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Creating a course in 5 days: behind-the-scenes of my process

Writer's picture: Ieva LaicaneIeva Laicane

Is it possible to create a course in just a week? Here's behind-the-scenes of my process of creating a course in 5 days!


These days, I'm really on a roll with product creation and content creation. After a slow start to the year when I struggled to find inspiration, I’ve regained my motivation and spark.


I’ve jumped right into action, working on exciting new projects, including this podcast, social media content, and emails. One of the most rewarding tasks has been creating a new course - and I did it in just five days.


In this post, I’ll take you behind the scenes of how I managed to create a course in such a short timeframe. While this approach works well for me because of my experience, the goal here is not to rush but to show how planning and workflows can make the process efficient and manageable.


Listen to this in a podcast instead:





The inspiration behind the course


The idea for this course had been on my mind for a while, and when the spark hit, I knew I had to act quickly. I challenged myself to create the course within five days because delaying it might have meant it wouldn’t happen at all.


This burst of inspiration is something I’ve learned to capitalize on, but it’s important to balance it with a solid understanding of your audience and offer.


For beginners or those in earlier stages of their business, starting with smaller, faster products can be a great way to test the waters. However, foundational work is key to ensuring your effort is directed effectively.



Creating a course in 5 days: behind-the-scenes of my process


IMPORTANT NOTE:


I've been creating courses for years so I have mastered the workflow on my end. I know what/when and how will I get done so the overwhelm of figuring it all out is not present in my creation process.


I am not sharing this post as an invitation to dive head-first into your creation process and run for the deadline of just 5 days. Instead, I want to show what is possible with a clear path and dedicated action :)


Oh, and the course I launched was a mini course of just 5 video guides!



Day 1: Drafting the content


I started by outlining the course content. Sometimes I draft directly in slide form, but this time I used a document to organize my ideas. I wrote bullet points for each topic to determine whether they could stand as individual lessons or needed to be broken down further.


This process gave me a clear structure to follow and set the stage for the rest of the work.


Day 2: Content review and vision outline


The second day is often when overthinking kicks in.


I started doubting the content and felt tempted to redo everything or add more. When this happens, I focus on the course’s purpose and goals. Overthinking often stems from drifting away from the original plan, so returning to that focus helps me move forward.


For this course, I wanted a deep dive into topics like evergreen content, email marketing, and Pinterest, but with a concise and impactful approach. Staying true to these goals kept me on track.


Day 3: Designing slides


Next, I began designing slides. I always reuse slide templates to save time and maintain consistency. If you’re creating multiple courses, having a reusable template is a game-changer. Whether it’s 20 designs or 100, having a starting point simplifies the process.


I created a few slides on the second day but didn’t do much until the third day. Using a template allowed me to focus on content rather than design details.





Day 4: Recording videos


Recording videos is one of my favorite parts of course creation. If you find this step intimidating, focus on simplifying the process. You don’t need fancy equipment - just a clear message and a quiet space. Prioritize delivering value over perfect production.


When editing, I keep it simple. I ensure the videos flow naturally, cut out major mistakes, and move on. It doesn’t need to be perfect; it just needs to be clear and engaging.



Day 5: Finalizing and uploading


On the final day, I finished the slides, aligned everything with the curriculum, and finalized supporting documents like templates and checklists. These extras make the course more actionable for students.


Then, I uploaded everything to my course platform. This is one of the most exciting parts of the process because it’s where all the pieces come together. I also ran a final check to ensure all links worked, videos played correctly, and the layout was seamless. This step is crucial for delivering a smooth experience.


Announcing the Launch


Once the course was ready, I announced the launch to my email list and social media followers. I focused on highlighting the benefits and transformation the course offers rather than just its features.


As the course was rather simple, I didn't feel the need to have any extended launch periods.


Key takeaways for creating a course in 5 days


Creating a course in just five days is a challenge, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Here are some tips to make it work for you:


  1. Act on Inspiration: When you feel motivated, dive into action. Delaying can lead to lost momentum.

  2. Have a Clear Plan: Outline your course content and goals upfront to stay focused.

  3. Use Templates: Reusable templates for slides and other materials save time and effort.

  4. Keep It Simple: Simplify recording and editing processes to avoid getting stuck.

  5. Focus on Value: Always prioritize delivering value over perfection.


Whether you’re creating your first course or your fiftieth, the key is to stay connected to your audience and enjoy the process.


Following these steps can help you create a course efficiently while maintaining quality.



TAKE YOUR NEXT STEPS


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