With strategic choices and the plethora of free tools available, launching your first online course is more accessible than ever!

Let’s dive into how you can do this without spending a dime.

Choosing a Course Platform:

Your course platform is the foundation where your content lives and where your students will log in to engage with your course.

It also happens to be one of the biggest costs when starting a new course.  A few of my favorite platforms run as high as $495 to get started (ThriveCart) or $400+ per month for a plan with all the bells and whistles (Kajabi).  

Fortunately, there are cheaper options and even some free ones.

If budget is a constraint, Teachable’s free plan is an excellent starting point.

While it’s free, it comes with transaction fees—a fixed rate of $1 plus 10% of the course price. For example, if you sell a course for $100, Teachable will take $11, leaving you with $89. Although you can only publish one course with this plan, it’s a practical way to start earning money while on a tight budget.

Course Creation Tools:

Aside from the course platform, there are some essential tools you need to create a course.  For this section, I’ve assumed you already have a few things like a webcam on your computer or laptop or a slide presentation tool like PowerPoint or Keynote.  If that’s the case, you truly can create a course for free.

As for the tools mentioned below, I’ll only mention free resources.  

For each one, I’ll explain why you need the tool and how to get it for free.

#1 – Slide Presentations – The Why and the How:

Why You Need Slide Presentations:

Slide presentations are a fundamental element of online courses. They serve as a visual guide for your content, breaking down complex information into digestible slides that support your teaching. Effective slide presentations can enhance comprehension, retain student interest, and provide a reference point that students can revisit. They are particularly useful for summarizing key points, illustrating concepts with graphs and images, and structuring your course material in a logical flow.

Here’s a peek into our Create Awesome Online Courses presentation.

How to Create Slide Presentations for Free:

To craft these essential course components, you don’t need to invest in expensive software.

Free tools like Microsoft PowerPoint or Apple Keynote are likely already at your disposal. These programs offer a wide range of templates and design tools that can help you create professional and visually appealing slides. PowerPoint, for instance, is known for its user-friendly interface and wide array of functionalities that cater to both beginners and advanced users. Keynote, on the other hand, is known for its sleek design capabilities, making it a favorite among Mac users.

#2 – Recording Tools – Visual and Audio Capture:

Why Recording Tools are Necessary:

Recording tools are crucial for capturing your course’s visual and auditory components. They are the means by which you impart knowledge and connect with your students.

A webcam, for example, allows you to record lectures, creating a more personalized learning experience. Audio clarity is also essential, as it ensures your message is heard without distractions or misunderstandings.

How to Utilize Existing Recording Tools:

Your computer’s built-in webcam can be a starting point for recording video content. While it may not offer the high definition of specialized cameras, it can adequately capture your lectures. For audio, even if the webcam’s built-in microphone isn’t of the highest quality, there are ways to enhance the sound through positioning and post-recording editing. Ensuring a quiet recording environment can also significantly improve audio quality. 

I personally use a tool called Descript, which is a paid tool but can make subpar audio sound pretty dang professional.

>> If you want to see some of my higher end recommendations for equipment, see this article.

#3 – Screen Recording – Capturing Your Process:

The Role of Screen Recording:

Screen recording software is indispensable for creating tutorials, walkthroughs, and demonstrations. It allows you to capture the exact process or steps needed to perform a task directly from your computer screen. For subjects that require step-by-step explanations or software demonstrations, screen recordings can be a powerful teaching aid.

For example, you might record your screen to walk a student through how to design a webpage, or like we do for CAOC where we recorded our slide presentation.  Either way, it’s a must-have tool.

Free Screen Recording Solutions:

There are several free screen recording tools, like Bandicam, that enable you to record segments of your screen and download the video.  The only restriction is the videos can only be up to 10 minutes long.  But you may be able to find other tools that allow longer videos.

This limitation can actually be beneficial, encouraging you to segment your course into focused, manageable lessons. It’s also a good practice for online courses to keep video content concise to maintain student engagement.  And remember, you can always supplement the videos like we do in CAOC with text and helpful downloads.

#4 – Video Editing – Refining Your Content:

Why Video Editing is Crucial:

Video editing tools allow you to remove mistakes, add titles and transitions, and create a polished, professional-looking final product. Even if you’re not looking to win any video design awards with your course, you need to at least be able to edit mistakes or any time gaps before or after you start talking.

(I should mention if you’re really good, you can hit record, deliver a flawless performance, hit end, and may have zero editing to do.  So I guess an editor is not 1,000% essential, but I find it comes in handy.)

Options for Free Video Editing:

For those on a PC, HitFilm Express is a comprehensive free option that provides a professional feel with its range of editing features. Mac users can turn to iMovie, which, while simpler, is perfectly suited for basic edits and is a great starting point for beginners.

I personally use Camtasia for PC, but again, that’s a paid option.  You can learn more about that here.

#5 – Video Hosting and File Sharing – Distribution of Your Course:

Importance of Video Hosting and File Sharing:

Once your content is created, you need a way to distribute it to your students. Video hosting allows your students to stream your content without the need to download large files, while file sharing services enable the distribution of supplementary materials like PDFs or audio files.

Leveraging Free Hosting and Sharing Services:

Again, with Teachable’s free plan, you won’t need to worry about video hosting, as it’s included. This can save you from the limitations of free hosting services like Vimeo’s two-video-per-month cap.

If you choose another platform that doesn’t include hosting, Wistia’s free plan allows for up to 10 videos, which can be strategically used for your course’s key visual content. For sharing other types of files, a service like Dropbox can be utilized in its free capacity, providing enough space for documents and audio files that complement your course.

Execution Strategy:

With these tools, you could structure your course into 10 bite-sized video lessons (due to Wistia’s video number limit on their free plan), but complement the video training with text instructions and other downloadable resources like audio and pdf’s.

In reality, it would need to be a pretty short course.  Probably just one or two modules with 10 total lessons.  If you use Teachable as a platform, you could make it longer, however, since you won’t be restricted to the number of videos.

This approach maximizes the free video hosting limitations and focuses on delivering value through concise visual lessons and detailed textual content.

Putting It All Together:

When launching an online course for free, remember that your primary investment is time and creativity. Leveraging free tools effectively allows you to construct a course without upfront costs. The goal is to create a learning experience that is both engaging and educational, despite the budget.

For those who are ready to take their course creation to the next level, my comprehensive article on the costs associated with launching an online course provides an in-depth look at a more advanced setup.

In conclusion, starting an online course for free is not only possible but also a practical way to begin your journey in the world of online education.

Utilize the free resources available, focus on creating quality content, and when the time is right, you can consider investing in more advanced tools to enhance your course and grow your audience.

The post How to Create an Online Course for Free! (Including the Course Platform) appeared first on The Rise to the Top.

Before you delve into the world of content creation, it’s vital to understand not just the components of a successful course, but also how to strategically position and price it to reflect the value it offers.

This guide aims to provide aspiring course creators with insights on setting a price that not only reflects the quality and value of their course but also appeals to their target audience.

Crafting a High-Quality Course: The Essential Foundation

Before we explore pricing strategies, it’s imperative to emphasize the importance of building a course that stands out for its quality and value. A top-notch course is characterized by a compelling title, an engaging hook, invaluable bonuses, a solid satisfaction guarantee, and glowing testimonials. These elements are not just add-ons but the very foundation that will justify your course’s price and assure its success.

Tip 1: Analyze the Competition to Define Your Price Range

Begin by examining courses similar to the one you plan to offer, paying particular attention to those that are perceived as the best in their category. This research will give you a ballpark figure for pricing and help you understand the features and benefits that enable these courses to command a premium price. Your goal is to position your course within the top tier, ensuring it is seen as a premium option that warrants a higher investment due to its superior content and value.

Tip 2: Utilize Price Anchoring to Highlight Value

Price anchoring is a powerful strategy to make your course price seem more appealing. If, for instance, your expertise commands a high consulting fee, use this as an anchor. For example, “Engaging with me directly for the same insights would cost upwards of $10,000. However, this course offers you those insights, plus ongoing support and resources, for a fraction of that cost.” This comparison not only underscores the value but also makes the course price appear more reasonable by comparison.

Tip 3: Enhance Perceived Value with Strategic Bonuses

Bonuses can significantly boost the perceived value of your course. These could be anything from additional video content and templates to exclusive resources that aid learning. When selecting bonuses, ensure they are directly relevant and valuable to your audience, enhancing the core offerings of your course. This strategy not only makes your course more attractive but also increases its perceived worth, allowing you to price it more lucratively.

