How do you create a Masterclass

Oct 19, 2023

If you've got expertise to share, masterclasses are a great way to reach your target group and engage them in discussion.

What's the best thing? Masterclasses can be as quick or lengthy as you want, so you can impart your knowledge and make the most impactful content in just a less time than an ordinary class.

We at a.m. know a thing or two about masterclasses. We've also helped countless creators produce, deliver, and sell their own masterclasses online.

This is our step-by-step guide to how to create an excellent masterclass, with insider advice and examples from the greatest masters of masterclass.

Skip ahead:

What's the format for a masterclass?

Masterclasses don't follow a strict format - a masterclass can range anywhere between a single class to an entire video course.

Masterclasses typically contain three essential parts:

  • A clear goal for learning goal(s): Every masterclass needs to have an end or learning goal that your attendees will learn or complete by the end of the class.
  • A skilled instructor The masterclasses usually are taught by an expert person with expertise in education or experience relevant to the topic of masterclass or industry.
  • A test or activity: Many masterclasses may also contain exercises or a type of test to help learners apply and test their knowledge - successful learners could also earn a certificate when they've completed the masterclass.

  Are masterclasses just videos?

Yes as well as no. Masterclasses can be described as learning content where specific skills are taught by experts in their field. They are usually video-based, however they could also include online webinars or blogs, podcasts, and so on. The best masterclasses also include other resources as well as learning opportunities like quizzes, tasks, questions and answers, in addition to the accreditations and certifications.

How do you create your own masterclass in seven steps

If you're considering hosting your own masterclass, there are seven steps be following to ensure that your course is well-organized as well as marketable. It should also be valuable to your target audience.

This is how you can create a masterclass (click to skip to more detail):

  1. Pick a topic: Find your niche and pick a topic for your masterclass that is appropriate and appealing to your target audience.
  2. Create your masterclass: Carefully plan your masterclass format, content, and style - including writing the outline and rough draft of the script.
  3. Design your masterclass: Record and edit your masterclass so that you create a professional product that people will be eager to buy.
  4. Select a hosting service Pick a platform hosting your masterclass where you can publish, promote your event, handle, and even sell your products all in one location.
  5. Marketing and promoting the masterclass: Get the public aware of the masterclass by using a variety of channels for marketing - such as social media, email marketing and targeted websites for landing.
  6. Revise and revise the masterclass: Collect students' feedback, and then revisit your masterclass materials to constantly make changes and improvements to your course.
  7. Expand your business: Keep creating digital products to expand your masterclass, build your brand, and open multiple revenue streams.

Ready to dive in? This is what you should learn about creating the perfect masterclass. This includes suggestions, examples, and links for additional resources that will guide you through the process step-by-step.

What is the best way to make a masterclass:

Pick a topic

If you're planning to develop a masterclass, you first have to decide what your topic or niche is going to be. The process may differ dependent on whether you have an existing brand or if you're starting the business from scratch.

If you're just starting out your venture at the beginning, begin by making a list of all the things you're skilled at, passionate about and competent to be able to do. Make sure that it's something you feel comfortable imparting to others. This helps you get clear on your unique offering and what kind of experience you're able to offer all of the world.

If you're already established a firm, you'll have a clear idea of where your specialty or focus is. this is also helpful to give you the opportunity to think of fresh ideas and possibilities if you'd like.

In the next step, you must confirm your concept. Here's how:

Audience research

It's not enough to think of a topic and then start creating a masterclass right away. First, you need to do audience research to make sure that there's a demand for your masterclass as well as certain people who are willing to watch and pay for it.

  • The research of the public could comprise:Customer surveys
  • Interviews
  • Focus groups
Competitor research

As well as talking to the right people In addition, you could find your niche by conducting market study. The process of conducting competitor research is to look at what your top competitors are currently offering customers to determine what you could offer differently and more effectively - in order to win over potential customers.

Here are some simple steps to help you with your competitor's research:

  • Conduct a Google search: The most efficient method of starting your competition research is to look for your idea of a masterclass through a search engine, such as Google. See which brands pop up first and what they're offering How similar are they to your idea? What are they doing differently? What is it that they aren't doing?
  • Look at their website If you've compiled your list of top competitors take a deeper dive into the research you've done and examine their sites and masterclass landing pages. What are the topics they're talking about? Who are they targeting? What are their core messages?
  • Check social media: Along with looking over their presence on the internet, you should check for their social media accounts and the types of content they're posting and engaging with. Look through the profiles of your competitors' followers, comments, and check out other brands that they're in collaboration with.
  • Review customer feedback: Customer reviews and testimonials can also be a wealth of information about your competition and the products they offer. Look at customers' main complaints, compliments, and the kinds of goods that they purchase from them.

