Favorite Course Creation Tools
Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links, meaning we receive a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, but this is at no additional cost to you. Quite often, we negotiated a special discount only available to Friends of SassyZenGirl, so win-win for everybody 😎. We use all these tools ourselves and stand fully behind them. Please read our disclosure for more info.
Create a Profitable Online Course
Build your own online course empire on a bootstrap budget with Foundr CEO and publisher, Nathan Chan. From topic validation, to marketing and production, learn the tricks of the trade that have helped Foundr become a multi-million dollar digital product. Monetize your skills and never trade time for money again.
WordPress Course & Membership Plugin
WishList is a great solution when you are self-hosting your courses (rather than going with platforms like Teachable). All of SassyZenGirl's courses are currently running on Wishlist and the functionality is extensive and easy to set up., including levels, drip content, payments, etc.. I used Memberpress before, which was clunky to use and am SO glad, I finally switched!
Course Framework for WordPress
So...while SassyZenGirl's courses are currently on a custom theme (DCAP) or Thrive Apprentice (Blogging Bootcamp), I would otherwise choose Learndash for setting up the course frame work (all those cool toggles, modules, etc.) . Used by many top brands, including Foundr courses, Learndash has all the functionality you need and is easy to set up and customize.
Teachable
If you prefer a ready-to-go, all-in-one solution, then Teachable has you covered. Yes, there are monthly fees, but... nothing to set up, just customizing the existing frame work (colors, fonts, uploading content) and you are ready to rock - including a well-converting sales page! Also includes an affiliate platform, so that's covered as well. If you are non techie and want things simple, Teachable is a great way to go!
Record your Screen
Many a times while creating your awesome course, you will want to record your screen - either powerpoint slides or an "over-the-shoulder" demo. In comes Screenflow, the premier software to do just that! - For Mac users only. For Windows, you can use Camtasia. Really easy to use - MUCH easier than other video editing softwares like Premier Pro and a tool you will use over and over again!
Shopping Cart & Affiliate Platform
If you want to add your courses to a sales funnel, create up and down sales, tripwire and free offers - and even physical procucts, then ThriveCart is the new cool kid on the block! - Think SamCart without the huge price tag - at least for now. Eventually, TC will be priced in the same range, but - while still in beta - you can get this amazing platform for a one-pay lifetime deal!
Best Webinar Training
The #1 way to sell online courses, especially, higher priced premium courses, is through webinars - either live or pre-recorded, so-called evergreen webinars. You invite people to a free training, share some great information and at the end make a special offer to join your course. Easier said than done and most people struggle with the sales part - sound familiar...? In comes marketing genius Russell Brunson and his "Perfect Webinar" script that you have seen many times, I assure you...😎 - that's because it works, A-MAZINGLY well - and can make selling in webinars a breeze (and FUN!) - check it out:
Evergreen & Live Webinar Software
Next, you need a reliable webinar software that doesn't constantly break down or interrupt your awesome message with buffering (SO annoying!). Bandwith for live streams is expensive, esp. with larger audiences, so quality really matters or people will just leave. In addition, you want evergreen functionality, meaning a pre-recorded webinar that people can sign up for on autopilot (with an email follow up sequence to finalize the sale). LiveWebinar offers all of that and at a VERY reasonable price (check GoTo Webinar for comparison...).
Social Proof
You've seem them... those friendly bubbles sliding in at the bottom of sales pages announcing that "Lucy from Houston TX just joined the training". And you are impressed, right...? - Because if Lucy, Tim and Tom just bought, it MUST be good! - so you should not wait any longer... FOMO (fear of missing out) and more importantly "Social Proof" is what this awesome tool is nurturing, with a proven track record for increasing conversions. Get "Proof" now and give it a spin...:)
Inexpensive Pro Mic
Sound quality is important, and while audio equipment can be very expensive, this professional level mic is not! - At less than a hundred bucks, you get excellent sound quality and an easy usb plug right into your computer. Frequently used by top level podcasters as a travel mike. Yep, it's really light and easy to pack and for online courses perfectly sufficient.
