The Art of Online Course Creation

What does success really mean to you? Is it about hitting six-figure launches, or is it something more personal—like picking your kids up from school every day, staying healthy, or building a legacy?In this episode, Shannon takes you on a reflective journey to explore how success isn’t just about the numbers. Through personal stories and fresh insights, she challenges the idea of a one-size-fits-all definition and helps you uncover what success looks like for you.Get ready to rethink your goals and design a business that truly supports the life you want to live. Whether you’re dreaming of more time for family, better health, or simply enjoying the ride, this episode will inspire you to align your course business with what matters most.Plus, Shannon shares a candid moment about her own struggles with balance this year—and the changes she’s making to prioritize her well-being in the year ahead.In this episode, Shannon covers:The mindset shift you need to define success on your own terms.How to create a business that works for your life, not the other way around.Personal reflections, actionable questions, and the inspiration to dream bigger (or smaller—whatever feels right for you).Resources to Keep the Momentum Going:Masterclass Signup: Ready to create an online course that gets results and showcases your expertise? Don’t miss Shannon’s free masterclass, where she shares her proven 4-step framework.Sip and Share Hour: Join Shannon and other online course creators for a monthly meetup—it’s like the lunchroom of the online course world!You don’t have to chase someone else’s idea of success. This is your chance to define it for yourself—and start building a life and business that feels just right.Hit play, and let’s get started.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

What does success look like for you as a course creator?As the year draws to a close, it's natural to reflect on your achievements, challenges, and vision for the future. But when it comes to your online course, how do you define success? Is it the number of enrollments? The revenue? Or is it something deeper—something more impactful?In today’s episode of The Art of Online Course Creation, host Shannon Boyer dives into the first part of a powerful three-part series designed to help you redefine success. Moving beyond traditional metrics, Shannon challenges you to take a holistic look at what truly matters in your journey as a course creator.In this episode, Shannon explores how to redefine success as a course creator, moving beyond surface-level metrics to uncover what truly matters. You’ll discover fresh perspectives on measuring your impact, creating a deeper connection with your students, and building a legacy that aligns with your mission.Throughout the episode, Shannon shares actionable reflection prompts and inspiring examples that will leave you motivated to celebrate your wins, learn from your challenges, and approach the year ahead with clarity and purpose.If you’ve ever felt pressure to chase vanity metrics or struggled to define your achievements in meaningful ways, this episode is for you. Shannon’s insights will leave you inspired to focus on what matters most: the lives you touch and the legacy you’re building through your course.Resources & LinksExplore Shannon’s signature program: Your Best Course ExperienceConnect with Shannon through Instagram @shannonlboyerNext Week:Join us for part two of this series, where we’ll dive deeper into redefining success for yourself—not just as a course creator, but as an entrepreneur with a vision. You won’t want to miss it!Subscribe & ReviewIf you loved today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more purpose-driven course creators like 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

What’s in a name? Everything—if you want your course to stand out in a crowded market. In this episode, Shannon sits down with James I. Bond, author of the groundbreaking book Brain Glue, to uncover the secrets behind creating course names that captivate and convert.James brings decades of expertise in emotional selling and marketing, sharing the science-backed techniques behind why some names stick like glue—and why others don’t. From bestsellers like Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus to quirky products like Squatty Potty, James unpacks the strategies that make these names unforgettable.Whether you’re brainstorming your very first course or rethinking your branding, this episode is packed with insights that will transform the way you think about naming.Here’s What to Listen For:The surprising reason logical names fail—and what to do instead.A three-step process for coming up with names that resonate and sell.The "Brain Triggers" that create emotional connections in your audience’s mind.Fascinating stories behind some of the most iconic names in business (and what you can learn from them).How to balance SEO with emotional appeal for online course names.About James I. BondJames I. Bond is a behavioral management specialist and the author of Brain Glue, a Publishers Weekly finalist for Best Book of the Year. His career spans running a top advertising agency in Montreal to consulting with Fortune 500 companies in Southern California. Through Brain Glue, James demystifies the emotional triggers that drive decision-making and teaches entrepreneurs how to make their brands unforgettable.Learn more about James’ work and explore Brain Glue at YesBrainGlue.com.Resources and LinksLearn More About James I. Bond: YesBrainGlue.comOrder the Book: Brain Glue is available now on Amazon.Connect with Shannon Boyer: Explore Shannon’s services and book your free discovery call at ShannonLBoyer.com/Services.Ready to Name Your Course Like a Pro?Discover the art and science of course naming in this must-listen episode. Get inspired by James I. Bond’s stories, actionable tips, and creative insights that will heGet 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 tailored your online course to cater to visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learners, believing it would improve their outcomes? While the idea of learning styles is pervasive, what if it’s not the key to student success?In this episode of The Art of Online Course Creation, host Shannon Boyer takes a deep dive into the widely held belief in learning styles and uncovers why they might not be the golden ticket many course creators think they are. Instead, Shannon shares evidence-backed strategies that truly enhance learning and help students achieve results.What You’ll Discover in This Episode:The surprising research that debunks the myth of learning styles.Why focusing too much on learning styles can unintentionally limit students.The difference between learning preferences and effective teaching methods—and why it matters.How a multi-sensory approach to teaching fosters better engagement, deeper understanding, and more flexible learners.Real-world examples of aligning teaching methods with the content itself—whether it’s learning to play an instrument or mastering geometry.Shannon also explores how engaging students through a variety of methods builds adaptability and critical thinking skills—tools they’ll use far beyond your course.Why You Should Listen:If you’re a purpose-driven course creator striving to create a course that gets real results for your students, this episode is for you. Shannon breaks down complex research into actionable advice, challenging common misconceptions while providing practical tips you can apply immediately.Resources and Links:Join Shannon’s monthly Sip and Share sessions: shannonlboyer.com/WednesdaysLearn more about creating impactful courses: Visit Shannon’s WebsiteDon’t Miss Out on Next Week’s Episode:Subscribe now to catch Shannon’s interview with James I Bond, author of Brain Glue, where they’ll discuss how to create compelling names for your courses and businesses to boost sales.Ready to reimagine how you teach? Hit play now and discover how to move beyond the learning styles myth to create a more engaging and effective online course!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

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