---
name: online-course-creator
description: |
  End-to-end online course development from curriculum design and platform selection through pricing strategy, student engagement, launch formulas, and ongoing student support for sustainable education businesses. Use when the user asks about online course creator or needs help with related topics. Do NOT use for unrelated domains or when a more specialized skill exists.
license: Apache-2.0
metadata:
  author: foundry-skills
  version: "1.0.0"
  tags: "teaching content-marketing entrepreneurship"
  category: "marketing-sales"
  subcategory: "seo-growth"
  depends: ""
  disclaimer: "none"
  difficulty: "intermediate"
---

# Online Course Creator

## When to Use


## Process

1. **Gather requirements.** Ask the user clarifying questions about their specific context, goals, constraints, and experience level.

2. **Analyze the situation.** Review the information provided and identify key factors, challenges, and opportunities relevant to online course creator.

3. **Develop the framework.** Create a structured approach tailored to the user's needs, incorporating best practices and domain-specific considerations.

4. **Deliver actionable output.** Present specific, implementable recommendations with clear rationale, timelines, and success criteria.

5. **Address edge cases.** Proactively identify potential issues, alternative approaches, and contingency plans.

**Use this skill when:**
- User needs guidance on online course creator
- User asks about online course creator best practices or techniques
- User wants a structured approach to online course creator

**Do NOT use this skill when:**
- A more specialized skill exists for the specific subtopic
- The request is outside the scope of online course creator

## Questions to Ask First

Before building any course, answer these honestly:

1. What specific transformation will your student achieve? (From Point A to Point B)
2. Who is your ideal student? What do they already know? What are they struggling with?
3. Have you validated demand? Do people ask you about this topic? Are competitors selling courses?
4. Do you have an existing audience to launch to? (Email list, social following, community)
5. What is your teaching experience? Are you comfortable on camera or do you prefer text/screen recording?
6. What is your budget for course creation? (Time and money)
7. Is this a one-time course or an ongoing program with cohorts?
8. What is your desired price point? ($50, $200, $500, $2,000+)
9. Will you offer community/support, or is this self-paced only?
10. What does your student's life look like 30 days after completing the course?

## Curriculum Design Framework

### The Backwards Design Method

Start with the end result and work backwards:

1. **Define the transformation**: "Students will go from [current state] to [desired state]"
2. **Identify milestones**: What 5-7 checkpoints exist between start and finish?
3. **List prerequisite skills** for each milestone
4. **Sequence logically**: Each module builds on the previous
5. **Add assessments**: How will students prove they've learned?

### Course Architecture Template

```
Course Title: [Transformation Statement]

Module 0: Welcome & Setup (always include)
  - Course overview and expectations
  - How to get the most from this course
  - Community access / support channels
  - Quick win exercise (build momentum immediately)

Module 1: Foundation
  - Lesson 1.1: [Core concept]
  - Lesson 1.2: [Core concept]
  - Lesson 1.3: [Application exercise]
  - Module 1 Assessment / Action Item

Module 2-6: Building Blocks (repeat pattern)
  - Theory lesson (why this matters)
  - Demonstration lesson (watch me do it)
  - Practice lesson (now you try)
  - Module Assessment

Module 7: Integration
  - Putting it all together
  - Real-world project
  - Common mistakes and troubleshooting

Module 8: Next Steps
  - What to do after this course
  - Advanced resources
  - Community continuation
  - Upsell to next-level offering (if applicable)
```

### Lesson Structure (Individual Lesson Blueprint)

Each lesson should follow the TELL framework:

- **T**each: Introduce the concept (2-3 minutes)
- **E**xample: Show a real-world application (3-5 minutes)
- **L**et them try: Give an exercise or prompt (2-3 minutes of instruction)
- **L**ink: Connect to the next lesson or bigger picture (1 minute)

**Optimal lesson length**: 5-15 minutes. Shorter is almost always better.

### Content Types to Mix

| Type | Best For | Engagement Level |
|------|----------|-----------------|
| Video lecture | Concepts, demonstrations | Medium |
| Screencast | Software tutorials, walkthroughs | High |
| Downloadable PDF | Checklists, templates, worksheets | High |
| Quiz/Assessment | Knowledge verification | Medium |
| Discussion prompt | Community building, reflection | High |
| Live Q&A replay | Addressing real student questions | Very High |
| Case study | Showing results, building belief | High |
| Audio lesson | Theory, mindset, on-the-go learning | Medium |

## Platform Comparison

### Self-Hosted Platforms

| Platform | Monthly Cost | Transaction Fee | Best For |
|----------|-------------|----------------|----------|
| Teachable | $39-199/mo | 0-5% | Beginners, simple courses |
| Kajabi | $149-399/mo | 0% | All-in-one business |
| Thinkific | $49-199/mo | 0% | Feature-rich, scalable |
| Podia | $39-199/mo | 0% | Simple, clean, community |
| LearnDash (WordPress) | $199/yr | 0% | Full control, WordPress users |
| Circle + course feature | $89-399/mo | 0% | Community-first approach |

