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Ever dreamed of creating your own online course… but felt overwhelmed before you even opened a Google Doc? You’re not alone.
I remember staring at the idea of a “signature course” years ago and thinking: Where do I even begin? It felt like I needed months of prep, a huge email list, and a magic wand.
That’s why I love Amy Porterfield’s take on starting small. She teaches that the easiest way to dip your toes into course creation is with a one-hour workshop course. And honestly? It can change everything.
If you’ve ever considered creating your own online course but are overwhelmed with the steps to begin, this conversation will show you that starting small can be a lot less work and be the perfect way to get started!
What Is a One-Hour Workshop Course?
Think of it as a bite-sized, focused training that delivers one quick win.
Instead of building a 10-module, bells-and-whistles course right out of the gate, you pick a single topic and teach it live in a workshop setting (about 60 minutes).
It could be something like:
- “How to write a resume that gets callbacks”
- “Meal-prep strategies for busy parents”
- “The 5 steps to better photos with your iPhone”
It’s not meant to be your forever course. It’s meant to get you started, build your confidence, validate your idea, and put money in your pocket, fast.
Why Starting with a One-Hour Workshop Works
A one-hour workshop takes the pressure off. You don’t need a giant audience, fancy tech gear or skills, or a polished brand.
What you do need is a topic that solves a specific problem. From there, you can price it between $100-$300, promote it to your email list (or even just social media), and see who raises their hand.
If people invest, that’s proof you’re onto something. And if they don’t? You haven’t wasted months building a massive course; you simply pivot and try again.
Amy has a mantra for this: “No wrong turns.” Every step forward teaches you something valuable.
Ready to take ACTION on your first digital course? Save your seat for Amy’s Masterclass Experience!
One-Hour Workshop Success Story: How Masha Earned $3,000
Amy told me about her student, Masha Goins, who started small during COVID.
She was a working mom who wanted more freedom. Instead of building a giant course, she put together a one-hour workshop on using Instagram for moms in business. She promoted it to her tiny email list… and made $3,000.
That one workshop gave her confidence, clarity, and momentum. Within 18 months, she had turned it into a full-blown program that generated over $400,000.
Starting small didn’t hold her back. It launched her forward.
What Is a First-Step Transformation in Course Creation?
Here’s why this works: people don’t need everything you know all at once. They just need the first step.
If your dream is to help people land their perfect job, their first step might be a better resume. If you want to help parents feed their kids healthier, the first step might be five easy lunchbox swaps.
This “first-step transformation” builds trust. When people get a quick win, they’re far more likely to come back for your bigger course later.
Can You Create a Course Without an Audience?
Here’s the myth: “I can’t launch anything until I have thousands of followers.”
Here’s the truth: you don’t need a massive audience to start.
Amy shared another student story: Rob Greene, a photographer with just 100 people on his email list. He launched a small flash photography course and made $12,000.Your audience doesn’t have to be big. It just has to be the right people. And putting an offer into the world is how you find them.
How a One-Hour Workshop Helps You Practice Selling
Selling can feel scary, right? But offering a workshop at an accessible price point ($100–$300) is a softer entry point. You get to practice making an offer, and your audience gets a ton of value without a big investment.
As you see people paying for what you’ve created, your confidence grows. And you realize: I have something people truly need.
How to Relaunch and Improve Your Online Course
Here’s the secret sauce: you don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time. Once you create a workshop, you can refine it, run it again, or build on it.
Amy has relaunched the same course since 2019, tweaking it along the way. I’ve done the same with my own programs: same course, new round of students, and I get results every time.
It’s not about constant reinvention. It’s about consistency and service.
RELATED: Unlock the Secrets to a Profitable Online Course
How a One-Hour Workshop Leads to Digital Course Academy
I see the workshop as a stepping stone that leads beautifully into Amy’s full Digital Course Academy (DCA).
The workshop is often the first step toward creating a signature course. DCA is the roadmap that takes you from “tiny workshop” to “scalable course business.”
Think of it this way:
- Workshop = quick win, proof of concept, confidence boost
- DCA = the full playbook to build, launch, and scale your course
Both matter. One leads to the other.
RELATED: An Honest Review of Amy Porterfield’s Digital Course Academy
Digital Course Academy FAQs
Q: How much should I charge for a one-hour workshop?
A: Most creators price between $100-$300 depending on the value and audience. It’s high enough to show commitment, but low enough to feel accessible.
Q: Do I need a big email list to run a workshop?
A: Nope. Even 50-100 people can be enough. Start small. Promote on social, in groups, or through personal invites.
Q: What if no one buys my course?
A: That’s not failure; it’s feedback. You’ll learn whether to tweak your topic, title, or audience. Remember: no wrong turns.
Q: How does this help me build a bigger course?
A: Your workshop is like a test balloon. It helps you see what resonates, validates your topic, and gives you confidence. Later, you can expand it into a signature course with more modules and support.
How to Get Started with Your First Online Course
You don’t need a giant list or the “perfect” idea to get started with a course. What you need is a clear path, and that’s exactly what Amy shares in her free masterclass: Your Low-Stress, Start-to-Finish Digital Course Launch in 5 Streamlined Steps.
She’ll walk you through her proven five-step playbook, show you how to launch without overwhelm, and share stories from real students who started small and built courses that changed their lives.
I still remember attending one of Amy’s free trainings years ago. I walked away not only with clarity, but with the courage to finally take action, and it reshaped everything for meRemember: action creates clarity. Start with one step, one idea, one workshop… and let that be the spark that gets you moving.
Ready to finally take the first step toward your own online course?
Full disclosure: If you decide to join Digital Course Academy through my link, I’ll earn a commission. The best part? It doesn’t cost you anything extra, and you’ll get access to my bonus suite completely FREE!
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