Examine your competitors by analyzing these important elements:

  1. Product: What are their masterclasses contain? What are the resources they offer? Which features are beneficial or bad?
  2. Pricing: How much does their masterclasses cost? Does their pricing vary for different customers? Do they offer bundles and discounts?
  3. Promotion: What strategies are they currently using to connect with their clients? What channels on social media do they use? What type of content do they post?
  4. The location: Where are they based? What is their location for customers?
  5. Positioning How do they position themselves? What is their distinctive value proposition? How are they positioning themselves? What are their core message? Who are their primary target audiences?
  6. Reputation: What do people saying about their products and services? What are the issues that customers face?

In your research on competitors You'll want to find out the following questions:

  • Who are my top opponents?
  • What are their strengths and weaknesses?
  • What is the possibilities and dangers in the market?
  • What are the characteristics of my ideal clients versus my competition's ideal customers?

Track all the research you have done in a spreadsheet to help you analyze the data from the research results and utilize the information to create the perfect plan to teach your class.

Ask yourself: "What is my strength in comparison to my competition and what am I looking to be focusing upon?"

Plan your masterclass

If you've done your research, you should have a clear idea of your topic for masterclasses and the niche - including the audience you intend to target and how you will distinguish your product from other offerings that are available.

Next up, it's time to plan your masterclass.

Choosing your formatting

Depending on your masterclass topic and the target audience it is necessary to pick a specific style to present the masterclass. For example, the masterclass you choose to give could include:

  • Video tutorials
  • Audio
  • Webinars recorded or live
  • Blog posts or ebooks
  • Slideshows

Choose the style (or combination) that you believe will be most effective for presenting your content for your target audience. Ensure that you keep the masterclass interesting and engaging to your customers. What is your target audience most likely to appreciate?

Creating an outline

Concentrate your masterclass on writing a detailed outline that's built around your primary learning objectives and goals. The outline you write should contain:

  • What are the topics you'll be covering
  • What is the length of the masterclass you will give
  • What types of things you'll include
  • Additional resources and materials you'll provide
  • What types of assessments or certifications learners need to complete

When you break the masterclass into specific topics, activities and tests, you are able to create your material according to a predetermined format. This will help you make sure that it contains the information you need and follow through the promises you made to your students.

Writing a script or creating a strategy

When you're got the outline you need, start creating a comprehensive outline or script for your masterclass. For ensuring that the content is natural and flow well make sure you avoid writing a script word for word Instead, write down what you want to say along with the major elements you'll be covering to make sure you don't miss anything.

Make your own masterclass

The time has come to create the content to your masterclass, based on the outline you created and your plan.

The precise steps to follow for creating an online masterclass are contingent upon the type of masterclass you'd like to create - including your chosen format and design.

Masterclasses tend to be recorded tutorials. They typically consist of talking-head style videos with instructors or experts talking to the camera assisted by diagrams, images, prompts, and animations to help explain key concepts.

For creating this kind of masterclass you'll require an array of basic tools, such as:

  • A camera or video recording equipment
  • Lighting equipment
  • Equipment to record audio
  • Software for editing

This type of masterclass relies on the passion of the instructor or professional and their engagement, including how entertaining they are, how clearly they are able to communicate the topic, and how they convey their personality on camera. Make sure to smile!

It's an excellent idea to take multiple copies of your masterclass in order to assist to cut and edit your material to produce the highest possible resource for your audience.

For more help with creating a masterclass using various formats, refer to these guidelines:

Additionally, you'll need to design additional resources and assessment in this phase. Here are some resources to help you make masterclass materials which will provide worth to your students:

And when you are editing your masterclass, make sure to check out these tutorials to find the top software and tricks to master your editing:

Find a hosting platform

When you've successfully created an outstanding masterclass you're confident of and eager to sell, you'll need to find a hosting platform to help you deliver your expertise directly to your audience.

Here are three suggestions to assist you in choosing the best hosting platform for you:

Be aware of your payment structure

Understanding the kind of payment method you're planning to utilize ahead of time helps you ensure that the platform supports and accepts your preferred payment format.

This could comprise:

  • Subscriptions or memberships
  • One-time transactions that provide limited access to the content
  • One-time payments that provide lifetime access to the content
  • Access for free to use as a lead magnet

If you are planning to develop masterclasses on specific topics, using an escalating subscription or membership arrangement will enable you to earn recurring income through your offerings. Users pay a monthly or annual subscription cost to gain access to your content.

If you just want to make just one or two masterclasses this moment, it's best to charge an annual fee to customers to gain access to your educational materials. Customers can be granted only a limited amount of access to the masterclass or offer a higher price and give them the ability to access your materials and expertise whenever they want to.

Certain platforms don't accept subscription-style payment such as PayPal, so be sure your chosen platform allows you to charge customers using the payment method you want.

Consider your marketing strategy

In addition to considering your business's model, it's also important to take into account your marketing strategies when selecting a platform for hosting. Why? because different hosting platforms have tools designed to assist you to promote and market your masterclass and other digital products.

