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If you’re planning to launch (or re-launch) a course in October your design timeline doesn’t start in September. It starts now.
The truth is, your course could be amazing, but if the branding and visuals don’t match the quality of your content, your sales will struggle.
This blog will walk you through the entire course design journey, from strategy and warming content to course delivery, so you can launch with clarity, confidence and scroll-stopping graphics.
Why Your Course Graphics Actually Matter
Your audience is judging your course by its cover. That first impression, your lead magnet, webinar slide, or Instagram teaser, is what tells them if this course is worth their investment.
For every step of your launch, there is a whole journey of graphics that you need to create to make sure that it is successful.
The 6-Phase Timeline for a Successful Course Launch
1. Strategy + Course Mini Brand (Start in June-July)
Every great launch starts with clarity. You’ll want to define your:
- Course name and audience
- Launch funnel
- Course logo or “mini brand”
- Style guide specific to your course
This mini-brand helps your course stand out while staying visually connected to your business..
2. Warming Content (Promote in Early August)
Before you pitch your course, your audience needs to know why they need it. Create demand through:
- Thought-leadership posts
- Educational content
- Personal brand moments that tie back to your topic
Aim for 10+ social media posts that strategically warm your audience.
3. Lead Magnet (Launch around August 23)
Next comes your freebie. It should be irresistible and beautiful.
Create:
- The actual freebie (PDF, template, etc.)
- A mockup of it (to make it feel tangible)
- Landing page + thank you page
- Email graphics
- Instagram/Facebook designs and mockups
Your freebie sets the tone for your paid offer. Make it GOOD.
4. Webinar Prep (Launch around September 13)
Your webinar needs to visually match your brand… and capture attention.
Design:
- A branded slide deck
- Webinar mockups and bonus visuals
- Landing page and thank you page
- Promo content for Instagram and Facebook
- Optional: Bonus download for live attendees
This is your big “sales moment”, so don’t skimp on the design.
5. Cart Open (Mid-September into Early October)
This is where all the visuals come together.
You’ll need:
- Sales page (with visuals, mockups and testimonials)
- Checkout + thank you pages
- Bonus mockups
- Promotional content for every offer stage: early bird, mid-cart, close cart
Plan 1–2 posts a day on socials during this time. Repurpose, reuse, repeat.
6. Course Delivery (Post-Purchase)
Even after your audience buys, the visuals matter.
Design:
- Course portal graphics
- Slide decks for modules
- Onboarding email banners
- Worksheets and cheat sheets
- Facebook group visuals
This is what makes your course feel premium… and helps students complete it too.
The biggest mistake that most people make when it comes to launching their online course?
Waiting too long to design.
You need to start earlier than you think.
From warming content to webinar slides and your course portal… these assets have to be cohesive and every touchpoint on your online course timeline aligned so that it positions your course as a premium product.
If you’d like support to design your course graphics, please join me inside The Co+Creation Design Club where together we can build out your strategic, client-magnetising and professional course that SELLS! http://www.whitedeer.com.au/clubsalet’s the power of internal branding.
WORK WITH JACQUI:
// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb
// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub
// Design Studio: If you’re after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio
