The Art of Online Course Creation

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 FBListen to Jan’s podcast: No BS Business SchoolUnlock 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 thoughts! Leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform, and share how this conversation inGet 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

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!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 special coaching episode of the Art of Online Course Creation podcast, host Shannon Boyer introduces the new series where she provides guidance to aspiring course creators. This episode features Brenda Chilstrom, an award-winning pediatric occupational therapist and feeding specialist. Brenda shares her journey and challenges in creating her online course, the Eating With Ease Academy, aimed at helping parents navigate feeding and sensory challenges with their children. Shannon provides valuable advice on structuring courses and maintaining engagement. Listen in for insights, tips, and inspiration on building impactful online courses.Brenda Chilstrom, OTR/L is an award-winning pediatric occupational therapist and feeding specialist, passionate about helping families navigate the complexities of feeding challenges. Through her innovative program, The Eating with EASE Academy, she empowers parents to create safe, joyful, and connected mealtime experiences for children facing feeding and sensory challenges. With a focus on sensory regulation, internal motivation, and nurturing curiosity, Brenda offers practical, evidence-based strategies tailored to each unique family, transforming rigidity and power struggles into joyful food exploration. Her mission is to shift the mindset around feeding, providing compassionate support and actionable tools to foster harmony and connection at the table.See Brenda's FREE Unlock Eating Guide.IG and FB @thatmakessenseotPrivate FB Group: Picky Eating Solutions with That Makes Sense OTwww.thatmakessenseot.comIf you are interested in being coached by Shannon on an episode of the show, please apply here.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

Have you ever found that the bonus content or a guest speaker in a course was the thing that truly got you hooked? In today's episode, we're diving into how adding that little extra can make your online course stand out—without overwhelming your students or distracting from your main content.What You'll Learn:The difference between core content and bonus material, and why it matters.The three types of bonus content that can enhance your course.How to include guest speakers effectively to add value and credibility.Strategies to balance additional content so it enriches rather than distracts.If you're a course creator looking to add that special touch to your online course, this episode is packed with insights on how to do it right. Learn how to offer bonuses and bring in guest experts in a way that truly benefits your students and sets your course apart.Don't miss out on my free guide: "7 Things All Course MUST Have to Max Student Referrals." It's both a guide and a handy checklist to help you craft a high-quality course. Download it at shannonlboyer.com/must-havesNext Episode:Join us next week for a brand-new segment featuring a live coaching session with an award-winning pediatric occupational therapist. We'll explore how she can transition her successful in-person practice to the online world. It's going to be an insightful conversation you won't want to miss!Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps us create content that you love.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 thought about the legal side of online courses? You’re not alone! This week, Shannon Boyer sits down with Canadian lawyer and course creator, Corinne Boudreau, who breaks down the legal essentials course creators need to know. Corinne’s got a knack for making legal lingo easy to understand, all while adding her perspective as a fellow course creator.In this episode, you’ll hear about:Copyright Must-Knows: Protecting your content from day one – why and how to do it right.Essential Contracts & Clauses: The key agreements every course creator should have and why they matter.Handling Chargebacks & Refund Policies: Corinne shares strategies for tackling tricky refund requests and managing chargebacks like a pro.Navigating International Markets: With customers potentially anywhere, get Corinne’s advice on governing laws and cross-border legal nuances.DIY Legal Resources for Course Creators: Corinne discusses her legal templates designed for Canadian small businesses to get legally set without the stress.This episode is packed with actionable steps to set your business up for legal success—whether you’re new to course creation or scaling up. If you want to make sure your course is legally sound, don’t miss this informative and insightful conversation!Find Corinne at www.legalmybiz.ca or on Instagram here.To access the free Ultimate Online Biz Checklist, click here.If you've found this episode useful, please consider leaving a 5-star rating and writing a review.  Your feedback really means a lot to me!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 insightful episode of The Art of Online Course Creation, I am joined by Annette Stepanian, an American lawyer who has dedicated her career to helping entrepreneurs and small business owners protect their creative work. Annette is the founder of Your Legal BFF, a resource for easy-to-use, industry-specific legal templates and training. Together, we delve into the legal side of online course creation and how to safeguard your business from costly legal mistakes.Key Takeaways:Treating Your Course as a Business from Day One: One of the most common mistakes online course creators make is failing to treat their course as a business from the beginning. Annette explains the importance of setting up proper contracts, understanding intellectual property rights, and establishing clear terms of service and refund policies.The Power of Legal Templates: Many entrepreneurs shy away from legal services due to perceived costs, but Annette emphasizes the accessibility of legal templates that are designed for online course creators. These templates can provide essential protections without the need for a full-time lawyer.Protecting Your Intellectual Property: Online course creators often worry about content theft. Annette provides actionable advice on how to protect your work through copyright registration, trademarking course names, and using DMCA takedown notices if your content is copied.Navigating AI in Course Creation: As AI becomes more integrated into online businesses, course creators must be mindful of the potential legal challenges. While it can provide efficiencies, Annette advises creators to use AI cautiously until the legal landscape becomes clearer.About Annette Stepanian: Annette is a lawyer with over a decade of experience working with small business owners, creatives, and course creators. Her business, Your Legal BFF, provides industry-specific legal templates and resources to make legal information accessible and affordable.Connect with Annette:Website: www.AnnetteStepanian.comYour Legal BFF: www.YourLegalBFF.comInstagram: AnnetteStepanianIf you're ready to dive deeper into the legal side of your course creation journey, be sure to join us next week for a special episode with Canadian lawyer Corinne Boudreau, who will provide insights specific to our friends up north!Until then, stay dedicated, stay passionate, and keep creating impactful online courses. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow course creators!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

