How to turn your book into an online program or eCourse

If you have written a book, you have already done a lot of preparatory work that you can also use for other things, such as a podcast, blog series, presentation, training, or eCourse. That can be a great source of income, a way to introduce more people to you and your method, and/or to reach and help even more people.

How do you turn your book into an online program or eCourse? Here are some pointers and tips.

Learn from other eCourses…

First Google what courses there are on your topic and especially completely different topics. Sign up for some online programs on different platforms to find out how they work, what most courses have in common, what you like and what doesn’t appeal to you. You will see that most programs consist of short modules, each covering 1 topic, with videos no longer than 3 minutes.

Outline

Your table of contents is basically all the structure you need for your eCourse or other project. Each chapter can be a module. Each subchapter has a lesson in that module. Also make it clear again what promise you are making to your student and what problem you are going to help them solve.

Create slides

For each subchapter, set up a number of (PowerPoint/Google/Keynote) slides with bullet points and possibly. photographs or illustrations showing the main points. Also add examples. Make sure your slides are attractive and not too full of text. Then you record your explanation to those slides as audio.

Record audio

You can simply record your explanation on your iPhone. Provide a good microphone, a quiet environment (no background noise) and speak as naturally as possible (not too fast, not too slow). It works best if you sound natural, but if you prefer to write out and read your text, you can do that too.

Assignment

An eCourse often has assignments to put into practice what has been learned. What kind of question can you ask or what exercise can you give at the end of a module? You can optionally add a template or form as a download document.

Intro videos

For each chapter, record an introductory video explaining what you will learn in that module and why it is important. Think of frequently asked questions or problems that many people have. When recording, don’t make the most common beginner mistakes. I have summarized my most important tips for Visual Storytelling in this short video.

Sales page

There should be a sales page of your eCourse and guess what: that is largely the back cover of your book: what problem do your readers have, what is their ideal situation and how does your method, book or eCourse ensure that they can achieve it?

Welcome/sales video

Finally, you record this important video, which is both your introduction and your sales video for your course. Why last? Not just because I invented Reverse Writing, where you write your book in reverse and start with your back cover. But mainly because you then know exactly what your program entails, plus you already have more experience with recording videos.

In your intro video for your eCourse you do the same as on your back cover / sales page, only now you do it on video: what problem are you going to help your students solve, what is their ideal situation and how do you help them get there? You make a promise what they can do after completing your course. Don’t get too involved in the process, focus on the result. Introduce yourself and indicate why you are the person they want to learn from.

Which platform?

There are many online course platforms: Udemy, Teachable, Thinkific, Kajabi, Skillshare and many others.

See which platform appeals to you the most. Factors that may play a role include:

• Can you start without investment, or do you have to become a member right away?
• What are monthly costs, what are transaction costs?
• What percentage do you get from the sale price?
• Payment options
• Support: is there a good help desk?

It is going too far to list all the differences here. Google for reviews and articles comparing the largest platforms. You only find what suits YOU best by researching and trying something out.

Your book is the basis for an online program. So much of the preparation has already been done. Have fun and good luck with this new adventure!