Non-tech helps for creating digital courses

During my run with the a monthly membership course / subscription-based project I ran a few years ago I began using my NOTES app to house my course content. For that project, we sold our courses as one-offs, and we included them all in a monthly membership. As such, I created a new landing page (using a template) for each new monthly release. 

It was a lot of quick work, so I began developing some processes... 

Here’s the process I developed then, which is the same process I continue using today. In fact, I’ve been using each of the processes I’ve written about in Amplify to promote Amplify. 

To be clear: here's what I do each time I create a course.

Create the content / copy for the landing page

First, I create the content for the landing page in the NOTES app.

As I mentioned a few paragraphs ago, I build the landing page from a template. Though each page varies a bit, I always start with the wireframe already in place.

Before touching the template, however, I do the following in my NOTES app.

✏️ I write a one-liner about the course— a statement that highlights the unique value proposition for that specific series of videos. And, I develop that idea into a 2-3 sentence overview, something which provides a more thorough description. 

✏️ I write a short description for each video in the course. Though these vary in length, most run no longer than 4-5 sentences. I actually place most of these on the webpage; however, I’ve learned that even if I choose not to, having the content available provides me with the words I need to accompany the actual video for the student (behind the paywall). And, it becomes great promotional copy for social media and email. 

Remember, you can always re-use all of the content you have. The best time to acquire it is when you first create the video or the course— when it’s “new” to you and the ideas readily flow. 

Once all of this copy is in place, I can create a course webpage— in minutes— by using the cut-and-paste feature from my NOTES to the landing page editor. I also drag my graphics into the template, effectively rebranding the entire page so the course, the page, and any emails and social media to promote it all match.

(Note: we have training resources available that outline what needs to go on your landing page in Amplify Pro. Access Amplify Pro here.)

Create the promo materials

Second, I create emails and other promotional resources for the course in the NOTES app.

Using the copy I just wrote— which is now featured on the landing page— I also create the copy for several email blasts. This is quick— and easy— because I don’t shift gears to another project until this is complete. 

Once I drop into a project, I finish it. It's easier to "keep going" and get it all done than it is to "come back to it" later.

Finish the job

Third, I catalog the social media in the NOTES app.

Anytime I create a course, I pull several short videos from each lesson so that I can craft new blog content that can be shared in various ways. All of this will drive people back— at various stages— to the landing pages where they can purchase the course. 

Remember…

📲 Social media posts, at minimum, should lead people to a blog post (on your site, not to a video post on YouTube) where they can learn more about the subject matter.

📲 Blog posts, at minimum, should contain a related opt-in (so you can lead people through an email sequence, continue adding value, and then present them— multiple times— with an offer). Some blog posts can (and should) have specific purchase links.

Create a "cheat sheet" for your future use

Fourth, I create a list of sales links, checkout pages, etc., in the app.

After you create the sales links in your web software, you’ll find it helpful to make a “cheat sheet” of each of your offers. You’ll be surprised how many people will ask— whether in person, via text, or through email— for a purchase link. Keep all of this handy, as it’s a bit cumbersome to search out later on.

Plus, by creating a list of your most valuable links— which includes frequently trafficked webpages, blog posts that lead people to your course, landing pages, and more— you’ll quickly create future emails and social media posts. 

Should go without stating, but...

Does it have to be the NOTES app?

Llet me state one thing that (I hope) seems obvious: you don’t have to do this in Apple’s NOTES app. I use it— because it works for me.

In the same way, the best system for you is the system that— 

⚙️ Works for you

⚙️ You will do consistently 

⚙️ (And, as a bonus, one that others on your team can easily run also)

I’ve worked in Evernote, I’ve used separate Word docs, and I’ve tried Google Drive. But, because NOTES works for me— and because I can share access with anyone who needs the information— I consistently cycle back to this app. 

Non-tech for other things, too...

By the way, if you’ve read the Amplify book straight through, you may recall that I’ve shared with you how I used the NOTES app to draft a few blog posts while sitting on the patio high above the beach, how I’ve taken the content from the app and dropped it into a book template to go to quick to press, and much more.

Again, for almost everything I do, this is where I begin. Ideally, you’ll identify the software that works for you in the same way, empowering you to leverage your content in similar ways.