Estimated reading time: 14 minutes

Introduction

You stare at your screen and ask yourself, "How the hell do I create an online program that actually sells?" The answer is easier than you think - but only if you follow the right steps in the right order.

Forget everything you've heard about complicated course creation. Forget the 50-module monsters that nobody finishes watching. Forget the perfect video production that paralyzes you for months. What you need is a system that works - right away.

In this article, I'll show you the exact roadmap that hundreds of coaches have already used to successfully launch their first online program. Not in six months. Not in three months. But in the next 30 days.

Why 90% of all online programs fail (and how you can do it differently)

Before we get into the steps, let's talk about the most common mistakes coaches make when starting their first online program. Because if you know these pitfalls, you can elegantly avoid them.

Error #1: You build the program before you know if anyone wants it.

Most coaches spend months creating the "perfect" course - only to realize that no one is willing to pay for it. They have a solution problem: they are solving a problem that their target group does not have or does not perceive as urgent.

Error #2: You are making it too complicated.

"My program has to cover everything," they think. The result: a 20-hour monster that seems overwhelming and nobody finishes it. Complexity is the enemy of success.

Error #3: You sell features instead of transformation.

"In my course you will learn 47 techniques for..." Stop. Nobody buys techniques. People buy results. They buy the person they will be after the program.

Error #4: You do not have a validation process.

They simply hope that their program will work. Hope is not a strategy. You need proof that people are willing to pay before you invest even a minute in creating it.

The good news is that all these mistakes are avoidable if you follow the right system.

The 3 cornerstones of a successful online program

Before we get into the practical steps, you need to understand the three fundamental principles on which every successful online program is based:

Pillar #1: Specific transformation

Your program must promise and deliver a very specific transformation. Not "Become more successful" or "Improve your life", but "Double your coaching income in 90 days" or "Overcome your speech anxiety in 30 days".

The transformation must fulfill three criteria:

-Measurable: Success must be objectively ascertainable

Time-bound: There is a clear deadline

-Emotionally relevant: The target group must long for it

Pillar #2: Proven methodology

You need a system that has already worked. Not your theory, not your hope, but a method that you or others have already used to achieve results. Your online program is the systematization of your most proven coaching processes.

Pillar #3: Implementation focus

The difference between a course and a program lies in the implementation. A course imparts knowledge. A program ensures that this knowledge is applied. Your program must contain mechanisms that force participants to implement it - in a positive way.

With these three basic pillars in mind, we can now move on to practical implementation.

Phase 1: Validation - Prove that your program is wanted (week 1-2)

The first phase is the most important: you need to prove that people are willing to pay for your program before you create it. Here is the exact process:

Step 1: Identify your target group's most pressing problem

Sit down and list the 10 most common problems that your ideal clients come to you with. Not the problems you want to solve, but the ones they actually have.

Then evaluate each problem according to three criteria:

1st urgency: How much do you suffer from this problem?

2nd Frequency: How many people have this problem?

3. willingness to pay: would you spend money to solve it?

The problem with the highest total score will be the basis of your first online program.

Step 2: Conduct 10 problem validation conversations

Contact 10 people from your target group and have 15-minute conversations. Not to sell, but to understand. Ask these questions:

- "What is currently your biggest challenge in [area]?"

-"How are you currently trying to solve the problem?"

-"What would be the ideal result for you?"

- "What would it be worth to you if you could solve this problem in [time period]?"

Note down not only the answers, but also the exact wording. These will later become your marketing language.

Step 3: Create a minimal viable program (MVP)

Based on the conversations, you can now create the basic structure of your program. But be careful: you are not yet creating any content! You are only developing the concept.

Your MVP should contain the following elements:

-A clear promise: "After this program you will..."

-A simple structure: maximum of 4-6 modules

-A time frame: 30, 60 or 90 days

-A price: Based on the value of the transformation

Step 4: Test the willingness to pay

Now comes the crucial moment: you test whether people are willing to pay. Create a simple landing page with your program concept and a "Pre-order now" button.