Tip 4: Highlight the Savings in Time and Effort

Emphasize the efficiency and structure of your course as a key selling point. Prospective students might find similar information for free, but your course offers a curated, step-by-step learning experience with support. Highlight the time and frustration saved by choosing your structured course over piecing together disparate information from multiple sources.

Tip 5: Align Your Pricing with the Value of the Outcomes

Consider the tangible outcomes your course is designed to achieve. If your course helps students secure a promotion, start a business, or master a lucrative skill, its price should reflect the value of these outcomes. Clearly articulate these benefits and support them with testimonials to justify a premium price.

Conclusion

Pricing an online course thoughtfully is crucial, especially for creators at the drawing board stage. By ensuring your course delivers unmatched quality, analyzing competitive offerings, employing price anchoring, adding value through bonuses, and aligning your price with the tangible outcomes your course delivers, you can set a price that is both attractive to potential students and reflective of the value your course provides. Remember, the key is to build a course that offers significant value, making the investment in it a no-brainer for your target audience.

The post Strategizing for Optimal Course Pricing: A Guide for Aspiring Creators appeared first on The Rise to the Top.

You’re in the perfect place!

With over 3,000 students of Create Awesome Online Courses, we’ve seen courses on everything from clarinet lessons to wedding officiating to lessons on how to draw 3D cartoons.

Our standard is simple:

You can be 99.9% sure that your course will sell if:

• You’ve ever charged someone for your expertise in a 1-on-1 or group setting
• If there are existing courses related to your topic
• If people pay for other forms of instruction (like books) related to your topic

That being said, there are some niches that are more predictable when it comes to being able to charge a premium for your online course.  In this article, I’ll uncover the most profitable online course niches that are not just trending but also timeless in their appeal.

Let’s explore where the real money is!

The 7 Most Profitable Niches:

We’ve seen hundreds of success stories from our CAOC students, but there are seven niches that stand out as especially profitable.

#1 – Technology and Digital Skills

One of the things that will determine how much you can charge for your course is the result you’ll help your students to achieve.

Well, consider our ever-evolving digital world.  Over the past 20 years, technology and digital skills have been in  very high demand.  That means the individuals who possess these skills are more likely to get hired or earn more.

From coding and web development to digital marketing and data analytics, these courses cater to a wide range of learners looking to upskill or switch their careers.

And the opportunity here is massive…

The market for online courses in technology and digital skills is projected to reach approximately $375 billion by 2026.

If there’s one thing I know about selling courses, it’s this.  If you can help students to earn more money, you can charge a heck of a lot more for your courses.

#2 – Business and Entrepreneurship

Alright, technology and digital skills may sit in the #1 spot because of the sheer size of the market, but in terms of how much you can charge for course, I’d actually put business and entrepreneurship at #1.  I’ve personally spent between $500 to $3,000 on several courses about business and marketing.

Yeah, those are the sort of dollars you can command for a course that will help someone to grow their business.

Think about it…

If someone can take your $995 course and make a million dollars from it, that’s an absolute no brainer!  

Aspiring entrepreneurs and business professionals are always on the lookout for insights and strategies to succeed. Courses covering topics like starting a business, leadership, financial management, and social media marketing are gold mines in the e-learning space.

One example here is CAOC student, Bree Noble, who created the Female Musician Academy, to help musicians make money with they music!  Great job niching down, Bree.  It’s a business course, specifically for female musicians!  

Mark Dawson also has a specific audience for his advertising course… Authors!  It’s fittingly called Ads for Authors.  Go figure.

>> Have an idea for a course and want to position it as a premium product?  We have just the thing for that. 

#3 – Health and Wellness

With a growing focus on health and wellbeing, courses in nutrition, fitness, yoga, and mental health are booming. People are constantly seeking ways to improve their lifestyle, making this niche not only profitable but also rewarding in terms of impact.

Examples include our very own Jess Mather has an awesome Rebuilding Body training for people in chronic pain.

And health coach, Chris Freytag, has been hugely successful with her Whole Body Reset.

#4 – Personal Development

Self-improvement is a journey many are willing to invest in. Courses that offer skills in time management, public speaking, personal finance, and stress management have seen a surge in popularity. They appeal to a broad audience looking to better themselves in various aspects of life.

This one is near and dear to my heart as I’ve also spent a fortune here.

Many of you will know I’ve followed my mentor in this space, Darren Hardy, for years, and my wife actually works for him.  So I can tell you that you can charge big bucks for courses here.  I believe Darren’s course on productivity is around $3,000.  Not bad.

#5 – Creative Arts and Hobbies

The joy of learning a new hobby or honing a creative skill has a special appeal. Photography, music production, painting, and writing are just a few areas where passionate learners are willing to pay for quality instruction.

We have several CAOC students doing well in the arts and hobbies niche.  The best examples would be:

• Starla Moore who helps people create and sell items on Etsy in her Handmade Alpha Academy
• Angela Plunkett’s course on Mastering Crochet one stitch at a time
• Clarinet Mastery by Michelle Anderson
• Kristina Nicole helps makers take their own product photos that attract more customers and make them more sales for their product based business with her course The Makers Method.

#6 – Language Learning

The ability to speak multiple languages is a highly coveted skill.

Online courses offering language learning, from popular languages like Spanish and Mandarin to less commonly taught languages, are a hit among learners of all ages.

You can’t charge as much for language learning, but the market is huge. 

I also highly recommend niching down here.  Like maybe even going regional like “How to learn Honduran Spanish.”

#7 – Specialist Skills and Certifications

Niche skills or certification courses in fields like cybersecurity, project management, or environmental science can command higher prices due to their specialized nature and the professional value they offer.

A huge niche with certifications is courses that help people PASS their certification exams.

If you know the popular online marketer, Pat Flynn, that’s how he got started in online business.  He had a great tutorial on passing the LEED exam for green building.Sally Weatherly, an awesome CAOC student, is another great example.  She helps you Ace the IB Physics exam.

Conclusion

The key to creating a profitable online course lies in identifying a niche that not only interests you but also meets a real demand. Remember, the most successful courses solve a specific problem or fulfill a specific need for their target audience.

And hey, if you’re looking for more personalized guidance on finding your perfect course topic, don’t miss out on this free Goal Setting guide, a fantastic resource for setting and achieving your course creation goals. Get your hands on this guide and start paving your way to success!

-> Get the Free Goal Setting Guide

The post The Goldmine of E-Learning: Top Profitable Online Course Niches appeared first on The Rise to the Top.

Whether you’re a seasoned internet marketer or just starting out, this guide will walk you through the essentials and provide a cost breakdown.

Essential Tools for Course Creation

Creating an online course requires a robust toolkit to manage and deliver content effectively. Each tool plays a vital role in the development and execution of your course.

1. Course Platform:

Before you can share your knowledge with the world, you need a home for your course. A course platform is essentially the foundation of your online course, serving as the central hub where your content is accessed and where students engage with the material. It’s where your course “lives” online.

• ThriveCart Pro ($690 one-time fee): ThriveCart Pro is my go-to course platform due to its affordability and robust feature set, including a shopping cart (which is usually a separate expense), an affiliate management system (which is usually only available in higher tiers at other course platforms) and no transaction fees. It’s a great starting point for those who want to keep things simple and keep costs low while offering a professional-looking course.  >> Learn more.
• Comparing Course Platforms: When you stack ThriveCart against other popular course platforms like Kajabi and Teachable, you’ll find that while ThriveCart is more of a basic platform, its one-time payment model offers substantial long-term savings. ThriveCart also has a ton of functionality.  I’ve personally done over $1M in course sales with ThriveCart and know other course creators who have done a lot more.  Kajabi and Teachable may have more built-in bells and whistles at their higher tiers like quizzes and surveys, but they also charge monthly fees and, in some cases, transaction fees.

Here’s a quick video showing some examples of cart pages, upsell pages, and courses I built with ThriveCart along with why I love it.

>> Learn more or sign up for ThriveCart’s limited-time one-time payment.

2. Video Hosting:

Video hosting is a critical service that allows you to upload and store your course videos on the internet. This ensures that your videos are securely housed and can be streamed by your students without the need for them to download large files.

If you choose ThriveCart, you’ll need a separate video hosting service.

Vimeo Pro ($240/year):

Vimeo Pro offers a professional and ad-free environment to host your educational videos, which can be easily embedded into ThriveCart or any other course platform. Its cost-effectiveness and user-friendly interface make it my top recommendation.

