I don't have a course built yet. What's the easiest way for me to get started building a course?

If you don’t have a course built yet, the easiest way to get started is to validate before you create — so you’re not guessing, overbuilding, or wasting time on something people don’t actually want.

Here’s my step-by-step approach:

1. Get clear on one problem you can solve quickly.

You don’t need a 12-module signature course to start. Pick a single, high-priority problem your audience is actively trying to solve. Think: something that feels urgent, achievable, and worth paying for.

2. Validate your idea with real conversations.

Before you touch a slide deck, send a short, targeted message to a few people who match your ideal student. For example:

“Hey [Name], I’m working on a new digital course idea and would love your take. If there were a simple way to [solve core problem or desire], is that something you or someone you know would actually want? And if yes, what would you really want it to include?”

This one question will tell you (a) if the problem matters enough for people to pay for a solution, and (b) exactly what they want in that solution.

3. Build the “minimum viable course.”

Instead of overproducing, create a beta version—maybe a live Zoom workshop, a 3-part training, or a mini-course with a PDF guide and videos you record on your phone. This keeps your creation timeline short and your feedback loop fast.

4. Sell it before you finish it.

Once you have validation, invite your audience to join at a “founding student” rate. This gives you paying customers and real accountability to finish.

5. Deliver, get feedback, refine.

Run your beta, gather feedback, and then upgrade the content for your official launch. That’s when you can decide if it’s worth turning into your full signature offer.

The shortcut here is: start small, start now, and let your audience shape the course with you. You’ll skip months of guesswork and have paying students from day one.

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