Let’s talk about length…
Not that kinda length….
Let’s talk about the length of your course.
I often get asked “How long should my course be?” … and while I want to answer “How long is a piece of string?” I know that’s not very useful right now.
So let’s look at a couple of key points instead.
1. Short and sweet is the way forward
People are BUSY! And they want actions fast.
They are much more likely to sign up for a 4, 6 or even 8 week course that is going to give them very specific results, than they will sign up to a 12 month program with a huge range of promises.
2. Only cover one topic per week
Focus on just one major topic a week. You might do sales one week for example and marketing the next. This means if you have 6 major topics then you’ve got a 6 week course.
3. Think realistically about how much time someone will spend on your course.
You might like to think that your content will be so engaging that they’ll spend hours watching and learning from you, but the truth is, they won’t.
Keep your videos and emails short and sweet. You can break larger videos down into several smaller chunks for them to consume.
So there we go. How long should it be?
Well that really does depend, but use the key points above and you’ll have a great course.
Now I’d love to hear from you, what do you think is the perfect length? 😉
Great video! I will follow suit and not lower the tone…
You’re so right, I know I have great intentions at the start of a course but it’s not easy keeping the momentum up
You have inspired me to put together a short course, see how it goes!
J x
Jane, I’m surprised that I didn’t lower the tone in the first place 😉
I’m so glad that you’re inspired to start a short course 🙂 You can do this.
Great stuff Sam! Filing all of this stuff in my head for later – e-course from tractorgirl coming soon!!! Thanks (p.s. watch out for a video from me real soon too 🙂 )
Thanks Julie 🙂
I’m looking forward to seeing your video when it comes out.
Hi Sam – thanks for the tips. I agree that short and sweet is the way to go. Do you think a course HAS to include video – or can it be a series of emails?
Hi Lyndall *waves*
It doesn’t HAVE to include video, BUT video is a really useful tool for building a relationship, and can be great for showing someone how to do something.
You don’t have to use it at all, emails are great too. Just think about the information you are trying to share and what format it would suit.
(And don’t let a fear of video be the reason that you don’t do video)
Sam 🙂
Hi, Sam and Lyndall ~
I prefer to have ‘copy’ (class notes, or transcript, or a detailed summary) as well as video, so I can visually scan for high points and details. *Only* video Must Be watched for the *whole 20 minutes*, even the second or third time through.
I’m a “visual AND auditory” learner at the same time!
Good point Karen,
I make sure that Academy members have downloads available too for just this reason 🙂 So they can read and watch, and do what suits them.
Hey Sam,
Im thinking of holding a 45min FREE introductory seminar then a 3-4 hour workshop.
I’m hoping that won’t be to long for a face to face 🙂
Face to face is a whole different ball game – they’ve dedicated the time to come and sit with you 🙂 They sound like great session lengths.
I’m looking forward to your social world domination 🙂
I’ve taken a class that was advertised as *90 minutes each, every week, for 3 months” – it was a lot of time (and money) to invest! I got a ton of useful information and “A-Hahs” out of it., though, and will be using much of it for my own program (soon!)
I also signed up for a “2 hours, every 2 weeks for a year” program that often ran over (to the tune of an hour or two extra!) because there was so much for the teacher to share, and for the participants to interact with.
Great experiences, both of them.
That’s great.
You’re right, if someone is willing to commit the time, they will get results. Problem is a lot of people don’t have time/don’t want to commit that much time.