Uploading videos to YouTube for free is an option, but this can detract from the professionalism of your course. Investing in a paid video hosting service ensures control over your content and enhances the student experience. 

>> Learn more.

3. Screen Recording Software:

Screen recording software is an essential tool if you’re looking to create step-by-step tutorials or just capturing a slide presentation on your screen. It allows you to capture your screen’s content, creating a video that can be shared with your students.

Snagit ($62.99 One-Time fee):

Snagit is my preferred tool for screen captures and recording online course materials due to its simplicity and functionality.  It also lets you record yourself in the bottom corner of the screen, perfect if you want to inject just a bit of your face into your videos without being shot full-screen.

>> Learn more.

4. Storage for Course Downloads (Dropbox):

Providing additional downloadable resources such as PDFs and audio files adds value to your course. You need a reliable service to store and share these files with your students.

Dropbox is a user-friendly cloud storage platform that simplifies the process of sharing downloadable course materials.  You can start with a free account but that only offers 2GB of storage.  Dropbox Plus increases that to 2,000 GB for $11.99 per month. 

That’s a good amount of storage if all you plan to offer is PDF’s and audio downloads.  If you want to allow video downloads (which I don’t recommend), you’ll blow through the paid plan storage too so if that’s an option you want to offer, I recommend allowing your students to download the videos from your video hosting provider instead.  Learn more at Dropbox.

5. Payment Processors (PayPal and Stripe):.

Essential for processing payments, PayPal and Stripe integrate seamlessly with ThriveCart, and best of all, they’re free to use.  Note that they do charge a 2.9% transaction fee, on average.

Equipment Needed (If You’ll Be Featured on Video)

Depending on your course format and how often you plan to appear on video, your equipment needs may vary.

For minimal on-screen presence (Webcam only):

Logitech Brio 4K Webcam ($200):

If your course primarily consists of screen recordings with occasional appearances, a high-quality webcam like the Logitech Brio 4K can suffice, as it offers excellent audio and video quality for a reasonable price.

You can see it’s small and just sits on top of your monitor, but the quality truly is incredible.

If you’re on a tight budget, you can easily get by with only the Brio without needing to buy a microphone, lighting, or DSLR camera, but again, I only recommend this avenue if you’ll have minimal on-screen presence.

>> See Brio price on Amazon.

For regular on-screen presence (Prosumer equipment):

Should your teaching style be more personal and require frequent face-to-face interaction, investing in a good microphone, proper lighting, and a decent camera is crucial for professional-looking videos.  Here are some of the tools I recommend.

1. Prosumer Level Microphone and Lighting: Even if you’re not an audiovisual tech whiz, a prosumer-level microphone and lighting can significantly boost the quality of your videos.

Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB Cardioid Dynamic USB/XLR Microphone – Just plug it into your USB and get a boom arm like this along with a with a wind screen or pop filter.  It’s the best quality, low priced prosumer mic on the market.  If you use this with the pop filter, you can get professional level sound as long as there is no ambient noise or echo where you record, which can help you avoid having to run it through an audio editor.  I’ve honestly not been using mine lately as I’ve been using primarily my Brio, then clean up the audio with Descript.  

>> See price on Amazon.

Note that the Audio-Technica mic is visible and is best for sitting down at your computer if your face isn’t being featured.

If you’re going to be standing in front of a camera you’ll need something like a lapel mic or a mic you can attach to your camera.  For this, I use a Takstar.

Takstar SGC-598 Recording Microphone – I use my Takstar for recording  on top of my Rebel T7i then apply Descript’s studio sound filter and it sounds like I’m in a recording studio.  See price on Amazon.

DivaRingLight by Nova – This ring light has been a game-changer for my video quality.  When I started looking into lighting, I was overwhelmed with the complicated set ups that included multiple lights.  Honestly, all I do is use this ring light now to enhance my recordings. I use it with my Canon Rebel T7i when recording both course videos and social media content. It’s easy to set up and makes a noticeable difference in video clarity and appeal.  See price on Amazon.

2. DSLR Camera (Canon Rebel T7i): For higher-quality video, a DSLR camera like the Canon Rebel T7i is recommended. It’s user-friendly and produces high-quality footage even for those not familiar with manual settings.  See price on Amazon.

Here’s my setup. 

3. Video Editing Software (Descript and Camtasia): Both Descript and Camtasia offer easy-to-learn video editing solutions that can enhance your course videos significantly.

I use Descript for quick social media videos and Camtasia when more professional editing is needed.  When it comes to course creation, at the very minimum, you need to be able to cut unwanted portions out of the video and a simple editor like Descript makes it easy to do that.

>> Learn more about Descript.

4. Design Software (Canva): Canva is my go-to for designing slides and other course visuals. It’s free for basic use, with a small monthly fee for the pro version.

Ancillary Software & Tools

Many marketers will already have these tools, but if not, you’ll need to grab these as well.

• Email Service Provider (Active Campaign): Essential for nurturing leads and managing your email marketing campaigns.
• Lead Capture (ConvertBox): An invaluable tool for capturing email leads and increasing subscription rates.  See my review of ConvertBox here.

Investment Breakdown

Essential Software:

• Course Platform: $690 (one-time fee for ThriveCart Pro)
• Video Hosting: $240/year (Vimeo Pro)
• Screen Recording: $62.99 (one-time fee for Snagit)
• Storage: $11.99/month (Dropbox)
• Payment Processing: $0 (PayPal and Stripe are free)

Equipment (If Doing Significant On-Camera Work):

• Microphone: $100 – $200
• Lighting: $109
• DSLR Camera: $700 (for a mid-range DSLR setup)
• Video Editing Software: $12/month (Descript) or $299.99 One-time fee (Camtasia)

Design Software:

• Canva: $0 – $120/year

Total Minimum Investment:

If you’re a seasoned marketer with existing tools and only need the essentials for course creation:

• Without on-camera work: $1,100
• With on-camera work: $2,200

For someone starting from scratch and investing in equipment for on-camera presence:

• Total: Up to $3,000

This total doesn’t include additional costs for those who might need to purchase an email service provider or lead capture tool, nor does it account for any learning curve associated with using new software.

Remember, this is a general guide. Your costs may vary depending on existing tools and subscriptions you may already have. It’s also worth noting that investing in your equipment and software is an investment in the quality of your course and the experience you provide to your students.

Conclusion:

Creating an online course involves several costs, from course platforms to video hosting and equipment. By carefully selecting your tools and leveraging what you may already own, you can create a high-quality online course with a reasonable budget.

Remember to prioritize expenses that directly affect the student experience and your course’s quality, as these are crucial for your success in the competitive world of online education.

The post The True Cost Breakdown: What It Takes to Launch an Online Course appeared first on The Rise to the Top.

In the world of online education, creating a course is just the beginning.

The real challenge – and opportunity – lies in maximizing its earning potential!

Whether you’re a seasoned course creator or just starting out, there are effective strategies to boost your revenue and provide more value to your learners.

In this article, we’ll explore five powerful ways to increase your online course income, starting with a highly effective approach: Tiered Pricing.

1. Tiered Pricing: Catering to Every Learner

What is Tiered Pricing?

Tiered pricing is a strategic way to offer your course in different packages or ‘tiers,’ each with varying levels of content, access, and pricing. This method allows you to cater to a broader range of students, from those seeking basic information to those wanting an in-depth learning experience.

How to Implement It

• Basic Tier: This could be your standard course offering, covering all the fundamental aspects of the topic. For a gardening course, this might include pre-recorded video lessons and downloadable materials.
• Premium Tier: Here, you add more value. For the gardening course, this could include everything in the Basic tier, plus live Q&A sessions with you, or exclusive video content like advanced gardening techniques.
• VIP Tier: This is your most exclusive offer. It might include all elements of the Premium tier, with added perks like one-on-one coaching sessions, personalized garden plans, or even a physical welcome kit with gardening tools and seeds.

 In the example below from GreatCourses.com, you can see they have a video streaming option for $29.95 or an option that includes the DVD’s for $39.95.  

Personal Example in Action: The Bible Conference with Bart Ehrman

Another practical example of tiered pricing in action was our recent Bible conference with Bart Ehrman.

We offered an MVP Tier that provided attendees with standard access to the conference and an exclusive follow-up session with Bart, where he broke down the conference content further. This additional value allowed us to charge an extra $20 per ticket, illustrating how tiered pricing can significantly enhance both the learner experience and your revenue.

