Course Creator Guide: Different Types of Online Courses from Mini Course to Masterclass

A comprehensive look at the different types of online courses you can create as a course creator. Compare, understand & decide which is best for you.

Online learning has become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people turning to the internet to acquire new skills and knowledge. As a result, there are now many different types of online courses available, each with its own unique features and benefits.

If you are a course creator, you may be wondering about the different types of online courses you can create. In this blog post, we'll go over the different types of online courses and provide very specific examples and explanations of each. I have included all the different course types plus broader options out there that are also valuable digital learning products or media experiences such as challenges, classes and membership.

Starter Course 

A starter course is a short introductory course that serves as an entry point to a larger learning program. It is like a 101 level or taster course that provides learners with a basic understanding of a topic or skill. This type of course is often shorter in length and provides a good introduction to a subject or skill, without overwhelming learners with too much information.

These courses are designed to provide learners with a basic understanding of a topic and help them determine if they want to continue their learning journey. Starter courses are typically free or low-cost and are often used as a lead magnet to attract potential customers to a larger paid course. For example, a photography course might offer a free starter course that covers the basics of camera settings, composition, and lighting.

For a beginner course creator, this is the best course type to get started with in my opinion, to get the ball rolling and get practice creating a course without the stress of a larger course. This way you can produce something helpful for your students as well as provide a good resource starting point that can act as a kind of introductory stepping-stone or even foundational level to further steps and processes, depending on what else you plan to offer down the road. They are also a great way to test the waters and get feedback from learners before moving on to more advanced course types.

Starter courses don't require as much time, effort, or resources to create compared to more advanced course types. To create a successful starter course, focus on a specific topic or skill that you have expertise in, and aim to provide a clear and concise introduction to that topic or skill. Use engaging and interactive content, such as videos, quizzes, and interactive exercises, to keep learners engaged and motivated to continue with the course.

A good example of a starter course is an "Introduction to Photography" course that covers the basics of photography, including understanding your camera, exposure, composition, lighting, and photo editing - to get you started. It could be designed for beginners who want to learn the fundamentals of photography and improve their skills. This starter course would provide a solid foundation for those who want to pursue photography further, by offering them a clear understanding of the key concepts and techniques used in the field.

The course could include 3 hours of video lessons you could also throw in a quiz or assignment to help students apply and test themselves on what they have learned, giving them the confidence to continue on to other programs you have from there. 

As you gain more experience and confidence as a course creator, you can then start to explore more advanced course types, such as signature courses, certification courses, or mastery courses.

Mini Course

A mini course is a short, micro course that provides learners with a quick win or a small amount of knowledge on a specific topic. These courses are designed to be low-commitment and are often used as a lead magnet to build an email list. 

Mini courses are quite popular in the industry as they are quicker to make and get out there, plus people these days have a shorter attention span and like to micro learn in smaller doses. This is what makes bite-sized learning the way of the future. 

A good example of a mini course is "7 Days to Better Productivity" by a productivity coach. This mini course would consist of seven daily lessons that cover tips and strategies for improving productivity in different areas of life, such as work, home, and personal time management. The lessons could be delivered through a mix of written content, videos, and exercises, and are designed to be completed within a short timeframe (e.g. a week).

The mini course is typically priced lower than a full-length course, making it an accessible and affordable option for students who want to learn a specific skill or topic without committing to a longer course. Mini courses, like starter courses, are a great way to test the waters on a new topic or to generate interest in a larger program. For example, a fitness course might offer a mini course on healthy eating habits that includes a series of short videos and a downloadable meal plan.

Spotlight Course 

A spotlight course is a focused course that covers a specific aspect of a larger topic. You literally spotlight, highlight and zoom into a particular topic, sub-topic or skill set and expand into more depth from 

there. These courses are designed to provide learners with in-depth knowledge on a particular subject matter. Spotlight courses can be standalone or part of a larger program. 

An example of a spotlight course would be a digital marketing course specifically on Facebook advertising only, that covers advanced techniques for targeting and optimization.

As spotlight courses hone-in on a specific topic, they are usually shorter and more focused than other course types, making them quicker and easier to create and deliver. They can be shorter courses, lasting anywhere from a few hours to a few days (depending on how you set it up). They are often used as a powerful promotional tool for a larger course or coaching program, or in some cases they are included in bundles (ie: more than one course on a similar theme bundled together).

