Creating Online Courses/Manuals

25 replies
Hey Warriors!


I was hoping to get some feedback and advice. My business partner and I are looking to create an Online Course/Manual within the Business niche; highlighting keys to building success through your productivity. My question is would it be better to outsource the content to a freelance writer to create the manual or do most write their own? We would be handling the social media marketing, lead and site page creation and email list building. Would love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks in advance.
#courses or manuals #creating #online
  • Profile picture of the author Steve B
    Originally Posted by dexwallace View Post

    My question is would it be better to outsource the content to a freelance writer

    It is always better to do the writing yourself. You should be the authority on the subject - that's why you chose the niche, right?

    Even if you can't write at all and are going to hire an outsourced writer, you should convey your thoughts, expertise, and outline material to your writer so that person can transform your knowledge into a readable and understandable product.

    If I'm going to buy your course, I don't want to read what some ghostwriter researched for 30 minutes and then quickly jotted down in order to create a 1,500 word chapter or module. I expect to learn from someone that has experience and first hand knowledge of the subject.

    Steve
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    • Profile picture of the author tcstix
      Originally Posted by Steve B View Post

      It is always better to do the writing yourself. You should be the authority on the subject - that's why you chose the niche, right?

      Even if you can't write at all and are going to hire an outsourced writer, you should convey your thoughts, expertise, and outline material to your writer so that person can transform your knowledge into a readable and understandable product.

      If I'm going to buy your course, I don't want to read what some ghostwriter researched for 30 minutes and then quickly jotted down in order to create a 1,500 word chapter or module. I expect to learn from someone that has experience and first hand knowledge of the subject.

      Steve
      I COMPLETELY agree.

      Put lots of value into it. Write it yourself and have a writer polish it up. If you do it yourself, your passion will show. It'll take longer but you'll have a better product that you'll be more confident in promoting.
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      • Profile picture of the author dexwallace
        @tcstix I really appreciate that message. I do plan to be heavily involved with the content and organization. My only concern was our writing styles may not translate to consumers, which is why I considered an outsourced writer for a more professional writing style. But I guess anything worth real value should be done yourself right?
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  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    True, the OP finds themselves in the opposite of the typical product creator position: they want to market instead of create the product. (I get at least an inquiry a week from a product creator who wants me to do all the selling.)

    But this isn't bad. They can go find someone who just wants to make the product, not market it, and partner up with them.

    The biggest problem doing this, instead of hiring someone to create the product, is time delays. If the course creator doesn't share the urgency, it can drag on. If you hired someone, they must be accountable.

    So what Steve is saying is important: if you're going to outsource the product creation, make sure you get someone who's just as motivated and involved as you are...and who is recognized as knowing their stuff.
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  • Profile picture of the author EPoltrack77
    I feel for the best results and contact with your prospects and buyers that it needs to come from you. Why should people buy from you and more importantly in the future.

    If the content being created is valuable then why not
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  • Profile picture of the author GetPLRhere
    It depends how much knowledge you and your partner have about the subject. Creating a product from, even a manual, takes time. So I can see why you might consider outsourcing.

    If outsourcing, you might want to look at their samples prior to hiring. There are freelancers out there who don't really know the subject but are only good at repackaging information from elsewhere.
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  • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
    While you might get away with a "as told to" version of a book, trying to establish trust, authority, etc. is pretty tough if you don't know what you're talking about. Without at least a little bit of a clue, you open yourself up to a ghostwriter who can put together something that sounds good to the uninformed, but just doesn't work. Or worse, could even prove harmful to the customer's business or career.

    If you lack the skills to put out a polished product, at least do the first draft yourself so it's your material and your skill/expertise. Hire someone to shine it up for public display.

    Look at all the wannabe experts who show up here spouting advice that was valid five or ten years ago but would get your business killed today. They get things wrong that people who do know their stuff spot immediately - something just doesn't ring true.

    But if that's what you really want...
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    • Profile picture of the author Sid Hale
      Hey John,

      Good response (IMHO) until...

      Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

      But if that's what you really want...
      you added that last line
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  • Profile picture of the author Rajusultan
    If outsourcing, you might want to look at their samples prior to hiring. There are freelancers out there who don't really know the subject but are only good at repackaging information from elsewhere.
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  • Profile picture of the author 3wCorner
    Creation of online courses and manual should be created from you. Online hire other people when your budget allows you or your business is beginning to see its profit.
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  • Profile picture of the author trobo
    As others have said - I feel the content creation should come from you and your own experience with the subject. The issue of establishing authority was mentioned before and I very much agree.

