What I Wish You Knew: 6 Lessons When Creating an Online Course or Membership

If you’ve been thinking about launching an online course or membership but keep putting it off, you’re not alone. Many business owners feel unsure about when or how to start. They have a proven framework, a process that gets results, and a deep desire to serve more people, but when it comes to translating that expertise into an online program, they overthink, stall, and second-guess everything.

I don’t want that to happen to you.

So here are six lessons I’ve learned that will help you move forward with confidence.

You Don’t Have to Have Everything Figured Out

One of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking they need to have every detail in place before launching. But here’s what I’ve found: If you wait until you feel 100% ready, you’ll never start.

The reality is, your first version will never be your final version. The only way to know what works is to put it out into the world and learn from real people engaging with your content. Your online program is a living, breathing thing. Even a self-paced course evolves as your audience interacts with it.

So stop waiting. Start now. You can refine as you go.

Simple is Better

You don’t need to pack your program with endless content to prove its value. In fact, too much content overwhelms people and leads to disengagement.

I once attended a webinar where the presenter kept emphasizing how their membership had over 800 training videos. And you know what? Instead of feeling excited, I felt exhausted.

Your audience doesn’t need more information. They need clarity and results. A well-structured, streamlined course or membership is far more effective than an overwhelming library of resources. Start small, focus on quick wins, and expand strategically.

Marketing is Just as Important as Your Course

You could have the most transformational program in the world, but if no one knows about it, it won’t make an impact. Yet, many business owners shy away from marketing because they don’t want to feel “salesy.”

Selling isn’t about being pushy—it’s about solving a problem. Your audience already has a need. They are looking for a solution. If you truly believe in what you offer, it’s your responsibility to talk about it.

Marketing isn’t about tricking people into buying. It’s about helping them see how your course or membership can change their life or business. The better you understand your audience and their journey, the easier marketing becomes.

Don’t Give Up—You’re Closer Than You Think

Many business owners quit just before they hit a breakthrough. I’ve had so many clients tell me, “I was about to give up, and then suddenly, things started working.”

Just like a tree doesn’t bloom overnight, your efforts are building momentum even when you can’t see immediate results. Growth is happening beneath the surface. Keep going.

Stay Anchored in Your “Why”

The entrepreneurial journey is full of challenges. When things get tough, it’s easy to lose focus and chase distractions. That’s why you need to stay connected to your why.

What’s your bigger purpose for creating this program? More time? More impact? More financial freedom?

Every decision you make—what to include in your program, how to market it, how to price it—should align with your core purpose. Keeping your why front and center will keep you grounded when obstacles arise.

Trust the Process

The best way to create a great course or membership is by *doing it*. You won’t learn everything by thinking about it—you learn by launching, gathering feedback, and improving.

Yes, it will feel uncomfortable at times. Yes, you might hear crickets when you first launch. But that’s all part of the process. The business owners who succeed are the ones who trust the journey and keep refining along the way.

Ready to Move Forward?

If you’ve been sitting on an idea for an online course or membership, let’s talk. I’d love to help you gain clarity, identify your next step, and make sure you don’t stay stuck in overthinking.

Book a free discovery call and let’s turn your expertise into a scalable, impactful digital product or program.