Spotlight courses are also low barrier to entry, meaning they are often offered at a lower price point than other course types, and as such can be a great way to attract new students and build your audience. They enter the gateway of your online school, act as an upselling tool, as stepping-stones to larger courses or coaching programs. This allows students to get a taste of your teaching style and approach before committing to a bigger investment. Before you know it, they will become buyers of other offerings.

Spotlight courses are also a great way to build the 'like, know and trust' factor that lead to student fulfilment and further sales. They can help establish you as an expert in your field and build credibility and authority with your audience.

Challenges

Challenges are a unique type of online course that course creators can offer to their audience. Unlike traditional online courses that are delivered over a set period, challenges are usually shorter and are designed to provide a burst of motivation and accountability to help learners achieve a specific goal within a specific time period.

Challenges are typically delivered over a period of days or weeks and involve a series of mini tasks or assignments that the learner needs to complete. These tasks are designed to be challenging but achievable and are meant to help learners develop new skills, change their behavior or habits, or achieve a specific goal. The idea is to provide them with 'quick wins' to help them feel like they have achieved something, in manageable bite sized chunks.

They can be delivered in a variety of ways, including through email, social media such as in a Facebook Group, or a dedicated platform or website. At the very least, you need some kind of sign-up system or landing page. Typically, learners sign up for the challenge and receive daily or weekly emails or notifications with the short lesson, tasks or assignments for the day.

One of the main benefits of challenges is that they offer a sense of community and accountability that can be difficult to achieve with other types of online courses. Because challenges are delivered over a set period, learners are more likely to stay engaged and motivated, and they can also connect with other learners who are working towards the same goal. I've joined quite a few challenges, and I find them highly fun and motivational. 

Another benefit of challenges is that they are super popular and can be an amazing free offer or, priced more affordably than traditional online courses, which can make them a great option for learners who may not have the budget or time to commit to a longer course, or who will do a quick easy buy and get into the excitement and hype that a challenge can so easily deliver.

Here is an example of a challenge: a "5-Day Instagram Growth Challenge" offered by social media strategist. In the challenge students would learn specific strategies and techniques for growing their Instagram following and engagement over the course of five days. The challenge could be delivered via email and Facebook. Email notifications would briefly discuss the content and schedule and provide a daily link to each Facebook live where the main content is shared in video form, encouraging social engagement). It could include short tasks/assignments, checklists as well as a bonus live Q&A session.

Challenges are a great way for course creators to provide a unique learning experience to their audience and help learners achieve specific goals in a short period of time. By providing accountability, motivation, and a sense of community, challenges can be a powerful tool for personal and professional development.

Signature Course

A signature course is a comprehensive course that provides learners with a step-by-step guide to achieving a specific result. These courses are designed to be the cornerstone of a course creator's business and often carry a higher price point. Signature courses can take many different forms, from a 6-week boot camp to a year-long mentoring program. Though it can be formatted into a regular course also.

For example, a personal development site might offer a signature course on building self-confidence that includes step by step video lessons, workbooks, and access to a private community.

An example of a signature course that you can look at in the spiritual and self-development fields, is my signature course Reset Your Life, available at one of my online learning businesses: Spiritual Course Academy. You are welcome to take a look at that page about the course, to see what a signature course can look like as well as its vibe and curriculum.

A different made-up example in the branding industry would be

a "Branding Comprehensive: From Concept to Creation" signature course, designed to take students on a journey of discovering and crafting their brand identity. In the comprehensive course, students would learn how to identify their target audience, define their brand's voice and message, develop a brand strategy, create a visual identity, and execute their brand across all touchpoints. With the help of case studies, worksheets, and interactive exercises, they would gain the knowledge and skills to build a powerful brand that stands out in today's competitive marketplace.

The course could be delivered through a combination of video lessons, live coaching sessions, and a private online community where they could connect with other branding professionals and get feedback on their own work. By the end of the course, they'd have a solid foundation for creating a brand that not only resonates with their own unique audience, but also one that drives business results.