Send this page to your 10 contacts and another 20-30 people from your network. Your goal: At least 5 pre-orders.

If you don't get these 5 pre-orders, go back to step 1. Your program concept is not yet correct. If you get them, congratulations - you have a validated program concept!

Phase 2: Structure - Build the framework of your program (week 3)

Now that you know that your program is wanted, create the detailed structure. Here is the proven framework:

The TRANSFORM framework for online programs

Every successful online program follows a predictable structure. I call it the TRANSFORM framework:

T - Target Module 1 helps participants to define and quantify their specific target. Without a clear goal, there is no motivation for implementation.

R - Reality Check (analyze current status) Module 2 carries out an honest stocktaking. Where are you now? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What have you already tried?

A - Action Plan (develop strategy) Module 3 develops the individual strategy. Not a one-size-fits-all solution, but a personalized path to the goal.

N - Navigate Obstacles Module 4 prepares you for the inevitable obstacles. What will go wrong? How do you react to them?

S - Systems & Tools Module 5 introduces the practical tools and systems needed for success.

F - Follow Through (ensuring implementation) Module 6 focuses on habit formation and long-term implementation.

O - Optimize & Scale Module 7 shows how to improve and expand the results.

R - Results & Reflection Module 8 celebrates the successes and plans the next steps.

Step 5: Define the learning objectives for each module

You now define three things for each module:

1. the main objective: What should the participant be able to do/know/feel after this module?

2 The core activity: Which one task leads to the main goal?

3 Proof of success: How does the participant recognize that he has successfully completed the module?

Step 6: Plan the content formats

Not everything has to be a video. Different types of learners need different formats:

-videos: For explanations and demonstrations (10-15 minutes max)

-Worksheets: For reflection and planning

-Checklists: For implementation steps

-Templates: For practical application

-Audio: For motivation and mindset

Step 7: Create the implementation plan

The most important element of your program is not the content, but the implementation plan. You define for each module:

-Weekly task: A specific task that can be completed in 7 days

-Daily action: One 10-15 minute activity for each day

-Measuring success: How is progress measured?

-Accountability: How is implementation ensured?

Phase 3: Creation - Produce your content efficiently (week 4-5)

Now comes the part that most coaches are afraid of: content creation. But with the right strategy, it's easier than you might think.

The 80/20 rule of content creation

80% of the value of your program comes from 20% of content. These 20% are:

1.the worksheets and templates

2.the implementation instructions

3.the troubleshooting guides

Videos and elaborate presentations are nice-to-have, but not essential.

Step 8: Create the working documents first

Start with the practical materials:

For each module you create:

-A 2-page worksheet with the most important concepts

-A step-by-step guide to the weekly task

-A checklist for daily activities

-A template or tool that facilitates implementation

These materials are the heart of your program. Participants will print them out, fill them in and use them again and again.

Step 9: Produce simple explanatory videos

For each module you create a 10-15 minute video that:

-The concept explained

-Going through the work documents

-Frequently asked questions answered

-Motivated to implement

You don't need any professional equipment. A smartphone, good light and a quiet room are all you need. Perfection is the enemy of progress.

Step 10: Develop the accountability system

The most important element for the success of your participants is accountability. Here are proven mechanisms:

Weekly check-ins: Participants report on their progress Buddy system: Participants are divided into groups of two Public commitments: Goals are shared within the group Progress tracking: Simple systems for measuring success

Step 11: Create the onboarding

The first impression determines the success of your program. Your onboarding should:

-Clarify expectations

-Realistically present the time required

-Explain the first steps

-Build up motivation

-Presenting the Community

Phase 4: Launch - successfully bring your program to market (week 6-8)

The launch is not just the sale, but the entire process of how you present your program to the world. Here is the tried and tested launch sequence:

Step 12: Prepare your launch materials

You will need the following materials:

-Sales page: A page that explains and sells your program

-Email sequence: 7-10 emails spread over 2 weeks

-Social media content: posts for your favorite platforms

-FAQ document: Answers to the most frequently asked questions

Step 13: Carry out a beta launch

Before you launch your program publicly, conduct a beta launch with 10-15 participants. These beta participants:

-figures a reduced price (50-70% of the planned price)

-Give you detailed feedback

-Become your first testimonials

-Help you to identify weak points

Step 14: Collect testimonials and case studies

You document meticulously during the beta program:

-Before and after comparisons of the participants

-Specific results and successes

-Quotes and feedback

-Transformation stories

These will form the basis for your public launch.

