#591: Update Your Course Content In 5 Simple Phases

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Need a content update? Here’s my simple 5-phase process for updating course content

The thought of updating your course content can be daunting. I know that because I’ve felt this way many times before. 

Sometimes the thought of giving your course content a refresh can feel so overwhelming that you start to question whether you should even update it in the first place. 

But let me tell you sweet friend, making sure your course content is fresh, current, and packed full of value is incredibly important as a digital course creator — and getting down in the trenches to make those updates is simply a part of the job. 

I’ve done more than my fair share of course content updates, and I’ve learned a lot over the years. In fact, I think it’s safe to say that I have my process boiled down to a fine science.

Now here’s the good news. In this episode, I’m sharing the exact 5-phase process I use to stay organized, execute efficiently, and ensure that no detail is missed when I make my course content updates. 

And here’s the icing on the cake. I have some really great tools and resources to go along with this episode that you can download and use to stay on track. Stick around to the end to hear how to snag them. 

So if you’re ready to update your course content without all the stress, then grab something to take notes with and pay close attention to this episode. 

Here’s a glance at this episode…

• [04:41] Even if you don't have a course yet, knowing how to update your course will help with your creation process, so that you can align the creation with the update process. 
• [05:30] Phase 1: The preplan phase. Make a running list of all of the updates you would like to make to your course. I update every two to three years. Write down the ideas in real time. Pay attention to student questions. Send surveys.
• [09:05] I keep everything in a Google doc with four columns: action, notes, owner, and due date. What gets scheduled gets done.
• [10:55] Phase 2: The planning phase. Block off one or two days for focused work or team meetings. Review the overall structure of the program. Is it working, getting results, and what needs to change? 
•  [12:24] Are there new trends in your industry? Do the visuals need updating? Have you rebranded? Can you streamline content? We have a project plan with tasks in Asana. Organize by module.
• [15:56] Phase 3: Implement your action plan. Review everything and update lessons, scripts, slide decks, pdfs, etc. Changing the sequence can be time consuming. Schedule in your calendar and hire help if needed. 
• [18:26] Phase 4: Filming your new lessons. It's your personal preference whether you re-record everything. I do. If you just do slide-decks, you don't have to. Wear a different shirt for each module. 
• [21:10] When you film, keep everything organized and easily accessible. Have everything planned out. Have a filming schedule with outfits, each day's schedule, and links to scripts and slides.
• [22:18] Phase 5: Qc all of the video lessons. You could also use an assistant or contractor for this. I have an Edit Grid spreadsheet that includes all of the edits. I also keep track of what's been uploaded to my platform like Searchie. 
• [25:20] Homework: Download the freebie bundle. Let me know how your experience went updating your course @AmyPorterfield. 

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