# Dropshipping from Scratch — Course Outline

## Course Overview
Learn to build, launch, and scale a profitable dropshipping business—starting with zero experience. This step‑by‑step program covers niche selection, supplier negotiation, store creation, traffic generation, conversion optimization, and automation. By the end, you’ll have a live, revenue‑generating store and a repeatable system you can replicate.

## Who This Course Is For
- Aspiring entrepreneurs looking for a low‑cost online business model  
- Side‑hustlers who want to replace a 9‑to‑5 income  
- Marketers seeking to add dropshipping to their skill set  
- Anyone comfortable with basic computer use and willing to take action  

## Learning Outcomes
1. Identify a high‑profit, low‑competition niche using data‑driven research.  
2. Source reliable suppliers and negotiate terms that protect margins.  
3. Build a conversion‑focused Shopify (or alternative) store in under 4 hours.  
4. Drive consistent, scalable traffic through paid ads and organic strategies.  
5. Optimize product pages, checkout flow, and post‑purchase experience to boost AOV and LTV.  
6. Implement automation tools for order fulfillment, customer service, and reporting.  
7. Create a growth roadmap to scale from $0 to $5K+/month in 90 days.

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## Module 1 – Foundations of Dropshipping
| Lesson | Description | Learning Objective | Format |
|--------|-------------|--------------------|--------|
| 1.1 What Is Dropshipping? | Overview of the model, pros, cons, and myths. | Explain how dropshipping works and differentiate it from other e‑commerce models. | Video |
| 1.2 Legal & Financial Basics | Business structures, taxes, and budgeting. | Set up a compliant legal entity and a cash‑flow plan for the first 6 months. | Worksheet |
| 1.3 Market Landscape 2024 | Trends, top categories, and emerging opportunities. | Identify three viable market niches based on current trends. | Video + Quiz |
| 1.4 Mindset & Goal Setting | Success habits, realistic expectations, and KPI selection. | Create a personal KPI dashboard and 90‑day revenue goal. | Worksheet |

## Module 2 – Niche & Product Research
| Lesson | Description | Learning Objective | Format |
|--------|-------------|--------------------|--------|
| 2.1 Ideation Framework | Brainstorming techniques and idea validation checklist. | Generate at least 15 niche ideas and shortlist 3 using the framework. | Video |
| 2.2 Data‑Driven Validation | Using Google Trends, Ahrefs, and free tools to test demand. | Validate demand with at least 2 quantitative metrics per niche. | Worksheet |
| 2.3 Competition Analysis | Spy on top stores, pricing, and ad strategies. | Produce a competitor matrix highlighting gaps you can exploit. | Video + Quiz |
| 2.4 Product Selection Criteria | Profit margins, shipping weight, seasonality, and upsell potential. | Choose a flagship product with ≥30% gross margin and ≤10 lb shipping weight. | Worksheet |

## Module 3 – Supplier Sourcing & Relationship Management
| Lesson | Description | Learning Objective | Format |
|--------|-------------|--------------------|--------|
| 3.1 Finding Suppliers | Using AliExpress, Alibaba, and niche‑specific directories. | Compile a shortlist of 5 vetted suppliers for your product. | Video |
| 3.2 Vetting Process | Quality checks, sample ordering, and communication tests. | Evaluate a sample order and rate suppliers on 5 criteria. | Worksheet |
| 3.3 Negotiation Tactics | Pricing, MOQ, branding, and shipping terms. | Secure a supplier agreement with at least a 5% discount or better terms. | Video |
| 3.4 Building Long‑Term Partnerships | Communication SOPs, order tracking, and dispute resolution. | Draft a supplier onboarding SOP for your store. | Worksheet |

## Module 4 – Store Creation & Branding
| Lesson | Description | Learning Objective | Format |
|--------|-------------|--------------------|--------|
| 4.1 Platform Decision | Shopify vs. WooCommerce vs. other platforms. | Choose the platform that fits your budget and scalability needs. | Video |
| 4.2 Store Architecture | Navigation, product categories, and checkout flow. | Map out a complete site architecture diagram. | Worksheet |
| 4.3 High‑Converting Product Pages | Copywriting formulas, images, videos, and reviews. | Write a product description that follows the PAS formula and converts. | Video + Quiz |
| 4.4 Branding Essentials | Logo, color palette, voice, and trust badges. | Create a brand style guide for your store. | Worksheet |
| 4.5 Launch Checklist | Technical setup, payment gateways, taxes, and testing. | Complete the launch checklist without any critical errors. | Video |