If you have an exact marketing plan you are thinking of implementing - like live webinars, marketing via email and special events, as well as dedicated landing pages, make sure your hosting platform is compatible with your plan and provides additional features that can help you.

Read customer reviews

In the event of choosing the right hosting platform for your company, existing customers usually know best.

Promote and market your masterclass

When you've signed up with a host platform and uploaded your masterclass material, it's time to start advertising and marketing your content in order to start getting those first sales rolling into.

Here are some efficient ways to promote your masterclass:

Social media

If you're looking to sell masterclasses in 2023, it's essential to be on social media.

Choose the best platforms for marketing your masterclass, based on the intended public. For example, if you're selling a B2B masterclass think about promoting your course via LinkedIn. If your masterclass is on the topic of lifestyle, Instagram and Pinterest are more likely to work for targeting your ideal customer.

If you're only beginning you should choose between three or four social media platforms to start marketing your masterclass.

Make content specifically targeted to your intended audience, including:

  • How-to posts
  • Tips and tricks
  • Behind-the-scenes
  • Interviews with other experts
Email marketing

Alongside building an online following on social media for your class or master class. You could make use of email marketing to get further advertising.

If you haven't already begin making your own email list. This will aid in addressing your intended audience, and to build stronger connections with your potential customers.

Email marketing can include:

  • Monthly newsletters
  • Updates and product launches
  • Round-ups and suggestions
  • Industry news
  • Tips and mini guide

The first rule for email marketing is to make sure that every piece of email material you write is useful for your readers - no one likes spam messages, so be sure your content is providing value every time it drops in your subscribers' inbox.

Pages for landing

Of course, you also want somewhere to direct your clients to an area where you can let them know more about the masterclass. This is where dedicated landing pages can help.

Pages for landing - also known as sales pages are designed to inform your target audience exactly the information they require in order to turn them from readers into paying customers.

The most effective landing pages are:

  • An attention-grabbing headline
  • Enticing overview of the masterclass you are taking
  • Some information about your teacher
  • Highlights or key topics
  • Customer reviews
  • Call-To-Action (CTA) e.g. A sign-up button

Edit and review your masterclass

Now that you've designed, launched, and started selling your masterclass. Congratulations! Now what happens next?

The work doesn't end when you've finished your first launch. Most successful companies continue improving and enhancing their content to better suit their intended audience and develop something that is even better.

In order to help you achieve this, begin collecting feedback following your masterclass including:

  • Post-attendance surveys
  • 1:1 customer interviews
  • Follow-up email messages

If you are able to gather as much feedback as you collect from former students and students, the better you will be able to make your masterclass more effective and tailor it to your target group to improve customer satisfaction and more repeat sales.

The feedback from your customers could help you decide what future digital offerings to develop in addition to revealing opportunities to reconvert your existing customers to HTML0 in the near future.

Increase your company's reach

For many Creator Educators, creating a masterclass is just the beginning. Masterclasses are a fantastic digital tool to build your reputation as an authority in your field, and to build your brand, while also creating revenue for your company.

The trick is to expand upon your successes by introducing multiple revenue streams - for instance, you could decide to create a full-length online course that is a part of your masterclass or set up a membership community to your current customers.

If you're looking to move on to grow your business look through these resources for inspiration:

Examples of top masterclasses by Creator Educators

Look through these samples of top masterclasses from highly successful Creator educators that can help you get inspired and come up with concepts for your own masterclass.

George Pitts George Pitts: Money Management Masterclass

George Pitts was motivated to start his own personal finance business after successfully getting himself free of financial debt. Back in 2017, he was living from paycheck to paycheck, and was unsure of how to change his situation financially. So the week he was off of work in order to figure out what he needed to do to fix his credit as well as his financial situation.

Being a self-taught financial planner, George became determined to assist others like him to achieve financial freedom. Since the beginning of his venture and teaching over 10,000 students through a series of masterclasses and online learning programs, and generated a 7-figure annual revenue through the process.

Barclay XayLi: the Camera Confidence Masterclass

Expert in the field of content creation and coaching XayLi Barclay is a specialist in helping entrepreneurs be the best version of themselves online. The masterclass helps creators stand out from the crowd and stand out through engaging videos and visuals.

Since she started her business, XayLi has created multiple masterclasses that help to impart her knowledge to more students - including the Camera Confidence Masterclass that will give creators the chance to have more confidence in front of cameras.

Find out more information on her journey to began by clicking here.

Make Your own Masterclass

Taking the first step to make your own masterclass be a bit daunting, but If you just take in a single step you can plan, produce, and deliver a masterclass that you're happy with. You owe it to your audience to create the masterclass you've been putting in the back of your mind. Don't let imposter syndrome keep you down!

Are you ready to plunge into the water? Take a free trial and build your own class today.