2. The Subscription Model: Building Long-Term Revenue

Understanding the Subscription Model

In the subscription model, instead of a one-time payment, students pay a recurring fee (usually monthly but could also be quarterly or annually) to access your course content. This approach can create a steady, predictable income stream, but it’s essential to balance it with consistent value delivery.

Why It Can Be Financially Favorable

Let’s break down the math. Suppose your one-time course fee is $200. If you switch to a subscription model charging $20/month, a student staying subscribed for over 10 months generates more revenue than the one-time fee. This long-term engagement not only boosts income but also builds a loyal student base.

You can also have fun with some ROI terms like Customer Lifetime Value which is a critical metric in a subscription model.  Let’s say it costs $50 to obtain a customer but you only charge $20 per month for the subscription.  You have to know your lifetime value to see if that’s a profitable campaign!

Careful!  The Expectations of Continuous Value

Students paying a recurring fee expect regular updates, new content, and ongoing engagement. Think of services like Netflix – they continuously invest in new shows and updates to keep subscribers hooked. For your course, this could mean:

• Regularly adding new modules or lessons
• Hosting live Q&A sessions or webinars
• Providing up-to-date resources or industry insights
• Offering exclusive access to a community or forum for ongoing support

The Commitment Required

It’s crucial to recognize the commitment this model requires. You’ll need to invest time and resources to keep the course fresh and engaging. This might involve creating new content, interacting with students more frequently, and staying abreast of the latest developments in your field.

Example: Math Course Subscription

Consider a math course. A one-time fee might grant access to one existing courses while a subscription might give access to all existing content and could include extra goodies like weekly problem-solving sessions, monthly updates with new problem sets, or access to a community forum for peer-to-peer learning and support.

3. Leveraging Bump Offers, Upsells, and Downsells

Bump Offers: The Quick Add-On

What Are Bump Offers? Bump offers are like the “Would you like fries with that?” question at a fast-food restaurant. Presented at the checkout page, they are simple, low-cost add-ons to the primary purchase. A brief, compelling description is enough to encourage an impulse buy.

Example: For a gardening course, a bump offer could be a downloadable eBook on organic pest control methods for just an additional $4.95.

It’s a quick, knee-jerk “yes” you’re after.  Here’s an example from TarioSultan.com.  The customer is already on the checkout page and all they have to do is check the box to grab this $27 Google Analytics course:

Also note that the example above is of a ThriveCart bump offer.  ThriveCart makes it so easy and they look great.  If you’re not selling with ThriveCart’s shopping cart, you should consider switching.  

>> Learn More About Bumps and Upsells at ThriveCart’s Website

Upsells: Enhancing the Purchase

What Are Upsells? Once a customer has made a purchase, they are shown a new sales page with an upsell offer. This is typically a higher-priced item (but not always) offering significant value.

Strategies and Examples:

I see this strategy most when I click on paid ads and go to an irresistible offer.  Let’s say I get an entire course that solves the exact problem I’m having for $7 bucks! 

That’s crazy and you know the advertiser isn’t making a profit on it if all they get is $7 dollars.  Alas, they always greet me with another upsell offer for $50 to $100, which I also regularly buy.  It’s a great way to do business because I’ve already self-identified as a target customer for what they’re selling and if they can convince me that the upsell will get me to my ultimate goal faster or easier, or just give me a great deal on a related product, I’m usually buying!  It definitely works.

Other examples:

• Offer a related course at a discount. For instance, following the purchase of a basic photography course, offer an advanced editing course at 40-50% off.
• If you don’t have another course, consider offering a comprehensive eBook, exclusive one-on-one coaching sessions, or access to a premium community forum.

My Perspective: While some course creators offer multiple upsells, I recommend limiting it to one to avoid overwhelming the customer. It’s about enhancing their purchase experience, not spamming them.

Downsells: The Alternative Offer

What Are Downsells? Downsells are offered when a customer declines an upsell. This is a lower-priced option that still adds value but at a more comfortable price point for the customer.

Implementing Downsells:

• If a customer passes on the advanced course upsell, a downsell could be a mini-course or a series of exclusive webinars at a lower price.
• I’ve even seen downsells that offer the exact same upsell that the customer just rejected – but at a lower price.  “Wait!  What if we give it to you for 90% off?”  Ha ha!
• It’s a way to salvage a potential no-sale situation, offering customers an alternative that still aligns with their interests and budget.

Application in my Bart Ehrman Partnership: In our collaboration with Bart Ehrman, we effectively utilize upsells by offering related courses at a discounted rate. This strategy capitalizes on the moment when a customer is already inclined to purchase and can significantly boost overall revenue.  We’ve never actually tried a downsell because, again, I think making more than one offer after the initial sale is a bit spammy.  But it works well for a lot of people, so feel free to try it out.

4. Content Expansion: Keeping Your Course Fresh and Relevant

The Power of Updating Your Content

In the dynamic world of online education, staying current and relevant is key. Regularly updating your course ensures it remains valuable and appealing to new and existing customers. This strategy involves more than just minor tweaks; it’s about substantial improvements and expansions that can warrant a new launch or re-launch.

Case Study: David Siteman Garland’s Course Overhaul

A prime example of content expansion done right is David Siteman Garland’s revamp of the “Create Awesome Online Courses” program. Recognizing the need to update and enhance his already successful course, Garland embarked on creating what he termed “Version 2.0.” This wasn’t just a few added lessons; it was a comprehensive overhaul that included:

• All new lesson recordings.
• The latest strategies and tools in the ever-changing online course landscape.
• New case studies and examples reflecting current market trends.
• Improved and updated content based on student feedback.

The Result: A New Sales Launch

“Create Awesome Online Courses 2.0” was not just an update.  It was such a huge overhaul that DSG did a full-scale launch of the product as if it were brand new. It provided Garland with the opportunity to:

• Re-engage with past students and offer them an upgrade at a special rate.
• Attract new customers who saw the value in an up-to-date and proven course.
• Generate buzz in the industry, positioning himself and his course as cutting-edge and authoritative.

Your Course’s Potential for Expansion

Consider areas in your course that could benefit from a similar overhaul. Could you add new modules, update existing content with the latest research or technology, or even reformat the course for better user experience?

Remember, content expansion is an investment in your course’s longevity and appeal. It’s a strategy that not only adds value for your students but also revitalizes your marketing efforts and opens up new revenue opportunities.

5. Cultivating Customer Loyalty: New Offers for Existing Students

The Undervalued Asset: Existing Customers

Often, course creators are so focused on attracting new customers that they overlook a valuable asset – their existing customer base.

It’s widely noted in marketing research that selling to an existing customer is significantly easier (and more cost-effective) than acquiring a new one. In fact, the probability of selling to an existing customer is 60-70%, while the probability of selling to a new prospect is only 5-20% (Source: Marketing Metrics).

Creating Related Courses: Expanding Your Portfolio

One effective way to leverage this is by creating courses that complement your existing offerings.

For instance, I have a successful course, “Create Awesome Online Courses,” so I’m considering developing a specialized course focusing on a related aspect, such as “Mastering Traffic and Lead Generation.” This new course would dive deeper into strategies specifically for driving traffic and generating leads, offering added value to students who have already benefited from CAOC.

Beyond the Basics: Next Steps for Growth

This approach is just the beginning. The real key to success in online course creation lies in understanding and executing a well-planned MVP launch – a specific launch plan we’ve developed in Create Awesome Online Courses.

MVP launches, such as webinar-based or email-only launches, are crucial strategies we teach in our course. They are designed to maximize your impact with minimal upfront investment, testing the waters before you dive deep.

By adopting a strategic approach to selling your course offerings, including MVP launches, you can significantly enhance your earning potential.

Embarking on Your Journey to Success

Remember, the strategies we’ve discussed are just the tip of the iceberg. The world of online courses is vast and filled with opportunities for those who know how to navigate it effectively. If you’re ready to dive deeper and truly harness the power of online courses, our comprehensive course is your ticket!

Click here to learn more and get started on your journey to success.

The post 5 Easy Ways to Skyrocket Your Online Course Earnings appeared first on The Rise to the Top.

I use a lot of tools to run my 7-figure business.

But if you own a website, there’s one that I consider an absolute no-brainer for the value it brings.  It’s simple to use and is my favorite tool of 2024.  

ConvertBox has revolutionized the way I interact with visitors on my websites.   I’ve used it on sites such as creditknocks.com, lifeinsuranceshoppingreviews.com, and bartehrman.com to capture over 20,000 email subscribers.