    Your readers should come to regard you as an expert on the subject.

    It's funny you mention you want to outsource the content creation and do the marketing yourself, because the opposite approach would actually be better.

    You can find very good freelancers who specialize in the marketing techniques you've mentioned, with years of experience. The very good ones won't be cheap however.
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  • Profile picture of the author ydsimple
    Do writing yourself!
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  • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
    Originally Posted by Sid Hale View Post

    Hey John,

    Good response (IMHO) until...



    you added that last line
    Sid, we know that some people ask for advice because they really want the advice. Others are simply looking for a pat on the head before they do what they want anyway.

    Hiring a ghostwriter who may know nothing about a topic and then promoting the resulting product without any way of knowing if the information is any good may be stupid and shortsighted, but it isn't illegal.

    But I wouldn't touch it with their ten-foot pole...
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  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    Originally Posted by dexwallace View Post

    Hey Warriors!

    I was hoping to get some feedback and advice. My business partner and I are looking to create an Online Course/Manual within the Business niche; highlighting keys to building success through your productivity. My question is would it be better to outsource the content to a freelance writer to create the manual or do most write their own? We would be handling the social media marketing, lead and site page creation and email list building. Would love to hear your thoughts.

    Thanks in advance.
    Handle the writing yourself. Who knows what kind of information and grammar you'll find with a particular freelancer. Become the authority in your niche, and this starts with knowing more information about the niche. So write the book yourselves'. If you need help with creating a product, send me a PM, and I will give you 2 great books about product creation. Same goes for everyone else.
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  • Profile picture of the author jbsmith
    Go at LEAST to the detailed outline stage yourself. I have typically written my own products but there are a couple (one of them is a 2-hour video program) where I planned, researched and developed a detailed outline for the product and then had someone else complete it (written portion as well as some slides for video training, images, etc...)

    I view this as more the presentation of the material and it turned out very well.

    The key though is the detailed outline (not just sections, but specific questions/steps you want covered as well as what those steps/tips/questions answered should be).

    Of course, make sure whoever you get to outsource the final product includes at least 2-3 revisions so you can edit and make changes as appropriate keeping you in control of the final project.

    Finally - realize that the course will often be better if you do the entire thing, with the only exception being delivery of the course if you have English language challenges - there it may be better to outsource at least the presentation.

    Ooops...one more thing. Even if you outsource some of the content, make sure you include some personal stories, observations, experiences, or images that makes the produce your own, that's important in terms of connecting with your audience.

    Jeff
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  • Profile picture of the author Eric Cho
    It would ultimately depend on your goals, are you looking to build an audience or do you already have a list? Are you looking at this as a longterm play or is your goal to just make a few quick bucks?
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    • Profile picture of the author dexwallace
      The ultimate goal is to create a long standing list, and create a viable business. Getting this not “perfect” but understanding the formula and the rules and then being able to adjust them as I move forward.
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  • Profile picture of the author vanlamvl2016
    It is better to do it by yourself if you have free time. You can take control of your writing style. In case you need to outsource, please have a careful test on the freelance writer.
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  • Profile picture of the author 22justin
    nice always thopught about this
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  • Profile picture of the author Sarevok
    I honestly think that you're already taking too long to get your idea out to market.

    Just create it already. You're wasting time.

    And then, create your next product. And then your next. And then your next.



    Not being rude, just my honest two cents.
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  • Profile picture of the author cyberdenizen
    I think you should do the writing yourself because, well, you're the expert! You'll be better at handling the topic than a writer who knows little or nothing about it. You might want to hire an editor (instead of a writer) to make sure that your course content is grammatically correct and easy to understand.
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  • Profile picture of the author naffynaff
    It's best to do it by yourself and your partner. it's hassle free and you don't need to incur additional expenses.

    But if it isn't your cup of tea, might as well hire someone.
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  • Profile picture of the author Regional Warrior
    DW

    As a person who created a lot of courses for others I would like to suggest an Idea!

    Create PDF and video and audio

    Audio being the up sell or OTO , with the video if you are going have members downloading it make sure it is right format!

    Make sure you look into the right payment method and theme if you are going to use one
    I would use the search tab or look in the Internet Marketing and Review sub forum lots of threads to go through
    Good Luck
    Jason
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    • Profile picture of the author dexwallace
      Thats a great idea thanks for the suggestion
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  • Profile picture of the author shilalat
    good luck on your journey bro
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