As a course creator, you’re passionate about helping people. You’ve invested time, energy, and expertise into building something that can truly make a difference. But sometimes, despite your best efforts, students just aren’t seeing the results you imagined for them.

Maybe they’re struggling to complete lessons, leaving sections unfinished, or reaching out with questions that seem basic given your content. You might even find that some students seem overwhelmed or unsure of how to apply what they’ve learned. Sound familiar?

This might be happening because many online courses—especially those created by experts—unintentionally overlook some common challenges that students face in online learning. The good news? With a few small tweaks, you can help guide students through these struggles, ensuring they not only learn but also thrive in your course.

The Unique Challenges of Online Learning

Learning online offers flexibility, convenience, and access to incredible knowledge from experts around the world. But it also presents unique challenges that students may not face in traditional settings. Here are some common struggles that online learners experience:

1. Feeling Isolated and Unsupported: Unlike in a classroom setting, online learners can often feel alone in their journey. Without regular interaction, students might feel isolated or disconnected from the material.
2. Difficulty Maintaining Motivation: Staying motivated when learning online can be tough, especially when other life responsibilities compete for attention. Without regular checkpoints or reminders of progress, students can lose the drive to complete lessons.
3. Information Overload: As experts, it’s easy to forget that not everyone is as familiar with our subject as we are. Students can quickly feel overwhelmed when presented with too much information at once, which can cause them to disengage.
4. Unclear Learning Path: Without a clear roadmap, students may feel lost, unsure of where they’re going or how each lesson connects to the end goal. This lack of clarity can lead to frustration and confusion.

When these challenges go unaddressed, even the most enthusiastic students can struggle to complete a course. For you, as a course creator, this can feel disheartening. But with a few adjustments, you can make a big difference in your students’ experience—and ultimately, in their results.

The Power of Empathy in Course Design

One of the most impactful shifts you can make as a course creator is to step into your students’ shoes. Think back to when you were first learning this material. What did you struggle with? What questions did you have? By taking an empathetic approach, you can anticipate your students’ needs and make adjustments that help them stay engaged and confident throughout the course.

Here’s how empathy can help you address each of these challenges:

• Combat Isolation with Connection Points: Add elements that make students feel seen and supported. This could be something as simple as a welcome video, a private community group, or interactive elements like discussion prompts within each module.
• Boost Motivation with Progress Checkpoints: Adding milestones, such as a “Well done! You’re halfway there!” message, can give students a sense of achievement. Remind them of their progress, and highlight how each step is building toward a meaningful outcome.
• Ease Information Overload with Bite-Sized Lessons: Try breaking down complex topics into smaller, more digestible lessons. Include summaries or “Key Takeaways” at the end of each module to reinforce what they’ve learned.
• Provide a Clear Roadmap: Start your course with a brief overview that maps out what’s coming. Let students know the goals and how each module will help them reach the end goal. This clarity can significantly reduce frustration.

Signs Your Students May Be Struggling (Even If They’re Not Telling You)

Students don’t always reach out when they’re struggling, especially in an online setting. Here are some signs that your students may need more support:

1. Low Completion Rates: If you notice students dropping off after the first few modules, it may indicate that they’re feeling overwhelmed or unmotivated.
2. Repeating Questions: Are you frequently getting the same questions about certain lessons? This could mean that a concept isn’t coming through as clearly as it could.
3. Minimal Interaction or Feedback: If students aren’t leaving feedback, participating in discussions, or reaching out for support, it could mean they’re disengaged or unsure about the material.
4. Lack of Testimonials or Referrals: Happy students are more likely to share their experience. If you’re not seeing a lot of referrals, it might be a sign that students didn’t feel they got everything they hoped for.

Recognizing these signs early on can help you make proactive changes that support your students. And the best part? Often, these changes are simple but effective.

Easy Ways to Support Student Success in Your Course

If you’re seeing any of these signs, or if you want to make sure your students have the best possible experience from the start, here are a few strategies you can implement:

1. Create a “Start Here” Module: Begin with a “Start Here” module that introduces the course structure, learning objectives, and how students can get the most out of each lesson. This orientation can set a positive, organized tone from the beginning.
2. Include Quick Wins: Give students a few “quick wins” early on—simple activities or insights that immediately show value. When students experience results from the start, it reinforces their motivation.
3. Add Reflection Prompts: Encourage students to pause and reflect on what they’ve learned. This can be as simple as asking, “What’s one insight you took away from this lesson?” Reflection deepens learning and reinforces understanding.
4. Check in Regularly: If you have access to your students’ contact information or a community group, consider sending periodic “check-in” messages. A quick email like “How’s the course going?” or a prompt in the community group can provide the nudge they need to stay engaged.

A Course Isn’t Just About Information—It’s About Transformation

At the end of the day, students sign up for courses because they want to change something. They want to learn a new skill, gain confidence, or achieve a goal. And as a course creator, you have the unique opportunity to guide them on this journey.

When you design a course with empathy, awareness of common challenges, and a few simple support structures, you create a space where students don’t just learn—they thrive. Your course becomes a source of inspiration and transformation, and students leave feeling motivated, fulfilled, and ready to take the next step.

So, take a moment to reflect on your course. Is it offering the kind of support your students need to succeed? If not, don’t worry—there are small, actionable steps you can take to start making a difference.

Results are not guaranteed. Please see the Earnings Disclaimer for more details.