Sign up at therisetothetop.com/convertbox

Overview:

ConvertBox is an intuitive tool primarily designed to collect email leads, but it’s so much more than that. I’ve utilized it as a powerful segmenting instrument, customizing user experiences on my websites. It’s like having a friendly concierge greeting visitors, guiding them precisely where they need to go, whether that’s a specific page or a recommended product or service.

ConvertBox is known as a lead generation opt-in tool, but there’s a lot of flexibility with the tool and I’ve found some fun and valuable uses for it.  I’ve personally used the tool for:

• Segmentation – After interacting with a welcome message, I send my visitors to the appropriate page
• Alerts – I’ve added banners at the top of the page to alert visitors about sales or important news
• Exit Popups – I’ve offered an email lead magnet here or just driven visitors to a related page or offer 
• Email Capture – I show a variety of ways I’ve captured leads in the video below

Learn More

Personal Experience:

One of the features I’ve found particularly valuable is the welcome popup message. It allows me to ask visitors a few quick questions, enabling me to direct them to relevant pages or products based on their responses swiftly. It’s not just about gathering emails; it’s about enhancing the user experience and ensuring visitors find what they are looking for.

Here’s a welcome message I built for life insurance site I owned that worked like gangbusters.  I’d just ask a few questions about the amount of coverage they were interested, their age, and health, and was immediately able to recommend the best product.

There are so many benefits to adding a tool like this on your site. 

First of all, it’s a great user experience.  Secondly, it keeps the visitor on your site longer, sending positive data to Google about the value of your site – which helps with SEO!  Lastly, you can quickly and easily direct your prospects to the correct product, service, or information they need which leads to sales.

Exit Popups:

I’ve also utilized ConvertBox’s exit popups to retain visitors, either capturing their emails or redirecting them to engaging content they might have missed. It’s like having a second chance to make a first impression, ensuring that visitors leave with a valuable takeaway or reason to return.

Targeting:

Have you ever visited a site for the 50th time and they’re still displaying the same, tired CTA’s they showed you the first time you visited?

You can avoid this using ConvertBox’s targeting.  Rather than showing everyone the same message, you can tailor your message  to a specific audience based on their stage in your sales journey.  

You can also find some great video examples of smart targeting on ConvertBox’s homepage.

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Cost: One-time, lifetime payment of $495
• User-friendly: Setting up and customizing ConvertBox is super easy
• Versatility: Beyond just collecting emails, it serves as a multifunctional tool for enhancing user engagement and experience
• Customization: Tailor your messages, ensuring that your interaction with visitors is as relevant and engaging as possible

Cons:

• Limited design options: While functional and user-friendly, the design options are somewhat limited compared to some other tools out there
• No Free Trial: A barrier for those who prefer to try before they buy

Learn More

Comparison with Alternatives:

Compared to other products, ConvertBox stands out due to its simplicity and effectiveness. While some tools offer more design options, they often come with a steeper monthly price tag.

For example, OptinMonster’s Growth Plan costs $99 per month.  

I’ve been an OptinMonster customer before and found their product to be a bit more robust.  For example, they have a really sweet Coupon Wheel which allows visitors to spin the wheel to see what they win.  The training videos and template library it offers are a bit more robust as well.

But frankly, I find that ConvertBox offers pretty much all of the same options (Lightbox popups, floating bars/alerts, scroll boxes/welcome messages, exit intent popups, and A/B testing) along with plenty of beautiful, high-converting templates, so I’d say for 90% of marketers, it’s the way to go.

Conclusion

ConvertBox has been instrumental in optimizing my websites for visitor engagement and lead capture. It’s more than just a email capture tool; it’s a strategic ally in achieving marketing objectives, ensuring that visitors’ experiences on your site are as engaging and rewarding.

Sign up today and make Convertbox your #1 tool for 2024!

The post My #1 Online Marketing Tool of 2024! (VIDEO) appeared first on The Rise to the Top.

That spells opportunity for us!

As the owner of Rise to the Top, I’m leveraging the New Year vibe to spark growth and profits for my business and for my tribe.  Here’s how you can do the same with five actionable strategies.

#1 – Launch a New Year Sale

In January, people are not just looking for deals; they’re on the hunt for opportunities that align with their New Year’s resolutions.

Craft an offer that taps into the spirit of transformation and self-improvement. Whether it’s a discount on your course that teaches a new skill or a bundle that kick-starts a home business, make sure your deal feels like it’s opening the door to progress and new possibilities.

If you sell physical products, it’s also chance to clear out inventory and make room for new products or services you plan to introduce in the upcoming year.

#2 – Host a Free Value-Packed Webinar

Webinars are powerful tools for engagement and education. They’re especially effective when your audience is in the mindset to learn and grow.

Try hosting a free webinar that addresses common pain points or goals that align with New Year resolutions. Focus on topics that will resonate with New Year’s resolutions and provide actionable insights that attendees can apply immediately.

Not only does this position you as an authority, but it also provides a platform for upselling. I’m actually hosting an webinar in early January.  Be on the lookout!

Also note that in Create Awesome Online Courses, we dive deep into crafting webinars that not only captivate but also convert.

#3 – Lead a Community Challenge

Nothing beats working towards a common goal.  So if you can create a challenge for you tribe that allows them to work together and share wins and losses as a community, the accountability may just push them to get results they’ve never experienced!

This January, I’m running a community challenge (announcement coming soon) where I’ll walk through Create Awesome Online Courses with members every week. It’s about learning together and keeping each other on track.

Set up a challenge that fits your niche. It’s a way to add value, create buzz, and build momentum. You can replicate this by creating a challenge that suits your niche – be it a fitness challenge, a business growth sprint, or a creative endeavor.

#4 – Launch a “New Year, New You” Campaign

January is the time when everyone wants to improve or upgrade themselves. Whether that’s with a new skill, better health, or business growth, people are ready to pay for change. Roll out a new product – maybe a guide, a short course, or coaching sessions – and market it as the key to unlocking a better version of themselves.

Promote it as the tool that will bridge the gap between their current state and where they want to be by the end of the year. 

I sent out a “new year, new you” campaign earlier today, in fact.  Check out the template.  It’s easy to follow.  “Where do you see yourself in a year?” is the critical motivating question.

#5 – Use Real Stories for Authentic Promotions

Encourage your community to share their New Year’s resolutions and how your products or services fit into their vision for the year.

User-generated content not only provides social proof but also creates a personal connection between your brand and your customers’ aspirations. Create a campaign around this, perhaps with a hashtag that aggregates all the content. It’s an authentic way to promote your business and tap into the collective New Year spirit.

Conclusion

Embrace the inspirational vibe of January.

It’s a month filled with determination and the perfect catalyst for engaging with your audience in a meaningful way. By aligning your business with the goals and aspirations of your customers, you create a win-win scenario – they embark on their journey to improvement, and your business grows alongside them.

Here’s to a fruitful start to the year!

The post 5 Strategic Moves to Maximize Your January Earnings appeared first on The Rise to the Top.

I had set resolutions many times in the past but my efforts would fail within a week.

Every. Single. Time.

I’m sure this is no surprise to you.  You’ve heard the same statistics…

Most people don’t follow through with their New Year’s resolutions.

And I was one of them.

However, everything changed in 2018 after reading Darren Hardy’s “The Compound Effect.”  One simple tip from this book revolutionized my approach to goal setting.  And since using the tip, I’ve completed my New Year’s Resolution five years in a row!

Here’s how I did it.

The Game-Changing Tip: 

In 2017, I was out of shape and inconsistent with gym visits.  I’d often visit the gym in spurts, but any progress I’d gain would be wiped out when I’d have any minor injury or illness. 

If I missed just a few days and got out of my rhythm, it was over!  I may not go back for another 6 months!

I realized the need for a change in strategy.

I read “The Compound Effect” near the end of 2017 and it got me super excited.  Darren’s advice was straightforward and spoke directly to the issue I was having with my inconsistency.  Simply put, my expectations for myself were WAY too high, and when I didn’t hit them, I’d quit.

Darren’s advice in the book is profound:  Set small, simple goals that are incredibly easy to achieve.

The logic?

We often aim too high, making the adjustment too abrupt and unsustainable, so we quit.  

A Story of Incremental Success

In his book, Darren shares a story about a colleague who wanted to run a marathon but couldn’t even jog half a mile.

She thought running a marathon was impossible, but Darren helped her to do it with his system.  Set goals that are incredibly easy to achieve.  

He didn’t ask her to run miles initially. Instead, he told her to first map out a one-mile track around her house.  The next day, he told her to walk it and to feel free to stop any time she needed to rest.  Gradually, he asked her to begin jogging for short periods and to feel free to walk whenever she was winded.  Soon she could run the entire mile without stopping.  He then increased her distance incrementally – we’re talking 1/4 mile a week. 

