How to Create an Educational Email Course That Actually Works

Today, I’m breaking down exactly how to create an educational email course that people open, read, and take action on.

Start With a Strong Hook

If your first email doesn’t grab attention, the rest of the course won’t matter. This email needs to do two things:

1. Sell the course itself. Yes, they signed up, but you need to reinforce why they should stay engaged.

2. Clearly define the transformation. Where are they now? Where will they be by the end?

A weak intro sounds like this:"Thanks for signing up for my course on productivity. Over the next five days, you’ll learn how to get more done."

A strong intro looks like this:"You waste an average of 3.2 hours per day on distractions you don’t even notice. That’s over 20 hours a week—half a full-time job. By the end of this course, you’ll cut that wasted time in half and finally feel in control of your schedule. Let’s get started."

See the difference?

First one → vague

Second one → tells them exactly what they’re getting AND why it matters.

Keep It Concise but Valuable

People don’t sign up for an email course because they want a lecture. They want quick, actionable insights that create real change.

The best length? 300-500 words per email.

• Short enough to read in a few minutes.

• Long enough to provide real value.

Every email should focus on one key lesson. If you try to cram in too much, people will skim and forget.

Think of it like this: Would you rather read a long, rambling blog post—or get one golden nugget of insight that makes a difference today?

Make It Actionable

An email course that’s only theory is worthless. Every email should include one clear action step.

If your course is about sales, don’t just talk about “building relationships.” Instead, say:"Today, send a short LinkedIn message to one potential client. Keep it under three sentences. The goal isn’t to sell—just to start a conversation."

That’s clear. It’s easy. It’s something they can do right now.

If they take even one small step each day, by the end of your course, they’ll have momentum—and they’ll credit you for helping them get there.

Use a Logical Flow

Your course should feel like a natural progression.

Bad email courses feel like they’re throwing random information at you. The best ones build on each lesson.

For example, let’s say you’re teaching “How to Start a Profitable Side Hustle.” A good flow might look like this:

1. Day 1: Why Most People Fail Before They Start (Mindset & Expectations)

2. Day 2: Finding a Profitable Idea in 10 Minutes

3. Day 3: The Fastest Way to Get Your First Paying Customer

4. Day 4: Pricing and Positioning for Maximum Profit

5. Day 5: The Next Steps—How to Keep Growing

Each email sets up the next one. If someone reads Day 1, they naturally want to open Day 2.

That’s how you create momentum.

Keep the Formatting Clean

This one is simple: Make your emails easy to read.

• Use short paragraphs (1-3 sentences max).

• Add bold or italics for key takeaways.

• Use headers to break things up.

Most people read emails on their phones. If they see a giant wall of text, they’ll delete it before even trying.

Good formatting = more people actually reading what you wrote.

Use Engaging Subject Lines

Your subject line determines whether or not people even open your email.

Most email courses go wrong here. Their subject lines are boring.

Compare these:

🚫 “Lesson 3: How to Get Clients”✅ “Why Most People Fail at Landing Clients (And How to Fix It)”

🚫 “Email 4: Pricing Strategies”✅ “Your Price Is Too Low—Here’s Why (And How to Fix It)”

People open emails that spark curiosity or promise a solution to a problem they already have.

Spend extra time here—it’s the most important part of your email.

Encourage Replies and Engagement

Want higher open rates? Ask a question at the end of each email.

Something simple like:"What’s been your biggest challenge with [topic]? Just hit reply—I read every response."

This does two important things:

1. It gets people actually engaging, which makes your emails feel personal instead of mass-blasted.

2. It boosts deliverability—email providers see responses as a sign of quality and are less likely to send you to spam.

Deliver on the Promise

Your course should give real value—not just feel like a teaser for something paid.

If your course is about landing clients, they should actually land clients (or at least feel closer to it).

If it’s about writing better content, they should walk away with clear, improved writing habits.

Never waste people’s time. If your free content is good, they’ll naturally want to see what else you offer.

Space Out Emails Strategically

How often should you send emails? It depends on the course length.

• Short courses (5-7 days): Send one email per day.

• Longer courses (2+ weeks): 2-3 emails per week works best.

Daily works well if the content is concise and actionable.

But for longer courses, too many emails can overwhelm people. Spacing them out gives them time to implement before moving on.

Have a Clear Next Step

The final email of your course is crucial.

This is where you transition from free education to paid opportunities.

It could be:

• A coaching offer

• A course

• A community

• A done-for-you service

But don’t just drop a sales pitch—tie it into the course.

For example:"Now that you have the foundational steps, the next step is execution. If you want personalized help, here’s how I can work with you one-on-one."

Or:"If you loved this, you’ll love my full program, which expands on these lessons in even greater depth."

Make it feel like a natural continuation—not a sales pitch out of nowhere.

Final Thoughts

Most email courses are forgettable.

But if you follow these principles—keep it actionable, engaging, and valuable—you’ll create something that sticks.

And when you do that? People won’t just read your emails.

They’ll be waiting for the next one.

Would you like help crafting a custom sequence? Let me know.

PS Remember the part above? Have a Clear Next Step :) Subscribe below.