Take the website you have today and turn it into a content-rich powerhouse that drives your most exciting business goals.
This course is no longer available.
Explore other coursesCourse overview
In today's world, you don't just need a website. You need a powerfully authoritative flagship.
And honestly ... most sites miss the mark.
If your site is stuck on "Just OK," it's easier than you might think to transform it from ordinary to outstanding.
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This course is perfect for freelance writers who are comfortable writing content, but their sites lack a strong business strategy.
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It's also a great fit for entrepreneurs who want to strengthen their thought leadership to support their business goals.
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If your website needs to do a better job attracting and nurturing the right clients and customers, this course will help
Communicate a clear business focus
Most sites don't drive business goals because they lack focus. Deciding on your key messaging takes some real discipline.
You'll get in-depth coursework to unearth your messages — as well as private coaching time with Sonia Simone — to walk you through those essential decisions.
Make an amazing first impression
There are a handful of points on your website that can make or break your first impression with potential clients.
We'll walk you through the pages that absolutely must be on your site, and how to make them exceptional. And you'll get a strong draft done ... in real time.
Publish the right content (not too little, not too much)
"More content" tends to be a writer's first answer when building their site out.
But it's not a matter of more ... it's a matter of getting the right pieces onto your site, and putting them in the right positions.
Master the "10% brag"
Does talking yourself up make you queasy? We have a fun, easy process that Sonia calls "10% brags."
You'll use them to talk about your most impressive accomplishments ... without making yourself look like a windbag.
Build the "path to client"
Just like big brands build a "path to purchase," we're going to put together your individual "path to client."
Your site will become a place where clients learn how much they want to work with you ... and exactly how to move forward.
Find new clients without tears
Prospect outreach is one of the most important aspects of an authoritative site ... but most site owners ignore it.
Why? Because it feels hard!
We'll give you simple templates and frameworks that will help you expand your network and pipeline.
BONUS: Dedicated time to implement
The course sets aside dedicated time to get the assignments done in a supportive group setting.
You'll also get six months of access to our implementation group, including flexible coworking and quick weekly goal-setting and end-of-week accountability calls.
BONUS: Workshops on content strategy
This workshop includes two bonus on-demand workshops on strategic content creation.
These will unlock after we've completed our live sessions. That keeps them from distracting us while we work together on your content flagship.
BONUS: Two private sessions with Sonia
The 2023 version of the course includes two private coaching sessions with Sonia.
The first is to set your goals and priorities for the program. The second is for any troubleshooting you may need along the way!
BONUS: Feedback on your site
Our updated course includes in-depth feedback on your site!
When you're ready for feedback, Sonia will personally prepare a detailed report, so you know what's working and what still needs some adjustment.
You'll have a full calendar year to submit your site for feedback.
Brian Clark
Beth Hayden
Jen Baxter
Joe Polivick
Sonia was a co-founder of Copyblogger Media, and served as Chief Content Officer there for 10 years. In that time, she wrote about 1.6 million words (that's about 30 business books!) Her popular MOOC has taught more than 446,000 students the power of strategic content marketing, with a 97% approval rating.
Now she focuses her time on smaller, more intimate groups, to be able to deliver even more profound results.
43 live sessions • 29 lessons
Nov
21
Nov
21
Nov
22
Recordings are below!
This session will get us energized and ready to build, with an exploration of the key concepts and some creative freewriting. We'll dive into your key messages with fun and creative exercises that we work on together.
We'll also set your goals and intentions for our time together, and Sonia will walk you through the key pieces of the program.
Bring a notebook (physical is great, or something like Google Docs or your favorite notes app also works just fine).
Class Notes for this session
Kickoff part 1 - housekeeping and setting priorities
Kickoff part 2 - free writing
Kickoff part 3 - VESPA
Kickoff Q&A
Nov
28
Nov
29
Nov
30
Dec
1
This is where we'll go over the critical structures that make sure your flagship serves your goals. And we'll learn about an easy tool you can set up that will be hugely helpful when it's time to promote your site.
