Pull out your smartphone: Easy ways to boost digital course sales with video (with Nicole Burke)

Ever wonder what the big deal is about using video in your business? 

In this episode, I delve into the incredible success story of Nicole Burke, one of my standout Digital Course Academy students. 

Nicole, the brilliant mind behind Gardenary, has taken her business to new heights by harnessing the power of video in her marketing strategy.

I understand the hesitation that comes with video -- it used to intimidate me too! But let me assure you, it's a game-changer that can transform your business, just as it did for Nicole.

And here's the kicker: You don't need a pro videographer or a hefty budget to create engaging, converting videos for your audience. 

In this episode, Nicole spills all her video secrets, sharing the insights and strategies that have propelled her on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Pinterest.

Even if you're a one-person operation armed only with a smartphone, Nicole's tips will empower you to step confidently into the world of video content.

You’ll learn: 

• How Nicole generates captivating content ideas
• The ‘nuts and bolts of posting including the ideal frequency and video length 
• Advice on user-friendly and affordable video equipment and software 
• Tried and true strategies to go viral
• How to move past feeling uncomfortable on camera

So if you're eager to unlock the potential of video and supercharge your digital course sales, pop in your earbuds and give this episode your full attention!

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Small list, big Revenue: Jan Ditchfield's path to digital course success

Ever found yourself thinking you don't have enough time, money, credibility, or a large enough audience to create a successful digital course? Well, you're not alone. 

Over the years I’ve found that many of my Digital Course Academy students started off feeling this way -- but still go on to create wildly successful digital courses. 

One of these students is Jan Ditchfield, a former award-winning fundraiser and revenue generation strategist. Burnt out from being told what to do at her 9 to 5, she took a leap of faith and ventured into the world of entrepreneurship and digital courses.

What I love about her story is that Jen had a small email list and small social media following – yet she managed to rake in an impressive $18,425 from 29 enrollments -- completely ad-free – in her very first launch. 

Since joining Digital Course Academy, Jan's journey has led her to over $145,000 in revenue, and she's well on her way to a multiple 6-figure business. How incredible is that?

In this episode, you’re going to hear more about Jan’s story, and how she blew the idea that you need a massive email list to achieve substantial revenue completely out of the water. 

Jan’s journey is sure to leave you inspired! As you listen, I hope you start dreaming big, and consider the immense potential your small email list holds.

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"I love Amy and Online Marketing Made Easy." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- move toward the online life and business that they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

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These are the 5 biggest mistakes I see course creators make (plus ways you can avoid making them)

I’ve been in digital marketing for a while now, and over the years I’ve noticed that there are five errors that digital course creators commonly make when they’re first getting started. 

Now, making mistakes is a part of the entrepreneurial game. I’ve made plenty, and I know that I’ll keep making more. And what’s great is that every time you make a mistake, you can learn from it. 

But here’s the thing. The mistakes that I talk about in this episode are things that can seriously impact your ability to create a digital course that not only makes you a lot of money but also makes an impact on people’s lives. 

Now here’s the really good news. I’m also going to give you strategies to sidestep these mistakes so you don’t have to deal with the headache and stress that all-too-many people have made, including myself.

These are strategies that I cover in my signature course, Digital Course Academy, so you will be getting some of my paid content for absolutely free. 

And just a word to the wise, this is a jam-packed episode, so if you haven’t already, be sure to bust out your notebook or a Google Doc so you can take some notes. 

It’s my hope that by being aware of these pitfalls and taking the steps to avoid them, you’ll feel confident as you move forward in your own digital course creation journey. 

Enjoy!

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Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

Unsure about switching your business niche? Here’s what you need to know

There’s a five-letter word that gets thrown around all the time in the entrepreneurial world, and for good reason.

The word I’m referring to is N-I-C-H-E, and the reason that it’s talked about so much is that having a niche -- or a thing that you’re known for in business -- is incredibly important if you want to stand out from the pack and serve your audience at the highest level.

But what if you feel like your digital course niche simply isn’t working for you? Maybe you’re not selling very much, or something just feels off about it.

The question becomes whether you should keep on keepin’ on with your current niche, or move on to something different. 

And that’s what today’s episode is all about. The decision to change your niche can be a tough one, sweet friend, so I’m going to walk you through some things that might make the process a little bit easier for you. 

You’ll hear: 

• 4 questions to ask yourself before you switch your niche 
• My experience with switching niches early on my business
• How to carry the momentum of your current niche into your new one
• What you can expect if you switch to a niche that’s entirely different

I promise, this episode might just be the gut check that you need if you’re thinking about going in a different direction. So pop in your earbuds, and give it a listen! 

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"I love Amy and Online Marketing Made Easy." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- move toward the online life and business that they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

How to prompt ChatGPT to brainstorm topic ideas for your digital course

In this episode, I’m diving deep into one of the most common questions I get from you all - how to pick that *perfect* topic for your digital course. Don't worry; it's totally normal to feel a bit overwhelmed but trust me, it's not as scary as it seems!

