer but struggling to figure out how it all translates into a successful course—this one’s for you.Inside the episode, you’ll learn:  ✔ Why being “a few steps ahead” isn’t enough—and what to aim for instead ✔ How the Curse of Knowledge could be blocking your best course idea ✔ The three essential ingredients of a sellable course topic ✔ A step-by-step method to take your vague idea and make it hyper-specific ✔ Why passion is not optional if you want long-term success (and sales)Plus, Shannon shares her proven Course Topic Filter and some juicy real-world examples to help you cut through the noise, get unstuck, and finally choose a topic that fits you.🔗 Don’t miss these resources mentioned in the episode:Grab the Free Course Topic Filter Worksheet to work through this step-by-step🎧 Press play and let’s make sure your course topic isn’t just a good idea—it’s the right one.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 moreinformation about how to start your own podcast, please visit www.cardinalstudio.coor e-mail mike@cardinalstudio.co

If you’ve ever struggled with keeping up with content between launches—or if you’ve felt like your nurture content is just another to-do list item that keeps getting pushed down the priority list—today’s episode is for you.In this conversation, I’m joined by Lindsay Smith, a content strategist with a superpower for helping business owners create sustainable, high-impact nurture content—without chasing trends or relying on gimmicks.Lindsay’s background in journalism and advertising gives her a unique perspective on content marketing, and she’s sharing her secrets to creating content that builds relationships and keeps your audience engaged before you have something to sell.In this episode, we cover:✅ What nurture content actually is (hint: it’s not just another call-to-action) ✅ Why most entrepreneurs struggle to stay consistent with content—and how to fix it ✅ The mistake course creators make when they only show up during a launch ✅ How to tap into your creativity (even if you think you aren’t a “writer”) ✅ The secret to making content creation feel fun instead of a choreLindsay also shares how she transitioned from writing content for clients to helping them do it themselves—so it actually sounds like them. And if you’ve ever wondered whether social media content should be different from your email content, she has a game-changing perspective on that too.This episode is packed with insights that will change the way you think about your content strategy—whether you’re just starting out or looking for a better way to keep your audience engaged between launches.🎙️ Listen now and start creating content that builds real connections!Connect with Lindsay Smith:📲 Instagram & Threads: @lindsaysmithcreative 🌎 Website: www.lindsaysmithcreative.ca 🎧 Podcast: Content MagicResources & Next Steps:🔥 Want expert guidance to create a high-quality online course that gets results? Book a free coffee chat with me: www.shannonlboyer.com/services📱 Let’s connect on Instagram: @shannonlboyer🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review if you loved this episode! Your support helps us bring you more in-depth conversations with top experts in online course creation.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 moreinformation about how to start your own podcast, please visit www.cardinalstudio.coor e-mail mike@cardinalstudio.co

I almost didn’t launch my first course. I was convinced I wasn’t “ready.” My audience was too small, my email list wasn’t big enough, and all the experts said I needed more people before I could expect to make sales.But here’s what actually happened—and why I was completely wrong.If you’ve ever put off launching your course because you felt like you didn’t have enough followers, email subscribers, or engagement, this episode is for you. I’m breaking down the biggest misconception about audience size, what actually drives course sales, and why waiting for the “right” conditions might be holding you back.In This Episode, You'll Learn:✔️ Why audience engagement matters more than audience size✔️ The surprising truth about my first course launch—and what I wish I had known✔️ The mistake I made when advising another course creator (and why I regret it)✔️ What actually converts casual followers into paying students✔️ Why chasing big numbers doesn’t always mean more sales✔️ How to start building a community that is eager to buy—no matter how small your audience isIf you’ve been holding off on launching because you feel like you’re not “big enough” yet, this episode might just change the way you see your business.🎧 Tune in now and let’s talk about why your course is ready—even if your audience isn’t as big as you think it should be.📩 Loved this episode? Send me a DM or reply to my latest email with your biggest takeaway! And if you’re serious about creating an online course that actually gets results, make sure you’re on my email list so you don’t miss my next training.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 moreinformation about how to start your own podcast, please visit www.cardinalstudio.coor e-mail mike@cardinalstudio.co

You’ve put in the work—your online course is packed with value, you know it can transform lives, and you’re ready to sell. But if your sales page isn’t converting, all that effort could go to waste.In this episode of The ART of Online Course Creation, I sit down with expert conversion copywriter Gina Whitehouse to talk about the power of persuasive sales copy and how to ensure your sales page isn’t turning potential students away. Gina has helped countless course creators craft compelling messaging that connects, converts, and sells. And today, she’s sharing her top insights with you!We cover:✅ The biggest mistakes course creators make when writing their own sales pages✅ The difference between conversion copywriting and content writing (and why it matters)✅ The secret ingredient to copy that makes your audience feel like you’re reading their mind✅ Whether AI tools like ChatGPT can replace a professional copywriter✅ What to look for (and what to avoid!) when hiring a copywriterIf you’re ready to stop guessing and start selling, this episode is a must-listen.🎧 Tune in now!📌 Resources & Links:👉 Connect with Gina Whitehouse: Website & Blog | Instagram | Podcast: Seven-Figure Copy for Female Entrepreneurs | 7-Figure Homepage FreebieGina Whitehouse is your Go-to Expert Conversion Copywriter. She specializes in crafting persuasive, high-converting copy for value-driven female business owners who want to attract high-quality, premium clients and scale their businesses from 6 to 7 figures.🚀 Let’s connect!Follow me on Instagram @ShannonLBoyer and tell me your biggest takeaway from today’s episode!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 moreinformation about how to start your own podcast, please visit www.cardinalstudio.coor e-mail mike@cardinalstudio.co

