How to Choose the Right Delivery Method for Your Program
When packaging your expertise into a digital course or coaching program, one of the most common questions is: What’s the best delivery method to guarantee sales and results?
In today’s episode of the podcast, I dive into this exact question, inspired by a client conversation that touched on a key misconception about delivery methods. Whether you’re developing an online course, coaching program, or hybrid experience, the right choice often comes down to the audience and how they best receive value—not just the format itself.
Why Delivery Method Isn’t the Deal-Breaker
A client recently shared that someone she follows claimed his evergreen online course outsold his coaching program. Based on that, she assumed her program should be delivered in the same way. While that may seem like solid logic, the reality is more nuanced.
Your delivery method—whether it’s an online course, live coaching, or a combination—should reflect how your audience prefers to engage and what will help them get the best results. The same content can often be packaged and sold in different formats to meet diverse needs. The key is aligning the delivery method with the audience’s expectations and motivations.
Audience-Driven Delivery
Let’s break it down with an example. Imagine you’re selling a weight loss program:
- Option 1: A fully automated, on-demand course with video workouts and daily prompts. Perfect for self-motivated individuals who prefer flexibility.
- Option 2: A coaching program with accountability check-ins, live Q&A, and community support. Ideal for people who need external motivation and personal guidance.
Both programs teach the same roadmap to weight loss but cater to different types of buyers. One person thrives on autonomy, while the other succeeds with direct coaching. The content remains consistent—the delivery method adapts to the audience.
Finding the Right Fit for Your Offer
Choosing the best delivery method isn’t about following market trends blindly. It’s about understanding how your audience learns, what motivates them, and what obstacles stand in their way.
Here are three factors to consider when deciding:
- Complexity of the Problem: If your content is straightforward, an automated course might suffice. For more complex solutions, a coaching model may drive better results.
- Level of Accountability Needed: Does your audience need a push to stay on track, or can they follow the program independently?
- Scalability vs. Personalization: Automated courses are scalable, while coaching offers a personalized touch. Choose based on how hands-on you want to be.
The Common Misstep
One critical takeaway from this episode: If your program isn’t selling, the issue likely isn’t the delivery method. It’s more often an offer problem—your messaging might not be addressing the audience’s pain points clearly, or you may not be attracting the right people.
Tip: Focus on refining your offer and ensuring it targets the right audience before switching up delivery methods.
Delivery Method as a Secondary Factor
Your audience buys based on their desire to solve a pressing problem, not whether the program is a course or a workshop. As long as the delivery method aligns with their learning style and needs, the program’s format becomes secondary.
Whether you opt for:
- Do-It-Yourself (DIY) – Automated courses and self-paced learning
- Done-With-You (DWY) – Hybrid models with live elements and community engagement
- Done-For-You (DFY) – Personalized, 1:1 coaching experiences
… the right people will buy if your offer is compelling and relevant.
Final Thoughts
Before pivoting your delivery method because of market noise, take a step back. Evaluate your audience, their preferences, and how best to serve them. Your program can succeed in multiple formats, as long as you stay focused on solving the right problem.
Have questions about refining your delivery method or course offer? Drop me a message—I’d love to help you craft an experience that drives results.
Our Host
Tara Bryan is on Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin
Website is: www.Taralbryan.com
Hey, it’s your host, Tara Bryan. And I am on a mission to help more business owners learn to infinitely scale their businesses by leveraging the power of online without sacrificing the customer experience or results.
I like to geek out on all things business strategy, marketing, interactive digital and user experience. This podcast is all about what is working, lessons learned and actionable tips to create and grow a thriving online business.
Join us each week as we dive into different strategies, tactics and tips you can apply immediately to your business.
Key Topics:
Understanding the Impact of Delivery Methods | Audience Alignment with Delivery Methods | Solving the Real Problem: Offer vs. Delivery
Highlights
- Content Consistency, Delivery Flexibility – The same content can be packaged in various ways (DIY courses, coaching, hybrid), but success depends on how well the method aligns with audience needs.
- Audience-Driven Decision Making – Different audiences require different delivery methods. Some thrive on self-paced learning, while others need coaching and accountability.
- Sales Reflect the Offer, Not the Format – If a program isn’t selling, the core issue often lies in the offer’s clarity, relevance, or targeting—not in whether it’s delivered as a course or coaching program.
- Focus on Problem-Solution Fit – Buyers are motivated by their desire to solve a pressing problem. The key to sales is addressing that problem directly, regardless of how the solution is delivered.