So, get ready to unleash the power of the "Sweet Spot Test"! It's a proven process that'll help you nail down the best course ideas that your audience will love.

But wait, there's more! We've got an exciting twist for you. Ever heard of ChatGPT? It's the AI everyone's buzzing about! And here's the kicker - you can use it to expand your course ideas even further! I know, super cool, right? 🤖💡

Now, here's the thing - ChatGPT is fantastic, but it can be a little intimidating if you've never used it before. No worries, though! In this episode, we'll hold your hand and show you how to get started, making it a breeze.

So, what can you expect in this episode? Well, grab your favorite beverage and get comfy, because we've got a treat for you. We'll not only reveal the four magical questions to help you find your Sweet Spot, but we'll also show you how to make ChatGPT your new brainstorming buddy. Together, we'll brew up some fantastic ideas for your dream course topic! ☕💡

And if you've been struggling to figure out your niche, fret not! With the Sweet Spot Test and ChatGPT by your side, you'll be amazed at how we'll help you zero in on a course topic that's just *perfect* for you.

So, join me in this exciting episode as we take a laid-back approach to demystify the world of digital course topics. Trust me, after this, you'll be brimming with confidence to tackle your course creation journey like a pro!

Ready to dive in? Hit that play button now and let's get this AI-powered party started! 🎉🎧

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"I love Amy and Online Marketing Made Easy." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- move toward the online life and business that they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

Say bye-bye to business burnout with these 4 strategies

Burnout. It’s the dreaded B word that most entrepreneurs experience at one point in their business journey or another, and it’s not a fun place to be. 

Not only do you feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders, but the passion you once had for your business -- and that drive to move forward -- seems to totally dissipate because you’re so overwhelmed.

I don’t know about you, but the reason that I left the corporate world in the first place was because I wanted to love what I do, not to be totally exhausted by it. I want to wake up in the morning feeling energized and excited, not fearful and frustrated.

Can you relate? If so, pay close attention to this episode -- because over the years, I’ve discovered the ‘secret sauce’ to having a successful business, sans the burnout. 

I only wish I would have discovered what these four things are sooner!

So if you’re on the brink of a business burnout, and want to banish it from your business for good, then grab a beverage of your choice, pop in your earpods, and get ready to take some notes.

Here’s a glance at this episode...

• [04:57] Burnout is common in the entrepreneurial world. I've experienced it firsthand, and I've heard stories from my students.
• [06:49] I got burned out working one-on-one with clients about two years into my business. I decided to fire all of my paying clients and do something different.
• [08:07] My most recent burnout was after I launched Two Weeks Notice. But this time I had the tools and knew what I needed to do to protect myself.
• [09:37] Creating a digital course has been a game-changer for my mental health. It’s helped many of my students avoid burnout too.
• [11:11] Digital courses could be the best asset in your business to protect you. It provides consistency and lessens the amount of hustle you have to do. 
• [12:13] Total burnout comes from constantly having to start from scratch and create something new. 
• [14:16] A digital course can increase revenue. You can also put a course on Evergreen, meaning that it’s automated and for sale every day.
• [15:52] Time blocking can help avoid burnout. It helps you get really clear on the action items you'll be doing during the day. It also helps avoid context switching.  
• [19:14] A four-day workweek can also help you avoid burnout. I’ve invited my team to have a four-day workweek and it’s transformed our mental health. 
• [21:46] 1. Create a digital course. 2. Eventually, put a course on evergreen. 3. Time blocking. 4. Explore incorporating a four-day workweek. 
• [22:58] What are you doing to protect yourself from burnout?

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"I love Amy and Online Marketing Made Easy." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- move toward the online life and business that they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

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I get these questions alllll the time...

• Do courses work in my industry?
• Is a digital course right for my business? Or is my teaching better suited to a membership? Or coaching?
• Would my 1-1 service translate into a course?
• How the heck do I move from 1-1 to a course when I’m already working 70-hour weeks?

If any of those Q’s feel familiar, this episode is a “How I Created This” style exposé on real businesses that went from not quite sure a course would fit… To regretting not creating one sooner.

I’m dropping ALL the deets on their industry and how they created a digital course that works for their business model, from 1-1 service to non-profit work to a business that didn’t even exist yet.

What 2 of my students have done to create profitable, sustainable businesses by creating a digital course

If you’re anything like me, you like to have all of your facts straight before making any big business decisions. 

In fact, a big part of my decision-making process is learning about other business owners who’ve done something similar, and what their experience was like. 

I always find that hearing stories from those who’ve gone before me helps ease my mind about doing something new.

So if you’ve been considering creating a digital course, but aren’t 100% sure whether it’s the right decision-- or if your business will translate well into this type of model -- then pay close attention to what you hear in this episode. 