Flagship Course 

A flagship course is a course that represents the pinnacle of a course creator's offerings. These courses are often larger and more comprehensive than a signature course and are designed to be a complete learning experience. Flagship courses can be used to establish the course creator as an authority in their field and can be a significant source of revenue.

A flagship course can be a comprehensive and high-quality course that serves as the main offering of a course creator or institution. An excellent example of a flagship course is "B-School" by Marie Forleo. It is a comprehensive online program that covers various aspects of building a successful business, including marketing, branding, and entrepreneurship. The mammoth course is structured around video lessons, live Q&A sessions, and community support, and it is delivered over a period of several weeks.

The benefits of a flagship course are that it can establish the creator or institution as an authority in their field, attract a significant number of students, and generate substantial revenue. The course is often marketed as the main offering, with other courses and products offered as supplementary resources to students. The focus is on delivering high-quality content and building a strong community around the course, which can lead to long-term success for the creator or institution.

It really is as the name suggests - the flagship of the entire fleet to take notice of and create a substantial amount of hype and marketing around.

Workshop Course

A workshop course is a live or pre-recorded course that is designed to be a hands-on learning experience. These courses are often short in duration and provide learners with an opportunity to put theory into practice. 

Workshop courses can be used to build excitement and engagement around a larger program or to generate revenue through ticket sales. For example, a creative writing course might offer a workshop course on writing effective dialogue that includes a mix of video lessons and live group feedback sessions.

A workshop can be live, pre-recorded, or both! They are considered to be more practical and as such are also highly valued.

An example of an online workshop course could be a "Photography 

Workshop for Beginners." This course could include a series of pre-recorded video lessons, along with live virtual sessions where students can ask questions and receive feedback from the instructor. The course might cover topics such as camera settings, composition, lighting, and editing techniques.

Students could also receive assignments to practice what they've learned and receive personalized feedback from the instructor. The workshop format allows for a more interactive and collaborative learning experience compared to a self-paced course, as students can engage with the instructor and other students in real-time.

Hybrid Course

A hybrid course, also known as a blended course, is a type of online course that combines both online and in-person learning experiences. Hybrid courses are designed to provide learners with a more interactive and immersive learning experience by allowing them to engage with course material both online and in a physical classroom or other real-world environment.

In a hybrid course, some course material is delivered online, while other parts of the course are delivered in-person. For example, a hybrid course might require learners to watch video lectures or complete online assignments at their own pace, but also require them to attend live, in-person lectures or group discussions. This allows learners to get the best of both worlds: the flexibility and convenience of online learning, as well as the opportunity to interact with instructors and peers in person.

A real-life example of a hybrid course would be a language site that might offer a hybrid course that includes both online language instruction as well as in-person cultural immersion experiences.

Another example of a hybrid course might be a photography course. The course could include online modules that teach learners about camera settings, lighting, and composition, as well as in-person workshops or field trips where learners can practice their skills with hands-on guidance from the instructor. By combining online and in-person learning experiences, learners can get the most out of their photography course and develop their skills in a more comprehensive way.

The benefits of hybrid courses are numerous. Learners get the flexibility of online learning, which allows them to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule, while also getting the opportunity to interact with instructors and peers in person. This can lead to a more engaging and fulfilling learning experience that helps learners to develop new skills and gain new knowledge.

Hybrid courses are a valuable option for course creators who want to provide learners with a more interactive and immersive learning experience. By blending online and in-person learning experiences, hybrid courses offer learners the best of both worlds and can be used to create engaging and effective courses in a wide range of subjects.

Recurring Course

A recurring, or retainer course is offered on an ongoing basis, with the option of adding new content regularly. This is a type of online course where students pay a recurring fee to access the content, whether a weekly, monthly or annual fee. The fee can include extras such as ongoing education, support, or services. This type of course is similar to a subscription or membership course, but often includes more personalized support or one-on-one interaction with the course creator.

These courses are designed to provide learners with continuous learning opportunities and help them stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in their field. For example, a social media marketing course might offer a recurring course on the latest social media trends and tactics.

Retainer courses are often used by service-based businesses, coaches, or consultants who offer ongoing support to their clients. For example, a marketing consultant may offer a retainer course that provides ongoing marketing advice, resources, and personalized support to clients who pay a monthly fee.

