If you’ve been dreaming about starting your online business but feel overwhelmed by the idea of creating a big course, you’re not alone. Many coaches, consultants, and entrepreneurs get stuck at the start because everything looks too complicated: tech, design, endless content.
The good news? You don’t need months or a big studio setup to launch your first product. A mini course is the perfect entry point – small, focused, and doable in just one weekend. In fact, with the right structure, you can create your very first mini course in only 3 hours.
In this article, I’ll walk you step by step through the exact process I use and teach in my Mini-Course Method. By the end, you’ll have:
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A clear topic and promise
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A simple outline (3–5 lessons)
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Lightweight slides or a helper asset
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Recorded lessons ready to share
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A delivery system so you can sell your course
Let’s get started.
Why a Mini Course Is the Smartest Way to Start
Big online courses can feel overwhelming. They take months to produce and often never get finished. A mini course, on the other hand, is:
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Fast to create – just 3–5 short lessons
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Focused on results – one clear win for your audience
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Easy to sell – low entry price, high value
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Perfect for automation – can be sold 24/7 through a simple funnel
For beginners, it’s the fastest way to validate your idea and earn your first income online.
Step 1: Define Your Promise (30 minutes)
Every mini course starts with clarity. Answer this question:
“I help [who] get [result] in [timeframe] without [big obstacle].”
Examples:
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“I help exhausted moms regain their energy in 7 days without restrictive diets.”
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“I help new coaches book their first 3 clients this month without paid ads.”
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“I help beginners meditate daily in 7 days without complicated techniques.”
Keep your promise short, clear, and specific.
Step 2: Name and Outline Your Course (30 minutes)
Pick a name that says exactly what it does. Examples:
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7-Day Energy Reset
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First 3 Clients
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Meditation Quickstart
Then outline your course into 3–5 lessons:
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Start Here (goal + roadmap)
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Step 1
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Step 2
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Step 3
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Quick Wins & Next Steps
Each lesson should be 5–10 minutes max.
Step 3: Create One Helper Asset (30 minutes)
Open Canva and make one simple worksheet, checklist, or tracker. Examples:
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Daily habit tracker
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Roadmap or one-page overview
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Email template or journal prompts
This makes your mini course feel more valuable and helps your students get results faster.
Step 4: Record Your Lessons (60 minutes)
No fancy studio needed. Here’s what works:
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Use your phone or laptop
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Sit near a window for natural light
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Put your phone on airplane mode
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Record each lesson as a separate video
Smile, speak to one person, and keep it natural. Mistakes are okay – authenticity sells.
Step 5: Package and Deliver (30 minutes)
You now have everything you need. Here are 3 simple delivery options:
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Private folder: Upload to Google Drive or Dropbox and share a private link.
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Unlisted YouTube + page: Upload your lessons as unlisted videos and put them on a private page with your worksheet.
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Simple storefront: Use a basic checkout tool so buyers get automatic access after purchase.
Start with a beginner-friendly price: $9–$49.
Example: Meditation Quickstart
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Promise: “Learn to meditate daily in 7 days—no apps, no complicated techniques.”
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Lessons:
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Start Here: Set your 7-day plan
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5-minute breath method
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What to do when your mind races
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Create your mini routine
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Staying consistent after 7 days
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Helper Asset: A one-page 7-day tracker
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Price: $19 for first buyers
Your 3-Hour Sprint Checklist
✔ 30 min: Define your promise + course name
✔ 30 min: Outline 3–5 lessons
✔ 30 min: Create one worksheet
✔ 60 min: Record your lessons
✔ 30 min: Package, price, and deliver
Done. Your first digital product is ready.
Next Steps
You just created your first mini course in 3 hours. Imagine what’s possible if you put this into a system that works for you every day – reaching clients, making sales, and giving you more freedom.
If you want the full roadmap, check out my book The Mini-Course Method – where I teach you how to scale with automation and create a real freedom business.
Grab the book here: www.jyotima.com/mcm