## Module 5 – Traffic Generation (Paid & Organic)
| Lesson | Description | Learning Objective | Format |
|--------|-------------|--------------------|--------|
| 5.1 Facebook & Instagram Ads Basics | Campaign structure, pixel setup, and ad creatives. | Launch a test campaign with a $50 budget and achieve >2% CTR. | Video |
| 5.2 Google Shopping & Search | Product feed creation, bidding strategies, and optimization. | Set up a Google Merchant Center and first Shopping campaign. | Worksheet |
| 5.3 TikTok & Emerging Platforms | Short‑form video ad creation and audience targeting. | Produce a 15‑second TikTok ad that meets platform specs. | Video |
| 5.4 SEO & Content Marketing | Keyword research, blog strategy, and link building. | Publish a SEO‑optimized blog post that ranks on page 2 within 30 days. | Worksheet |
| 5.5 Influencer & Affiliate Partnerships | Finding micro‑influencers, contracts, and tracking. | Sign up at least one influencer with a unique discount code. | Video |

## Module 6 – Conversion Optimization & Scaling
| Lesson | Description | Learning Objective | Format |
|--------|-------------|--------------------|--------|
| 6.1 Funnel Analytics | Using Google Analytics, Hotjar, and Facebook Pixel data. | Identify the top three drop‑off points in your checkout funnel. | Video |
| 6.2 CRO Tactics | A/B testing, urgency timers, and upsell bundles. | Run an A/B test that improves conversion by ≥10%. | Worksheet |
| 6.3 Email & SMS Automation | Welcome series, cart abandonment, and post‑purchase flows. | Set up an automated cart‑abandonment sequence that recovers ≥5% of lost sales. | Video |
| 6.4 Scaling Strategies | Budget allocation, lookalike audiences, and multi‑channel expansion. | Create a 30‑day scaling plan that increases ad spend by 50% while maintaining ROAS. | Worksheet |
| 6.5 Customer Retention & LTV | Loyalty programs, subscriptions, and repeat purchase incentives. | Design a loyalty program that boosts repeat purchase rate by ≥15%. | Video + Quiz |

## Module 7 – Automation, Outsourcing & Exit Strategies
| Lesson | Description | Learning Objective | Format |
|--------|-------------|--------------------|--------|
| 7.1 Order Fulfillment Automation | Using Oberlo, DSers, or custom APIs. | Automate 80% of order processing steps. | Video |
| 7.2 Hiring Virtual Assistants | Task delegation, SOP creation, and management tools. | Write an SOP for VA handling of customer service tickets. | Worksheet |
| 7.3 Financial Tracking & KPIs | Profit margins, CAC, LTV, and cash‑flow dashboards. | Build a live Google Data Studio dashboard for your store. | Video |
| 7.4 Preparing for Sale or Partnership | Valuation methods, buyer outreach, and due diligence. | Draft a one‑page pitch deck for potential buyers or partners. | Worksheet |
| 7.5 Future‑Proofing Your Business | Diversifying channels, product line expansion, and AI tools. | Identify two new revenue streams to test in the next 6 months. | Video |

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## How to deliver this course
1. **Learning Management System (LMS)** – Host on a platform like Thinkific, Kajabi, or Teachable for drip‑feeding content, progress tracking, and community features.  
2. **Content Mix** – 60% video (10‑15 min each), 30% interactive worksheets/templated PDFs, 10% quizzes & assessments to reinforce retention.  
3. **Community** – Private Facebook/Discord group for peer support, weekly live Q&A, and accountability challenges.  
4. **Assessments** – End‑of‑module quizzes (multiple‑choice) and a capstone project: launch a live store and submit a 5‑page growth plan for instructor review.  
5. **Certification** – Award a “Certified Dropshipping Entrepreneur” badge upon 80%+ quiz scores and successful capstone completion.  
6. **Pricing & Bundles** – Base price $299; include optional add‑ons: 1‑on‑1 coaching ($199), done‑for‑you store setup ($499), and ad‑budget consulting (+$149).  
7. **Marketing Funnel** – Free 3‑part video teaser, followed by a lead magnet (“Top 10 Winning Products 2024” PDF), then a webinar that closes sales with limited‑time bonuses.  

Deliver the curriculum over 8 weeks, releasing one module per week, with live office‑hours on Wednesdays and a weekend “implementation sprint” checklist to keep students accountable.