Hey there, future course creator! If you’re dreaming of making money from online courses without the hassle of webinars, you’re not alone. Many people share this dream, and I’ve got a strategy that could be the perfect start for you. Let’s dive into the world of mini-product funnels and how they can help you kick off your online course business.
Many courses worth millions turn to dust. Their downfall is not by chance, but the result of a lack of coherence between the creator and the idea. A piano teacher, without specialised knowledge in psychology, will not succeed in creating personal development courses. Instead of biting off more than you can chew, start with a topic that is close to you and create a mini-course that aligns with both your passion and the needs of your audience.
What’s a Mini-Product Funnel?
A mini-product funnel is a strategy where you sell smaller, more focused products rather than a full-blown course. Think of it as selling individual lessons instead of an entire curriculum. Typically, these mini-products are priced between 50 and 100 EU. This approach allows you to gradually build up your offerings and increase the overall value of your funnel.
Why Mini-Products?
When creating an online course, it’s common to think about comprehensive training like “English from A to Z.” While these extensive courses are great, they can be overwhelming for beginners. Instead, focus on smaller sections that address specific problems. For example, you could create a mini-course on “English Tenses” or “Basic Conversational Phrases.”
Here’s why this works: Beginners are the largest audience. Many people want to learn English, but not all are at an advanced level. Targeting beginners makes it easier to reach a broader audience without spending a fortune on advertising.
QUESTIONS TO BEGIN WITH
Do you already have an idea for an online course?
Who is your potential competition and what do you know about them?
What are the weaknesses of related products?
What are the strengths of related products?
How could your mini-course differ from the others?KNOW YOURSELF
To find the best idea for yourself, it’s worth considering your strengths, knowing your passions, and understanding what you are good at and credible in. Determine what makes you stand out and how you like to develop. The following questions will help you.STRENGTHS AND SKILLS
What tasks do I perform exceptionally well, even if they seem simple and obvious to me?
When was the last time I felt truly engaged and energetic while doing something? What was it?PASSIONS
What do I enjoy doing the most in my daily or professional life, even if it seems trivial or too obvious?
In what situations do other people turn to me for advice or support, even in minor matters?INTERESTS AND PASSIONS
Is there a topic that fascinates me so much that I forget about the whole world while exploring it?POTENTIAL PROBLEMS OR NEEDS
What small or large problems do I see around me that I feel my skills could help solve?
What hobbies or activities spark my curiosity and the desire for further exploration?
Which of my skills do I consider useful, and believe I can share with others?MARKET ANALYSIS AND INSPIRATION
What online courses have inspired me and what exactly did I like about them?
Can I find a niche or gap that is not widely covered in available online courses?
Building Your Funnel
1. Advertising: Start with ads on platforms like Facebook to draw attention to your mini-product.
2. Landing Page: Direct potential customers to a landing page where they can learn more and make a purchase.
3. Sales Funnel: After they buy the initial mini-product, offer additional products to increase the value of each customer over time.
4. Thank You Page: After the purchase, redirect them to a thank-you page and invite them to join a Facebook group for more engagement.
My Journey with Mini-Products
Let me share a personal story. My first online course sold to just one person. Yep, one. But I didn’t give up. My second product, a mini-course, was bought by 227 people in the first month! By reinvesting the profits into more advertising, I could grow my business significantly.
The key isn’t to become a millionaire with one product, but to increase the lifetime value of your customers by offering them more over time.
Don’t Worry About the Technical Stuff
You might be thinking, “This sounds great, but how do I handle the technical side?” Don’t worry! There are many tools that offer ready-made templates that make creating your mini-product pages a breeze. Just click on an element, change the text, and your page is ready to go.
More Strategies to Explore
While mini-products are a great start, there are other strategies worth considering. Webinars, for instance, are still incredibly effective. They can drive significant sales if done right, with some webinars generating hundreds of thousands in sales.
Webinars: Still Going Strong
Contrary to popular belief, webinars aren’t dead. They’ve evolved and continue to be a powerful tool for selling products, especially higher-priced items. The key is to fuel your webinars with effective ads and engaging content.
High-Ticket Sales and E-books
If you’re selling expensive products, phone consultations can be very effective. For long-term strategies, consider offering a free e-book. It’s a fantastic way to collect leads and build a relationship with potential customers over time.
Wrap Up
Creating online courses can seem daunting, but starting with mini-products makes it manageable and profitable. As you grow, you can explore other strategies like webinars, high-ticket sales, and lead magnets. The journey might have its challenges, but with the right approach, you can build a successful online course business.
Happy course creation! If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to reach out.