We're going to make a couple of big decisions for your flagship today. Don't worry, you can update them later, if you like!
Be ready to take notes and can capture your ideas and insights.
Class Notes for today's session (Google Doc)
Part 1 — choosing "One Job" for your site (for now)
Part 2: The essential pieces
Session #2 Student Q&A
Dec
5
Dec
6
Dec
7
Dec
7
Dec
8
Dec
8
This is where we'll really dive into the specifics of your message. We'll do some powerful exercises to uncover your content fingerprint and find your core message. Then we'll work on making that message memorable and consistent, and we'll start to populate your content universe with it.
We'll do exercises in class, so, as always, be ready to take notes so you can capture your writing and additional insights for later.
Class Notes (Google Doc)
Part 1 - your unique message
Part 2 - digging deeper
Part 3 - revisiting VESPA and some Q&A
3 Steps to Take Yourself from Good to Great
Take 15 Minutes to Find Your Winning Difference
Dec
12
Dec
13
Dec
14
Dec
14
Dec
15
Dec
15
In the final core session of 2022, we'll look at what you're offering your audience, and how to crystallize it into a powerfully distinctive message.
Sessions will resume again in January with refinements and processes for keeping your site shiny!
Class Notes
Rock Your Offer - Part 1
Rock Your Offer - Part 2
Rock Your Offer: Q&A
Dec
19
Dec
20
Dec
20
Dec
29
Jan
3
Jan
3
Jan
9
Jan
9
Jan
10
Jan
11
Jan
12
Jan
12
No more "just get something published once a week"! In this session, we'll get off the unending content treadmill, and start assembling the pieces that actually serve our goals.
In this session, we talk about the drivers of strategic content, and smarter strategies for creating content sequences as well as ongoing content like a blog or podcast.
As always, be ready to take notes and do some writing in class!
Class Notes for Flagship #5
Content Empire part 1 — strategic sequences
Content Empire part 2 — ongoing content
Content Empire Q&A
Jan
16
Jan
16
Jan
17
Jan
19
Jan
19
Jan
23
Jan
23
Jan
24
Jan
25
Jan
26
Jan
26
Jan
26
Are clients from another planet? Sometimes it seems that way. This session is all about finding the prospects that become excellent clients, then building the structures that support that relationship. We'll also talk about building a "client zone" for your site, and we'll touch on a few elements of SEO.
Class Notes for Session #6 (Outreach & Visibility)
Workshop #6 - Diplomatic Missions (part 1)
Workshop #6: Diplomatic Missions (part 2)
Flagship Workshop #6: Q&A
After our main class modules are completed, you'll get access to two bonus courses that you can take at your own pace. You'll also be able to attend implementation sessions with Sonia's private community. These unlock after our main coursework is done, so they're not a distraction!
The Excellent and Sustainable Blog workshop will unlock at the end of January, and the Smarter Email Marketing workshop will unlock in February. You'll have access to all the bonuses through July 31, 2023.
Additional sessions on planning and 2023 goal setting. Our 2022 Reflection Party will be housed here.
2022 Reflection Party (part 1)
2022 Reflection Party (part 2)
Hands-on active learning
You won't just be listening to another online course — you'll be doing the work in a fun, live setting that maximizes accountability.
Harness the power of gentle accountability
Working with a community of peers will help you get more done, and give you the motivation to keep going through the uncomfortable parts.
Unmatched support for your productivity
Sonia's community of writers and business owners have been dramatically improving their productive output for more than two years now.
You get six full months of implementation support with this course.
One-on-one coaching to move forward more quickly
Our small-group format allows Sonia to build in time to work together one-on-one.
You get two coaching sessions — one to sharpen your goals, and one to troubleshoot anything that's got you stuck.
In-depth feedback for your new site
When you've completed the course, let Sonia know when you're ready for some detailed feedback.
She'll individually prepare a report just for you, letting you know what's working well and what might need an additional tweak.