### Marketplace Platforms

| Platform | Cost | Revenue Split | Best For |
|----------|------|--------------|----------|
| Udemy | Free to publish | 37-97% to creator | Reach, volume play |
| Skillshare | Free to publish | Per-minute royalties | Creative topics |
| Coursera | Application | Revenue share | Academic credentials |
| LinkedIn Learning | Invitation | Per-course fee | Professional development |

### Platform Selection Decision Tree

```
Do you have an existing audience (1,000+ email list)?
  YES --> Self-hosted platform (you keep all revenue)
    Need an all-in-one solution? --> Kajabi
    Want simplicity? --> Teachable or Podia
    Want maximum control? --> Thinkific or LearnDash
  NO --> Consider marketplace + self-hosted
    Start on Udemy for discovery
    Build email list from Udemy students
    Launch premium course on self-hosted platform later
```

## Pricing Strategy

### Price Positioning Framework

| Price Tier | Range | What's Included | Audience Size Needed |
|-----------|-------|-----------------|---------------------|
| Low-ticket | $27-97 | Self-paced video, basic resources | Large (volume play) |
| Mid-ticket | $197-497 | Video + community + templates | Medium |
| High-ticket | $497-2,000 | Video + community + coaching | Small (high-touch) |
| Premium | $2,000-10,000 | Cohort-based, live, mentorship | Very small |

### Pricing Psychology Principles

1. **Anchor high**: Show the value first ($10,000 worth of knowledge), then the price
2. **Odd pricing works**: $197 outperforms $200, $497 outperforms $500
3. **Payment plans increase conversion**: 3x $97 converts better than $247 one-time (you make more too)
4. **Tier your offers**: Basic, Standard, Premium - most buy the middle
5. **Money-back guarantee**: 30 days is standard, reduces perceived risk
6. **Price to the transformation**: What is the result worth to the student?

### The Value Stack Method

```
Core course content:                    $997 value
Bonus 1: Templates and worksheets:      $297 value
Bonus 2: Private community access:      $497 value
Bonus 3: Monthly Q&A calls:             $997 value
Bonus 4: Guest expert interviews:       $497 value
Total value:                            $3,285

Your price: $497 (or 3 payments of $197)
```

This isn't manipulation -- it's helping students understand the full scope of what they receive.

## Engagement Techniques

### Fighting the Completion Rate Problem

Average online course completion rate: 5-15%. Your goal: 40%+.

**Structural engagement:**
- Keep lessons under 10 minutes
- End each lesson with a micro-action (not just "watch the next one")
- Create accountability through cohort deadlines or drip content
- Celebrate progress (completion certificates, badges, milestone emails)

**Content engagement:**
- Open every lesson with a hook (what they'll be able to do after)
- Use stories and real examples, not just theory
- Vary content format (video, text, audio, interactive)
- Include "implementation breaks" between modules

**Community engagement:**
- Discussion prompts after each module
- Peer accountability partners
- Student showcase opportunities
- Live office hours or Q&A sessions

### The Drip vs All-Access Decision

**Drip release** (unlock modules on a schedule):
- Prevents overwhelm
- Creates anticipation
- Enables cohort progression
- Reduces refund requests (they stay engaged longer)

**All-access** (everything available immediately):
- Students can go at their own pace
- Reduces support questions about access
- Better for reference-style courses
- Lower perceived friction

**Recommendation**: Drip for transformation courses, all-access for reference/tool courses.

## Completion Rate Optimization

### The Engagement Funnel

```
Enrolled:     100%
Module 1:      80%  <-- If drop-off here, onboarding is weak
Module 2:      60%  <-- If drop-off here, content relevance issue
Module 3-5:    40%  <-- Normal attrition zone
Module 6+:     25%  <-- Engaged core students
Completed:     15%  <-- Industry average
Your target:   40%  <-- With the strategies below
```

### Tactics by Drop-off Point

**If students don't start (enrolled but never log in):**
- Improve welcome email sequence (3 emails in first week)
- Assign a Day 1 quick-win task
- Send a personal video from you welcoming them

**If students drop after Module 1:**
- Module 1 might be too theoretical -- add an immediate win
- Check if the content matches what was promised in the sales page
- Survey dropouts: "What prevented you from continuing?"