These courses can also be structured in different ways, with some recurring courses taking a more formal, curriculum-based approach, while others are more casual and open-ended.

One of the benefits of recurring courses is that they provide learners with an opportunity to engage in a continuous learning experience. Rather than completing a course and moving on, learners can continue to stay engaged with the course and the material over a longer period of time. This can help them to "retain" the information more effectively and apply it to their work or personal life more easily. Another benefit of recurring courses is that they can help course creators to build a loyal following of learners. By providing ongoing value to learners, course creators can build a relationship of trust and credibility with their audience. This can help them to grow their audience and reach more people over time.

One example of a recurring course might be a cooking course. The course could be structured as a series of live or pre-recorded video lessons, with new lessons added each week. The course could cover a wide range of topics, such as meal planning, recipe development, and cooking techniques. By offering new content on a regular basis, the course creator can keep learners engaged and provide them with ongoing value.

The key difference between a retainer course and other types of online courses is that it provides ongoing access and support rather than a one-time learning experience. This can create a more intimate and collaborative learning environment, as participants have ongoing access to the course creator's expertise and guidance. Recurring courses are a powerful tool for course creators who want to provide learners with ongoing learning opportunities and build a loyal following of students. By structuring courses as an ongoing experience, course creators can keep learners engaged and provide them with valuable learning experiences that help them stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in their field.

Evergreen Course

An evergreen course is an online course that is available for purchase or enrollment at any time, and is not tied to a specific start or end date. Unlike a live or cohort-based course, evergreen courses can be taken at any time by students who enroll in the course. They are designed to be self-paced and flexible, and may include pre-recorded video lessons, written materials, quizzes, and other interactive components.

The term "evergreen" refers to the fact that these courses are always available and relevant, much like evergreen trees that stay green year-round. Evergreen courses are often used by online course creators as a way to generate passive income, since they can continue to sell the course over time without needing to create new content or update the course materials regularly.

For evergreen courses, students typically pay once to enroll in the course and gain access to the course material. The term "evergreen" refers to the fact that the course content remains relevant and valuable over time, allowing students to enroll and access the course material at any time. Unlike recurring courses, which require students to pay on a regular basis to maintain access to new content, evergreen courses provide students with lifetime access to the course material. However, some course creators may choose to offer additional resources or updates to the course material for an additional fee.

An example of an evergreen course in the health industry would be "Healthy Habits for Life," designed to help individuals cultivate healthy habits and make positive changes that will last a lifetime. It could cover a range of topics such as nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management, and more. Each lesson could be delivered via email or drip-fed on a course platform like New Zenler and would include weekly actionable tips, resources, and inspiration to help participants stay on track.

Email Course

An email course is a type of online course that is delivered via email to th

e learner over a set period of time. Email courses typically consist of a series of lessons or modules that are broken down into smaller, more manageable chunks of information. Each lesson is sent via email to the learner, and the learner can work through the material at their own pace. 

One of the key benefits of email courses is their simplicity and accessibility. They are easy to create and can be delivered to learners with just an email address, making them a low-cost and low-effort option for course creators. Email courses are also highly flexible, as they can be designed to be completed in just a few days or spread out over several weeks or months, depending on the course creator's preferences.

Another benefit of email courses is that they can be used to build and nurture relationships with learners. By sending regular, personalized messages to learners, course creators can establish trust and authority, and keep learners engaged and motivated throughout the course.

Email courses can be used for a wide range of topics, including personal development, business skills, marketing, and more. They are particularly well-suited for courses that involve a lot of written content, such as writing, blogging, or copywriting. Additionally, email courses can be used as a lead generation tool, as learners can be encouraged to sign up for the course by providing their email address in exchange for access to the content.

Participants opt-in to the course by providing their email address, and the emails will be automatically sent out by an email marketing software. You can easily create these on a course platform or free ones via funnels that include scheduled email broadcasts. The beautify of email courses is that they are automated and drip fed. Once you create it and the student signs up, they receive their lessons in order, at whatever time duration and distance between each that you set up.

