…so you don’t have to learn the hard way like I did.

If you’ve ever Googled “how to make a course that actually sells” at 2 a.m. while knee-deep in sticky notes, half-written lesson plans, and imposter syndrome—welcome, friend. You’re in good company. When I launched my first digital course, I was full of ideas, excitement, and a whole lot of unrealistic expectations. I thought I just needed a great idea, a pretty slide deck, and maybe a few Instagram posts to “get the word out.”

Let’s just say… I learned a lot. And I want to share the things I wish someone had told me before I hit “publish.”

1. A good idea isn’t enough. You need proof people want it.

I was so emotionally attached to my idea that I skipped the most important step…validating it. Just because a topic is exciting to you doesn’t mean people are ready to pay for it. Now, before I build a course, I ask are people searching for this solution? Are they already paying for something similar? Can I make it faster, easier, or more approachable?

2. Build the funnel before you build and launch your digital course.

Yes, really. What most people get backwards is spending months building the course…and then scrambling to figure out how to sell it. Here’s what changed everything for me. I built a freebie that attracted the right people. I created a low-ticket offer (hello, $27 magic) that warmed them up. I wrote a simple email funnel using Flodesk that made them trust me—and then I created the course. Your content sells better when people already trust you. Build that relationship first.

3. Your tech stack doesn’t have to be fancy—just functional.

I spent so much time stressing over platforms, software, and templates that I could’ve used actually creating. What matters most: pick tools that you understand and that don’t make you want to scream.

I currently use and highly recommend as a beginner-friendly path:

• Flodesk for emails (clean, simple, dreamy to use)
• Showit for sales pages, blog design, and delivery
• Canva for slides, downloads, and promo graphics
• Thinkific for my course landing pages and student access

Your tools should make you feel powerful, not panicked, so do your research and take advantage of all the free trials that you get when you start out. Don’t be afraid to try something and then move on if it’s not the right fit.

4. You don’t have to show up everywhere—just where it counts.

I thought I had to post every day on Instagram, start a podcast, go live on TikTok, and write weekly blog posts… all while launching my first course.

Nope.

Now? I focus almost exclusively on Pinterest + SEO to get consistent, long-term traffic. I let my blog do the selling while I sleep (truly), and I use social media sparingly—mostly to build connection, not drive conversions.

This is the part where most creators burn out. But when you simplify your traffic strategy? You can breathe again.

5. The “success” isn’t in the digital launch—it’s in the longevity.

I thought launch day would feel like confetti and fireworks. Instead, it was me refreshing my inbox and second-guessing everything. But over time, as my funnel brought in more students, my traffic grew, and my content kept working for me, I realized a course is a living thing. You’ll tweak it. You’ll improve it. You’ll grow with it. And the real win? Creating something once that helps people again and again.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the thick of planning, dreaming, or doubting your digital course—please know this: it doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be helpful. Start with what you know. Build one step at a time. And if you’re willing to listen, your audience will tell you exactly what they need.

You’ve got this. And if you need help building your funnel, your Pinterest strategy, or a clear plan that gets you there faster—I’ve got all the resources for you on RachelKemperCourses.

Meet you back here tomorrow.

xo,

𝓡𝓪𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓵

P.S. Want to see it all for yourself?

If you’re curious how all the pieces come together—Pinterest, blog traffic, lead magnets, and email funnels—I’ve built exactly what I wish I had when I was just starting.

Start small with my 3-Day Pinterest Kickstart, a simple, step-by-step starter kit designed to help you build momentum fast. In just 20 minutes a day, you’ll learn how to set up your Pinterest for success, find the keywords that drive traffic, and start pinning content that works for you (not against you). It’s the perfect mini launchpad if you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels.

Or dive into my signature course, How to 25x Your Traffic and Make More Money with Already-Created Content. This is the exact framework I used to turn my blog into a traffic machine and create a funnel that runs on autopilot. I’ll walk you through everything from pin strategy and SEO to building lead magnets and creating a funnel that sells—without burnout, overwhelm, or starting from scratch.