Create your first online course and use it to generate leads

Imagine turning your expertise into a powerful tool that not only helps others but also grows your practice. For health and wellness professionals—therapists, nutritionists, coaches, acupuncturists, bodyworkers, and energy workers—an online course can do exactly that. Even better, a well-designed mini-course can serve as an irresistible lead magnet, attracting your ideal clients and building trust before they ever book a session.

This step-by-step guide will show you how to create your first online course and use it as a lead magnet to grow your audience and fill your practice with people who are ready for transformation.

Step 1: Choose the Right Course Topic

• Pick a topic you’re passionate about and skilled in. Reflect on what clients ask you about most or the problems you solve best123.

• Validate demand. Ask your audience (via email, social media, or in sessions) what they’d love to learn, or run a poll to test interest14.

• Keep it focused. For a lead magnet, your course should solve a single, specific problem or deliver one quick win567.

Example:
If you’re a nutritionist, a mini-course titled “3 Simple Steps to Beat Afternoon Energy Slumps” is focused, actionable, and attractive to your ideal client.

Step 2: Define Your Audience and Outcome

• Get specific about your audience. Who are you helping? (e.g., “busy working parents struggling with meal planning”)

• Clarify the transformation. What will they be able to do after your course? State this in one sentence.

Example:
“This mini-course will help busy parents create a week’s worth of healthy lunches in under 30 minutes.”

Step 3: Outline Your Mini-Course

• Keep it short. 1–3 lessons is ideal for a lead magnet568.

• Structure for clarity. Each lesson should build on the last, leading to a clear result.

Sample Outline:

1. Lesson 1: Why Afternoon Energy Drops Happen

2. Lesson 2: Three Nutrition Tweaks to Stay Energized

3. Lesson 3: Quick Recipes & Action Plan

Step 4: Create Engaging Content

• Choose your format: Video is highly effective, but slides with voiceover, PDFs, or even an email series can work698.

• Be authentic and approachable. Use your natural teaching style and speak directly to your ideal client.

• Include actionable steps. Each lesson should have a simple action item or worksheet5610.

Tips:

• Use stories or case studies from your practice (anonymized) to illustrate points.

• Keep videos under 10 minutes per lesson for maximum engagement6.

Step 5: Produce and Package Your Course

• Record your lessons. Use your phone or computer camera; natural light and a quiet space are enough to start911.

• Edit for clarity. Trim out mistakes, add captions or slides if needed.

• Bundle resources. Attach checklists, recipes, or printable worksheets to increase value568.

Step 6: Choose a Hosting Platform

• Pick a user-friendly platform. Teachable, Thinkific, Kajabi, or even a private YouTube playlist with an email-gated landing page943.

• Set up your course. Upload videos, PDFs, and resources. Test the user experience.

Step 7: Build Your Lead Magnet Funnel

• Create a compelling landing page.

  • Headline: “Free Mini-Course: Beat Afternoon Energy Slumps—No Supplements Required”

  • Bullet points: What’s included, who it’s for, what they’ll achieve

  • Simple signup form (name and email)58.

• Automate delivery. Use your email platform to send access immediately after signup7.

Step 8: Promote Your Mini-Course

• Share everywhere your audience hangs out:

  • Website homepage and blog

  • Social media profiles and groups

  • Email signature

  • In-person events or workshops

• Collaborate: Ask referral partners to share your course with their audiences.

Step 9: Nurture and Convert

• Follow up with value. Send a welcome email series that expands on course topics.

• Invite deeper engagement. Offer a free consultation, invite them to a webinar, or share a client success story.

• Bridge to your paid services. Show how your full coaching, therapy, or programs can help them go further.

Choosing a Topic for your course

To choose a compelling topic that attracts your ideal course students—especially as a health and wellness professional—follow these expert steps:

1. Start with Your Audience’s Pain Points

• Identify the most common challenges, frustrations, or goals your ideal clients face.

• Review client notes, intake forms, or frequently asked questions.

• Survey your email list or social media followers: ask “What’s your #1 struggle with [your specialty] right now?”

2. Focus on a Specific Transformation

• The best course topics promise a clear, tangible result.

• Instead of “Mindfulness Basics,” try “How to Use Mindfulness to Sleep Better in 7 Days.”

• Ask yourself: “What’s one quick win I can help my audience achieve?”

3. Validate with Real-World Demand

• Check online forums, Facebook groups, or Reddit threads where your audience hangs out.

• Look for recurring questions or hot topics.

• Use keyword research tools to see what people are searching for related to your expertise.

4. Align with Your Unique Expertise

• Choose a topic that leverages your strengths, experience, and passion.

• If you’re known for helping clients overcome stress eating, a course on “Break Free from Stress Eating in 5 Simple Steps” aligns perfectly.

5. Test Before You Build

• Float your course idea to your audience before creating it.

• Post a poll, send an email, or offer a free mini-workshop on the topic.

• Gauge interest by the number of sign-ups, replies, or engagement.

Key Criteria for a Compelling Course Topic:

• Urgent: Solves a pressing problem or fulfills a strong desire.

• Specific: Targets a well-defined audience and outcome.

• Actionable: Teaches a skill or process your students can implement.

• Aligned: Fits your brand, expertise, and the services you want to offer.