Next Level Course Creator

Join Josh Hall and me for a chat about course iterations and updates, developing student pathways, the Circle platform, client results and experience … and so much more.   About Josh: Josh is a proud work-from-home Husband and Father of 3 littles. 5 if you include 2 Golden Retrievers.   He was a professional web designer who built and scaled his own agency for over a decade before selling it in 2020 to focus full time on teaching other aspiring web designers on how to build businesses of their own.   Josh is now a web design business coach, podcast host and web agency founder who is based out of Columbus Ohio. Through his online courses, web design community, podcast and YouTube channel he teaches web designers how to build their dream web design business that gives them freedom and life they love.   Connect with Josh: Website: joshhall.co Podcast: joshhall.co/podcast Instagram: joshhall.co/instagram Facebook: joshhall.co/facebook YouTube: joshhall.co/youtube Twitter: joshhall.co/twitter LinkedIN: joshhall.co/linkedin Agency: intransitstudios.com   Grab Josh’s freebie: https://joshhall.co/getstarted Connect with Erica: www.instagram.com/ericanashdesign Learn more about working with Erica: www.ericanash.com

In this episode of Next Level Course Creator, I’m talking with Dani Paige, a launch copywriter and strategist, and founder of Sales Page Prep School, all about course updates and iterations, creating an incredible client experience for students, and what to consider when offering a course certification.   About Dani: Launch Copywriter & Strategist, Dani Paige, helps course creators write un-boring launch copy so they can convert more students, and create more impact, with their online programs. She also helps emerging copywriters learn the high-paying skill of launch copy, so they can build thriving online businesses.    Words are EVERYWHERE in our online world, and Dani values crafting them correctly to bring her community more impact and income. Because with that benchmark comes the freedom and stability to do more good + create more change.    Here is the Find Your Copywriter service I mentioned: https://salespageprepschool.com/findyourcopywriter For those course creators who have question about hiring a copywriter, I have a freebie about Outsourcing Your Sales Page (which provides a guide on how to find one, what to look for, what to ask on the sales call, what to expect to pay, etc) https://offers.danipaige.com/outsource Website: danipaige.com   Find out more about Course Design 101: www.ericanash.com/course Connect on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ericanashdesign Learn more about working with Erica: www.ericanash.com

Have you ever looked at an object through a glass of water and noticed how strange and off kilter it looks? Sometimes that’s exactly what happens with us inside our businesses. In this episode we’re going to talk about what I have very lovingly and non-scientifically dubbed The Refraction Effect. I'll share the 3 major opportunities course creators have when fighting against The Refraction Effect and the stories we might be telling ourselves that just aren't true.   Get on the waitlist for Course Design 101: www.ericanash.com/course Connect on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ericanashdesign Learn more about working with Erica: www.ericanash.com  

If you’re going to run a group coaching program, building one that is sustainable is the fastest and most healthy way to reach your goals. In this episode, Rebeca and I dive into a discussion about her program, Six Figure Society®. She gives some insight into how she runs her program and why it’s so important that “your oxygen mask goes on first.”    About Rebeca: As a business coach, Rebeca Lima’s passion is to empower women around the world to break the status quo of “work hard to make money” by helping them scale their business with ease and simplicity while up leveling their money mindset. Rebeca gives service based entrepreneurs permission to do business THEIR way and the inner knowing that through their success isn’t selfish - actually quite the opposite as it has a ripple effect through their businesses, homes and communities!    Get my free 6 weeks of journal prompts to change your money mindset https://lp.rebecalima.com/6wksjournalprompts Connect with Erica on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ericanashdesign Learn more about working with Erica: www.ericanash.com