This methodical approach eventually enabled her to run longer distances, demonstrating the power of small, consistent steps.  And she was finally successful in running her marathon!

But did you notice the best part?

She accomplished her ultimate goal without ever doing anything that she could perceive as “difficult.”  At first, all she had to do was walk the mile.  Later, when he’d bump up her distance, it was only 1/4 mile more.  How hard is it to run 2.25 miles if last week you were doing 2 miles?  Not hard.  And because it was so easy, she was actually able to stick to it.

A Stupid-Simple Goal

I’m almost embarrassed to tell you the goal I finally set for myself.

But remember…

I had failed every single New Year’s resolution I had ever set.  I wanted to embrace Darren’s philosophy and finally win at my goal.

Now:

My real goal at the time was to exercise five to six times a week.  That’s what healthy people do, right?

But I had learned the hard way that I would fail if I set that goal.  If you don’t go to the gym for six months, jumping from zero to 5x per week is a recipe for failure.

So, on New Year’s Day in 2018, I decided to take Darren’s advice and set a goal that was so stupidly simple, almost embarrassingly simple, that it would prove Darren’s system was a sham if I couldn’t complete it!

My goal for the year was to exercise only two times per week.

Here’s how it worked.

If I went for a jog or went to the gym, it counted.  And I tracked each workout using the Strides app on my iPhone, which simply meant I pulled out my phone and clicked one button and that was all the tracking I did.

It’s always easy to go to the gym in January when you’re motivated, and that’s what I did.  I went a few times per week and tracked it in my app.

But this time, I didn’t stop going after January.  I went the entire year!

The big difference was that my goal was sooooo dang simple, that anytime I was sore or busy with work or just wasn’t in the mood, I could skip a day… or even two or three days, and STILL hit my goal for the week.

And sometimes I would skip those days.

But more often than not, I went three or four times rather than two.

By mid-year, I was in a groove and realizing Darren’s system actually works.  I was going to win at this goal!

And that’s not all.

I was getting in far better shape.  I decided to run my first ever Spartan race which was super challenging and a load of fun.

Surprisingly, by the end of 2018, I counted my workouts in my Strides app and found out I exercised 161 times that year, averaging 3.1 times a week.  This simple goal not only broke my cycle of inactivity but also ingrained the habit of regular workouts.

The next year, 2019, my goal was to exercise 3 days per week.  I increased my output to 3.6x per week, and did three more Spartan races!!

The best part?

I haven’t had to set a workout goal since 2019.  I’ve set physical goals, like a pull-up goal, but as far as actually just exercising, I am so used to going four to five days per week now that my skin crawls if I don’t do it.  So I don’t NEED to set that goal anymore just like you wouldn’t need to set a goal to brush your teeth.

And that’s the power of the Compound Effect.

Two Bonus Tips for Successful Goal Setting

#1 – Write It Down: Whether it’s a journal or an app like Strides, documenting your goals and progress is crucial. It serves as a constant reminder and motivator.

#2 – Limit Your Goals: Focus on no more than three goals at a time.  For example, in 2018, my primary focus was on fitness.  But I didn’t set any other health related goals.  I turned out I didn’t need to.  This singular exercise goal indirectly influenced healthier eating habits, illustrating how one well-tracked goal can positively impact other areas.

The Habit Goal Versus the Actual Goal

It’s crucial to differentiate between your ultimate objective (like losing 20 pounds or improving a relationship or doubling your business revenue) and your habit goal (the specific, trackable action that will help you reach the main goal). 

I’ve learned that if you focus on the daily or weekly habit goal and track it, your ultimate objective will take care of itself. 

Just be sure that whatever habit goal you decide to track, that it will be easy enough that you can complete it, but challenging enough that if you are successful, it will help move you toward your ultimate objective.

Business Example:

• Ultimate Goal: Double Your Business Revenue
• Super Simple Habit Goal: Create two videos per week

Personal Life Example:

• Ultimate Goal: Improve Relationship with Your Spouse
• Super Simple Habit Goal: 1 Date Night per Month

Other Business and Personal Goals I’ve Now Accomplished:

Here are a few more daily or weekly habit goals I’ve set for myself if you need more ideas.

A couple of years ago, I wanted to spend more 1-on-1 time with my three daughters so I set a goal of 4 date nights with each daughter for the year.  This is actually harder than it sounds when you have three kids since at night, we’re usually running one of them to work or gymnastics or soccer practice.

But we got in a groove early in the year and I took one of them out just about every Tuesday night, and we had this one knocked out by June.  We ended up doing 26 for the year, but that included some date nights with my wife, Brenda.  In this case, rather than just keeping count in my Strides app, I physically wrote them down and included a note about where we went or something memorable so I could look back at the memories.

And just a quick note… If you’re a dad and you have daughters, it’s so important for them to know how a man should treat them on a date and give them the attention they crave so they don’t go looking for it in some dirt bag!  Haha!

We’ve continued to do dates but not at the same pace.  I should probably make this my personal goal again next year. 

Last year, I did a pull-up goal.  While I don’t have a problem going to the gym anymore, I’ve never loved doing pull-ups, so I tend to avoid them.

But I know how great they are for your back and core, so I decided the only way I’d make them a priority was to set a year-long goal of 1,000 pull-ups.  

Now, I realize that averages out to fewer than 3 per day!  LOL

But I normally only work out my back once per week, and I don’t have a pull-up bar at home, so it was harder than you’d think.  I didn’t end up crushing this goal like I usually do.  I only got around 1,100 and didn’t fall in love with pull-ups.  But I did hit my goal!

In business, I’ve also completed goals for writing articles and one of my favorites was creating one instructional video per week for a VA or team member.  I hit this one but also didn’t crush it.  But still, by the end of the year, I had created 70 new instructional videos for my team!  That’s 70 tasks I don’t have to do anymore!

In 2024, I’m shifting my focus from blog content to video content.  That’s where the opportunity is right now.  This is new and foreign territory to me, so I’ll be setting a super weak goal of two videos per week.  (Even though I really need to put out four per day!)

Conclusion

You have no idea how empowering it feels to actually hit a goal and know how to set goals that you can achieve. 

It’s been a life changer for me.

I highly recommend you read Darren Hardy’s book, “The Compound Effect,” with the goal of establishing small, manageable habits that lead to significant, lasting changes.  If you’re a business owner, consider profiting on your expertise by creating an online course.  You could create just one lesson per week and have a complete course done in a few months.

Embrace small, manageable goals, and you might just find yourself looking back at the end of 2024 with a sense of accomplishment and a new set of habits ingrained in your daily life.

The post I Stuck to My New Year’s Resolution All Last Year. Here’s How I Did It appeared first on The Rise to the Top.

One of the best ways to stand out is by creating headlines that grab attention and drive click-through rates (CTR). 

The right headline can make a dramatic difference in the reach and engagement of your content. According to B100, an incredible 6 out of 10 Americans share articles based on  only reading the article’s headline – in other words, they share it without even reading it!

But here’s the problem…

If you’re new to art of writing compelling headlines or even if you’re a seasoned pro, you know that it doesn’t always come easy.

We’ve gotcha covered!

The simple solution is to draw inspiration from headline examples.  The following examples are proven to grab your readers’ attention and work for:

• Blog article headlines
• Magazine titles
• YouTube video titles
• And Email subjects – if you need to stand out in the recipient’s inbox

Just bookmark this article and just refer to the templates and examples below, and you’ll be sure to come up with an eye-catching headline that leads to more clicks and shares!

#1 – Reasons Headline

Present the value of your content by offering a compelling list of reasons. Whether it’s a lengthy compilation of 50 to 100 points, also known as a list post, or a concise list, the key is to highlight the results and benefits. Don’t feel obligated to include the word “reasons” in your headline – the focus should be on showcasing the value.

Examples:

• 200 Reasons Open Source Software is Superior to Paid Alternatives
• 5 Unexpected Reasons Why Daily Meditation Transforms Your Workday
• 101 Reasons to Breastfeed
• 10 Undeniable Benefits of Waking Up at 5 AM Every Day
• 7 Key Advantages of Meal Planning for Busy Families

#2 – The “Anyone Can Do It” Post

When it comes to sharing knowledge and providing actionable tips, it’s important to make your audience feel empowered and capable. By removing any barriers to entry or preconceived notions of difficulty, you can encourage readers to take action and apply the tips you provide.