Here's an example of an email course, let's call it: "7 Days to Better Time Management" - where students learn practical time management strategies to help them get more done in less time. Each day, they'd receive an email with a new lesson, exercise, and action item to implement. By the end of the course, they'd have a personalized time management system that works for them. 

The benefits of this kind of email course, is that it is convenient: they can learn at your own pace, and the lessons come to their inbox. Given that it is email, they would be more bite-sized, broken down into manageable chunks, making it easy to fit into their busy schedule. On top of this it is can be highly actionable, each lesson could include an exercise and action item to implement, to apply what they're learning right away.

This kind of content could actually also be a challenge, so you can see how course types are not set in stone - they can cross-connect. There is no right or wrong, you do what works for you.

Overall, email courses are a great way to deliver content to your audience in an easily digestible format. They also provide a way to build your email list and engage with your subscribers over a period of time. They are a highly effective and engaging way to deliver online learning content, and can be a valuable addition to any course creator's portfolio of course types.

Coaching Program

A coaching program is a course that includes one-on-one or group coaching or mentoring with the course creator. These programs are often highly personalized and can be used to help learners achieve specific goals or overcome challenges.

For example, a career development course might offer a coaching program on finding and landing the perfect job that includes personalized resume and interview feedback.

Or, you could create a 12 week group coaching program that includes weekly coaching sessions, exercises, and assignments aimed at helping individuals gain clarity on their life purpose, values, and vision, as well as identifying and overcoming limiting beliefs and obstacles that may be holding them back. The coaching program could provide participants with personalized support, accountability, and feedback, helping them to make progress and achieve their desired outcomes.

I've personally created a number of group coaching sessions that focused on a particular theme, as well as 1:1 coaching packages that guided the client towards an end result, very much in the way that they could learn in a more curriculum oriented online course, however with 1:1 personalized attention.

Corporate Training Course

A corporate training course is a course that is designed specifically for businesses or organizations. These courses can be used to train employees on new skills and knowledge relevant to their job, or to provide ongoing professional developmen

t opportunities. 

These courses are typically created by independent 

professionals, businesses or organizations, and are designed to help employees perform their job better and advance in their careers. Examples of corporate training include online employee onboarding programs, compliance training, and management training.

For example, a sales training professional might offer a corporate training course on effective sales techniques that is customized to the needs of a particular organization.

Certification Course

A certification course is a course that provides learners with a recognized credential upon completion. These courses are often used by

professionals to gain new skills or advance in their careers.

Certification courses can take many forms, from self-paced online courses to in-person workshops. 

For example, a project management institution might offer a certification course that covers the fundamentals of project management and prepares learners for a recognized industry certification.

I personally plan to create certification courses at a later stage as  advanced learning for professionals in niche areas. So it just goes to show you that some types of courses are more suitable at

a later stage of your course creation journey, depending on what your industry area you are in and your own business goals.

Mastery Course

A mastery course is an online course that is designed to help students become experts in a particular subject or skill. These courses are often more advanced, comprehensive and in-depth and require a high level of commitment from learners. It is typically a course that covers a wide range of topics related to the subject. Mastery courses are aimed at learners who are serious about mastering a subject and are willing to put in the time and effort to achieve that goal.

The benefits of a mastery course are numerous. For learners, they provide an opportunity to gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of a subject or skill, as well as the ability to apply that knowledge in real-world situations. For course creators, they can be a powerful way to truly establish their authority and credibility in their niche, and to attract students who are serious about learning and willing to invest in their education.

An example of a mastery course that goes next level would be something like "The Ultimate Google Ads Mastery Course". The course would be designed for digital marketers who want to take their skills in Google Ads to the next level. The course could cover a wide range of advanced topics such as keyword research, ad copywriting, targeting options, bid strategies, campaign optimization, and conversion tracking. It also could  include hands-on exercises and case studies that give learners the opportunity to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

In this example, the students would learn advanced techniques for creating and managing Google Ads campaigns, get hands-on experience with exercises and case studies, master the art of creating effective ad copy and targeting the right audience, learn how to optimize campaigns for better performance and higher ROI as well as track conversions and measure campaign success. 

As you can see, this mastery course would offer in-depth knowledge and practical skills that can help digital marketers achieve success with Google Ads campaigns.