In this episode, we sit down with Mat Casner, host of the Freelance CEO Podcast and founder of the IGNITE Business Academy & Accelerator, and we talk about lots of different things. But what underpins the entire conversation is: BOUNDARIES.   Listen in as we talk about developing course boundaries that honor self, students, and families. About Mat: Mat got his start in Kansas City's ad agency and corporate marketing cultures in the mid-90s. Wishing to be close to his young, growing family, Mat left his corporate cubicle in 2003 and founded his freelance design studio, Redlogic Communications, Inc (www.redlogic.com) in Mound City, a rural, Kansas town with a population of 650.    Still in Mound City, 20 years later, Mat is still rocking the soloprenuer life, having served hundreds of clients and brands around the world (Aflac, Adidas, And1, Chick-fil-a, FCA) with lifetime client values reaching beyond $1.5.    Today, Mat mentors other freelancers through his coaching business, Freelance CEO (freelanceceo.com). Mat helps individuals learn how use their skills, talents, experiences and passions to find freedom and purpose by launching, growing and scaling a sustainable and profitable business.    Mat is the host of the Freelance CEO Podcast and the founder of the Purpose To Profit Design Business Summit.   To learn more, please visit www.matcasner.com.   Connect with Mat: Freelance CEO Podcast: https://www.matcasner.com/podcast IGNITE Business Academy & Accelerator: https://www.matcasner.com/ignite/ Purpose To Profit Design Business Summit: https://summit.purposetoprofitdesigner.com/ Profitable Design Business Masterclass - https://profitabledesignbusiness.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matcasner Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matcasner Connect with Erica on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ericanashdesign Learn more about working with Erica: www.ericanash.com

I'm always reminding people to make decisions based on data before they make decisions based on feelings, because honestly our feelings are terrible decision makers. They are not allowed to be in charge.   For all my talk about data analysis and using it to inform your course decisions, there is one aspect I don’t talk about nearly enough and that’s evaluating data with a bias.   Let’s talk about what that looks like and how to overcome it when looking at the data for your course. Connect on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ericanashdesign Learn more about working with Erica: www.ericanash.com

[TW: trauma and brief mention of suicidal ideation]   This episode is really special. I am so excited that you found your way to it. If you listened to the episode with Shannon Mattern, you might recall us mentioning Dr. Lee Cordell and the Institute of Trauma and Psychological Safety. We talked a little about how transformative her work is and encouraged you all to find her. Well, I’m thrilled to share that I asked Dr. Lee to come on the show and chat with me about all things trauma and psychological safety in the courses and she was all for it. Whether you have a course, want to develop a course, or simply work in the online business space, please listen to this episode. There are so many nuggets and profound pieces of wisdom that I know I’ll be referring back to for as long as I’m in this business, and I’m willing to bet there’s something in here for you, too.  About Dr. Lee: Dr. Lee C. Cordell is an expert mindset coach, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and CEO and founder of the Institute for Trauma and Psychological Safety. Lee uses her 15+ years of experience in healthcare, psychology, and education to empower people in the development of safe, healthy, and shame-free personal and professional relationships.   Connect with Dr. Lee: Becoming Trauma-Informed Podcast -- www.buzzsprout.com/1522051/share Facebook Community -- https://www.facebook.com/groups/becometraumainformed Follow us on Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/becomingtraumainformed/ Connect on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ericanashdesign Learn more about working with Erica: www.ericanash.com

Listen, this episode is SO GOOD. I had the chance to sit down with accessibility educator, Erin Perkins of Mabely Q, to talk about accessibility in course design and WOW did she drop some incredible nuggets of knowledge.   She answers questions like: what do accessible courses look like? What are best practices for course creators wanting to make their course experience more accessible? And so many more.   This is a topic I’m super passionate about and is close to my heart because my daughter is neurodivergent and I’ve seen first hand the need for accessible education, and I know this isn’t just going to magically change when she becomes interested in online courses.   So grab a notebook and pen and settle in for some incredible insight. You’re gonna want to hear this. About Erin: Erin Perkins is a champion of disability rights and an inspiring entrepreneur who advocates for greater accessibility, inclusiveness, and understanding within the business world. As a deafblind woman herself – founder of small online business Mabely Q – as well as an experienced speaker/educator, Erin’s message has been heard by CEOs around the country. Her unique gifts are her life experiences which she compassionately shares with others through keynote speeches, private workshops or one-on-one consulting sessions to foster true inclusion at all levels -- allowing people with disabilities equal opportunities to succeed professionally.   As creative educators and leaders in their industries, it is essential to recognize the importance of accessibility in their work. Accessibility ensures that everyone, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, can access and benefit from the content being created. By teaching accessibility to this audience, they will be empowered to create more inclusive and diverse content that reaches a wider audience. Additionally, as leaders in their industries, they have the power to influence others to adopt accessible practices, creating a ripple effect throughout the industry. This not only promotes inclusivity but also helps businesses and organizations comply with legal requirements related to accessibility. Furthermore, by understanding and implementing accessible practices from the outset, these creative educators and leaders can save time and resources by avoiding costly retroactive measures later on. In short, teaching accessibility to this audience will equip them with valuable skills that will benefit both themselves and those they serve while promoting a more inclusive society as a whole.   Connect with Erin: www.mabelyq.com www.instagram.com/mabely_q   Connect on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ericanashdesign Learn more about working with Erica: www.ericanash.com