One effective way to do this is by including lessons from an unlikely source. For example, imagine sharing lessons on time management from a child who has learned to balance school, extracurricular activities, and playtime. This unexpected perspective can show readers that anyone, regardless of age or experience, can effectively manage their time.

Similarly, you could share lessons on cooking from a novice chef who has discovered simple yet delicious recipes that even beginners can tackle. Or perhaps lean on grandma’s ability to overcome a complicated financial matter. By including their insights in your content, you can make it relatable and accessible to a wide range of readers.

Examples:

• 10 Business Hacks Any College Student Can Master
• 9 Persuasion Lessons from a 4 Year Old
• How a New Blogger Can Attract 1,000 Visitors in One Month
• You Don’t Have to be a CPA to Understand the Tax Benefits of a Roth IRA
• 10 Business Lessons Bill Gates Learned from His Maid
• How a Mom of 3 is Earning $1 Million per Year Online

#3 – Use Eye-Catching Numbers and Percentages

Specific figures can make your headline more credible and intriguing. Percentages and dollars work well here.

Not only do specific figures add credibility to your headline, but they also pique the reader’s interest by providing concrete data. The use of percentages and dollars in headlines has been proven to be effective in capturing the attention of readers and increasing click-through rates.

In fact, research has shown that headlines that include specific figures tend to perform better in terms of click-though rates, engagement, and conversion rates. This is because specific figures provide a clear and tangible benefit to the reader, making them more likely to click on the headline and engage with the content. 

Examples:

• This Budgeting Trick Will Cut Your Grocery Bill by 50%
• Increase Your Email Open Rates by 37% With This Simple Tweak
• So I got a $310 haircut. I learned 3 SURPRISING things about raising your prices.
• How to Increase Your YouTube Engagement by 281%

BONUS: Research shows that using ODD numbers in your headline gets a 20% higher CTR than EVEN numbers.

#4 – Make an Audacious Claim or Promise

Bold claims spark curiosity and captivate readers, compelling them to click on seemingly impossible feats.

When you make audacious promises in your headlines, you tap into the natural human desire for extraordinary results. They can’t help but wonder how these incredible achievements are possible and are eager to discover the techniques or strategies that can lead to such remarkable results. 

Examples:

• Triple Your Reading Speed in Just One Week with This Technique
• How I Secured a Book Deal in 30 Days with Zero Industry Contacts
• From Geek to Freak: How I Gained 34 lbs. of Muscle in 4 Weeks
• Double Your Traffic in 30 Days
• Man Trades Up from Paper Clip to House

#5 – News Headline

When it comes to capturing the attention of your readers, presenting your content as breaking news or a fresh discovery is an effective strategy. By using words like discovered, breakthrough, and breaking news, you create a sense of excitement and urgency that compels readers to click on your headline.

You might try starting your headline with the words “At last!” or “Announcing!” to convey the idea that your content contains groundbreaking information that has finally been revealed. This can pique the curiosity of your readers and make them eager to find out what you have to say.  Another approach is to use words like “New!” or “Finally!” to emphasize that your content offers fresh and up-to-date information. 

Examples:

• New Study Reveals The Secret to Uninterrupted Sleep
• Announcing the Revolutionary App That Organizes Your Life
• Finally! A Cure for Acne
• Breaking News! Mortgage Rates Going Up – Secure Your Rate Now!

#6 – Scare the Reader

Another effective way to grab readers’ attention and create a sense of urgency is by highlighting potential mistakes or dangers. By addressing common pitfalls or risks, you can immediately capture your audience’s interest and make them realize the importance of your content.

Aim to make your readers curious about the potential dangers lurking around the corner related to your product or service.  By highlighting the possibility of harm, you create a sense of urgency for readers to click on your article and learn how to avoid these mistakes.

By using this approach, you not only create a sense of urgency but also position yourself as the source of their solution.

Examples:

• Are These Common Dietary Choices Silently Harming Your Health?
• The Cybersecurity Mistakes That Could Cost You Everything
• Do You Make these Mistakes when Posting on Facebook?
• 7 Reasons Your Investment Portfolio Will Fail (and How to Correct them)
• Warning: Don’t Even Think about Buying Creatine without this Vital Knowledge

#7 – The “Sex Sells” Headline

“Sex sells” may be a famous advertising cliché but there’s not denying that brands use sex to sell anything from jeans, to beer, to cheeseburgers, to even sparkling water, hearing aids and cat food.

If they can do it, why can’t you?  Adding a bit of sex – either explicitly or by innuendo – can make your headline irresistible.

Examples:

• Chicks Dig Guys with Big Life Insurance Policies
• Want to Stay Wet Longer?  Our New Extended-Release Hydration Bottles 
• Mastering the Art of Seduction in Copywriting
• Get the Bedroom Eyes Look with Our Lash-Lengthening Mascara
• Your Girlfriend Wants a Romantic Dinner: These Recipes Will Help You Give It To Her
• …or this Billboard: Your Wife is Hot. Better Get the A/C Fixed!

#8 – Present a Solution to a Problem

Directly addressing a pain point and offering a clear solution is a powerful way to engage readers. By empathizing with their struggles and presenting a solution, you can establish yourself as a trusted source and guide them towards resolution.

When it comes to addressing pain points, it’s important to first identify the specific challenges your audience is facing. Whether it’s struggling with low website traffic, dealing with a cluttered inbox, or facing common tech issues, understanding their pain points sets up the “solution” portion of your headline.

Once you have pinpointed the pain point, your headline should indicate that you have the answer. For example, instead of just saying “Struggling with Low Website Traffic?”, you might say, “Struggling with Low Website Traffic? This Strategy Will Change Everything”. By promising a solution, you create a sense of anticipation and intrigue that compels readers to click on your article.

Examples:

• Struggling with Low Website Traffic? This Strategy Will Change Everything
• Say Goodbye to Your Cluttered Inbox with These 3 Tools
• Get Rid of Your Acne Once and For All
• Drowning in Debt? Our Proven Plan Fixes Bad Credit in 90 Days
• Tired of Sleepless Nights? Our Ultimate Guide for Insomniacs Can Help
• Overwhelmed by Meal Prep? Get Our 5-Step Quick and Healthy Meal Planner

#9 – Defer to Experts or Celebrities

By associating your content with an expert or a celebrity, you can establish credibility and authority, making your audience more likely to trust and engage with your message.  A simple formula to follow here is (Do something) Like (Insert Celebrity Name).

Examples:

• Simple Exercises to Make You Ripped Like Arnie
• Invest Like Warren Buffett: A Beginner’s Guide
• Writing Tips Straight from J.K. Rowling’s Desk
• Boomer Esaison has Life Insurance – Should You?

#10 – Uncover Hidden Knowledge

Promise insider information or lesser-known facts.  Show your readers what’s “under the hood” – Use words like secret, insider’s guide, tricks and behind the scene’s look.

Examples:

• The Secret Investment Strategies of the Rich and Famous
• The Fitness Myths Personal Trainers Never Tell You
• Are You Aware of Facebook’s Dirty Little Secret?
• What Everyone Ought to Know About Storage Sheds
• Little Known Facts about the New Testament Copying Practices

#11 – The 2 Minute Drill

In today’s fast-paced world, we all want quick and effective solutions that can help us improve our lives without having to read a 5000-word article or perform 28 steps to get the desired result!

That’s where the power of the “2 Minute Drill” comes in.  By promising a quick benefit in a short period of time, you can capture the attention of readers who are looking for immediate results.

HINT:  You can use other increments like hours or days!

Imagine being able to transform your life, boost your productivity, or achieve a specific goal in just 2 minutes or lose 10 pounds in 5 days.  Who doesn’t want that!  By breaking down larger tasks into small, manageable increments, you can overcome procrastination, build momentum, and create lasting change.

Examples:

• Transform Your Morning Routine in 2 Minutes
• Quick Fixes for Common Tech Issues: A 2-Minute Guide
• Two-Minute Guide to Setting Goals that Stick
• How to Learn Any Language in 5 Days
• Five 5-Minute (Or Less) Blogging Tips that Yield Big Results
• Whiter Teeth in 10 Days – Guaranteed!

#12 – Offer a Painless Solution

Many in your audience are short on enthusiasm and drive.   Appeal to those looking for an easy way out of a complex problem by offering them a painless solution. 

