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Content Flagship

Take the website you have today and turn it into a content-rich powerhouse that drives your most exciting business goals.

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Course overview

Build Out Your Content Flagship Website

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.


Who is this course for

01

This course is perfect for freelance writers who are comfortable writing content, but their sites lack a strong business strategy.

02

It's also a great fit for entrepreneurs who want to strengthen their thought leadership to support their business goals.

03

If your website needs to do a better job attracting and nurturing the right clients and customers, this course will help

Topics covered

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.

See what people are saying

        Sonia is one of the best writers in the content marketing space, period. Her unique mix of expertise, sass, and empathy clearly demonstrate how a distinctive voice can lead to content that resonates with the right people.
Brian Clark

Brian Clark

Founder of Copyblogger
        I'm a copywriter, and I have picked up two additional retainer clients since I started with Sonia's group. It's not a coincidence – my productivity has gone through the roof and I can fit more writing in every week. Bonus: The people in the group are fantastic! I really look forward to seeing them and interacting with them in the sessions.
Beth Hayden

Beth Hayden

Freelance copywriter and content strategist
        Sonia's like a cross between a writing business buddy with a marketing background and a creative mentor. The result has been more confidence and ideas that feel more aligned with the kind of writer I want to be. I’ve made a lot of progress following Sonia’s concrete and useful feedback on both my writing and business.
Jen Baxter

Jen Baxter

Copywriter and business owner
        It's a perfect fit at this point in my life: I get to work with a group, from all over the world, that shares my vision for a life of creativity and freedom.
Joe Polivick

Joe Polivick

Writer

Meet your instructor

Copyblogger Media co-founder Sonia Simone

Copyblogger Media co-founder Sonia Simone

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.

Course syllabus

43 live sessions • 29 lessons

Week 1

Nov 21—Nov 27

    Nov

    21

    Kickoff Session!

    Mon 11/216:00 PM—7:30 PM (UTC)
    Optional

    Nov

    21

    Optional: Repeat Kickoff Session (let Sonia know if you want to attend)

    Mon 11/2110:00 PM—11:30 PM (UTC)
    Optional

    Nov

    22

    Optional: Implementation Coworking (2 hours)

    Tue 11/225:30 PM—7:30 PM (UTC)
    Optional

    #1: Fuel Up: The Creative Kickoff

    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

Week 2

Nov 28—Dec 4

    Nov

    28

    Monday check-in and implementation coworking.

    Mon 11/285:30 PM—7:00 PM (UTC)
    Optional

    Nov

    29

    Optional: Implementation Coworking

    Tue 11/295:30 PM—6:30 PM (UTC)
    Optional

    Nov

    30

    Preflight Check: The Essential Pieces

    Wed 11/305:30 PM—7:00 PM (UTC)
    Optional

    Dec

    1

    Optional Repeat: Preflight Check (let Sonia know if you will attend)

    Thu 12/110:00 PM—11:30 PM (UTC)
    Optional

    #2: Preflight Check: The Essential Pieces

    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

Week 3

Dec 5—Dec 11

    Dec

    5

    Monday check-in and implementation coworking.

    Mon 12/55:30 PM—7:00 PM (UTC)
    Optional

    Dec

    6

    Optional: Deep Dive coworking (3 hours)

    Tue 12/65:30 PM—8:30 PM (UTC)
    Optional

    Dec

    7

    Star Chart: Your Unique Message

    Wed 12/75:30 PM—7:00 PM (UTC)
    Optional

    Dec

    7

    Optional Repeat: Star Chart

    Wed 12/710:00 PM—11:30 PM (UTC)
    Optional

    Dec

    8

    Optional: Implementation Coworking

    Thu 12/85:30 PM—6:30 PM (UTC)
    Optional

    Dec

    8

    Temperature check: How's it going?

    Thu 12/86:30 PM—6:45 PM (UTC)
    Optional

    #3: Star Chart: Crafting your unique message

    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

Week 4

Dec 12—Dec 18

    Dec

    12

    Monday check-in and implementation coworking

    Mon 12/125:30 PM—7:00 PM (UTC)
    Optional

    Dec

    13

    Optional: How to Earn Large-Scale Revenue from a Small-Scale Audience (YouTube live)

    Tue 12/137:00 PM—8:00 PM (UTC)
    Optional

    Dec

    14

    New this year — Rock Your Offer

    Wed 12/145:30 PM—7:00 PM (UTC)
    Optional

    Dec

    14

    Optional Repeat: Rock Your Offer

    Wed 12/1410:00 PM—11:30 PM (UTC)
    Optional

    Dec

    15

    Optional: Implementation Coworking

    Thu 12/155:30 PM—6:30 PM (UTC)
    Optional

    Dec

    15

    Temperature check: How's it going?