As a course creator, one of the most significant challenges you may face is students who disengage. Despite your best efforts, some students may not engage with the course material or with the learning community. In this episode, we will explore why students disengage, what disengagement looks like, and most importantly, what you can do to get them back.   Trigger warning: brief mention of spouse and child death Connect on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ericanashdesign Learn more about working with Erica: www.ericanash.com

In today’s episode I get to sit down with Sarah Masci, founder of Day Rate Mastery, to talk about what it's like running a course with a large community, how to create a space where clients feel safe, celebrating all kinds of wins, and cultivating community. Sarah shares some of her insights into running a large program, and learning and pivoting to ensure it's serving clients well. If you're curious to get a peek behind the VIP day course curtain, this is an episode you want to stick around for.   About Sarah: Sarah Masci is the CEO and founder Day Rate Mastery®, an online company that teaches creative service providers how to work less, and make more with a streamlined Day Rate or VIP Day business model. Years of running a traditional design business, filled with scope creep, inconsistent timelines and overlapping client projects, eventually resulted in classic burnout– becoming the catalyst that sparked Sarah's desire to create a better process. Since its inception in 2019, Day Rate Mastery® has helped thousands of freelancers rediscover joy in their work and the freedom they’d lost along the way. www.sarahmasci.com/programs www.instagram.com/sarahmasci Connect on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ericanashdesign Learn more about working with Erica: www.ericanash.com

Join me today as I have a chat with Pia Silva, Founder of No BS Agency Mastery, about the role confidence plays as a course creator (and how to instill that confidence in your students as they chase after their big goals), demystifying strategy, and establishing and holding boundaries that model responsible business ownership, but also honor student needs. This is an episode you don’t want to miss!   About Pia: Pia Silva is a partner and brand strategist at Worstofall Design where they build entire brands in 1-3 day intensives. She’s also the founder of No BS Agency Mastery where she teaches 1-2 person branding agencies scale to $30-50k months while reducing their workload by up to 80%, all without employees. She’s a TEDx speaker, a Forbes contributor, podcast host and author of Badass Your Brand.   Find Pia @PiaLovesYourBiz on all socials and www.nobsagencies.com/blueprint Connect on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ericanashdesign Learn more about working with Erica: www.ericanash.com

On today’s episode of Next Level Course Creator, I had the opportunity to chat with Alecia St. Germain, Founder of The Conscious Edge and truly amazing mindset coach. We dive deep into the topic of people pleasing and how that shows up in next level courses, especially when dealing with negative feedback. Alecia gives some great advice on how to reign in people pleasing tendencies and look at feedback in a way that’s helpful and empowering rather than something that throws everything off track. If you’re in the business of serving other people at a high level, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.   About Alecia: Alecia St. Germain is a Certified Immunity to Change Coach, Soul Purpose Oracle, and founder of The Conscious Edge – a leadership and personal development company focused on empowering female entrepreneurs to leverage their time and expertise efficiently to build multiple-six and seven-figure businesses.  After training more than 10,000 entrepreneurs, Alecia knows that strategies and tactics are only a small part of creating wealth and happiness.  Merging methodologies of modern science and ancient wisdom, she helps her clients uncover and transform their unconscious beliefs, while creating alignment between mind, body, and soul.  Nothing lights her up more than seeing her clients confidently shatter their income ceilings, reclaim their time, and step boldly into their roles as leaders. Find Alecia at www.consciousedge.com Connect on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ericanashdesign Learn more about working with Erica: www.ericanash.com

In today's episode, we discussed the #1 indicator that an online course is successful: change in participant behavior. We defined what this indicator means and provided examples of how students might demonstrate a change in behavior after taking a course. We also talked about the benefits of measuring change in behavior, including understanding the effectiveness of course content and teaching methods, identifying areas for improvement, and understanding the value and impact of the course on students. Finally, we provided strategies for course creators to track and measure changes in participant behavior, such as collecting data from evaluations or surveys, observing changes in student participation, and analyzing changes in performance or outcomes.   Resources mentioned: Beyond Satisfaction by Breanne Dyck Connect on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ericanashdesign Learn more about working with Erica: www.ericanash.com For transcripts: www.ericanash.com/blog

