How to Create Engaging Course Content

By: Justin Ferriman • August 22, 2017
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Creating a course is usually about two things: the content and how it’s delivered.

At the very core the course content needs to deliver upon any promises. For example, if your course is about teaching people search engine optimization techniques then when your learners apply the content they should see measurable results.

That’s goal number one. Without good content your course is nothing.

But a very close second is the way the content is delivered.

Good content becomes great content when you deliver it in a way that is engaging and entertaining.

There are a variety of techniques you can use to make your course content “come to life”.

One way is through storytelling. Creating characters and immersing the learner as part of the story. The folks at The Great eCourse Adventure do this with incredible success.

Storytelling is a perfect way to take seemingly boring content and give it a creative spin. If you have a continuing education program for accountants then creating a story around your CEU program is a great way to differentiate your course from the others.

But storytelling isn’t the only strategy you have at your disposal.

Simply the way you present the content can go a long way – such as utilizing micro-content or gamification principles. Also, the way you position the content (use plenty of white space) can increase learner engagement.

My only word of warning with regards to these techniques and the other listed in the infographic above is to not go overboard with implementation. You have to choose the strategies that match your objectives and audience profile. Incorporating every “trick” in the book can actually have the opposite effect.

Take your time and evaluate the needs of your learners. Start small with the simple techniques and build-up as you see fit.

Justin Ferriman

Justin started LearnDash, the WordPress LMS trusted by Fortune 500 companies, major universities, training organizations, and entrepreneurs worldwide. He is currently founder & CEO of GapScout. Justin’s Homepage | GapScout | Twitter