Group Program vs. Online Course: What’s the Difference and Which Is Right for You? - 14

Is your course idea better suited for a group program or an evergreen online course? In this episode of Unlock Course Creation, Cassandra breaks down the real differences between these two popular formats—from pricing and scalability to time investment and student experience. Using relatable metaphors (Target runs and dinner parties, anyone?), she helps you decide which path fits your content, lifestyle, and goals.

You'll learn the key pros and cons of each model, common course creator mistakes, and the exact reflection questions to ask yourself before choosing. Plus, in the Instructional Design in the Real World segment, Cassandra shares lessons learned from her recent 30 Reels in 30 Days challenge—and how it’s the perfect example of “just-in-time learning” in action.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Target trips, toddlers, and teaching styles
• [04:13] Defining evergreen online courses
• [05:50] Pros of evergreen: scale, time freedom, passive income
• [09:53] Cons of evergreen: low accountability and drop-offs
• [14:04] Best use cases for evergreen courses
• [15:24] Defining group coaching programs
• [16:14] Pros of group coaching: connection, feedback, transformation
• [22:30] Cons of group coaching: time/energy intensive, harder to scale
• [26:03] When group programs are best: beta testing or step-by-step transformation
• [28:50] Reflective questions to help you decide your format
• [32:56] Instructional Design in the Real World: Just-in-time learning from 30 Reels in 30 Days
• [38:36] Wrapping up: key reflections, bike season bruises & next steps

Call to Action:

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📲 Follow on Instagram: @Cassandra.Meszaros for behind-the-scenes, real-time course advice & dry millennial mom humor

⭐ Leave a Review: If this episode helped you decide between a course or program, share your thoughts to help others find the show

🎯 Need Help Deciding? Book a discovery call or submit your questions for an “Ask an Instructional Designer Anything” session