When you are starting out with creating your new eCourse, you can come to the daunting realization that there are many different formats and it is hard to know which one will work best for your course.
There are five different types of courses available: video-based, audio-based, text-based, live lecture and a hybrid format. The type of course that is right for YOU depends on what works best for YOUR content and WHAT YOU ARE TRYING TO ACHIEVE WITH THE COURSE.
For example if you want to create an interactive experience where your students can ask questions or chat in real time with other students then a live lecture may be better suited than written text or video alone.
There are six primary considerations to take into consideration when creating course content:
Your Buyer
Chances are, your ideal client has a clear preference in format. Some people love watching videos, while some prefer to skim through written instructions. Some people learn best by doing, with a checklist as a guide. Still others much prefer to have audio they can consume while doing other things.
Your Content
Let’s face it, some information lends itself well to certain formats, and simply won’t work in others. It’s difficult to explain how to use software, for example, without a screenshare video. By the same token, if you’re asking clients to work through a discovery process, a fillable worksheet is a must.
Your Comfort Zone
While your biggest consideration should be your clients and their needs, your preferences matter, too. If you aren’t comfortable with video, then it’s a safe bet you’ll procrastinate getting your course done, and stress over it unnecessarily. By the same token, if writing isn’t your forte, trying to force yourself to create 50 pages of content is going to be frustrating.
Beyond the obvious format choice, you also have to consider how you’ll present the material. Again, you have a variety of options.
Email Delivery
This is the simplest method of eCourse delivery. All it takes is an autoresponder set to go out on the schedule you choose, and a series of messages with your training materials. You can include attachments as well (although your delivery rates may suffer) or you can link to a page where buyers will find more resources, such as video or downloadable files.
Membership Site
A more sophisticated option is to set up a membership portal where buyers can log in to retrieve their material. This gives you the option to deliver the content all at one time if you prefer, and also allows you to better protect your content from unauthorized access.
Zip File Download
If your eCourse is small, or if you aren’t concerned about overwhelming your buyers, a zip file download is a viable option. In this case, you simply set up delivery through your shopping cart by providing a link where buyers can download the entire course. This format works best if your course does not include a video element, because the download could be too large for those with a slow internet connection.
The bottom line is this: When you’re planning your eCourse, your most important consideration is your buyer. What does she want, and how does she want it delivered? Do that, and you’ll be well on your way to launching a successful course.
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