Why Most Online Courses Fail—and How to Create One That Truly Transforms

It was one of those quiet moments where I found myself thinking about the bigger picture—why I chose this journey of entrepreneurship and online course creation in the first place.

Maybe you can relate. You’ve got a vision. A dream to make a real difference in the world, to help others grow, and to glorify God by using the gifts He’s given you.

When I first started years ago, I pictured the students who would enroll: eager to learn, searching for change. I imagined the impact—lives transformed, growth achieved, and faith woven into every lesson.

But then I stumbled across a hard truth, one that stopped me in my tracks.

The hard truth: most online courses fail to make an impact. Various research shows that the completion rate of online courses is between 5 and 15 percent. Yikes. That’s a staggering number, and it’s a challenge every course creator must confront.

But why does this happen? Why do so many people sign up with enthusiasm and then fall off the track?

It’s simple: they don't get what they need. They’re looking for transformation. People want change. They want their lives to be different after they finish a course. They’re not looking to simply check a box or gather knowledge—they want their lives to look different after taking your course. They’re seeking heart-level, life-altering, and inspiring change.

When I realized this, it became clear that creating a transformative course was about so much more than sharing content. It was about igniting a spark in my students, helping them grow into the people God created them to be.

So, how do we create courses that don’t just inform but truly transform?

Let’s explore the four keys to building courses that inspire and change lives.

The 4 keys for a transformative course at a glance:

KEY 1: Don’t just teach—guide

KEY 2: Speak to their deeper “why”

KEY 3: Build confidence, not just competence

KEY 4: Offer lasting solutions, not quick fixes

4 Keys to Building a Course That Transforms and Inspires

🔑 KEY 1: Don’t Just Teach—Guide

The Trap: Overwhelming Students with Information

Imagine this: You’re desperate to get in shape. You walk into a book store, and the clerk hands you a stack of books and says, “Everything you need is in here. Good luck!” You’d feel lost, wouldn’t you? That’s exactly how many students feel in online courses that dump information without clear guidance.

The Solution: Be the GPS 

Think about Dave Ramsey’s financial courses. He doesn’t overwhelm students with every budgeting theory. Instead, he simplifies the process into actionable “baby steps.” Each step builds confidence and momentum.

Your Challenge: Map the Journey

Your course needs to work like a GPS, guiding your students step by step:

• Set the starting point (Point A: where they are now) and define the destination (Point Z: where they want to be).
• Plot the route and key touchpoints between A and Z. How will you guide them from start to finish?
• Simplify the journey by breaking down complex topics into smaller, actionable steps and offering tools that make implementation easier.

When your students feel supported and guided, they’ll stay engaged and motivated to keep moving forward.

🔑 KEY 2: Speak to Their Deeper “Why”

The Trap: Focusing Only on Surface-Level Goals

Your students aren’t signing up for your course to gain random skills. They’re chasing a bigger dream—whether it’s leading with purpose, growing closer to their families, or serving their communities more effectively.

The Solution: Speak to the Heart

Transformational courses don’t just teach “what” to do—they reveal “who” students can become. For example, Jesus’ interactions often addressed both the practical and the heart-level needs. Think of the woman at the well: He didn’t just quench her physical thirst; He offered living water that transformed her entire life.

Your Challenge: Make It Personal

As you design your course, ask yourself: What’s the deeper purpose driving your students? How can you help them not just achieve a goal but step into their God-given purpose?

• Use stories and examples that resonate with your audience.

• Include reflective exercises to help students uncover their “why.”

• Regularly remind them of the bigger picture—how their transformation will impact their families, communities, and faith journeys.

🔑 KEY 3:  Build Confidence, Not Just Competence

The Trap: Focusing Solely on Knowledge

Ever feel paralyzed by self-doubt? That’s where many students start. They’re not just looking for knowledge; they’re wondering, “Can I actually do this?”

The Solution (or at least one of them): Stack Small Wins

Transformational courses empower students through small, confidence-building wins. For example, a public speaking course might include mini challenges like practicing with a friend, building up to larger presentations over time.

Your Challenge: Design Confidence-Boosting Activities

In every module, include opportunities for your students to achieve quick wins. Celebrate their progress to build momentum:

• Start with easy wins early in the course.

• Share success stories from past students.

• Offer encouragement at key milestones.

When students see what they’re capable of, their confidence will grow—and so will their commitment.
 

🔑 KEY 4: Offer Lasting Solutions, Not Quick Fixes

The Trap: Temporary Fixes That Don’t Stick

Have you ever taken a course that felt life-changing in the moment, only to realize a month later that nothing had really changed? That’s the danger of quick-fix solutions.

The Solution: Teach Skills That Endure

True transformation comes from equipping students with tools and strategies they can use long after the course ends. Think about courses like the Whole30 program. It’s not just a diet—it’s a framework for healthier eating habits that stick.

Your Challenge: Build a Legacy of Change

Make sure your course equips students for lasting transformation. This might mean:

• Teaching principles that apply to multiple areas of life.

• Providing lifetime access to resources so students can revisit them.

• Including follow-up opportunities like coaching or a community for ongoing support.

When your course is designed for enduring impact, you’re not just helping students succeed in the moment—you’re empowering them for a lifetime.

From Ordinary to Transformational

Here’s the difference between an ordinary course and a transformational one:

• Ordinary Social Media Course: “Learn how to boost followers.”

• Transformational Social Media Course: “Build an authentic community that connects with who you are and what you stand for.”

• Ordinary Storytelling Course: “Tell stories that sell.”

• Transformational Storytelling Course: “Discover your unique, God-given stories to inspire and connect with your audience.”

See the difference? Transformational courses speak to the heart. They inspire students to grow, connect, and step boldly into their purpose.

Ready to Build a Legacy of Transformation?

Creating an online course isn’t just about sharing what you know. It’s about creating an experience that changes lives, sparks growth, and brings glory to God. By guiding your students, connecting with their deeper purpose, building their confidence, and offering lasting solutions, you can create a course that stands out—one that transforms and inspires.

This concept of Transformation is one of the five principles of Faith-Powered Course Mastery. Each principle works together to help you create a course that transforms lives.

Explore the other four:

1. Faith in Action- embrace your faith to create deeper connections in your course. [Read more →]
2. Stewardship - simplify your process to focus on what matters most. [Learn more →]
3. Serving A Community - balance AI with heart-driven connection and service. [Explore more →]
4. Storytelling - share your story to build trust. [Discover how →]

Your calling is too important to stay in the dark. This is your time to create a course that transforms lives—yours and your students’.

Let’s make it happen, one faith-fueled step at a time.