Masterclass

Masterclasses are a type of online course that is geared towards advanced learners who are looking to take their skills to the next level. Unlike other types of courses, masterclasses

are typically taught by experts in a specific field who have a wealth of knowledge, insight and experience to share with their students. The goal of a masterclass is to provide students with the opportunity to learn from the best and gain a deeper understanding of a particular subject. 

Masterclasses often focus on a specific topic or skill, such as writing, cooking, or music. They are designed to provide learners with an in-depth understanding of the subject matter and to help them develop the skills and techniques necessary to become experts themselves. 

One of the key features of masterclasses is the high level of interaction between the instructor and the students. Unlike other types of courses, masterclasses often involve live Q&A sessions, one-on-one coaching, and feedback from the instructor.

Another important aspect of masterclasses is the high production value of the content. These courses often include professionally produced videos, downloadable resources, and other multimedia elements that are designed to enhance the learning experience.

Masterclasses can vary in length, they can be one class, or a series of classes or lessons that are designed to teach a specific skill or topic in-depth. They may be delivered online or in-person and can range from a few hours to several weeks or months duration. 

One of their most popular masterclasses is taught by world-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay. In this masterclass, Ramsay shares his techniques and insights on cooking, from basic knife skills to more complex recipes. The course is broken down into several lessons that cover various aspects of cooking, including selecting and preparing ingredients, mastering techniques, and developing flavor profiles. Each lesson comes with a video tutorial, a downloadable workbook, and interactive assignments to help students practice and apply what they've learned.

One of the benefits of taking a masterclass like this is the opportunity to learn directly from an expert in the field. Ramsay's masterclass not only provides valuable knowledge and skills but also insights into his approach to cooking, creativity, and work ethic. Additionally, the platform allows students to interact with each other and get feedback from their peers, creating a supportive and engaging learning environment.

While masterclasses are typically more expensive than other types of courses, they offer a unique opportunity for learners to gain access to expert knowledge and to develop the skills and techniques necessary to excel in their chosen field. For this reason, masterclasses are often considered to be one of the most valuable types of online courses available to learners today.

Membership Courses

Whereas a recurring course refers to a course that is delivered on an ongoing basis, typically on a regular schedule, such as weekly or monthly, a membership course, on the other hand, typically refers to a course that is part of a larger membership program or community. 

In a recurring course, students can enroll in the course at any time and continue to receive new content or lessons over an extended (set) period, such as several months or even years. Recurring courses may or may not require a subscription fee, and can be offered in a variety of formats, including live webinars, pre-recorded videos, or downloadable materials.

In a membership course, students typically pay a recurring fee to access a variety of courses, resources, and other benefits that are exclusive to members. Membership courses may be delivered in a variety of formats, including video lessons, webinars, live Q&A sessions, and more. While a membership course may include recurring elements, such as regular updates or new content, it is primarily focused on providing ongoing access to a range of resources and benefits rather than a single course.

So while both recurring courses and membership courses involve ongoing access to content, they are not exactly the same thing.

A membership course is a type of online course that is offered to members who pay a recurring fee to access a range of educational resources, materials, and tools related to a particular topic. Unlike other types of online courses that have a one-time fee, membership courses require students to pay a regular subscription fee to access content.

Membership courses can be delivered through various platforms, including learning management systems, membership site builders, and social media groups. They often include interactive features, such as discussion forums, live Q&A sessions, and access to private coaching or mentorship.

The main difference between membership courses and other course types is the ongoing access to content and community. Membership cour

ses usually provide a continuous flow of new materials and updates to keep members engaged and learning. Additionally, membership courses often foster a sense of community among members, who can share their experiences and insights with one another.

Membership courses can cover a wide range of topics, from business and entrepreneurship to personal development, fitness, and wellness. They can also be used by course creators to offer ongoing support to students who have completed their other courses.

Overall, membership courses offer a unique opportunity for course creators to build a loyal community of learners and generate recurring revenue over time.

Specialization Course

Specialization courses are a type of online course that focuses on a

specific skill set or area of expertise. These courses are designed to help learners develop in-depth knowledge and proficiency in a particular subject, industry, or niche.

Specialization courses are different from other types of courses in that they are highly targeted and focused on a particular area of study. They typically consist of several related courses that build upon each other to create a comprehensive learning experience.

