Creating an online course isn’t just about sharing your knowledge—it’s about keeping your students engaged and motivated from start to finish. A well-structured course can mean the difference between a student dropping out halfway through or raving about your course to their friends and signing up for your next offering.
If you’re ready to create a course that hooks your students, keeps them excited, and leaves them hungry for more, this guide is for you. Let’s dive into how to structure your online course for maximum engagement—and ultimate success.
Start With an Engaging Introduction
First impressions matter! The introduction to your course should immediately grab your students’ attention and make them feel excited about what’s ahead. Start by answering these key questions:
- What will they learn? Be specific about the transformation your course offers. For example, “By the end of this course, you’ll be able to successfully launch your brand” or “You’ll leave with the confidence to write short stories that captivate readers.”
- Why should they care? Explain how this new skill will impact their life—whether it saves time, boosts confidence, or helps them achieve a personal or professional goal.
- Who are you? Share your story briefly to build trust and connection. Let them know why you’re the perfect person to guide them on this journey.
Pro Tip: Use storytelling in your intro. For example, share how you struggled with the same skill before mastering it—students love relatable beginnings!
Here are some examples of engaging course intros across different topics to inspire you. The key is to hook your students right away, show them the value of the course, and build excitement for what’s to come!
1. Creative Writing Course
Have you ever had a story in your mind but didn’t know how to put it into words? Maybe you’ve stared at a blank page, wondering where to even start. Well, you’re in the right place. In this course, I’m going to show you how to turn your ideas into compelling stories that readers won’t want to put down. By the end, you’ll not only create characters that feel real but also learn how to build worlds that people get lost in. Let’s unlock your inner storyteller together!
2. Dance for Beginners
So, you’ve always wanted to learn how to dance but feel like you have two left feet. Trust me, I’ve been there! But let me tell you a secret: dancing isn’t about perfection—it’s about enjoying yourself, moving to the rhythm, and feeling confident in your own skin. In this course, I’ll teach you the basics of salsa dancing step-by-step, no partner or prior experience required. By the end, you’ll be ready to hit the dance floor with confidence—and maybe even surprise your friends at the next party!
3. Photography Basics
Have you ever wondered why your photos don’t look as stunning as the ones you see online, even though you’re using the same camera? It’s not about the gear—it’s about the know-how. Welcome to Photography Basics, where I’ll teach you how to master your camera and take photos that will make people say, ‘Wow!’ Whether you’re using a DSLR or just your smartphone, by the end of this course, you’ll learn to capture light, frame your shots, and bring your vision to life.
4. Public Speaking Skills
Do your palms sweat at the thought of speaking in front of an audience? You’re not alone. But here’s the thing: great public speakers aren’t born—they’re made. In this course, I’ll share practical techniques to help you speak with confidence and captivate your audience, whether it’s a room of five people or five hundred. By the end, you’ll feel empowered to deliver speeches that leave a lasting impression. Let’s conquer the fear together!
5. Personal Finance for Young Professionals
Are you tired of feeling like your paycheck disappears before the month ends? You’re not alone, but the good news is that managing your money doesn’t have to be complicated. In this course, I’ll teach you simple, actionable strategies to save more, spend smarter, and grow your wealth—all without giving up your daily coffee. By the end, you’ll feel confident in your financial future. Let’s build the life you deserve!
Tips for Crafting Your Course Intro
- Start with a Hook: Ask a question, share a surprising fact, or paint a vivid picture.
- Address Their Pain Point: Highlight the problem they want to solve or the skill they want to learn.
- Show the Transformation: Explain what they’ll achieve by the end of the course.
- Make It Personal: Share your story or passion for the topic to build trust and connection.
With the right intro, you’ll set the tone for an engaging and successful course!
Break Down Your Course Into Small, Actionable Lessons
Long, overwhelming lessons are the quickest way to lose students. Instead, break your course into bite-sized modules and lessons. Think of each lesson as a small step that brings your students closer to their goal.
Here’s a simple structure to follow:
- Modules: Divide your course into 4–8 main sections.
- Lessons: Each module should have 3–6 focused lessons that cover specific topics.
- Action Steps: End every lesson with a clear, actionable step.
For example, if you’re teaching a creative writing course:
- Module 1: Getting Started with Writing
- Lesson 1: Overcoming the Fear of the Blank Page
- Lesson 2: Building a Daily Writing Habit
- Lesson 3: Creating Relatable Characters
- End each lesson with an assignment, like “Write a 200-word character sketch.”
Use a Mix of Formats to Keep Things Interesting
Your students learn best when you mix it up. Relying on just one format (like video lectures) can make your course feel repetitive. Instead, use a combination of:
- Video Lessons: Keep these short, engaging, and high-quality. Combine voiceovers with visuals like slide decks, animations, or text highlights on the screen.
- PDF Worksheets: Provide handy guides, templates, or checklists that students can download and refer to later.
- Quizzes: Add multiple-choice questions or quick quizzes to reinforce learning and make it interactive.
- Assignments: Encourage students to apply what they’ve learned by giving them small, hands-on tasks.
- Live Discussions or Groups: Create a sense of community by offering group discussions on platforms like Slack, Facebook, or Zoom.
Pro Tip: When recording videos, combine voiceovers with moments where you’re in front of the camera. This makes your course feel more personal and relatable.
Add Interactive Elements to Keep Students Engaged
Learning is more fun when it’s interactive. Here are a few ways to make your course more dynamic:
- Assignments: Give students tasks to apply what they’ve learned, like writing a short story, baking a recipe, or completing a design project.
- Group Discussions: Create a private group where students can share progress, ask questions, and connect with others.