HD Pro Webcam
If you intend to be on-screen for your course lessons, Logitech webcams can give you a professional HD look without spending a fortune. Also, great for online interviews and easily attaches to your laptop screen. For interviews, make sure you look into the camera, NOT at the person you are talking to (which takes some getting used to 😎)
Affordable Pro Camera
If you plan to be on-camera a lot, it is worth investing in a real camera, rather than just a webcam. Canon's EOS M50 has been a favorite among vloggers & YouTubers for it's excellent quality, low price tag, and smally, handy size. At roughly $600, you get a high quality camera with those famous Canon colors, 4K capability, and a variety of excellent lenses to choose from.
Portrait Lense
Speaking of which... while the kit lense that comes with the M50 is excellent, here is another option - a 22mm portrait lense - ideal for tutorials like you would do in a course. Nice depth of field (that classy, blurry background) and fitting perfectly with the M50, giving you a professional, cinematic look in a tiny package (I use it, too...😎)
Pro Ring Light
Lighting is another important factor and this ring light easily makes you look like a pro - without any tech knowledge and at a very reasonable price. Has a nice warm base light that can be dimmed, and filters that can easily be attached. Light-weight and easy to transport, this is a favorite among YouTubers and can help you look professional without being a film wizard. Just plug it in the wall and go!
Deity Shotgun Camera Mic
For on-camera recording, you have two options for mics - a shotgun mic attached to your camera, or a lavalier mic clipped onto your shirt. While Rode was the leading choice for many years, Deity is a new shotgun mic that has taken the online film world by storm recently. Better sound quality and a great price make this a top choice!
BounceCast
If you've ever been frustrated by audio editing and Audacity (the software), this will be a blissful experience. With Bouncecast, you simply import your audio file, click 1 button, and let Bouncecast transform your raw file into professionally mastered awesomeness! - That simple!
Rode SmartLav Mic
For Lavalier mics, Rode SmartLav is one of the top choices. Simply clip it on, plug it in - and you are good to go! - Just make sure, it's away from moving/rustling clothi or tape it firmly in place, as that will be a nightmare to remove later
Video Editing Software
Final Cut Pro or Premier Pro - THAT is the question...:) - hotly debated among film makers and a deeply personal choice. For most of us regular people, either will be fine and more than we will ever need... I use Premier Pro, because I have a monthly subscription to the whole Adobe Suite, but if you you are looking for a one-time deal, then go with FTP.
Mini Teleprompter
A teleprompter is an awesome little helper and can save you SO much time! - Both during recording (minimal re-takes) and editing (no more uhms & aaaashs...😍) - Parrot offers a mini prompter that attaches right to your lense, so you are looking straight into the camera while reading (=> noone will ever know...😎). Text gets mirrored via app from your Smartphone.
Smartphone Video Creator Bundle
If you are on a bootstrap budget, but ready to create some awesome content, this starter kit could be for you. For just $99, you get a ring light, mini tripod for your smatphone & light as well as a click-on lavalier with remote control.
Easy Video Production
If you are brand new to video production and find all that techie a bit scary, Invideo is a great place to start. Also great for shorter promotional videos, intro/outro creation, or turning your blog posts into videos. Works for any social media platform.
Marketing & Branding Crash Course
This is the book I wish I had when I first started. That's why I wrote it now...:) - This pink beauty will de-mystefy once and for all, how to "market" yourself - aka branding basics - and the 15 most effective methods (currently) to gain traffic fast & convert that traffic into sales (aka "bling", the fun stuff😎). Marketing is actually really FUN and you will believe it, too, once you've read it...:)
Influencer Fast Track
So... this one's not for Instagram or any other social media platform, but instead covers the 7 cool steps to become a respected - and well-paid - thought leader and authority in your niche! - in 6-12 months no less! - Learn about the "Goosebump Factor", "Instant Influencer" - and also....how to not lose yourself in this fast-paced environment as happens so easily with many "influencers". Another fun 2-hour read in the SassyZenGirl series🤗
Passive Income Freedom
My most popular book and frequently outselling passive income legends like "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" and "The Four-Hour Work Week". Features 23 proven blueprints to built your financial freedom, and the mindset and foundations you need to have in place before you even start. Obviously, the blueprints are an overview, meant to show you how each works and what's involved, so you can decide what's right for you and then rock it from there!👍
