Video Course Guide

Part 1: Finding and Shaping Your Idea

  1. Unlock Course Ideas: 10 Ways to Find Profitable Topics
  2. Validate Your Course Idea Before You Create
  3. Turn Your Idea Into a Lesson Plan
  4. Make Sure Your Course Has a Red Thread
  5. Overcome Imposter Syndrome as a Course Creator

Part 2: Gearing Up to Create

  1. What Gear You Need to Record a Video Course
  2. Set Up a Simple Home Studio
  3. Perform Confidently on Camera
  4. Record Your Screen, Yourself, and Audio at Once
  5. Make Engaging Intros and Outros

Part 3: Creating and Editing Your Course

  1. Edit Your Course Videos Like a Pro
  2. Best Editing Software for PC and Mac
  3. Export Your Course Videos for Publishing
  4. Design Course Materials and Worksheets

Part 4: Selling and Scaling

  1. Create a Course Sales Page That Converts
  2. Price Your Course for Maximum Profit
  3. Where to Host and Sell Your Course (Teeeach!)
  4. Build an Audience for Your Course
  5. Use YouTube to Drive Traffic
  6. Build an Email List for Your Course
  7. Handle Customer Support and Feedback
  8. Keep Your Course Evergreen or Launch in Cohorts
  9. Repurpose Course Content for More Reach
  10. Bring in Guest Experts or Collaborators
  11. What to Do After You Launch Your First Course

Create your first video course

Build an Email List for Your Course

If you're serious about selling your online course, you need an email list. While social media platforms come and go, an email list gives you a direct line to your audience — and it's one of the most effective ways to convert leads into paying students.

In this guide, we'll walk through how to build an email list for your course, step by step, from creating a lead magnet to nurturing your subscribers.

Why an Email List is Essential for Course Sales

Your email list is more than just names in a database. It's a collection of people who've raised their hand and said, "I'm interested in what you teach." Here's why it's crucial:

  • You own it: Unlike social media followers, you control your list.
  • It converts better: Email subscribers are more likely to buy than casual website visitors.
  • It lets you build relationships: Through helpful, personalized content, you can warm up leads until they're ready to enroll.

Step 1: Create a Compelling Lead Magnet

A lead magnet is a free resource that solves a specific problem for your audience and gives them a taste of your course's value. It could be:

  • A checklist or cheat sheet
  • A mini-guide or e-book
  • A short video tutorial
  • A template or worksheet
  • A free webinar or workshop

Make sure it's closely tied to your course topic. For example, if your course teaches productivity, your lead magnet could be a "Daily Planner Template."

Step 2: Set Up an Email Collection System

Use an email marketing platform like ConvertKit, MailerLite, or Substack to create:

  • Opt-in forms: Place these on your website, blog, or course landing page.
  • Landing pages: A standalone page promoting your lead magnet with a simple signup form.
  • Automation sequences: Welcome emails that deliver the lead magnet and start building a relationship.

Your forms should be clear and focused: "Download your free daily planner now!" with a simple email field and submit button.

Step 3: Promote Your Lead Magnet

Now it's time to get people signing up. Promote your lead magnet:

  • On social media: Share links to your landing page regularly.
  • In YouTube videos: Mention your freebie and link to it in the description.
  • On your website or blog: Include banners, pop-ups, or sidebar forms.
  • Through collaborations: Offer your lead magnet as a bonus in partnerships or guest appearances.

Make it easy for your audience to find and access your free resource.

Step 4: Nurture Your List with Valuable Content

Once people join your list, don't just hit them with a sales pitch. Build trust and keep them engaged by sending:

  • Helpful tips or how-tos related to your course topic
  • Stories or personal insights to connect on a human level
  • Links to your latest content (blogs, videos, podcasts)
  • Behind-the-scenes previews of your course

This keeps your audience warm and primes them for your course offer.

Step 5: Introduce Your Course Strategically

When you're ready to launch or promote your course:

  • Send a dedicated announcement email with a clear CTA to enroll.
  • Highlight course benefits and outcomes, not just features.
  • Use urgency or exclusivity, like early-bird pricing or limited spots.
  • Follow up with reminders before enrollment closes.

Keep the tone friendly and focused on how the course helps solve their problems or achieve their goals.

A Real-Life Example

Monica, a life coach, grew her email list by offering a free self-care checklist. She shared it on social media and mentioned it in her YouTube videos. Over time, her list grew to 1,000+ engaged subscribers. When she launched her paid course, she sent a series of value-packed emails with a clear call to action. The result? She filled her first course cohort with ease.

Key Takeaways

  • An email list gives you a reliable, high-converting channel to sell your course.
  • Offer a free, valuable lead magnet tied to your course topic.
  • Use a simple opt-in system and promote it across your platforms.
  • Nurture your list with consistent, valuable content.
  • When ready, introduce your course with a clear, compelling CTA.

What's Next?

Next up: Handle Customer Support and Feedback

This article is part of the Ultimate Guide to Creating and Selling Online Video Courses. Explore other parts of the guide: