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How to Create a Great Outline for your Course or Book

May 28, 2022

How to create an outline for your course or book

If you have an idea for a book or course, but you’re struggling with creating an outline for it, here’s a hack that’ll help you out. 

This is an easy, 4-step process to implement, but most people don’t bother going through it.

If you do, you’ll create a superior book or course.  


Step 1: Start with questions

First, start with the questions you usually get about your topic.

Document everything you can remember about what people typically ask you about (pain points are a great indicator).

Then group those questions into themes (if possible). 


Step 2: Research paid products

Second, research paid products in your space. 

Check out Udemy, Gumroad, and Amazon.

Analyze how the landing pages are structured and what each outline or table of contents looks like.

Skim through the positive and negative reviews of those products to learn if anything is missing from them. 


Step 3: Research free resources

Third, research free resources.

Look for blog posts or Quora entries about your topic.

Pay special attention to “How to” questions – those indicate challenges. 


Step 4: Consolidate

Consolidate the output of Steps 1, 2, & 3 into a comprehensive outline.

Focus on a plan that walks someone step-by-step into the process (i.e., takes someone from A to Z). 


That’s pretty much it.

This is the process I’ve followed to create the outlines for 9 courses with over 215,000 students without spending any money on ads (and while working a full-time job). 

If you’re interested in learning how you can do this as well, my next class about how to create & sell a Udemy course starts on June 6. 

>> Click here to learn more about how to “Create & Sell an Online Udemy Course on the Side” (live class starts June 6)

I hope to see you there!

Hassan

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