How do I create and price my first online course or eBook?

Creating and pricing your first online course or eBook is a rewarding but intricate process, and it's great to see you're ready to dive in. Here's a step-by-step guide on how you might approach it, combining my Capture, Develop, Expose framework with practical insights.

Capture

1. Identify Your Niche and Audience:
2. What do you know best? Reflect on your skills, experiences, or unique knowledge. Consider what problems you can solve or what insights you can share.

3. Who needs what you know? Pinpoint your target audience. Use forums, social media, and even surveys to understand your audience’s needs.

4. Research Demand:

5. Look at marketplaces like Udemy, Skillshare, or Amazon Kindle to gauge demand. What courses or eBooks are similar to what you're planning? Are they popular?

6. Compile Your Ideas:

7. Gather your ideas and any relevant content you’ve previously created. This could be articles, presentations, or even social media posts.

Develop

1. Outline Your Content:

2. For a course, script out modules and lessons. For an eBook, draft a table of contents. This will be your roadmap.

3. Create the Content:

4. Start producing your content. If it’s a course, consider recording videos, creating slides, and writing out supplemental materials. For an eBook, write and revise each chapter thoroughly.

5. Stay authentic in your voice—let your passion shine through. Share anecdotes, just as I do when recounting my own transitions and experiments, to create a connection with your audience.

6. Design and Package:

7. Ensure your eBook or course looks professional. For eBooks, consider hiring a designer for the cover. For courses, tools like Teachable or Podia help structure your material efficiently.

Expose

1. Choose Your Platform:

2. Decide where you will sell your product. For eBooks, platforms such as Amazon or Gumroad work well. For courses, Teachable or Kajabi are good choices.

3. Marketing Strategy:

4. Build an email list or engage with your audience on social media. Use free webinars, sample chapters, or preview lessons to generate interest.

Pricing

1. Research the Market:

2. Look at prices for similar products and consider your own brand position. Are you providing premium content or are you aiming for accessibility?

3. Consider the Value:

4. Reflect on the value of the transformation you’re offering. What is it worth to your customer? Price not based just on length or quantity but the outcome or solution provided.

5. Test and Adjust:

6. Don’t be afraid to experiment with pricing. Early bird discounts or limited-time offers can help with initial traction. Gather feedback and adjust accordingly.

Creating your first course or eBook is a journey through the messy middle—embrace the process. As you iterate and gain feedback, refine your product so it not only fulfills a market need but also aligns with your passions and expertise. Remember, it’s not just about making sales; it’s about providing real value and building a community around what you offer. Keep learning and evolving, and success will follow.