I sit down with two of my DCA graduates who started their digital course journeys with very different backgrounds. My student Jaren was a real estate investor, while my student Teresa sold art journals at festivals. Apples and oranges, I tell ya! 

We dive into the reasons they decided to create a digital course in the first place, the nuts and bolts of their course launches, the challenges they faced along the way -- and here’s the fun part -- how a digital course has changed their lives and businesses for the better. 

I hope that if you’re struggling with the decision of whether to create a digital course, then these interviews will give you an honest look at what life could be like for you. 

Happy listening! 

Here’s a glance at this episode...

• [03:50] Jaren Sustar is a real estate investor and founder of Finance Cowboy. His digital course helps people find and manage rental properties or flips.
• [05:02] Teresa Merriman created a course about travel art journaling. She even filmed her course in Croatia. 
• [07:09] Jaren began his career as a truck driver. He transitioned into sales and also started buying real estate. Finance Cowboy was born in 2021. 
• [12:21] Jaren joined List Builders Society and grew his list from 700 to 14,000 people.
• [13:02] After taking DCA, Jaron added a course to his business. The course allowed him to go really deep and take his students to the next level.
• [16:14] Jaren’s course is called The Rental Academy. He charged $3,000 and built a waiting list of 1200 people for his first launch. He made over $200,000.
• [23:56] Having a course has allowed Jaren to hire four full-time employees and coaches. 
• [29:56] Teresa has been an exhibiting artist since 2005. She makes beautiful ornate leather-bound journals.
• [31:03] During the pandemic, Teresa began offering a limited series online. She had an audience.
• [33:45] Teresa heard about digital courses and decided to niche down by focusing on travel journaling. 
• [38:28] Teresa's course launch consisted of social media and emails. It was $497 and she sold 32 in her first launch. 
• [42:42] She's now prepared to better describe and talk about her course when she does her second launch.
• [47:10] Teresa created a membership and has an in-person art retreat coming up this fall. Today she has more freedom with her time and makes a greater impact.

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"I love Amy and Online Marketing Made Easy." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- move toward the online life and business that they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

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Predict your digital course profit potential in 4 easy steps

Have you ever wondered how much money you could actually make from creating a digital course? 

You already know that a digital course can help free up more of your time, allow you to work from anywhere, and scale your business -- but by how much?

If you wonder, then pay close attention to this episode, sweet friend – because I’m going to show you exactly how to calculate your digital course profit potential in four easy steps. 

Including how to calculate exactly how many students you’d need to enroll in your course to meet a series of three goals you’ll set – a good goal, a great goal, and a big, scary goal. 

I think you’re going to be pleasantly surprised to see how enrolling even just a small number of students can absolutely change your life!

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"I love Amy and Online Marketing Made Easy." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- move toward the online life and business that they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

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Scale your impact without maxing out your calendar

Imagine this scenario. You’re a business owner who works one-on-one with clients. You love what you do, you have a lot of knowledge to share, and you’re making money. Most of all, you love the feeling you get from helping your clients achieve their goals. 

But the thing is, you’re starting to get the feeling that one-on-one work is holding back your growth potential. 

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase ‘time is money’ -- and in a lot of business models, this old saying rings true because your ability to change more lives and make more money is totally dependent upon the number of hours in the day.

But the thing is, it doesn’t have to be like this -- and creating a digital course is one way that you can significantly scale your impact and your income without maxing out your calendar.

Take it from me. When I first started my business, I worked one-on-one with clients as a social media consultant. Not only was I stressed beyond belief, but there was a cap on my income potential and how many people I could help.

Transitioning my business from client work to selling digital courses has allowed me to make more money, create more impact, and live a life that’s completely on my terms. 

So if you’ve ever been curious whether this type of business model is limiting your growth potential, then pay close attention to this episode.

In it, I share four telltale signs that one-on-one work is holding you back, along with true stories of how some of my DCA Students have scaled their businesses with a digital course. 

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"I love Amy and Online Marketing Made Easy." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- move toward the online life and business that they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

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The 3 types of people that make the best digital course creators

Have you ever wondered if a digital course is right for you? 

Maybe you’re working a 9 to 5 job, and although you love what you do, you feel like a cog in the wheel -- and know you’re cut out for much more. 

Or maybe you’ve already started your own business, but feel so overwhelmed by your day-to-day workload that you question whether going off on your own was even worth it in the first place.

Or maybe you’ve thought about starting a digital course because you have knowledge to share, and you know that this type of business model allows you to maximize your impact and your income…

But even if it sounds like a good move, you’re still not 100% sure whether creating a digital course is right for your situation. 

And if that’s you, you’re in luck -- because in this episode, I share the three different types of people who pivot extremely well into digital course creation. 

You’re also going to hear real-life examples of how digital courses have helped my DCA students create sustainable, profitable businesses that have allowed them to create a life on their own terms. 

So grab a cold bevy, pop in your earbuds and press play on this enlightening episode!

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Amy and Online Marketing Made Easy." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- move toward the online life and business that they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!