Building a successful online business isn’t just about working harder—it’s about working smarter. If you’ve been spending countless hours on social media, struggling to sell your course one-by-one, or burning through your budget on ads that don’t convert, you’re not alone.

Many of my clients were in the same place just a year ago. They felt stuck, frustrated, and unsure how to break through. But over the past 12 months, they’ve made more money than ever before by embracing 3 game-changing strategies. These approaches not only scaled their income but transformed their businesses—and their lives.

Here’s how they did it, and how you can too. 

1. They Grew a YouTube Channel

Unlike most social media platforms where your content disappears into the newsfeed within hours, YouTube is a powerhouse for organic, evergreen reach. Every video you post—including YouTube Shorts—has the potential to work for you for months, even years, as people continue discovering it through searches and recommendations. Not only are my clients making more money by driving consistent traffic to their website (and subsequently their online courses and programs), but they're also making money from YouTube ads. 

Here’s why YouTube outshines other platforms for long-term growth:

• Searchable content: YouTube is the second-largest search engine in the world. Unlike Instagram or Facebook, where your posts fade quickly, YouTube videos are optimized for search, meaning people can find your content long after it’s been posted.
• Algorithmic recommendations: YouTube actively promotes your videos to users based on their interests, giving you a steady stream of new viewers.
• Evergreen potential: A single well-made YouTube video can continue driving traffic, leads, and sales long after you’ve hit “publish.”

How to Get Started with YouTube for Evergreen Success

1. Create Shorts that solve problems or inspire curiosity.

   • Focus on short, actionable videos (30-60 seconds) that address specific questions your audience is searching for.
   • Use your expertise to provide real value quickly and clearly.

2. Leverage YouTube’s searchability.

   • Include relevant keywords in your video title and description. Instead of vague titles that no one is searching for.
   • Research what your audience is searching for using tools like Google’s Keyword Planner or AnswerThePublic to craft content they want.

3. Commit to a sustainable posting schedule.

   • Start with 2 Shorts per week and focus on consistent quality over quantity. Regular uploads signal to YouTube that your channel is active, increasing your chances of being recommended.
   • Gradually incorporate longer videos (no less than 10 minutes) if you want to expand your channel.

2. They Sold Evergreen Courses with a Subscription Upsell

Selling an evergreen course is a great way to share your expertise and generate income, but stopping there is a missed opportunity. If you offer a course without a plan for your customer’s continued growth, you’re leaving money on the table—and letting them fall out of your ecosystem.

The most successful entrepreneurs don’t just teach a skill; they provide a path. By upselling their course graduates into a membership program, my clients kept their customers engaged, supported, and part of their community for the long haul. This not only creates recurring revenue but also positions you as the go-to resource for their ongoing transformation. 

How to Get Started Selling Evergreen Courses with a Subscription Upsell

1. Design a course that solves a specific problem.

   • Your course should address a pressing need with a clear, actionable outcome. 
   • Ensure it’s evergreen, meaning it can sell year-round without relying on live launches (which can often create unnecessary stress!).

2. Offer a membership program as the next step.

   • At the point of purchase, guide your students to a membership program that provides ongoing value, such as:
     • Monthly coaching calls to help them implement what they’ve learned.
     • Access to an exclusive community for networking and accountability.
     • New resources like templates, checklists, and in-depth tutorials.
   • Frame the membership as essential for staying on track and achieving even bigger results.

3. Automate the upsell process.

   • Offer bonuses when they purchase your course and membership together. You may also want to consider offering an additional discount when they sign up to your membership on an annual basis.
   • Highlight the benefits of staying in your ecosystem, like personal access to you, fresh content, and ongoing support.
   • Use testimonials or success stories from existing members to show how your program delivers long-term value.

3. They Started Speaking on Small and Large Stages

Speaking on stages—whether large or small—is one of the fastest ways to build credibility, grow your audience, and generate substantial income. Many of my clients who embraced speaking engagements saw dramatic growth, not just in revenue but in the quality of their audience and opportunities.

Whether you’re presenting to thousands at a conference or a smaller, more targeted group like a corporate team or association, the impact is undeniable. The best part? Speaking can also help you grow your email list and sell to a more qualified audience.

By incorporating speaking into your business model, you can:

• Grow your email list with engaged subscribers.
• Attract qualified leads who are ready to invest.
• Generate substantial income from speaking fees.

How to Get Started with Speaking on Stages

1. Use your talks to grow your email list.

   • Include a free download (like a checklist, workbook, or guide) that your audience can access by signing up for your email list by scanning a QR code that's included in your slides. 
   • Mention it during your talk (e.g., “Want my step-by-step guide to [insert value here]? Just go to [your link] to download it!”).
   • Make the download highly relevant to your topic so it attracts the most engaged members of your audience.

2. Target smaller, more specific audiences.

   • Large stages are powerful, but don’t overlook smaller opportunities. Speaking to a group of 20 decision-makers at an organization or association can lead to premium sales, repeat bookings, and referrals.
   • Offer value-packed talks for teams, local organizations, or niche communities, both online and in-person. These intimate settings often foster deeper connections and trust, making it easier to sell your services or courses.

3. Invest in professional speaker materials.

   • Bookers are more likely to hire you if you present yourself professionally. A speaker one-sheet is essential—it highlights your expertise, speaking topics, and past engagements in an attractive, easy-to-read format.

BONUS: 

They Offered Live Facilitation of Their Courses to Large Organizations and Companies

For my most successful clients, selling their evergreen courses wasn’t the endgame—it was the beginning of a larger opportunity. By offering live facilitation of their course to organizations and corporations, they unlocked the ability to sell dozens, even hundreds, of seats at once. This approach not only creates substantial income but also positions you as a trusted expert who delivers results at scale.

Organizations and corporations are always looking for high-quality training solutions for their teams. By combining the structure of an evergreen course with the customization and engagement of live facilitation, you can offer a premium solution that stands out.

One of my clients turned her $497 evergreen course on leadership development into a live-facilitated training program for corporations. Here’s how she did it:

1. Custom content: She adapted her course to include interactive exercises and real-world case studies relevant to corporate teams.
2. Team packages: She offered tiered pricing based on the number of participants, starting at $10,000 for up to 25 seats.
3. Post-training content: After the live sessions, participants received access to the evergreen course for future reference. 

How to Get Started Selling Live-Facilitated Courses

1. Adapt your course for team learning.

   • Review your course content and make adjustments to suit a corporate or organizational setting.
   • Break the material into modules or sessions that can be delivered live (virtually or in-person) over a few weeks or in a condensed workshop format.
   • Add opportunities for interaction, like Q&A sessions, group discussions, or team exercises.

2. Pitch to decision-makers.

   • Target HR managers, department heads, or learning and development teams at companies that align with your niche.
   • Emphasize how your training solves their specific challenges and delivers measurable results for their team or organization.
   • Create a compelling offer, such as bulk discounts for multiple seats or a custom-tailored workshop option.

3. Bundle value to justify a premium price.

   • Include extras like post-training resources, follow-up sessions, or access to your membership program for ongoing support.
   • For example, after the live facilitation, participants could receive access to your evergreen course for self-paced review or deeper learning. 

What These Strategies Have in Common

These 3 strategies share one critical element: they focus on creating real, scalable results. My clients didn’t waste time on ineffective tactics or chase every shiny new trend. Instead, they leaned into proven approaches that built their authority, diversified their income, and created lasting success.