Step 15: Plan your public launch

A successful launch follows this sequence:

Week 1: Generate attention

-Part success stories from the beta program

-Announce the launch

-build a waiting list

Week 2: Delivering value

-Share free, valuable content

-Conduct live sessions or webinars

-Answer questions and build trust

Week 3: Selling

-Open the application

-Send your e-mail sequence

-Conduct sales talks

-Close with scarcity

Step 16: Optimize based on feedback

After the first launch, you analyze:

-Which parts of the program work best?

-Where do participants have difficulties?

-What results are achieved?

-What can be improved?

These findings will be incorporated into the next version of your program.

The most common launch pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

Trap #1: Perfectionism paralysis

Many coaches wait until their program is "perfect". Perfection is an illusion. Your first program won't be perfect - and that's perfectly fine. The important thing is that it works and delivers results.

Trap #2: Price too low

For fear that no one will buy, many coaches set the price too low. This is a mistake. A price that is too low signals low value and attracts the wrong customers. Focus on the value of the transformation, not on your fears.

Case #3: Lack of aftercare

The launch is not the end, but the beginning. Supporting your participants during the program is crucial to its success. Plan time for support and coaching right from the start.

Trap #4: No performance measurement

If you don't measure, you can't improve. Define from the beginning how you will measure the success of your program:

-Participant satisfaction

-Final installment

-Results of the participants

-Recommendation rate

Your 30-day action plan

Here is your concrete roadmap for the next 30 days:

Week 1: Validation

-Day 1-2: Identify the most burning problem

-Day 3-5: Conduct 10 problem validation conversations

-Day 6-7: Create your MVP concept

Week 2: Structure

-Day 8-10: Develop the program structure with the TRANSFORM framework

-Day 11-12: Define learning objectives and success criteria

-Day 13-14: Plan content formats and implementation plan

Week 3: Creation

-Day 15-17: Create working documents and templates

-Day 18-20: Produce explanatory videos

-Day 21: Develop the accountability system

Week 4: Launch preparation

-Day 22-24: Prepare launch materials

-Day 25-26: Recruit beta participants

-Day 27-28: Finalize all content

Day 29-30: Beta launch

-Start your program with the first participants

-Collect feedback and optimize

The truth about online programs

Let me tell you an uncomfortable truth: your first online program will not be perfect. It will have weaknesses, room for improvement and probably a few teething problems.

And that's perfectly fine.

The difference between successful coaches and those who plan forever but never start lies not in the perfection of their first program. It lies in their willingness to start, learn and improve.

Your first online program is not your last. It's the first step on a journey that will transform your business. With each program you get better, your results get stronger and your impact gets bigger.

The question is not whether you are ready to create the perfect program. The question is whether you are ready to start.

Your target group is not waiting for perfection. They are waiting for solutions. They are waiting for transformation. They are waiting for you.

So stop waiting and start building. Your first online program is only 30 days away.

The time is now. The moment is here. Your future as a successful online coach starts today.

What are you going to do?

This article is part of my series on building a successful coaching business. For more practical guides and proven strategies, follow my blog and join our community.

Taifun Kemerci

Coach - Consultant, Tycoons Corporation

Dubai - Frankfurt - Paris

Taifun Kemerci has already helped hundreds of entrepreneurs to build and scale their own profitable online coaching business. Prior to his studies, he worked as a shoe salesman at Foot Locker. He holds a Bachelor's degree in International Business and Political Science from the University of Heidelberg and Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences.

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