Specialization courses can be delivered in a variety of formats, including video lectures, online discussions, and interactive exercises. They may also include assignments, quizzes, and exams to help learners reinforce their understanding of the material.

One of the key benefits of specialization courses is that they can help learners develop highly sought-after skills and expertise. By focusing on a specific area of study, learners can gain a competitive advantage in their chosen field and increase their career opportunities.

A good example of a specialization course is a course on "Social Media Marketing for Real Estate Agents." This course would be specifically designed for real estate agents who want to learn how to leverage social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to build their personal brand, generate leads, and ultimately close more deals.

The course would cover specialized topics such as identifying the right social media platforms for the real estate industry, creating engaging content, optimizing social media profiles, running targeted advertising campaigns, and measuring the effectiveness of social media marketing efforts.

That specialization course would be different from a general marketing course because it would focus specifically on the unique needs and challenges of real estate agents and provide practical tips and strategies that can be applied directly to their business. The course could be delivered through a variety of formats such as video tutorials, webinars, and interactive online modules.

By offering a specialization course, course creators can attract a specific target audience and establish themselves as experts in their field, thus increasing their credibility and authority within that niche. Specialization courses are a valuable type of online course that can help learners develop advanced skills and expertise in a particular subject.

Bundles

Bundles are a type of course offer where you 'bundle' (package together) more than one course or digital product (of any type and size) together in one deal. While bundles are sometimes used for marketing

appeal as they offer students the opportunity to purchase multiple courses or course materials at a discounted price (often lower than the total cost of purchasing each course or material individually), they also make sense from a course creation perspective. 

Bundles differ from other course types in that they offer a variety of courses, rather than focusing on one specific course. This can be beneficial for students who want to learn about multiple topics or who are interested in several courses offered by the same course creator. They are a great way to conceptualize a theme, topic area or level, break it down into sub-groups, where each could be sold separately, or all at once in a bundle. So some thinking and strategizing can go into it to make it worthwhile both for you as the course creator, as well as your students.

Bundles can help you showcase your expertise in multiple areas and

provide students with a comprehensive learning experience, but they can only be built over time when you have a number of related educational resources to scoop together.

Here is an example of a great course bundle, where each individual course relates to a specific area within the umbrella theme of the bundle. Picture a large bundle called "Master Digital Marketing" that includes the following courses: 

1. Social Media Marketing 101
2. Email Marketing Essentials
3. Content Marketing Strategies
4. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Fundamentals

This comprehensive course bundle would be designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of digital marketing, from building a strong social media presence to improving finding out their website's search engine ranking. In Social Media Marketing 101, they'd learn the basics of creating engaging social media content and building a following on various platforms. Email Marketing Essentials would teach them how to craft effective email campaigns that engage their subscribers and drive conversions.

Content Marketing Strategies would dive deeper into creating and promoting valuable content to attract and retain their target audience. Finally, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Fundamentals would show you how to optimize their website to increase visibility on search engines like Google. Together, these courses would equip them with the knowledge and skills to create and execute a successful digital marketing strategy, and they would feel like they had scored a great deal if it were offered at a bulk discount rate. Say for example each course on it's own sold for $297, that would be $1188 for all 4, however you could sell them all for $997 or less. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many different types of online courses that course creators can create, each with its own unique purpose and characteristics. Online courses come in many different forms and styles, each with its own unique features and benefits. Whether you are looking to offer a short introductory course or a comprehensive flagship course, there is an online course format that can meet your needs and help you and your audience's achieve goals. 

The types of online courses that course creators can create are limited only by their creativity and the needs of their audience. By exploring different course formats and experimenting with different teaching methods, course creators can create courses that are engaging, informative, and valuable to learners.

Whether you're looking to create a flexible, self-paced learning experience or a more structured, real-time class, there is an online course that will meet you and your student's needs. It's important to understand the different types of online courses available and choose one that fits your learning style, schedule and goals. Hopefully this blog has helped you make an informed decision about which course format is right for you.

Whatever type of online course you choose to create, remember to put the needs of your learners first and provide them with a valuable learning experience that helps them achieve their goals. Good luck!

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Categories: : Course Creation