In this episode, I have the privilege of sitting down with Julia Taylor, the founder and CEO of GeekPack and the creator of WP Rockstar. We’re diving into the topic of caring for individual clients when you have a large community, the process of making clients feel like they’re more than just a number, and how hiring a professional curriculum designer made a difference in her business and the confidence she felt in her program.   If you’ve got a large program or your program is heading that way, listen in for some of Julia’s insight on navigating the large community experience.   About Julia: Julia Taylor is a self-taught web-developer and online business owner who founded GeekPack® in 2018. She is passionate about empowering women and girls everywhere to create better lives for themselves by teaching them how to code and manage their own businesses in the digital realm. Discover Julia Taylor and GeekPack® here: https://geekpack.com/ Connect on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ericanashdesign Learn more about working with Erica: www.ericanash.com For transcripts: www.ericanash.com/blog

In this episode I get to sit down with Shannon Mattern, the founder of Web Designer Academy and host of the Profitable Web Designer podcast. We’re having a candid conversation about cultivating community, creating safer spaces for clients and team members, and how client retention has a place in your program right alongside new enrollments.   About Shannon: Shannon Mattern is the founder of the Web Designer Academy where she mentors web designers to create profitable, sustainable and scalable web design businesses. Her proven frameworks for packaging, pricing, positioning and selling premium web design services have helped hundreds of designers raise prices, book dream clients and work less.    She's also the host of the Profitable Web Designer Podcast, your go-to resource for marketing, mindset, money, management and mentorship for web designers who want to create businesses that provide freedom, flexibility and financial independence.   Learn more and connect with Shannon at https://webdesigneracademy.com and www.instagram.com/shannonlmattern or www.instagram.com/profitablewebdesigner   Other resources mentioned: Dr. Lee Cordell: https://www.leeccordell.com/ The Institute for Trauma and Psychological Safety: https://www.institutefortrauma.com/ Connect on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ericanashdesign Learn more about working with Erica: www.ericanash.com For transcripts: www.ericanash.com/blog

As course creators, we have the power to change people’s lives. Education is a powerful force for good, AND ALSO a billion dollar industry. With the explosion of online courses and increasing competition in the industry–not to mention the rhetoric on social media–it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers–conversion rates, launch dates, revenue goals.   Today we’re going to talk about human-first course creation–what it is, why it matters, and how you can start taking a more human-first approach in your program right now. Connect on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ericanashdesign Learn more about working with Erica: www.ericanash.com For transcripts: www.ericanash.com/blog

If you have a course that is converting well, and you’re wondering what’s next for your program and your students, this is for you.   The online course journey is so much more than conversion numbers, sold out launches, and five-figure months. It’s about real people getting a real education that has the potential to change their lives.   Education is a powerful force for good, and we have more access to it now than ever before. What you’ve created is needed and good, but it’s also challenging and very nuanced.   This is Next Level Course Creator, a podcast for online course creators who want to create a premium online program that serves the whole person, satisfies student needs, and creates brand ambassadors who tell all their friends about how awesome you are.   I’m Erica, online course designer and strategist, former high school teacher, and all around educational nerd.   I help course creators just like you elevate and streamline their course curriculum to make it more engaging and actionable in order to generate more revenue through retention and quality referrals.   The skills I learned over the decade-long period I spent as a scrappy high school teacher allowed me to cultivate the process and strategy for developing engaging, holistic online courses that focus on participants as a whole person, rather than a faceless entity somewhere on the internet.   And a really beautiful thing happens when we view our courses with a human-first lens … we’re better able to meet needs, which leads to higher levels of satisfaction, which then leads to more engagement, greater success with strategies, higher retention rates, and quality referrals.    Each episode of this podcast will offer a fresh perspective on the online course industry with strategies for next level curriculum development and client experience that leads to programs with high levels of participant satisfaction and retention.   If you’re ready to cultivate and grow the relationships you’ve already established with the leads you spent so much time and energy capturing rather than always having to go out and get new leads … you’re in the right place!   Listen in as I chat with next level course creators who are doing it really well and sharing what’s working for them.   Let’s go!   Send me a message: erica@ericanashdesign.com Work with me: https://www.ericanash.com/work-with-me