When is The Right Time to Create an Online Course

There’s a huge misconception about the “right” time to create an online course, and let’s take a second to clear it up: there is no “100% yes, this is the moment” way to know that now (or any time) is the right time to create an online course.

But, just because there’s no clear sign shouting “yes, this is it” that applies to everyone doesn’t mean you’re left wondering on your own (and if you are waiting for a sign, take this as your official permission slip).

Rather than one sign telling you to create a course, it’s a combination of what you want from your business and what you want from your life.

The Most Common Signs You’re Ready to Create an Online Course

There are a few common signs or symptoms (things that you may be experiencing in your business) that a course — or something similar that involves curriculum development, such as group coaching, mini-courses, or masterclasses — is the next step.

And, just as a heads-up, these signs don’t rely on establishing certain metrics, earning X amount of income, or working with Y amount of clients. Here are the four most common signs you’re ready to create an online course:

#1. Your 1:1 Clients Are Kicking Butt (and Getting Results)

Your clients are getting exactly what they paid for (and more) and are thrilled with the results they’re getting with you. Your clients are thriving — which means you’re doing something right! 

Getting results is a sign that you’ve refined your offers and are no longer in the “trial and error” season of building your process and framework. 

#2. You’re Considering Scaling Your Business

You’re satisfied with the business you’ve built, but you think you could grow bigger — aka, you’re imaging getting to $15k months, hiring a team member (or two), being able to down-sell on calls, or giving someone the ability to purchase from you regardless of your availability. 

You know your business can achieve more, but you’re not sure how to get there. You’re ready to put money back into your business to create something sustainable (and successful).

#3. You Want to Scale Your Income

Scaling your income is a little bit different than scaling your business (although you can aspire to do both). Scaling your income means you want to increase your profitability, but not necessarily by raising your prices. 

As a business owner, selling a digital product — like a course — can be a valuable way to scale your income without losing your time freedom.

#4. You’re Losing Your Time Freedom

You’re booking out your calendar, and it feels good to have and serve so many amazing clients — but you’re losing time to do anything else. It’s starting to feel like you can’t plan your vacation (or you can, but you’re playing Russian roulette with your projects and calls), and when you get sick, you can’t find any time to reschedule.

Time freedom is one of the most attractive aspects of being a business owner. Having the ability to pursue your passions without being bound to your business is a huge desire — and it can be devastating and confining when it starts to disappear.

Do You Have to Create a Course?

You know the signs, but you’re still not sure if a course is the right direction for your business — and that’s okay. You don’t have to create a course. Instead, you need a curriculum. 

A curriculum is what goes into a course — it’s all the information and learning you provide your students. But, a curriculum can be delivered in different ways. If a course doesn’t feel right, you can use your curriculum in a masterclass, workshop, mini-course, as part of your group coaching, and even in supporting your 1:1 clients.

How to Create Your Online Course: Your First Step

Whether your course is still an abstract idea you came up with today or a golden ticket hidden in your Notes app, your first step (or three) stays the same. You have to identify what your course is about, the purpose of your course, and the transformation they’ll experience.

Need help nailing down your course specifics? Access the free workshop, “3 Steps to Create More Impact & Income with an Online Course,” for an in-depth breakdown.