Imagine this: your online course is live, enrollments are flowing in, but how do you transform those sign-ups into a dynamic, engaged community? In this episode of The Art of Online Course Creation, Shannon Boyer unpacks why an engaged learning community is not just a bonus but a game-changer for online courses.Shannon delves into the powerful impact community has on course completion rates, student retention, and overall course value. She shares compelling research that highlights the difference a vibrant community can make and offers practical strategies to create one that not only supports learning but fosters accountability and growth.You'll learn how to implement specific activities and structures that encourage student interaction, from accountability threads to feedback sessions, ensuring your students feel connected and motivated to complete the course. Shannon also explores the role of the instructor in shaping the community—finding the balance between being present and empowering students to lead and engage with one another.But the value doesn’t end when the course does. Discover how a well-maintained community can build lasting relationships, strengthen loyalty, and create advocates for your brand. Shannon discusses the importance of long-term engagement and offers insights on leveraging alumni and beta groups to keep the energy alive.Additionally, Shannon addresses the current trend of using AI bots in communities, weighing in on why they may not be the ideal solution for fostering genuine connections. She also explains how you can set your course apart from the crowd by actively engaging with your students and encouraging a collaborative, rather than competitive, environment.Ready to turn your course into a thriving community? Tune in to gain actionable strategies and insights that will help you build a space where your students can connect, grow, and succeed together.For more insights on how to create a high-quality online course that delivers extreme value, check out my freebie, The 7 Things All Online Courses MUST Have to Max Student Referrals.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 episode of The Art of Online Course Creation, Shannon Boyer welcomes Teri Holland, a seasoned course creator and podcast coach. With a background in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and hypnotherapy, Teri has successfully transitioned from live in-person trainings to online courses. She shares her valuable insights from over a decade of experience, discussing the power of staying personally involved in your courses, experimenting with formats, and the importance of persistence.Teri candidly talks about her journey, including the challenges she faced when she removed herself from her podcast training course, only to find her students struggling to take action. Realizing that personal support was a key element, she revamped the course, introduced a five-day challenge, and saw impressive results.Key topics covered:Teri’s Shift to Online Courses: How personal health challenges and COVID-19 led to Teri moving her live trainings online and why she decided to stick with it.The Importance of Involvement: Why Teri decided to reintegrate herself into her courses after finding that students weren’t taking action in her evergreen, self-paced programs.Why Short Challenges Work: How Teri structured her five-day podcasting challenge for rapid results, ensuring students don’t get stuck in perfectionism.Building Relationships: The importance of following up with students, nurturing relationships, and how it leads to both personal fulfillment and business growth.Launching vs. Selling: Teri’s candid thoughts on her “imperfect” approach to launching courses and why organic marketing and leveraging other people’s audiences has worked for her.Course Experimentation and Burnout Prevention: The need for course creators to experiment with formats, analyze results, and pivot when necessaryAdvice for New Course Creators: Teri’s advice to "just start" and allow room for growth, embracing the imperfections that come with being a beginner.If you're a course creator looking to strike the right balance between personal involvement, scalability, and student success, you’ll find Teri’s experiences both enlightening and encouraging.Connect with Teri:Website: www.teriholland.caSocial Media: @theterihollandPodcast: Success in MindFreebie from Teri: Pod Launch ChecklistTeri Holland is Professional Speaker, Podcaster and Coach. Teri is the creator and host of Success in Mind, a podcast for entrepreneurs and leaders that ranks in the top 1% of podcasts worldwide. Having been a podcaster for over 9 years, she is now excited and passionate about helping others to find their voice through podcasting. Tune in next time for anotherGet 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 episode, Shannon Boyer unpacks the rising term “edupreneur” and why it’s a game-changer for course creators. As an entrepreneur who cares about your students’ success, becoming an edupreneur can elevate both your course quality and your business’s long-term growth. Shannon explains how shifting your mindset from just selling courses to creating transformative learning experiences can make all the difference.What You’ll Learn:The true definition of an “edupreneur” and how it differs from being an entrepreneur.Why focusing on student success leads to a more sustainable and rewarding business model.Key mindsets that successful edupreneurs adopt, including prioritizing outcomes, continuous course improvement, and fostering a learning community.How to find your place in the online course market and maximize your impact by offering more than just information.Whether you’re a seasoned course creator or just getting started, understanding the role of an edupreneur is essential. This episode offers practical tips and mindset shifts that will help you create more impactful, engaging courses and foster lasting relationships with your students.Resources Mentioned:Join Shannon for the next Sip and Share, a free online community for course creators, held on the first Wednesday of the month.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 eye-opening episode, Shannon Boyer tackles one of the most widely accepted—yet misleading—pieces of advice in the course creation world: "You only need to know 10% more than your students to teach them." While this advice may sound comforting to new course creators, Shannon explains why it could be the very thing holding you back from creating a truly impactful and successful course.What You’ll Learn:Why the "10% more" myth might limit the depth and value of your course.How to embrace your genuine expertise to elevate your course content and credibility.The importance of expert-level courses in building long-term success.Strategies to overcome imposter syndrome (and why not everyone experiences it!).If you’re ready to break free from the surface-level teaching trap and confidently step into your role as a true course creator, this episode is for you. Shannon’s actionable tips and real-world examples will inspire you to embrace your expertise and create courses that not only sell but leave a lasting impact on your students.Ready to showcase your expertise? Join Shannon in Your Best Course Experience and start building a course that gets results! Learn more at httpsGet 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