In closing of this chapter, let's take a look at a number of best practices that should be considered when making your online course.

Online course best practices:

Use adequate video equipment:
- Most smartphones today have great cameras, if you don't have a great smartphone, think about buying a webcam or digital camera that at least offers adequate visual definition.
Invest in proper audio equipment:
- Similar to above, you don't need to break the bank, however, most computer and phone microphones won't cut it. If you're going to be doing a lot of your course work at a desk or computer, using a usb mic will suffice. If out in the field, try using a boom mic to pick up on the sound.
Slow and steady wins the race:
- When creating your course, you will run into many instances of resistance; the need for perfection, thinking you're doing something wrong, obstacles, slow sales, technology hiccups. Whatever you do, keep moving forward. Your audience is looking for this product and they will pay you cash if it solves their problem.
Be specific:
- Remember, you're helping your audience solve a problem. They may not be as experienced as you in this regard. Often times, you may find yourself questioning if a certain detail should be included or not. When it doubt - include the detail. Your audience will never fault you for being overly specific.
Give yourself a deadline for completion:
- Are you familiar with Parkinson's Law? Essentially, Parkinson's Law is that work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion. In other words, if you are given one month to complete a task, generally you will fill that entire month with causal work until the deadline passes. If you give yourself two weeks instead, your workload will increase but so will your urgency to get the project done.
- More importantly, if you DO NOT have a deadline and keep it arbitrary, will it ever get completed?
Use beta testers with your first product release:
- It's hard to get feedback as to how to improve on the product if you don't ask for it. With your list, you probably have subscribers that respond to your emails regularly. Use these subscribers as "testers" of the product. Let them know you will give them a product for free (yes, I know it sound like you're losing money) in exchange for both feedback as well as a testimonial.
- The testimonial is a bonus! You can use the testimonial as social proof in sales emails as well as sales pages.

Online Course Creation Best Practices