You released that course over a year ago. It was a hit. You still get DMs about how helpful it is.
So why is it important to already consider updating or remastering your course curriculum?
Behind the Scenes:
Audit Your Existing Course(s)
Take your own course from every perspective possible to gain a real understanding of what needs to be upgraded, what should be simply refilmed, and what should be removed all together. Consider implementing the following:
• Have a friend go through the modules to get outsider’s perspective on the content.
• Listen to your videos podcast-style without viewing the video. Are your explanations clear, are you easy to listen to, do you sound engaged and command attention even without video?
• Watch the video without sound, take note of whether the slides/visuals can hold up on their own.
• Take note of EVERYTHING, from the glaringly obvious to the smallest details, that you notice while consuming from the student side.
The Update Your Course Curriculum Questions Checklist:
OPTIONS IN ADDITION TO A CURRICULUM UPDATE: Change price, add a getting started guide, add resources, accountability groups, community support, add calls, take away materials, FAQ library of videos, curriculum overhaul, offer combining (look at your Google Drive graveyard!)
Additionally, you may choose to work with a course creation specialist to ensure you’re focusing on the right things.
Find the Gaps + Outline Necessary Upgrades
Once you’ve combed through your program and have a fresh perspective on what’s inside, begin mapping your upgrades. This can be done in a multitude of ways, but we recommend gathering all of the topics that will remain in your program + new points, then updating how the modules are organized so you can work in streamlined phases.
Pull Back to Refilm or Remake Course Curriculum
It’s time to dive into a deep focus season, as this is the most critical piece of the puzzle. Actually refilming or rewriting an entire program is no simple task, so keeping the rest of your business on maintenance-mode can be the most helpful option. In this phase you’ll be in the thick of curriculum creation, so take this tips to make the process as simple as possible:
• Try to write, film, or plan the modules that speak to each other most within the same time period to use all of your available momentum.
• Create a filming or writing schedule that accounts for your lowest average productivity- because life happens. This might look like a schedule with 3 hours per day dedicated to filming one module, though in actuality you could breeze through it in 1.5 hours. The key here is to assume something will come up, come to mind, or generally slow the roll on daily progress. Planning your schedule around slow productivity can create a helpful cushion during the upgrade process.
• Though you may be in a pull back phase before slingshotting forward, it’s important to remember that your writing and filming process may uncover great pieces that you can take to your public audience for quick content wins or mini trainings. Find any angle possible to continue sharing publicly, as what you’re working on through this time could be catnip to your audience.
PRO-TIP: If you’re struggling to figure out where to start, and the planning process is keeping you paralyzed, simply start with the section of the course curriculum that you’re most excited about. Pick the module or lesson that you feel confident in and let the script & slide notes pour out of you. Then begin building the lessons pre or post that section. Even though this is disjointed, it helps BIG TIME to get momentum going.
Want to know how you can successfully plan for a “Dark Mode” time and let your business run on autopilot(ish) while you rework your offer? Check “The Goods” newsletter issue from Tues, April 26th for a full breakdown.
Public Facing
Alert Students to the Change
In the early stages of your upgrade process, decide how share this exciting news with your existing students and greater audience. Make sure to have answers to these questions before sharing this publicly:
• When will this be released?
• Is there a price change?
• Why are you changing the program?
• Is it possible to get a deal if purchased now?
Remember, don’t make concrete statements about release date and pricing unless you have determined these already and are positive that they’re set in stone… while a re-release is often a moving target, the last thing you want to do is have to retract publicly shared information.
Know Which Pieces Remain Up to Date So Learning Can Continue
Serving existing students should remain a top priority, so prepare for the reworking and upgrading process by knowing what lessons, formulas, and methodologies will still be relevant to your students. They may know that an upgrade is in the works, meaning you’ll need to get organized on messaging so that you’ll be able to say “the curriculum from X module is still up to date, go ahead and implement in your own business/health/life.”
Prioritizing impactful course curriculum updates while managing the day-to-day operations of an online business can be overwhelming, which is why I’ve created courses that will help you simplify and amplify your content & curriculum, so you are always locked and loaded. Register for an entrepreneur class and put your mind at ease.
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