Use words like simple, easy steps, and effortless.  Another good formula is “The lazy (target customer’s) way to (solution)”

Examples:

• Build Your First Website: Easy Steps to Go Live in Under an Hour
• Effortless Weight Loss: The No-Diet Approach
• The Simple Path to Learning a Language Without Study
• The Lazy Man’s Guide to Nutritious Cooking for the Family
• Easy Steps to Mastering Your DSLR Camera for Stunning Photos

#13 – The Hilarious Double-Entendre

You can also use humor and wordplay to pique interest.  Be careful with humor, but if you can be a little creative and try to think of play-on words and things with double meaning, these do well.

Examples:

• Man Beats Off Cougar with His Bare Hands
• Royals to Get a Taste of Angels’ Colon
• France Set to Smash B.O. Records
• One-Armed Man Applauds New Prosthetic
• Why This Marketing Guru Wants You to Play the Field
• When Life Gives You Lemons: Turning Sour Deals into Sweet Success

#14 – Odd or Bizarre Headlines

Strange or unexpected headlines can stop readers in their tracks. These types of headlines grab attention because they go against the norm and pique curiosity. By presenting something out of the ordinary, you create a sense of intrigue and get readers excited to find out more.

When crafting odd or bizarre headlines, it’s important to strike a balance between being unique and maintaining relevance to your content. The goal is to surprise your readers while still aligning with the overall theme or topic of your blog post.

Examples:

• 5 Stabbed at ‘Welcome Home from Jail’ Party
• Police Use Taser on Fake Cougar
• China Bans Time Travel
• Man Who Kills Wife Gets Half of Her Insurance Policy
• The Man Who Paid His Mortgage with a Paperclip
• The Town Where Wi-Fi Is Illegal

#15 – Repetitive or Obvious Headlines

Sometimes stating the obvious can have a comedic or ironic effect. It’s like shining a spotlight on something that everyone already knows, but doing it in a way that makes people pause and chuckle. By pointing out the obvious, you can create a sense of amusement and engagement with your readers.

It’s also a way to playfully engage with your readers and create a sense of light-heartedness in your content. So don’t be afraid to state the obvious and have a little fun with your headlines.

Examples:

• Woman Missing Since She Got Lost
• Chance of Rain Today Depends on Where You Live
• How Much Car Insurance Should You Buy? It Depends on How Much You Need
• Water Is Wet: The Study That Confirms What We Already Knew
• Why Eating More Can Make You Hungrier: The Paradox of Plenty

In conclusion, crafting compelling headlines is crucial for standing out in today’s saturated online space. By using these headline examples, you can create headlines that not only draw readers in but also encourage sharing, leading to better engagement and higher CTR.

Whether you’re writing an article, a blog post, or social media content, remember that your headline is the gateway to your content. Make it count!

The post 50 Headline Examples to Steal for Your Next Article appeared first on The Rise to the Top.

Online Courses:

ThriveCart – I absolutely love ThriveCart because it allows you to create landing pages, enroll students into your courses with their high-converting checkout pages, and set up sales funnels.  But the best part is it’s also an LMS (learning management system) meaning you can build your course right in “Thrivecart Learn” (included with ThriveCart) and deliver it to new purchasers without having to integrate with another platform.   It checks so many boxes – shopping cart, affiliate manager, online course platform.  Oh, and while other services charge $150+ per month for all this, ThriveCart offers a 1-time payment for a lifetime subscription.   Learn more.

Hubspot – I use HubSpot as an all-in-one marketing, sales, and service platform that provides tools for customer relationship management (CRM), email marketing, analytics, and content management (therisetothetop.com uses the Hubspot CMS which is like an alternative to WordPress).  When it comes to online courses, we use HubSpot to manage and nurture leads on our email list, create targeted marketing campaigns, and our support email goes to Hubspot where we manage customer support.  Learn more.

Vimeo – I use Vimeo to host all our instructional course videos which I embed into ThriveCart.  Depending on the course platform that you use, you may not need video hosting.  It’s included in some platforms like Kajabi – or at least, they partner with 3rd parties like Wistia or Vimeo to host the videos, but you don’t have to pay.  For me, the combination of Vimeo and ThriveCart is a lot less expensive than any other option and offers a clean, video viewing experience.  Learn more.

Dropbox – Dropbox is a cloud storage service that allows you to store and share files and documents.  In our courses, I use it to share course materials, such as lecture notes, presentation slides, chat transcripts from live recordings, audio downloads, and other reading materials.   Learn more.

Envato PlaceIt – A fantastic tool for creating realistic mockups and promotional images. I use it to showcase course previews across various digital devices and monitor sizes, which adds a professional touch to my marketing materials. Learn more.

Paypal and Stripe – Essential for processing payments seamlessly.  These both integrate with ThriveCart in a couple of clicks as well as most course platforms or shopping carts.  I rely on both to handle transactions for course enrollments, ensuring a smooth and secure payment experience for my students. 

Video Recording:

Closely related to online course tools is the video recording tools I use.  If you’re going to do screen recordings (just recording Powerpoint slides, for example), all you need is a screen capture tool and a decent webcam with solid sound quality, along with an audio editor like Descript.  If you plan to record videos of yourself, you should also consider a DSLR camera and lighting.  For most courses, prosumer level (high quality but not professional), will suffice.

Basic Video Setup:

Logitech Brio 4K Webcam – This is hands down the best webcam on the market.  Even if you don’t have great lighting, it makes you look like a star and the audio is fantastic.  If you’re on a tight budget, you can get by just creating videos with your Brio.  If you then run it through an audio editor like Descript’s “studio sound” effect, you come out sounding amazing.  See price on Amazon.

Snagit – Best tool for screen capture, not only for recording online courses but excellent for sharing clips with your team or VA’s.  Learn more.

Descript – For a simple and fun-to-use video editor, I have been loving Descript lately.  I use it primarily because it creates a transcript of your video and you can cut segments of the video out by deleting the words in the transcript.  This is SOOOO much easier than watching a video back and finding the spot on the timeline that you want to cut.  I also use Descript for it’s professional “studio sound” audio effect which can take average sound quality and make it sound professional.  It’s pretty awesome.  Last, I’ve been playing around with an “eye contact” feature it has which allows you to read a script without looking at the camera and it corrects your eyes to make it look like you’re looking at the camera.  Learn more.

StoryBlocks – for high-quality background videos, although Canva and Descript have a nice selection as well.  Learn more.

Castmagic – Once I’m done creating a short video, my VA runs it through Castmagic which “magically” provides everything they need to post the video on our channels like catchy titles, keyword rich descriptions, and hashtags.  Learn more.

More Advanced Setup:

I like adding personalized videos to my courses on top of the screen recordings.  For that, and not to mention for high-quality video for YouTube, Tiktok, Instagram, etc, you need something higher quality than just the Brio.  Here’s my set up.

Canon Rebel T7i – I’ve had this DSLR camera for a few years and love it.  You can see it below.  I use it with my Takstar mic and DivaRingLight and it produces super high quality videos.  I’m no video expert and honestly just shoot using the automatic settings which works great for inside my office.  But if you want to dive in, it has a ton of manual settings for shooting in different lighting and settings.  See price on Amazon.

Takstar SGC-598 Recording Microphone – I use my Takstar for recording  on top of my Rebel T7i then apply Descript’s studio sound filter and it sounds like I’m in a recording studio.  See price on Amazon.

Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB Cardioid Dynamic USB/XLR Microphone – Just plug it into your USB and get a boom arm like this along with a with a wind screen or pop filter.  It’s the best quality, low priced prosumer mic on the market.  If you use this with the pop filter, you can get professional level sound as long as there is no ambient noise or echo where you record, which can help you avoid having to run it through an audio editor.  I’ve honestly not been using mine lately as I’ve been using primarily my Brio or Takstar and then cleaning up the audio with Descript.  See price on Amazon.

DivaRingLight by Nova – This ring light has been a game-changer for my video quality.  When I started looking into lighting, I was overwhelmed with the complicated set ups that included multiple lights.  Honestly, all I do is use this ring light now to enhance my recordings. I use it with my Canon Rebel T7i when recording both course videos and social media content. It’s easy to set up and makes a noticeable difference in video clarity and appeal.  See price on Amazon.

Camtasia – For Mac or PC, it’s the perfect prosumer level video editor.  Simple enough for a non-techy person to use for critical editing and robust enough to do some killer editing if you know what you’re doing.  Learn more.

You also need a tripod for your camera and ring light.  I don’t love my Digital Concepts tripod, so I can’t recommend it here.  Once I find one I like, I’ll add the recommendation.

The post 30+ Tools I Use to Run My 7+ Figure Business appeared first on The Rise to the Top.