Sell Video Courses: Plan, Shoot, Launch

Sell Video Courses: Plan, Shoot, Launch

A start-to-finish playbook to validate your idea, design the curriculum, capture great audio-video, package lessons, price smartly, launch confidently, and keep improving

Creating a video course isn’t about fancy cameras—it’s about delivering a transformation in the clearest, fastest way possible. This guide covers everything you need: validation, learning design, gear and setup, production workflows, editing standards, hosting and delivery, pricing, legal, anti-piracy, launch marketing, SEO, analytics, and ongoing iteration.

Who this is for (and the promise)

If you’re a creator, coach, freelancer, or small brand with teachable expertise, use this blueprint to ship a professional course in 14 days, with reliable delivery, fewer support tickets, and a clear upgrade path to premium offers.

Step 1 — Validate the course before filming

• Define one audience and one transformation: “For [who], achieve [result] in [timeframe] without [common obstacle].”

• Surface demand signals: repeated questions in DMs, clients’ sticking points, popular forum threads, search suggestions.

• Outline 6–10 modules (no fluff). Each module = one core skill + a measurable outcome.

• Run a 30–60 minute live mini-workshop at a small fee. Questions asked = what your lessons must cover first. Early buyers become testimonials.

Step 2 — Design for learning, not entertainment

• Set learning objectives per module using action verbs (define, build, compare, implement).

• Choose formats by objective: screen-record for software, talking-head for mindset, overhead for hands-on demos, slides for frameworks, live whiteboard for problem-solving.

• Keep lessons 5–12 minutes; chain them with a “Do this next” task.

• Create a Quick Start path: three lessons that get a visible win within 45 minutes.

• Add assessments: 3–5 question checks, tiny projects, or self-review rubrics.

• Provide supporting PDFs: checklists, worksheets, cheat sheets, and project templates (see Free Planner Templates below).

Step 3 — Gear that works (three budgets)

Entry (reliable and cheap)

• Camera: phone with 1080p/4K + tripod

• Audio: USB mic (e.g., large diaphragm condenser) + pop filter

• Light: one LED panel or a window with diffusion

• Screen capture: built-in recorder or free tools

• Teleprompter app (optional)

Mid

• Camera: mirrorless body + 24–35mm lens

• Audio: XLR mic + small audio interface or lavalier wireless

• Lights: 2-point LED (key + fill) with softboxes

• Backdrop: neutral wall or seamless paper

Pro

• Dual-cam A/B angles

• Shotgun mic on boom + lav backup, room treatment (panels/blankets)

• 3-point lighting (key, fill, hair), practical lights in background

• External recorder for clean, redundant capture

Principle: prioritize audio quality first, then lighting, then camera.

Step 4 — Recording standards (so lessons look and sound consistent)

• Frame: eye line at top third, 10–15% headroom, keep background uncluttered.

• Lighting: key at 45°, fill at ~50% of key, separate subject from background.

• Audio: peak at around −6 dBFS; noise floor below −60 dB; mic 6–8 inches from mouth; use a pop filter; record room tone for noise profiling.

• Screen-records: cursor highlight, 125–150% UI zoom, system font at large, avoid desktop clutter.

• Voice pace: 130–160 wpm typical; for complex topics slow to ~120.

• Takes: record two clean takes; clap sync at start; keep slates for edit notes.

Step 5 — Editing workflow (repeatable and fast)

• Project structure: 01_Raw, 02_Selects, 03_Audio, 04_Gfx, 05_Masters.

• Rough cut: remove hesitations; keep pace brisk; add minimal lower-thirds and on-screen prompts.

• Audio chain: high-pass filter, gentle compression (2:1), de-esser, light noise reduction only if needed.

• Color: basic white balance and exposure; apply a subtle, consistent look; avoid heavy grading that shifts skin tones.

• Captions: add closed captions (SRT) for accessibility; burn-in key terms sparingly.

• Exports: MP4 (H.264), 1080p, 15–20 Mbps for talking-head; 8–12 Mbps for slides/screen; stereo 48 kHz; loudness around −14 LUFS integrated; peak −1 dBTP.

• Asset kit: intro/outro, lower-thirds, transitions, music bed with proper license.

Step 6 — Curriculum packaging and files to include

• Video lessons by module (numbered): 01-1, 01-2, etc.

• Worksheets: PDFs + fillable versions where useful.

• Templates: Notion/Sheets/Canva links; duplicate permissions set.

• Project briefs and sample datasets, if applicable.

• A “Start Here – Quick Guide” PDF: course map, estimated time, first 3 steps, help email, and update policy.

Step 7 — Hosting, checkout, and delivery

• Hosting: use a course platform or a storefront that supports streaming and lesson structuring. Ensure instant access, progress tracking, and mobile usability.

• Payments (India-friendly): UPI/Razorpay or card/PayPal for global buyers.

