So, you’ve got a killer idea for an online course, but you’re wondering—how do I actually create and sell it? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. The online course world is booming, and standing out can feel like a challenge. But here’s the good news: with the right approach, you can turn your knowledge into a profitable, engaging course that students love.
Let’s break it down step-by-step, with practical tips, examples, and a touch of storytelling along the way.
Step 1: Start with a Profitable Idea
Before diving into filming or writing, you need to make sure your course idea is something people actually want.
Practical Tip: Think about the questions people ask you all the time. Are you great at photography, marketing, or baking sourdough bread? Chances are, there’s an audience out there who wants to learn that skill too.
Real-Life Example: During the pandemic, a lot of people were turning to the digital world and were wondering how to sell online. I’ve started having lots of clients from all over the world who wanted to open an Etsy shop. Since I was already selling on Etsy for over 6 years, I had all the knowledge, secrets and tips to help them. So, I created a course on Udemy teaching how to open and successfully run an Etsy store. It quickly became a best seller because I solved a problem people cared about and I ended up earning more than $20K in less than two years, with no previous experience in creating online courses.
Exercise: Write down 10 things you’re skilled at or passionate about. Then, validate your ideas by:
- Searching for similar courses on platforms like Udemy or Skillshare.
- Checking forums, Facebook groups, or Quora to see if people are asking about your topic.
- Running a quick survey or poll on your social media to gauge interest.
Step 2: Know Your Audience Like a Best Friend
A course built for “everyone” will resonate with no one. Get specific about who your course is for.
Practical Tip: Create a profile of your ideal student. Ask yourself:
- What are their struggles?
- Why do they want to learn this skill?
- How much time can they realistically dedicate to your course?
Storytime: When I created my first course, I thought I was targeting “anyone interested in selling online.” Big mistake. Once I narrowed my focus to “small entrepreneurs looking to get more clients and more exposure,” my course became much more relatable—and profitable.
Step 3: Map Out Your Course with Actionable Steps
Your course needs a clear structure that guides students from beginner to confident achiever.
Practical Tip: Start by outlining the big milestones your course will cover. Each milestone should answer a key question or solve a problem for your students.
Example Structure for a Photography Course:
- Lesson 1: Choosing the right camera and gear.
- Lesson 2: Mastering lighting techniques.
- Lesson 3: Composing the perfect shot.
- Lesson 4: Editing like a pro with Lightroom.
Make It Engaging:
- Keep each lesson short and to the point (around 4–8 minutes).
- Include practical exercises after each lesson, like “Take 5 photos using only natural light.”
- Use storytelling! Share anecdotes or examples from personal experience to make the content relatable.
BONUS
Learn How to Structure Your Online Course for Maximum Engagement
Step 4: Choose the Right Platform to Host Your Course
There’s no need to reinvent the wheel—platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, or Teachable make it easy to host and sell your course to a global audience.
Quick Breakdown of Platforms:
- Udemy: Great for beginners. They do a lot of the marketing for you, but they take a big cut of your earnings.
- Skillshare: Subscription-based, so you get paid based on how much time students spend on your course.
- Teachable: Perfect if you want full control over pricing and branding, but you’ll need to market your course yourself.
Step 5: Create High-Quality Content Without Breaking the Bank
You don’t need a Hollywood production studio to create a great online course.
Practical Setup Tips:
- Use your smartphone and a tripod for filming.
- Invest in a budget-friendly ring light for good lighting.
- Use free editing tools like CapCut, iMovie (Mac) or DaVinci Resolve (Windows).
Bonus Tip: Add captions to your videos. Not only does it improve accessibility, but it also keeps students engaged (especially those watching on mute). Udemy automatically adds captions, so you don’t need to worry about this there.
Step 6: Build Buzz with Free Mini-Courses and Coupons
This is one of the best-kept secrets of successful course creators: offer value upfront for free.
Here’s How:
- Create a short, free mini-course (e.g., 3–5 lessons) that gives students a quick win.
- Use this mini-course to gather reviews, build an email list, and drive traffic to your paid course.
- On platforms like Udemy, you can offer coupon codes to encourage enrollment and reward early adopters.
Example: Let’s say your paid course is “Mastering Social Media Marketing.” Your free mini-course could be “How to Create 3 Viral Posts in 30 Minutes.” Once students see your teaching style, they’ll want to dive deeper into the full course.
Step 7: Promote Like a Pro
Even the best course won’t sell itself. You need a solid marketing plan.
Practical Marketing Tips:
- Leverage Social Media: Share behind-the-scenes content, sneak peeks of your lessons, and student success stories.
- Email Marketing: Build an email list by offering free resources or your mini-course as a lead magnet.
- Collaborate: Partner with influencers or bloggers in your niche to spread the word.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget testimonials! Ask your first students for honest feedback and showcase their reviews to build credibility.
Step 8: Keep Students Engaged and Coming Back for More
The key to a successful course isn’t just selling it—it’s delivering an amazing experience that keeps students coming back.
Tips for Engagement:
- Add quizzes, assignments, or challenges to make learning interactive.
- Create a private Facebook group or Slack channel for your students to connect and share progress.
- Offer follow-up courses or membership options for ongoing learning.
Step 9: Analyze and Improve
After launching your course, take the time to review what’s working and what isn’t.
Questions to Ask:
- Which lessons are students completing the most?
- Are there parts of the course where students drop off?
- What feedback are you getting in reviews?
Use this data to improve your course and make your next launch even better.
Final Thoughts
Creating an online course that sells isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being passionate, prepared, and willing to learn along the way. Start small with a free mini-course, build your confidence, and grow from there.
Remember, your knowledge has value. There are people out there waiting to learn from you. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your course today, and let’s make it amazing!
Let me know in the comments: What’s your course idea? I’d love to hear about it and help you take the first step! I’ve been creating courses for over 5 years and would love to help you bring your idea to life. If you’d like my assistance, feel free to contact me at lararoxanapopa@gmail.com
Let’s make your course amazing together!
