Creating a Connection With Your Audience

First things first, remember the golden rule: know, like, and trust. I'm sure you have heard the saying at some point in your journey to success online. But it's not something to just sleep on. Your audience needs to know who you are, like what you stand for, and trust that you can deliver.

When I started out as a designer and coach years ago, the first thing I did was join a few Facebook groups where my ideal clients hung out [an invaluable tip from my mentors]. I didn’t dive in with sales pitches. Instead, I offered genuine advice, answered questions when people needed real-time help, and shared useful tips. It was about giving value first. Before long, people started recognizing my name and reaching out to me for more guidance and even requesting my services.

Not only was I making a name for myself, but I was getting to know and understand my audience and meeting them where they're at which altered the direction I was taking my business.

Testing the Waters

Another powerful way to establish your expertise is through beta testing. If you don't remember anything else, remember this - creating your first course is not about sells but about understanding your audience and getting social proof.

When I launched my first course, I invited a small group to join as beta testers at a reduced price. This not only helped me refine my content but also created a group of loyal supporters who valued my expertise. Their feedback was invaluable, and their testimonials became social proof of my skills. This validated the need for my course program and also solidified me as an expert in what I do.

Getting Up-close and Personal

Want to dive even deeper into understanding your audience? Then let's talk about the power of conducting interviews. Reach out to people in your niche for a chat. It could be a podcast interview, a live session on social media, or even a quick 15-minute Zoom call. I remember my first podcast interview – it was nerve-wracking but incredibly rewarding. Not only was I able to provide valuable insight to my audience but it positioned me as a knowledgeable figure and expanded my reach. Whether you are interviewing others or being interviewed yourself - this a great way to grow your online footprint.

Being Social

Now finally, let's not forget about the value of giving on social media. If you're not a social butterfly, that's okay - you can still connect with your audience in a simple way that is not time consuming or overwhelming. Regularly share insights, tips, and behind-the-scenes looks at you working is a great place to start. I love using Instagram Stories to give quick tips or share success stories from my clients. It’s a fantastic way to build that know, like, and trust factor. You can even take it a step further by finding successful coaches in your niche and connect with those in their comments. This allows you to start reaching a wider audience and ( just like in Facebook Groups) allows you to share your expertise.

So, my friend, don’t overthink it. Start small, be genuine, and consistently show up for your audience. Establishing yourself as an expert is within your reach, and it can be a fun, extremely rewarding on your journey to creating a successful course and brand. You’ve got this! And remember, I’m always here to help along the way. Happy building!

by Christina M Hooper

Christina is the founder of CMH & Company where she supporting coaches and services based business through design and business strategy. She is an advocate for simplifying business and creating your own path to wealth.