• Access model: single purchase with lifetime updates for version 1.x; optionally add cohort/live Q&A as a premium tier.

• Onboarding emails: receipt + access, quick start (Day 0), first project prompt (Day 2), accountability nudge (Day 5).

Step 8 — Pricing, tiers, and guarantees (INR)

• Base course (2–4 hours video + assets): ₹1,999–₹4,999

• Pro tier (course + templates + group Q&A): ₹4,999–₹8,999

• VIP (everything + 1:1 review or audit): ₹12,000–₹25,000

• Bundles: pair with templates or toolkits at 15–30% savings.

• Guarantee: simple 7-day “not as described / didn’t get the promised outcome” refund.

Price the transformation, not hours of footage.

Step 9 — Anti-piracy without hurting UX

• Stream by default; offer downloads only for specific offline lessons.

• Watermark intro/outro subtly with brand and purchase email hash.

• License note inside the course and ZIPs: personal use; no redistribution.

• Publish a takedown path (how to contact you) and keep versioning visible.

Step 10 — Sales page that converts cold traffic

• Headline: outcome + timeframe.

• Sub-headline: who it’s for and what problem it removes.

• Proof: 1–3 testimonials or a mini case study.

• Preview: a full sample lesson + 30–60s trailer.

• What you’ll learn: module outcomes, not vague topics.

• What’s included: videos, worksheets, templates, community access (if any).

• FAQ: time required, skill level, tools, refunds, certificate, mobile access.

• CTA: one primary button repeated after each major section.

Step 11 — Launch plan (14 days)

Day 1–2: Finalize outline, proof of demand, course map, and trailer script.
Day 3–5: Shoot Quick Start + two core modules; assemble Quick Guide and templates.
Day 6: Edit trailer and one full sample lesson; export captions.
Day 7: Build sales page and checkout; set onboarding emails.
Day 8: Soft open to early supporters at founder price; collect quotes.
Day 9–10: Publish three educational posts and a demo reel; pitch two micro-creators for affiliate promos (30–40%).
Day 11: Release the sample lesson publicly; invite questions.
Day 12: Feature social proof; address top 3 objections with a short post.
Day 13: Offer ends tonight—time-stamped reminder.
Day 14: Close founder price, debrief, and schedule an alumni Q&A.

Organic marketing that keeps working

• Weekly teaching threads and carousels, each pointing to one lesson.

• Guest sessions in relevant communities; give a bonus slide deck in exchange for permission to share your link.

• Content upgrades: offer a free worksheet from the course to build your audience.

• Partnerships: bundle with complementary products (templates, toolkits) for joint promos.

SEO checklist for your course page

• Title: “Sell Video Courses: Plan, Shoot, Launch (Complete System)”

• H2: “For [audience] to achieve [result] in [timeframe]”

• Metadata: 160–165-character meta description with outcome and keywords.

• Alt text for previews: describe the function, not just “screenshot.”

• Tags: course type + tool + niche + region (e.g., “video course India,” “UPI checkout”).

• Internal links: add helpful resources (see below).

Legal, compliance, and policies

• Copyright: only use assets you own or are licensed to use; keep licenses on file.

• Model/location releases for identifiable people/places in footage.

• Terms: clear license (single buyer access), refund window, privacy statement.

• Invoices with GST if applicable; disclose how to request one.

Metrics that matter post-launch

• Landing-page conversion rate (target 2–5%+ for warm traffic).

• Module completion rates and drop-off points.

• Refund and support tickets per 100 buyers (aim <3%).

• Time-to-first-win (how fast learners complete Quick Start).

• Revenue per buyer and upsell take rate.

Use findings to reorder lessons, reshoot unclear parts, or add a bonus troubleshooting video.

Common mistakes and quick fixes

• Overlong lessons → split at natural decision points; add a recap.

• Poor audio → move the mic closer; treat the room; re-record key sections.

• No Quick Start → produce it now; email to all students as a “1.1 update.”

• Vague outcomes → rewrite module titles as “Build/Launch/Implement [X].”

• Heavy slides → simplify; use one idea per slide and on-screen annotations.

FAQs

Do I need 4K? No. Well-lit 1080p with great audio is better than noisy 4K.
How many hours should my course be? Enough to deliver the promised transformation—typically 2–6 hours across short lessons.
Should I add a community? Only if you can moderate and deliver value weekly. Start with live Q&A calls.

Internal resources to explore

• Free Planner Templates (use for student worksheets, bonuses, or lead magnets): https://www.sankulahub.com/free-planner-templates

• Logo Design Services (tighten your brand presence for trailers and slides): https://www.sankulahub.com/logo-design-services

Meta description

Plan, shoot, and launch a high-quality video course. Learn curriculum design, gear, recording standards, editing, hosting, pricing, launch marketing, and metrics.

Related keywords

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