    Thu 12/156:30 PM—6:45 PM (UTC)
    Optional

    #4: New this year: Rock Your Offer

    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

Week 5

Dec 19—Dec 25

    Dec

    19

    Monday check-in and implementation coworking

    Mon 12/195:30 PM—7:00 PM (UTC)
    Optional

    Dec

    20

    Optional: Implementation Coworking (2 hours)

    Tue 12/205:30 PM—7:30 PM (UTC)
    Optional

    Dec

    20

    Optional: Temperature check: How's it going?

    Tue 12/207:30 PM—8:00 PM (UTC)
    Optional

Week 6

Dec 26—Jan 1

    Dec

    29

    End-of-year coworking and check-in!

    Thu 12/295:30 PM—8:00 PM (UTC)
    Optional

Week 7

Jan 2—Jan 8

    Jan

    3

    2023 check-in and implementation coworking

    Tue 1/35:30 PM—7:00 PM (UTC)
    Optional

    Jan

    3

    Implementation coworking

    Tue 1/35:30 PM—6:30 PM (UTC)
    Optional

Week 8

Jan 9—Jan 15

    Jan

    9

    Monday check-in

    Mon 1/95:30 PM—5:45 PM (UTC)
    Optional

    Jan

    9

    Implementation coworking

    Mon 1/96:00 PM—7:00 PM (UTC)
    Optional

    Jan

    10

    Implementation coworking

    Tue 1/105:30 PM—6:30 PM (UTC)
    Optional

    Jan

    11

    Module 5: Your Intergalactic Content Empire

    Wed 1/115:30 PM—7:30 PM (UTC)
    Optional

    Jan

    12

    Implementation coworking

    Thu 1/125:30 PM—6:30 PM (UTC)
    Optional

    Jan

    12

    Temperature Check: Assess the week

    Thu 1/126:45 PM—7:00 PM (UTC)
    Optional

    #5: Your intergalactic content empire

    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

Week 9

Jan 16—Jan 22

    Jan

    16

    Monday check-in

    Mon 1/165:30 PM—5:45 PM (UTC)
    Optional

    Jan

    16

    Implementation coworking

    Mon 1/166:00 PM—7:00 PM (UTC)
    Optional

    Jan

    17

    Deep Dive implementation coworking (3 hours)

    Tue 1/175:30 PM—8:30 PM (UTC)
    Optional

    Jan

    19

    Implementation coworking

    Thu 1/195:30 PM—6:30 PM (UTC)
    Optional

    Jan

    19

    Temperature Check: Assess the week

    Thu 1/196:45 PM—7:00 PM (UTC)
    Optional

Week 10

Jan 23—Jan 27

    Jan

    23

    Monday check-in

    Mon 1/235:30 PM—5:45 PM (UTC)
    Optional

    Jan

    23

    Implementation coworking

    Mon 1/236:00 PM—7:00 PM (UTC)
    Optional

    Jan

    24

    Implementation coworking

    Tue 1/245:30 PM—6:30 PM (UTC)
    Optional

    Jan

    25

    Module 6: Finding better clients

    Wed 1/255:30 PM—7:30 PM (UTC)
    Optional

    Jan

    26

    Implementation coworking

    Thu 1/265:30 PM—6:30 PM (UTC)
    Optional

    Jan

    26

    Temperature Check: Assess the week

    Thu 1/266:45 PM—7:00 PM (UTC)
    Optional

    Jan

    26

    Optional: Sonia on YouTube Live: Raising Your Rates

    Thu 1/268:30 PM—9:30 PM (UTC)
    Optional

    #6: Diplomatic Mission: Finding Better Clients

    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

Bonus

    POST-COURSE BONUSES

    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.

    Bonus: Planning and Goal-Setting

    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)

Sonia's on a mission to get you a website you're truly proud of

Sonia's on a mission to get you a website you're truly proud of

A new — and better — way to learn online

A new — and better — way to learn online

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.

Frequently Asked Questions