How Many Modules Should My Course Have? A Complete Guide for Coaches & Course Creators

Stuck on “How Many Modules Should My Course Have?” You’re Not Alone.

If you’ve ever stared at a blank Google Doc wondering how to break your course into the “right” number of modules — you're asking one of the most common questions new creators face.

And it’s a smart question. Because how you structure your course determines:

• Whether your students actually complete and apply what you teach
  
  

• How confident you feel delivering it
  
  

• And how well your course converts when you go to sell it
  
  

The good news? There’s a clear strategy for this — and in this guide, along with your free Course Creation Planner, you’ll discover a simple, repeatable framework that helps you:

• Deliver real transformation to your students
  
  

• Keep your course lean, purposeful, and powerful
  
  

• Launch faster — with confidence and clarity
  
  

By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly how many modules your course should have, how to structure them for success, and how to avoid the common mistakes that overwhelm new creators.

Want to see this in action?

👉 Watch: How to Plan Your Online Course Step by Step — this visual walkthrough pairs perfectly with the planner and helps you avoid overwhelm by focusing on the right pieces in the right order.

Ready to wake up to daily course sales — without sacrificing your time or sanity?

Start with a course that’s simple, strategic, and built to convert.

👉 Get the Free Course Planner

👉 Join the Course Clarity Workshop

By Shannon Martel Oct 21, 2025

1. Start With Transformation, Not Module Count

Your Course Isn’t a Collection of Videos — It’s a Journey.

Before you decide how many modules to include, get clear on this:

What specific transformation will your students walk away with?

From there, work backwards. Think of your course as a bridge — each module is a stepping stone across.

Ask yourself:

• What’s the shortest, clearest path to that transformation?
  
  

• What are the major milestones that must happen?
  

  
  

Example:
If your course helps coaches sign their first 3 clients, your five milestones might be:

1. Nail your niche
   
   

2. Clarify your coaching offer
   
   

3. Create visibility through content
   
   

4. Build a simple client attraction system
   
   

5. Sign and onboard your first clients
   
   

That’s five modules — each one purposeful and progress-driven.

2. The “Rule of Five” Framework

Less Overwhelm. More Results.

After working with hundreds of new creators, I’ve found a sweet spot:

4 to 6 modules are ideal for your first course.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Mini-courses: 3–4 modules (great for low-ticket offers or validating your idea)
  
  

• Signature courses: 5–7 modules (perfect for delivering your core transformation)
  
  

• Advanced programs: 8–12+ modules (only once you have proven results and systems)
  
  

Start lean. Your first course is not your last — it’s your launchpad.

Bonus: Platforms like TekMatix make it easy to expand later, without tech overwhelm.

3. How to Structure Each Module

Every Module Should Be a Milestone — Not a Dumping Ground.

Keep each module focused and actionable. Inside each one, aim for:

• 2–4 core lessons (video, text, or both)
  
  

• 1 clear action step or worksheet
  
  

• 1 reflection, quiz, or integration checkpoint

  

  
  

“A course is a bridge, not a content dump. Each module should help your students cross to the result they truly want.”

Avoid the temptation to over-teach. Your students want clarity, not complexity.

Recommended tools:

• Canva: Create simple, beautiful worksheets and visuals
  
  

• Descript / Gamma AI: Record and repurpose video content easily
  
  

• TekMatix or MailerLite: Deliver lessons and automate access
  

4. Design for Completion

If They Don’t Finish… They Don’t Win.

A common mistake? Making long, lecture-heavy courses, students never complete.

Instead, design for momentum:

• Start with a quick win
  
  

• Build confidence in Module 1
  
  

• Use live calls or Q&A checkpoints after every 2–3 modules
  
  

In my Course Creators Academy, we use a "Momentum Map" to keep students engaged.

Pro Tip: StreamYard or Zoom sessions every few modules significantly boost completion rates and connection.

5. Real-World Course Examples

Example 1: The Quick Win Mini-Course
Goal: Help new business owners create a lead magnet in one weekend
Modules:

1. Nail your audience
   
   

2. Choose your lead magnet format
   
   

3. Build it in Canva
   
   

4. Launch it with MailerLite
   Result: Easy-to-sell $47-$97 mini-offer
   
   

Example 2: The Signature Coaching Program
Goal: Help life coaches sign consistent clients
Modules:

1. Position your niche
   
   

2. Package your offer
   
   

3. Create content visibility
   
   

4. Launch your offer
   
   

5. Deliver client experience
   
   

6. Refine and scale
   Result: 6 modules with built-in accountability and support
   
   

Example 3: The Advanced Certification Program
Goal: Train others in a specific method or framework
Modules:

1. Foundations and philosophy
   
   

2. Core frameworks
   
   

3. Practice and application
   
   

4. Case studies
   
   

5. Certification & assessment
   
   

6. Business growth strategy
   Result: 8–10 modules for deeper learning and mastery
   
   

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overstuffing modules: If each one feels like a course in itself, it’s time to simplify.

• Skipping the structure: Always map your transformation journey before recording.

• No action steps: Every module needs a "next step" to drive progress.

• Poor delivery systems: A strong course with clunky tech? Not a good look. Use platforms like TekMatix to streamline your tech stack.

7. Outline Your Course in 60 Minutes or Less

Use my One Hour to Course Clarity Framework (available inside the Hub):

1. Define your destination: What outcome will your student walk away with?
   
   

2. List your milestones: Identify 4–6 big shifts. These become your modules.
   
   

3. Break down lessons: Add 2–4 steps or lessons under each milestone.
   
   

4. Validate your plan: Ask a peer or client: "Would this help you reach the goal?"
   
   

5. Choose your tools: Set up your delivery with TekMatix, and automate with Zapier.
   

🎁 Need guided support? The One Hour to Course Clarity Workshop is free inside The Ultimate Course Creator’s Hub.

8. When to Add More Modules Later

Once your course is live, expand based on feedback — not assumptions.

Add new modules if you notice:

• Students want deeper support on certain topics
  
  

• You’re answering the same questions repeatedly
  
  

• You’re ready to evolve into a full signature or evergreen program
  
  

Your course is the foundation of your ecosystem — not the final destination.

Final Thoughts

The right number of modules isn’t about guessing — it’s about clarity, transformation, and momentum.

Start lean. Stay focused. Iterate fast.

Because your students don’t need more content — they need more results.

And when you teach with purpose and design with strategy, everything else falls into place.

Ready to Take Your Next Step?

Option 1:

👉 Join The Ultimate Course Creator’s Hub for step-by-step guidance, expert strategy, and access to the One Hour to Course Clarity Workshop (free for members).

Option 2:
👉 Want it done for you? Book a Done-For-You Course Setup and let us build your course delivery system, sales funnel, and automations inside TekMatix.

What would change in your business if your course wasn’t just built — but built to be completed, loved, and sold consistently?

Now’s the time to map it out, simplify your structure, and move from idea to income — one focused module at a time.

#CourseCreationTips #OnlineCourseStrategy #DigitalProductBusiness #CoachingBusinessGrowth #ShannonMartel #UltimateCourseCreationHub

Shannon x

Related Resources:

• Free Download: The Ultimate Course Creation Planner

• How to Start Creating Passive Income as a Coach or Service Provider

• How to Choose the Right Course Topic for Coaches & Course Creators