Ever wondered if your creative skills could translate into a profitable online course? In this episode, I’m joined by Mindy Young, a surface pattern designer and founder of Indy Bloom Design, who turned her artistic passion into a multiple six-figure course business.Mindy shares:✅ The moment she realized her expertise was in demand—and how she turned that into a course✅ Why starting small led to her biggest course launch success✅ The common mistakes new course creators make (including a big one she made in naming her first course)✅ How she managed a wildly successful launch—while navigating imposter syndrome✅ The surprising role consistency plays in audience growth and course salesWhether you're in the early stages of course creation or looking to refine your existing strategy, Mindy’s journey is packed with lessons on pricing, audience building, and balancing passion with profit.📌 Don’t miss the part where she reveals the exact price she charged for her first successful launch—and why she later pulled the course off the market.🎧 Listen now to hear how Mindy built a thriving course business while staying true to her passion for art!Resources & Links:👉 Follow Mindy on Instagram: @indybloomdesign👉 Learn More About Indy Bloom Design: www.indybloomdesign.com👉 Join my free masterclass: www.shannonlboyer.com/joinGet 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 moreinformation about how to start your own podcast, please visit www.cardinalstudio.coor e-mail mike@cardinalstudio.co

Are you tired of the endless cycle of live launching and the stress that comes with it? What if you could generate consistent, scalable revenue from your online course—without the burnout?In this episode of The Art of Online Course Creation, I sit down with Caitlin Batcher, creator of The Scale Method, to uncover how she transformed her online course business into an 8-figure powerhouse using evergreen sales funnels. Caitlin shares the pivotal lessons she learned along the way, including why launching isn’t always the best strategy and how she built a predictable, scalable income stream without the stress of constant promotions.We dive deep into: ✅ The key differences between live launching and evergreen funnels (and which one is best for you) ✅ The biggest mistakes course creators make when transitioning to evergreen (and how to avoid them) ✅ Why traditional webinar strategies fail in evergreen models—and what works instead ✅ How to structure an ethical sales funnel that builds trust with your audience ✅ The mindset shifts that took Caitlin from stuck to scaling fast (and what it takes to hit your first 6 or 7 figures!)If you've ever felt like you’re on a never-ending treadmill of launches, this episode is a must-listen. Caitlin’s journey will show you how to simplify your sales strategy while creating sustainable, long-term success.🎧 Listen now and discover how to build a high-impact, high-revenue course business—without the launch stress.🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned:Caitlin Batcher’s Free Masterclass: How to Generate Launch-Size Revenue Without LaunchingFollow Caitlin on Instagram: @CaitlinBatcherJoin Shannon’s Free Masterclass: The 4 Proven Steps to Creating a High-Quality Online Course That Gets Results📢 Loved this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review, and share it with fellow course creators who need this advice!➡️ DM me on Instagram (@ShannonLBoyer) and let me know your biggest takeaway from today’s episode!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 moreinformation about how to start your own podcast, please visit www.cardinalstudio.coor e-mail mike@cardinalstudio.co

💡 A great course doesn’t just teach—it transforms. But what does it actually take to design a course that delivers real, lasting results?In this special bonus episode of The Art of Online Course Creation, we’re diving deep into the transformation factor—the difference between courses that simply share information and those that change lives. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, be sure to check it out first!In This Episode, You’ll Learn:✅ Why transformation—not just information—should be the core of your course✅ The biggest mistake course creators make when designing their curriculum✅ How to structure your course as a step-by-step journey that keeps students engaged✅ Why anticipating roadblocks is key to helping students follow through✅ The powerful ripple effect of empowering your students (and how it benefits you, too)🎧 Plus, I’m sharing real-world examples of transformational course design, so you can apply these principles to your own course—starting today!Resources & Links Mentioned:📌 Sign up for my FREE masterclass: The 4 Proven Steps to Creating a High-Quality Online Course That Gets Results📌 Join me next week for a conversation with Caitlin Bacher on evergreen sales funnels & scaling your course business!🎙️ Listen now and discover how to create a course that truly transforms your students’ lives!👉 Have you ever taken a course that truly changed the way you think or work? Tell me about it in the comments!#CourseCreation #TransformationalLearning #OnlineBusinessGrowthGet 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 moreinformation about how to start your own podcast, please visit www.cardinalstudio.coor e-mail mike@cardinalstudio.co