Are you in the process of creating a course or workshop and feeling overwhelmed?
As a learning design strategist, I can tell you that one of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make is starting with too much content. The idea that more content equals more value is a common misconception. When in fact, your course will only be valuable if your learners can achieve a specific takeaway or transformation.
To ensure your course is set up for success, I am going to ask you a crucial question: can you describe your course and how it helps people in just 10 words? If you struggle with this, it’s a sign you need to focus on clarity before moving forward.
The Danger of Overstuffed Courses
Many course creators believe that packing in as much information as possible adds value.
However, I believe that this often leads to confusion and overwhelm for your learners. Think about trying to fit an excessive amount of material into a short workshop or a few course modules – it can be overwhelming for both you and your audience. Remember, the goal is for your students to grasp the key concepts and reach their desired outcome.
Why a Clear Course Topic is Essential
If you can’t explain your course clearly in a single sentence, your potential audience likely won’t understand it either. This lack of clarity can lead to low sign-ups and frustration for both you and your learners.
Think of your course as a promise. What specific transformation will you guide someone through? What is the desired end result you’ll help them achieve, and how will you get them there? This transformation needs to be specific and focused. The best courses empower learners to take action, leaving them engaged, motivated, and knowing exactly what their next steps should be.
Crafting Your Concise Course Description
Finding a way to articulate your course’s transformation in a 10-word statement forces clarity. It also helps you stay on track with your content and marketing efforts.
Imagine that you are at a networking event and someone asks what you are working on. This short description acts as your “I help” statement or power pitch for your course. It becomes the statement that you can pull out for a quick response or a personal reminder as you design!
Examples of Effective 10-Word Descriptions
- Help moms meal plan quickly so they save time weekly. This clearly identifies the target audience (moms), the action (meal plan quickly), and the benefit (save time weekly).
- Teach new VAs to land their first client in 30 days. This example specifies the target audience (new VAs), the outcome (land their first client), and a timeframe (in 30 days).
- Guide coaches to design workshops that actually get results. Here, the target audience (coaches) and the desired outcome (workshops that get results) are clear.
Examples of Less Focused Course Descriptions
- Help people be their best selves. This statement is too vague. It lacks specificity regarding the target audience and what “best selves” entails.
- Teach you about marketing mindset and client attraction. This is too broad, trying to cover too much ground in one course without a clear focus or target audience. While these topics are related, attempting to cover them all comprehensively might be overwhelming.
- Support female entrepreneurs. While the target audience is specific (female entrepreneurs), the statement lacks clarity on how they will be supported and to what end. What specific outcome will this support help them achieve?
Your Quick Action Step: Define Your Course in 10 Words
Take a few minutes right now to come up with your own 10-word course description.
Ask yourself: Who is it for? and What will they do or become? As a bonus tip, say your description out loud, as if you were introducing your course at a networking event (either in-person or virtual). This practice will help you refine your message and ensure it’s easy to understand. Keep this statement visible as you develop your course content and marketing materials to stay grounded and focused.
The Power of Clarity
Remember, clarity is power. Being super clear about who your course is for and the specific transformation you offer will help you make better decisions about your content, formatting, and pricing. It will also significantly improve your marketing efforts, making it easier to write compelling social media posts and emails.
Call to Action:
Are you ready to gain clarity on your course topic?
Grab my free resource: Describe Your Course In 10 Words. Then, drop your 10-word description in the comments below or DM me for feedback! I’d love to see what you’re working on and offer some pointers.
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