**If students drop in the middle:**
- Modules may be too long -- break into smaller chunks
- Add more variety in content format
- Implement progress tracking visible to the student
- Send automated "we miss you" emails

**If students don't finish the last 20%:**
- Make the final project compelling and shareable
- Offer a completion certificate
- Tie community access to completion
- Create a graduation event or celebration

## Launch Formula

### The 4-Phase Launch

**Phase 1: Seed (4-8 weeks before launch)**
- Share behind-the-scenes course creation content
- Ask your audience what they want to learn
- Create a waitlist landing page
- Goal: Build anticipation and collect emails

**Phase 2: Pre-Launch (2-4 weeks before)**
- Free value content related to course topic (webinar, challenge, PDF)
- Email sequence educating on the problem your course solves
- Early-bird pricing for waitlist members
- Testimonials from beta students if available

**Phase 3: Launch Week (5-7 days)**
```
Day 1: Cart open email + social announcement
Day 2: FAQ and objection handling email
Day 3: Case study / student result story
Day 4: Bonus announcement (added value)
Day 5: Live Q&A or webinar
Day 6: "Last chance" with urgency
Day 7: Cart close, final email sequence (3 emails on close day)
```

**Phase 4: Post-Launch (immediately after)**
- Welcome sequence for new students
- Post-mortem: what worked, what didn't
- Collect testimonials from first cohort
- Plan evergreen funnel or next launch

### Evergreen vs Live Launch

**Live launches**: Higher revenue per launch, more stressful, requires audience
**Evergreen**: Consistent revenue, requires paid traffic or SEO, automated

**Hybrid approach**: Launch live 2-3 times per year, run evergreen funnel between launches with smaller bonuses.

## Student Support Systems

### Support Tier Structure

| Tier | Method | Response Time | Cost to You |
|------|--------|--------------|-------------|
| Self-service | FAQ, knowledge base, course community | Instant | Minimal |
| Community | Peer support in forum/Discord | Hours | Moderate (moderation) |
| Email | Direct student support | 24-48 hours | Moderate |
| Office hours | Weekly live Q&A | Weekly | Moderate |
| 1-on-1 coaching | Direct access | Scheduled | High |

### Automating Support

- Create FAQ document addressing top 20 questions
- Build an onboarding email sequence (reduces "where do I start?" questions)
- Use canned responses for common emails
- Train community managers or teaching assistants
- Record office hours and add to course as bonus content

## Revenue Math and Projections

### Course Revenue Calculator

```
Email list size:              5,000
Average conversion rate:      2-5% (warm audience)
Students per launch:          100-250
Course price:                 $297
Launch revenue:               $29,700 - $74,250
Annual launches:              2-3
Annual course revenue:        $59,400 - $222,750

Deductions:
  Platform fees (3-5%):       -$1,782 - $11,138
  Payment processing (2.9%):  -$1,723 - $6,460
  Affiliate commissions (if applicable): -10-30%
  Refunds (5-10%):            -$2,970 - $22,275
```

### Scaling Beyond the First Course

```
Year 1: Launch course 1, build audience, optimize
Year 2: Create course 2 (advanced), add community membership
Year 3: Course suite + membership + coaching tier
Year 4: Certification program, train other instructors, license content
```

### Revenue Stack for Course Creators

1. **Flagship course**: $297-997 (primary revenue)
2. **Mini-courses**: $27-97 (lead generation, entry point)
3. **Membership/community**: $29-99/month (recurring revenue)
4. **Group coaching**: $1,000-5,000/cohort (high-ticket)
5. **1-on-1 coaching**: $200-500/hour (premium, limited)
6. **Affiliate revenue**: Recommend tools your students need
7. **Speaking/workshops**: Leverage course authority
8. **Book/ebook**: Lower-ticket lead generation

## Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. **Building before validating**: Pre-sell or beta test before creating all content
2. **Overloading with content**: More lessons does not equal more value -- it equals overwhelm
3. **Ignoring the marketing**: A great course with no audience makes $0
4. **Perfectionism on V1**: Launch with 80% quality, improve based on student feedback
5. **No student feedback loop**: Survey students after each cohort
6. **Pricing too low**: Underpriced courses attract uncommitted students
7. **No community element**: Students learn better together
8. **skipping post-purchase experience**: The sale is not the end, it is the beginning
9. **Not building an email list**: Platform followers are rented, email is owned
10. **Copying competitor pricing without understanding their audience**: Price based on your audience's ability and willingness to pay


## Output Format

Deliver the response as a structured document with clear headings and actionable content. Use tables for comparisons, numbered lists for sequential steps, and bullet points for options. Include specific examples where applicable.

```
[Online Course Creator deliverable]
1. Context and objectives
2. Analysis or framework
3. Specific recommendations with rationale
4. Action items with timeline
```


## Example

**Input:** "Help me with online course creator for a mid-size project."

**Output:** A complete online course creator framework tailored to the specific context, with actionable steps, relevant considerations, and measurable outcomes.


## Edge Cases

- **Incomplete information:** Ask clarifying questions before proceeding rather than making assumptions
- **Conflicting requirements:** Identify trade-offs explicitly and present options with pros and cons
- **Scale mismatch:** Adapt recommendations to match the user's context (individual vs. team vs. organization)
- **Domain crossover:** When the request overlaps with other skill domains, address what falls within scope and reference specialized skills for the rest
