Think creating a course takes months of planning, filming, and stress? Think again. If you’ve got a clear idea and one free weekend, you can create a mini-course that delivers big value in a small (but mighty) package. Here’s how to do it — fast.
Microlearning is having a major moment — and for good reason. Instead of stuffing your course with everything you’ve ever learned, mini-courses focus on one specific transformation. They're short, actionable, and easy for your audience to actually finish (which means better results and happier customers).
"Microlearning has a ton of benefits. It's easier to fit into a busy schedule, it's more engaging, and it's better for retention. When you learn in small bursts, you're less likely to get overwhelmed and more likely to remember what you've learned." - Toxigon
And for you as the creator? They're way less overwhelming to build.
No 20-video modules
No giant workbooks
No endless editing
Just one great idea, broken down into bite-sized lessons — and you’re good to go.
Let’s be real — just because something is short doesn’t mean it’s not valuable. In fact, helping someone get a fast, focused result can often be more valuable than a long, drawn-out course.
"One of the best mini-courses I've ever seen is a training on how to create custom image frames for Canva by Nicky Merrick. It's a skill any Canva creator would love to have and the learning time is only 10 minutes." - Amanda Hamilton, Just Add Your Brand
Think about it:
If someone can learn how to fix a problem in 30 minutes instead of 3 hours — that’s a win.
If your mini-course helps them take action immediately, they’ll remember you as the one who actually moved the needle.
And if your mini-course saves them time, money, stress, or overwhelm? That’s premium value.
So please don’t assume your mini-course has to be cheap just because it’s short. People aren’t paying for your time — they’re paying for the transformation. If you deliver that transformation in a fast, focused way, you can absolutely price it accordingly.
Whether it’s $27, $97, or even more, what matters most is the result you’re helping them achieve — not how many lessons they had to sit through to get there.
Here's the breakdown:
Start by choosing one clear, specific problem your audience is facing. Not everything you know. Not all the things you want to teach. Just one tight topic.
Example:
Instead of “How to Build a Healthy Lifestyle” — go with “How to Meal Plan in 30 Minutes a Week.” Boom. Specific, doable, and helpful.
You might be wondering, "So where does the 'with ease' part come in?"
My friend, I have created a free resource to help you find the perfect topic for your mini-course.
Get my FREE mini-course (so meta, right?) that will help you brainstorm and pick a profitable online course topic using AI prompts.
Now let’s turn that one idea into a clear, step-by-step plan.
Keep it light. Use sticky notes, scribble on a notepad, or use a free tool like Google Docs or Notion.
Break your topic into 3–5 quick lessons. Each one should help your learner get closer to that “aha!” moment.
Example:
If your topic is meal planning:
Lesson 1: Pick your theme nights
Lesson 2: Quick pantry check & staples list
Lesson 3: Build your 5-day plan
Lesson 4: Grocery shortcuts + bonus tips
Each lesson should take less than 10 minutes to teach. Remember: this isn’t a college lecture. It’s a mini-course!
Want some help from AI? Try this prompt:
Generate a course outline for a mini-course about [topic of your mini-course]. Each lesson should take less than 10 minutes to complete.
Here’s your permission slip to skip the fancy setup.
Use your phone, Loom (my personal favorite), or your laptop webcam. Speak like you're explaining the concept to a friend. People connect with people — not polished robots.
No need to have a slide deck or anything fancy. Just talk or demo your way through.
If it makes you more comfortable, jot down an outline of what you'd like to cover in the video.
Hot tip: You don’t need to be perfect. Your audience is looking for help — not Hollywood.
Now that your videos are done, it’s time to build your mini-course! Use whatever platform you’re comfortable with — Kajabi, The Leap (by Thinkific), Teachable, ThriveCart Learn, Podia, etc.
Here's a quick look at what the tech setup looks like:
Remember: Done is better than perfect.
Course creation doesn’t have to be overwhelming, exhausting, or reserved for “someday.” Microlearning flips the script by making it simple, fast, and honestly kind of fun.
And let’s not forget — just because your course is small doesn’t mean it’s not powerful. Helping someone solve a real problem quickly is incredibly valuable. People don’t want more content — they want results. And if your mini-course delivers that transformation, it’s worth every penny (and then some).
So if you’ve got a big idea on your brain — grab your coffee (or wine), block off a weekend, and turn that idea into a powerful little course that helps someone. You’re not just creating content — you’re creating momentum for someone else.
That’s priceless.
Find your profitable online course topic in 30 minutes or less with the help of AI prompts.
Join my free mini-course here →
Amanda Hamilton is an award-winning designer and web developer with over 20,000 hours of experience in websites, design, and online marketing.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. I only recommend products I use and love. ♥