- Live Q&A Sessions: Host live sessions where students can ask questions and get personalized advice.
- Gamification: Add progress trackers, badges, or points to reward students for completing lessons or assignments.
Educate AND Entertain
The best courses don’t just teach—they entertain. When you’re educating, keep your tone conversational and energetic. Use storytelling to make your lessons relatable and engaging.
For example:
- If you’re teaching a dance course, share a funny story about your first time learning a salsa move.
- If you’re teaching creative writing, compare building a story to baking a cake—every ingredient (plot, characters, setting) matters!
Use animations, graphics, and text highlights to visually emphasize key points. This keeps your videos visually appealing and helps learners retain information.
Provide Real, Practical Information
Your students signed up for your course because they want results. Focus on delivering actionable, practical steps instead of filling your course with generalities.
For example, if you’re teaching photography:
- Instead of saying, “Lighting is important,” show them exactly how to position a light source for a portrait.
- Include a downloadable cheat sheet with “5 Quick Tips for Perfect Lighting.”
If your students can apply what they’ve learned immediately, they’ll stay motivated and engaged.
Include Resources and Materials
Make your course feel like a complete package by offering extra resources:
- Worksheets and Templates: For a gardening course, provide a “Weekly Plant Care Checklist.” For a writing course, include a “Character Development Worksheet.”
- Guides and Cheat Sheets: Share quick-reference PDFs that summarize key points from your lessons.
- Bonus Materials: Add extra value with bonus videos, downloadable eBooks, or access to exclusive tools.
Don’t Forget the Promo: Set the Stage for Success
A great course deserves an equally great promo. Your promo video is the first thing potential students will see, so make it count!
The promo video can be the same as the introduction. However, it is best to have 2 separate videos. I usually create the promo after I have finished the entire course. Think of it as a SHOW REEL of your actual course. The promo video will have the same ingredients as the introduction, but focus more on the transformation of the students, rather than your personal story—leave that for the intro.
Here’s how to create a powerful promo video:
- Start with a Hook: Ask a compelling question or share a surprising fact. For example, “Did you know you can learn salsa dancing at home—even if you’ve never danced before?”
- Show the Transformation: Highlight what students will achieve.
- Show Yourself: Be engaging, confident, and passionate about your topic.
A great promo video not only attracts students but also sets the tone for your course.
Combine Storytelling With Value: The Perfect Formula for Engagement
Storytelling keeps your students emotionally engaged, while valuable information keeps them coming back for more. Balance both to create a course that’s both inspiring and educational.
Storytelling is your secret weapon. It humanizes your lessons, makes them relatable, and keeps your students engaged. But here’s the kicker: storytelling alone isn’t enough. You need to pair it with actionable, valuable information that your students can immediately apply.
Think about the last time you got hooked on a book, a TV series, or even a TED Talk. Chances are, it wasn’t just the facts that grabbed your attention—it was the story behind them. Stories evoke emotions, spark curiosity, and make complex ideas easier to understand.
When you weave storytelling into your course, you:
- Build a connection: Students feel like they’re learning from someone who’s been in their shoes.
- Make your lessons memorable: A story sticks in the mind far longer than a dry lecture.
- Create trust: Sharing your struggles, successes, or personal experiences makes you relatable and credible.
Examples of Storytelling With Value in Action
Teaching Writing
Story:
When I started writing short stories, I thought every word had to be perfect. I agonized over the opening sentence, rewriting it ten times before moving on. The result? I never finished anything. One day, I joined a writing group, and someone reminded me, ‘You can’t edit a blank page.’ That changed everything. I learned to focus on getting the story out first and worrying about perfection later.
Value:
In this lesson, I’m going to teach you a simple technique to silence your inner critic and get your first draft written. It’s called freewriting, and here’s how it works…
Teaching Public Speaking
Story:
I’ll never forget my first public speaking gig. My hands were sweating, my voice cracked, and I forgot everything I planned to say halfway through. I was mortified. But I also knew I couldn’t let that experience stop me. So, I started practicing in front of a mirror, recording myself, and breaking my speech into manageable chunks. Now, speaking in front of audiences feels natural—and I even enjoy it!
Value:
In this first module, we’re going to tackle the biggest fear most people have: freezing up. I’ll teach you a simple framework to structure your speech so you’ll always know what to say next—even if your nerves kick in.
Tips to Make Storytelling and Value Seamless
- Keep Stories Short and Relevant: Your story should support the lesson, not overshadow it. Aim for 1–2 minutes of storytelling before transitioning to teaching.
- Use Visuals to Enhance Stories: If you’re on video, show photos, graphics, or animations related to your story. For example, show a before-and-after photo of your early photography work or a clip of your first dance performance.
- Be Authentic: Share real experiences, even if they’re embarrassing or imperfect. Students connect with honesty.
- Highlight the Takeaway Early: Make it clear how your story ties into the lesson. For example, “What I learned from that experience is…”
- End on a High Note: Wrap up your story with a positive outcome that gives students hope and motivation.
Final Thoughts: Entertain, Educate, and Empower
The secret to a successful online course is simple: educate, entertain, and empower your students. Keep your lessons actionable, engaging, and fun. Use a variety of formats and interactive elements to keep things fresh. And most importantly, focus on helping your students achieve real results.
If you’re ready to dive deeper into creating your online course, check out my guide on How to Create an Online Course That Sells. It’s packed with actionable tips to help you bring your course to life.
Need personalized help? I’d love to work with you! Reach out to me at lararoxanapopa@gmail.com, and let’s create a course your students will love.
So, what’s your course idea? Let me know in the comments—I can’t wait to hear about it!
