The Most Underrated Decision You'll Make

Most people assume “online course” means video. It doesn’t. Video is one option, and for many topics it’s not even the best one.

The format you choose determines:

• How long it takes to build. A text-based course can be finished in a week. A polished video course can take months.
• What equipment you need. From nothing (email course) to a full recording setup (video course).
• How students interact with your content. Sequential or self-paced. Live or asynchronous. Consumed once or referenced repeatedly.
• What you can charge. Some formats command premium pricing. Others work better as lead magnets or low-ticket offers.
• Whether you’ll actually finish. The format that matches your comfort level is the format that ships.

What This Course Covers

Eight format options, each one examined honestly:

• What it is and how it works
• Who it’s for — what type of content and audience it serves best
• What it costs to produce in time and money
• What you can charge for it
• The downsides nobody talks about

Plus a decision framework at the end that helps you choose based on your topic, audience, timeline, and tech comfort.

After This Course, Your Path Splits

Based on your format choice, your next steps change:

• Video path → courses on recording, editing, and production
• Email path → email marketing for course creators
• PDF/text path → pick your platform (deliver via email or a hosting platform)
• Live/cohort path → launch strategy and webinar training
• Audio path → podcasting and audio production for courses

Every path eventually needs the same foundational skills: platform selection, copywriting, pricing, and a sales page. The fork only changes when and how you do recording and editing.

Read through each format option. Don’t skip the ones that don’t interest you. Understanding why a format ISN’T right for you is just as valuable as finding the one that is.