How to Create Accountability in Self-Paced Courses Without Being Pushy

Every offer you create has a level of accountability. Your courses, your masterclasses, your group programs — sure, the level and involvement of the accountability offered changes, but it’s still there.

But when it comes to self-paced courses, it’s hard to balance tasteful (and required) accountability with pushiness and pressure.

That being said, here’s how to create accountability in a self-paced course:

What to Know About Accountability Outside of 1:1 and Group Offers

I won’t sit here and pretend that the accountability you offer and create for a self-paced course is the same as a group program or a 1:1 offer. It’s in the name, actually, a “self-paced” course.

Still, while a self-paced course relies heavily on the student, YOU have to provide accountability that convinces the student to stick to it and actually finish your course. If they don’t complete your course, they don’t experience the transformation — and they won’t come back (or recommend) you for more. 

In fact, did you know that the average online course completion rate is 5-15%? You’re literally fighting against the odds here.

Back to accountability. 

Accountability in this context relies on systems, assessments, and your curriculum, unlike your higher-proximity offers that rely on your intervention. 

3 Ways to Create Accountability Inside a Self-Paced Course

The goal here is to make this an easy evergreen sell — not something that requires every ounce of your free time. When it comes to accountability, a little goes a long way, but it also depends on the structure of your offer and how it’s delivered.

Is there a community? Are there any calls? Rewards or “unlockable” sections for completing xyz? 

But, instead of stressing the tiny details (for now), let’s talk about some of the main ways to create accountability, however your course is structured:

#1. Create Systems

You’d be surprised by what an automated email could accomplish at just the right time. Yes, a self-paced course is based on the student, BUT there’s no harm in creating supporting systems that send email reminders for joining a community, logging in to your course platform, or being active IN your course.

Sometimes students just need a reminder that your course exists! Keep it simple, direct, and understandable — don’t make students feel uncomfortable or behind. 

You’re not limited to onboarding, either. Create systems to celebrate when a student makes it through a section of the curriculum (this releases dopamine and starts the positive feedback loop of motivation).

#2. Build-in Check-ins

Yes, create assessments to check in on student progress, but if you really want to help your students stay accountable for their progress, build in check-ins.

Create reminders IN your curriculum for getting xyz done or referencing material to create an ecosystem of information that supports the whole (which is how it should be; if information doesn’t fit, it might be time to remove it).

A check-in could be as simple as a note at the beginning or bottom of a lesson, or a pre-recorded video reminding students of the progress they’ve already made or connecting over a common struggle, letting them know that this is NORMAL and they’re on the right track.

#3. Create a “Reward” System

Each time a student hits a milestone, unlocks a section or creates a bonus! This could be as simple as offering a 30-minute 1:1 session after completing a portion of your course or submitting content/plans for review by you.

This almost works double-time as accountability and extra trust in YOU since they get a taste of what it’s like to work with you in higher proximity, too.

Other rewards could include giving students a public shout-out when they complete the course, or having a library of graduate students that you regularly feature. 

Creating Accountability That Actually Works

The goal isn’t to micromanage your students or add more to your already full to-do list. It’s to create an experience that naturally motivates them to keep going and celebrate their progress (and wins) along the way.

When you build accountability into your course structure through systems, check-ins, and rewards that actually matter to your students, you’re not just improving completion rates — you’re creating raving fans who can’t wait to tell everyone about your course (and you!!).

Ready to create a self-paced course that your students actually finish and love? Join my free masterclass, “3 Steps to Create More Impact & Income with an Online Course!”