Welcome to another session of Texas Counselors Creating Badass Businesses! Today, we’re diving into one of my absolute favorite topics: online course creation tools and how to use them when you're thinking about diversifying your income. This is where my passion really shines, and I’m excited to share my journey and insights with you all.
So, grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s chat about how you can use online courses to grow your practice and income!
TCCBB #90: Unlock Your Success with Online Course Creation Tools: A Guide for Therapists
Why Online Courses?
Let me start with a little backstory. Around 2015, I decided to dip my toes into the world of online courses. Back then, DVDs were still a thing, so I created a DVD series based on my experiences and mistakes in private practice. I called it “My Favorite Mistakes.” It was fun, a bit challenging, and definitely outside the usual norm of therapy room activities.
The DVDs sold well at the Texas Counseling Association Conference, where I always have a booth. But, as you can imagine, they quickly became outdated. Fast forward to now, we have fantastic online course creation tools that make the process smoother and the content evergreen. Evergreen content means it stays relevant over time, just like an evergreen tree that remains green year-round.
From DVDs to Online Courses
The transition from DVDs to online courses was a game-changer. When the law in Texas changed to allow the 40-hour training for LPC or LMFT supervisors to be taught entirely online, I was ready.
No more dealing with physical media. Instead, I used tools like Google Drive and Dropbox to share asynchronous materials. Asynchronous simply means I record now, and you watch later—super convenient, right?
The beauty of these online course creation tools is that they allow us to update content easily. No more worrying about outdated DVDs. For instance, our 40-hour training course gets an annual overhaul, but we continuously update it with any changes or new information. This ensures our students always have access to the latest and greatest knowledge.
Creating Evergreen Content
Let’s talk more about evergreen content. When you’re thinking about creating an online course, consider what you’re really good at. What’s your specialty?
Your course doesn’t have to be long or complicated. It can be something you update periodically. For example, I update our training course once a year, but we also add notes when there are significant changes.
Creating evergreen content means you’re responsible for keeping it current. Think of it like maintaining a YouTube channel. You need to go through it occasionally, clean out old videos, and update or remove content that’s no longer relevant. This keeps your online course fresh and valuable for your audience.
The Power of Asynchronous Courses
Now, let’s dive into the power of asynchronous courses. The majority of my income from AchieveBalance.org and Kate Walker Training comes from these courses. They allow me to reach a wider audience without the constraints of scheduling live sessions. Sure, I still do workshops and live events, but asynchronous courses have become a significant income stream.
As a practice owner, you can use online courses not just as an additional income stream but also to attract more clients. Let’s say you’re the go-to play therapist in your area, and you have a waiting list. Creating a course on play therapy techniques can help those clients who are waiting to see you. It’s a way for them to start getting help and building a connection with you even before their first appointment.
Boosting Your Online Presence
Another fantastic benefit of online courses is that they help boost your online presence. When you create a course, it’s not just about the content. It’s also about making yourself more searchable online.
Using online course creation tools, you can craft courses that include your name, location, and specialty. Post these on your website and YouTube, and watch your SEO rankings improve!
For example, a course titled “How to Get the Most Out of Play Therapy” can drive traffic to your website and YouTube channel. Google and YouTube are best friends, so having your content on both platforms increases your visibility. When potential clients search for play therapy resources, your course pops up, making it easier for them to find and connect with you.
Engaging Potential Clients
Creating an online course can also turn potential clients into actual clients. Imagine this scenario: a potential client contacts you, but for some reason, you’re not a perfect fit. Maybe it’s a scheduling issue, or your specialties don’t align. Instead of just turning them away, you can direct them to your online course. This way, you’re still providing value and building a relationship.
They’ll remember you as a helpful resource and may refer others to you. Plus, it positions you as a trusted expert in your field. People are more likely to recommend a therapist who offers valuable resources, even if they haven’t had a session with you yet.
Choosing the Right Online Course Creation Tools
So, what should you look for in online course creation tools? Here’s a quick rundown:
- Learning Management System (LMS): This is your course’s home base. It manages content, tracks progress, and provides certificates. Some popular LMS options include Teachable, Thinkific, and Kajabi. Here's a comparison chart you can download and use to find the best platform for your course creation goals.
- Hosting Services: Decide whether to host your course on your website or through a platform. Platforms like Teachable offer integrated hosting, which can be convenient.
- Ease of Use: Both you and your students should find the system easy to navigate. Complicated interfaces can deter people from engaging with your content.
- Customization: Make sure the platform allows you to brand your course. Consistent branding helps build recognition and trust.
- Communication Tools: Automated emails for course purchases, certificates, and updates can save you a lot of time. Make sure your LMS has these features.
- Media Uploads: Check what types of media you can upload. Video, audio, PDFs, and interactive content are all great options.
Final Thoughts on Online Course Creation Tools
Creating online courses can seem daunting, but with the right tools, it becomes much more manageable. These online course creation tools are designed to simplify the process, allowing you to focus on what you do best—helping clients.
Whether you’re looking to create an additional income stream or attract more clients, online courses are a fantastic option.
Thanks for joining me today. I hope you found this discussion on online course creation tools helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. Keep doing great things, and I’ll see you next time!
Action Items:
- What's an area of your practice that you could turn into a course? Spend some time writing out your thoughts on what you, specifically, have to offer.
- If you are checking out side hustles for your practice, check to see if you are eligible for the supervisor designation in Texas!