How to Create Action-Oriented Online Courses That Drive Results
Learning how to create action-oriented online courses isn’t just about compiling information and uploading it to a platform. To truly drive transformation for your students, the focus must shift to action and results.
This podcast explores the critical concept of bridging the gap between where learners currently are and the gain they seek by building streamlined, action-driven courses.
Why Action Over Information Matters
Many business owners mistakenly believe that providing as much content as possible equals value. However, the opposite is often true. When you overburden your learners with excess material, they get lost in the noise. The key to success lies in learning to create action-oriented online courses that guide learners step by step towards their desired transformation.
The focus should be on what customers need to do, not just what they need to know. This subtle shift ensures that every module, video, or exercise contributes directly to achieving results.
1. Define the Customer’s Goal Clearly
Before structuring your course, ask yourself:
What is the ultimate goal that my learners are trying to achieve?
Without a clear goal, your course risks becoming unfocused. Think of the goal as the finish line for your students. Whether it’s increasing revenue, building a business, or developing a new skill, everything within the course should align with helping them reach that milestone.
A great example from the podcast is the simple yet powerful module titled, “What’s Your Number?”. Instead of presenting theoretical information, this module forces learners to identify their personal metrics and set actionable goals, guiding them to reflect on their current state versus their desired outcome.
2. Identify and Emphasize the Gap
Once you’ve defined the goal, highlight the gap between where learners are now and where they aspire to be. This gap creates the roadmap for your course content.
- Start by addressing their pain points and struggles.
- Next, outline the necessary steps to reach the goal.
- Guide learners to take immediate action to assess their unique position and begin closing the gap.
By framing the course around personalized solutions, learners engage more deeply because they feel the content directly applies to their situation.
3. Simplify the Learning Path
One of the most common mistakes course creators make is overcomplicating the process. Simplicity is key.
- Eliminate unnecessary information.
- Focus on core lessons and essential exercises that drive the most impact.
- Supplementary content (such as interviews, charts, or bonus material) should be optional, not required.
Less is more when it comes to achieving effective learning outcomes.
4. Engage Learners with Personalized Action Steps
Rather than lecturing with generalized information, build exercises that force learners to apply concepts to their own lives.
For example:
- Ask them to calculate personalized figures.
- Encourage self-reflection through guided questions.
- Provide templates for immediate implementation.
Courses that promote active engagement and application result in higher completion rates and more satisfied learners.
5. Measure Results and Track Progress
Once learners begin applying the content, build in progress checks to ensure they’re advancing. This can be as simple as:
- Mid-course reviews
- Interactive checkpoints
- “Milestone” achievements after each section
By helping learners track their progress, they stay motivated and engaged throughout the program.
Key Takeaways for Business Owners:
- Focus on Results, Not Information: Simplify content to focus on action and goal-setting.
- Define the Gap and Gain: Clearly show the learner where they are and what they can achieve.
- Engage with Personalization: Create exercises that reflect each learner’s unique situation.
- Prioritize Simplicity: The fewer unnecessary materials, the better the results.
- Track and Celebrate Progress: Build in checkpoints and milestones to keep students moving forward.
By learning how to create action-oriented online courses, you not only ensure learner success but also create a sustainable, scalable business model where happy clients refer and return for more.
Are you ready to create a transformative online course? Start by defining the one problem you can solve and guiding your learners toward their personalized gain.
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:
Bridging the Gap Between Learners’ Current State and Desired Results | Create Action-Oriented Online Courses Focused on Results | Simplifying the Learning Path for Maximum Impact
Highlights
- Focus on Transformation Over Information:
- Effective courses are designed to guide learners towards personalized results rather than simply providing knowledge.
- Define Clear Milestones (The Gap and Gain Concept):
- Help learners assess where they are now and where they need to be by identifying their own goals and progress metrics.
- Less is More – Simplification is Key:
- Remove unnecessary content and prioritize clarity and brevity to ensure learners stay engaged and take action.
- Engagement Through Personalization:
- Incorporate interactive exercises like “What’s Your Number?” to force learners to reflect and apply the material to their specific situation, driving higher success rates.
