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

Design Course Materials and Worksheets

A great online course isn't just about what you say on camera — it's also about the supporting materials you provide. Well-designed worksheets, templates, and resources can make a huge difference in how students absorb and apply what they've learned. They turn passive watching into active learning and give your course lasting value.

In this guide, we'll break down how to design course materials and worksheets that are clear, engaging, and actionable, even if you're not a graphic designer.

Why Course Materials Matter

Course materials provide extra depth and help reinforce key concepts. They:

  • Help students organize their thoughts and track progress.
  • Offer practical tools like checklists, templates, and planners.
  • Keep learners engaged with activities they can complete offline.
  • Add a professional polish to your course that builds credibility.

Skipping these resources can leave students feeling overwhelmed or disconnected, while great materials make your course more memorable and impactful.

Step 1: Start with Purpose

Before you create a single worksheet or PDF, ask yourself:

  • What actions do I want my students to take?
  • How can I reinforce the key points of this lesson?
  • Will this material help them apply what they're learning?

Each resource should have a clear goal. For example, a worksheet might guide reflection on a concept, a template might simplify a task, and a checklist might ensure important steps aren't missed. Clarity here will make your materials more useful and focused.

Step 2: Keep It Simple and Actionable

You don't need complex layouts or fancy design software. Focus on making your materials:

  • Easy to read: Use large, legible fonts, consistent spacing, and clear section headings.
  • Visually clean: Keep the design minimal, with lots of white space. Avoid clutter or overuse of colors.
  • Action-oriented: Include prompts like "Write down three ideas for...", "Check off each step as you complete it", or "Fill in the blanks below".
  • PDF-friendly: Save your worksheets as PDFs for easy sharing and printing.

Remember, students want clarity and simplicity, not a flashy design that makes them hunt for information.

Step 3: Use Simple Tools

You don't need advanced graphic design skills to create professional-looking materials. Tools like:

  • Canva: Easy-to-use templates, drag-and-drop elements, and ready-made designs for worksheets and templates.
  • Google Docs or Microsoft Word: Great for simple worksheets with text and tables. You can dress them up with a logo and some color.
  • Notion or Miro: For interactive templates or digital worksheets that students can copy and complete.

Stick with tools you're comfortable with to avoid getting bogged down in design decisions.

Step 4: Brand It Consistently

Make your materials feel like a natural extension of your course. Use:

  • Your course's color palette for headings and highlights.
  • Your logo on the cover page or header.
  • Consistent fonts that match your course slides or website.

This not only looks professional but also helps your students recognize your materials instantly.

Step 5: Include Instructions and Examples

A worksheet isn't useful if students don't know how to use it. Include:

  • A brief introduction explaining the purpose of the material.
  • Clear instructions for how to complete each section.
  • Examples or sample answers where appropriate to clarify expectations.

These extra touches make your resources feel polished and student-friendly.

Step 6: Test Your Materials

Before publishing, test your worksheets yourself. Print them out or view them on different devices. Check:

  • Are fonts readable?
  • Do sections have enough space for answers?
  • Are instructions clear and concise?
  • Are all links (if any) working properly?

You might even share them with a beta group for feedback before your course launch.

Quick Ideas for Course Materials

  • Worksheets: Guided exercises, brainstorming pages, problem-solving sheets.
  • Checklists: Step-by-step guides for processes or tasks.
  • Templates: Pre-made layouts or structures students can customize.
  • Planners: Calendars or schedules to organize tasks or projects.
  • Cheat sheets: Key concepts or formulas for quick reference.
  • Quizzes or self-assessments: To reinforce learning and track progress.

A Real-Life Example

Emily, a productivity coach, realized her students were struggling to apply her course concepts. She added printable planners and a goal-setting worksheet for each module. Not only did completion rates soar, but students also reported feeling more confident and organized. Her materials didn't just support learning — they transformed it.

Teeeach Tip: Keep It Simple, Keep It Useful

At Teeeach, we know that creating supporting materials can feel overwhelming. Start small. Create one simple worksheet or checklist for your next course module. As you gain confidence, you can expand your library of resources. Remember, it's not about perfection — it's about helping your students succeed.

Key Takeaways

Great course materials make your content more actionable and memorable. Start with a clear purpose, keep designs simple and focused, use familiar tools, and brand them consistently. Test your materials, add clear instructions, and watch your students engage more deeply with your course.

What's Next?

Next up: Create a Course Sales Page That Converts

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