Online education continues to evolve, offering new opportunities and challenges for course creators. As more entrepreneurs and educators enter the online learning space, the need for effective course delivery methods has never been greater.
Aaron, a seasoned Learning Development Manager at Thinkific, shares valuable insights on the top three course delivery strategies that are gaining momentum in the world of course creation.
Based on his experience working with thousands of course creators, these methods not only enhance learner engagement but also help course creators stand out in a crowded market.
Whether you’re a seasoned creator or just starting out, staying informed about the latest trends can help you enhance your offerings and ensure your courses stand out in a crowded market.
Free Online Courses as Lead Magnets
One of the standout trends is the resurgence of free online courses. These courses are not just a tool for sharing knowledge but are also powerful lead magnets. By offering free courses, creators can grow their email lists, build their brands, and earn trust among potential students.
Key Benefits of Free Online Courses
Audience Growth: Free courses attract a wide audience, helping you build a substantial email list and increase your following.
Trust Building: They serve as an entry point into your sales funnel, allowing potential customers to experience the value you provide before committing to paid products.
Differentiation: In a market flooded with eBooks and worksheets, interactive and short-form video content within free courses helps you stand out.
Cohort-Based Programs
Cohort-based courses have been gaining popularity over the past year, and for good reason. Unlike traditional self-serve masterclasses, which allow students to learn at their own pace, cohort-based programs are structured with scheduled content drops and fixed timelines.
Why Cohorts Work
Increased Engagement: Students progress together, fostering a sense of community and accountability.
Higher Completion Rates: The structured nature and support mechanisms, such as group coaching calls or private community spaces, lead to better course completion rates.
Content Repurposing: Course creators can repurpose evergreen content by running cohorts, providing live sessions initially, and later using recorded sessions for future cohorts.
This method is particularly beneficial for solopreneurs or small teams, allowing them to maximise the use of their content without constantly creating new materials.
Membership Subscription Offers
The implementation of membership subscription models helps creators avoid the boom-and-bust cycle of course launches by providing a steady, recurring revenue stream.
Community-First Memberships: A significant trend is the shift towards community-driven membership models. Instead of just offering course content, creators are focusing on building and monetising communities.
Subscription Flexibility: Thinkific has made it easier for creators to set up subscription payments for community access, allowing for one-time, monthly, or recurring payment plans.
Content Drops: Regular content drops, similar to platforms like Patreon, keep members engaged and subscribed.
Using the right tools to support these delivery methods is important. Thinkific offers a 30-day free trial, allowing creators to explore features like cohort-based courses, subscription models, and community building.
Final Takeaway
As the online education space continues to grow, adapting to new delivery methods is essential for success. By leveraging free courses as lead magnets, structuring cohort-based programs, and implementing membership subscriptions, course creators can enhance their offerings, increase student engagement, and build sustainable businesses.
For more insights and practical tips on using these methods, explore Thinkific’s resources.
For a step-by-step guide to help you kickstart your course creation journey, check out The Course Creation Guidebook and The Course Creators Circle Hub.
Highlights
- [00:33] Meet Aaron: Community Manager at Thinkific
- [01:35] Top Trends in Online Course Delivery
- [01:41] The Rise of Free Online Courses
- [03:24] Cohort-Based Programs: A New Approach
- [06:11] Membership and Subscription Models
- [07:23] Thinkific Tools and Features
- [08:18] Additional Course Creation Resources
Resources Mentioned in the Podcast
Get More Course Creation Tips in The Course Creators Circle Hub
The Course Creation Hub is for educators who love to teach what they do. Led by Thinkific Expert Linda Reed-Enever, our hub offers a wealth of tools, tips, and checklists to help you craft and market your courses with ease.
