The design of an online online course business right from the beginning

Take a look at the case study, or listen to our complete conversation of the case study with Marlene... and in the event that it inspires you to design your own online program, (and we think it is!) sign up now at RoadmapTo5k.com.

Marlene Hielema, also known as the Image Maven

Marlene is an outstanding photographer and video instructor. She's the brains behind ImageMaven.com and ImageMavenVideo.com. Check out both sites to get great videos and suggestions to improve your photos and videos in no time.

What do I need to know about starting online classes?

Flash from 2004. Marlene instructed photography classes in the classroom of the local community college. While she loved working directly with students, she felt exhausted.

It got more exhausting for her. She could not enjoy a break at any time she desired "I was just teaching every day."

Her goal? She is looking to be flexible, and be able to adapt of her timetable.

Marlene says, "I want to enjoy my life... my time is way too short. I'd like to try skateboarding! I'd love to take my longboard through the afternoon and not feel guilty."

A desire for freedom and flexibility led her to design the first of her online classes.

How did she come up with the ideas she was thinking of?

Marlene took some photography classes online and was a bit "clunky." She thought to herself "this needs to be changed more effectively."

Then she began looking for concepts for her own courses. In the autumn of 2010 she began her first online course using ..

Marlene offers eight classes on the internet, some of which have been offered several times to various types of students.

The instructor has developed a mix of short, low cost classes, and long, intensive classes (some up to 8 weeks in length).

Marlene develops her course based on specific questions that customers send to her: "I've had this question more than 10 times over the last 3 months, maybe I'd like to create an instructional course around this!"

Then she is attentive to the queries people have about. As an example, when someone started asking about her videos, she'd inquire: Can you teach me the process of creating videos that are similar to the one you have?

Overcoming challenges

Marlene states that one of her biggest challenges is sales -- "I'm obviously not a salesperson."

Over the years she's found ways to connect and teach people before soliciting for them to sign up for a class.

She is currently giving the option of signing up for 10 free photography lessons by email. Following these free 10 lessons, she'll offer an option to purchase a course for purchase.

Though she was wary of sales at first, Marlene now says "I run courses on a weekly basis -- people find an online course that they like, and then appreciate it, and buy the course."

The most important thing to have a successful business is the courses

The main lesson from Marlene is that classes along with services (one-on-one consulting with private clients) are all interconnected.

They generate leads for her 1:1 client-to-client work. In the course, "people just want a small amount of help that they're willing be willing to spend."

Students who take video courses need help in editing and editing. Photographers require critiques on their own and additional help for technical concerns.

The result of this statement reads, "My revenue has increased greater through my clients than through my classes."

Courses have tremendous value in their own right and are stronger when integrated with service offerings.

Marlene is also able to enhance her services by offering classes. Marlene clarifies that "If somebody hires me, it's not out from the out of the blue.

Consulting purposes, I provide the course free of charge." It will help make her services as a consultant more attractive to prospective clients.

Engaging with students

Marlene uses her courses to develop relationships with her students -- not just for purposes of providing the material. Marlene has observed that many times "People tend to be more confident on the internet."

The connection she has with her students is created by her active and engaged participation in her classes "I answer every question and to each email."

Marlene says that the process is enjoyable and fulfilling for her "I am a teacher in my heart, and I love helping people... It's a joy to am awestruck getting people to see results! It makes me consider myself as a proud parent whenever someone shows up with a video with gorgeous white backgrounds that I've helped them with the creation of. I'm here to help individuals overcome their anger."

Future plans

In the future, Marlene is looking to extend the reach of her courses. Marlene plans to work on "relaunching and revitalizing her current classes, creating better sales pages, and raising the bar across the entire range of offerings."

Furthermore, she attempts to design at least one or two new courses, according to the requirements of her community. She states that "I've never developed a course entirely from scratch." Instead she frequently thinks about the issue of What are people asking to learn?, and builds courses around these requirements.

Additionally, she is looking to collaborate with other experts to develop novel ideas for new courses. For example, she worked with an experienced counselor to develop a program to help individuals grow named Take a Pause and Self-Care with Photography.

Marlene's top tips and takeaways to help you get your online learning company off the ground

1. Just Do It!

Marlene shares with us that, "My first course only was attended by 20 students as well as 10 classmates, which was extremely satisfying!"

Now is the perfect time to stop the procrastination and begin working. Begin with a program which is risk-free for a start even if it involves inviting a few of your acquaintances at no cost!

You must be able to conquer the obstacles as you will learn a lot from that first lesson! Do it.

Do not get obsessed with perfectionism when you first begin the course. People are very accommodating.

#2 Connect

Focus on building a connection to your students and truly get to know them.

If they're sure that the knowledge they're receiving from you is a good source of information, they'll come to you with concerns which will allow you to gain knowledge from their mistakes.

If they feel confident in your suggestions, then you might help them.

Engage fully participating in discussions -- answering questions and making any comments.

#3 3 Express Yourself

Bring in your personality to the lessons you are taking. Marlene states, "I act a little silly when I make my video." In the more she expresses her personality through her videos, courses and classes and courses, the more she is able to establish a close relationship with students.

You can start your course today. Sign up to our online online training course to get started for no cost to learn the 5 steps required to begin making and selling your courses. This way, you're able to begin creating your online courses business starting with the basics.

This post was first seen on here