So, if you’re about to embark on your own course creation journey, here’s what I’ve learned—and what I wish I knew before launching my first course.

Lesson 1: Validate Your Course Idea First

This is probably the biggest and most important lesson I’ve learned, and it’s one I wish I had known right from the start. You can have the most amazing content, a beautiful platform, and a solid plan, but if you haven’t tested whether there’s an actual demand for what you’re offering, you’re risking a lot.

When I launched my first course, I skipped this step entirely. I was so caught up in creating the perfect product that I forgot to ask, “Do people even want this?” And while my course was valuable, I missed an opportunity to tailor it more closely to my audience’s actual needs.

What I’d do differently now:
Before diving headfirst into content creation, start with a simple validation process. This could be a short survey to your existing audience, a small beta launch to a limited group, or even just conversations with potential students to see if your course idea resonates. This way, you’ll have a clear understanding of what people want, which will not only boost your confidence but also save you a ton of time in revisions later on.

Remember, creating a course in a vacuum can lead to wasted efforts. Your audience holds the key to what they really need—so listen to them first.

Lesson 2: Keep It Simple, Silly (K.I.S.S.)

The second lesson I learned the hard way: simplicity wins. In the beginning, I made the classic mistake of overcomplicating everything. I looked at established course creators, saw their highly polished and feature-packed offerings, and thought I had to compete with them. So, I added more modules, more resources, more everything—thinking that more meant better.

But here’s the truth: more is not always better.

What my audience really needed was clear, actionable content—not fluff. By trying to add more value, I unintentionally overwhelmed both myself and my students. What I should have done was focus on clarity, making it easier for my students to absorb the material and take action.

What I’d do differently now:
I’d embrace the simplicity from the start. The key is to narrow your focus. Instead of trying to cover everything under the sun, think about the core transformation you want your students to experience. What’s the one thing they’ll walk away with? What’s the most essential information they need to get there?

When you focus on simplicity, you reduce overwhelm—for both you and your students—and create a more effective learning experience. As the saying goes, “Keep it simple, silly.” Trust me, this is a mantra worth repeating.

Lesson 3: Course Creation Is a Journey

When I launched my first course, I thought of it as a finished product—something I’d create, polish, and be done with. I imagined it sitting out there in the world, generating passive income, never needing my attention again. Boy, was I wrong.

What I didn’t realize at the time was that course creation is not a one-time event—it’s a journey. Your course is a living, breathing product that will need updates, improvements, and refinements as time goes on. You’re not just launching a course; you’re building an experience that will evolve with your audience’s needs, the market’s demands, and your own growing expertise.

The good news is that you don’t have to get everything perfect on the first try. In fact, some of the most successful courses out there have gone through multiple iterations, constantly improving based on feedback and changes in the industry.

What I’d do differently now:
If I could go back, I’d give myself permission to start small and improve as I go. Instead of trying to launch with everything perfectly polished, I’d focus on getting the core content out there, gathering feedback, and refining it over time. Your course will likely look very different a year or two from now, and that’s okay! Expect and embrace the evolution.

Creating a course is a long-term investment, not just for your business but for your students’ success. And as both of those grow, so will your course.

Final Thoughts: It’s About Progress, Not Perfection

If there’s one overarching lesson I’ve learned, it’s this: course creation is about progress, not perfection. We all start somewhere, and it’s easy to get caught up in trying to create the perfect product right out of the gate. But the reality is, your course will change. You will change. And that’s part of the beauty of being a course creator.

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, remember this: validate first, keep it simple, and know that you’ll improve as you go. You don’t need to have it all figured out from day one—you just need to start.

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.