7 easy Steps to create Online Course and Start Earning Today

I am assuming that you decided to make money by selling Online course but don’t know the right steps of how to create Online Course.

You can also be someone who’s working in Corporate world and you are given a Job to train your Sales Rep, and since this is a Repetitive job, you are looking to Create a Course and Distribute within your company.

Whatever might be the scenario. No worries, I will help you in gathering all the knowledge necessary to create an online course, choosing a suitable subject, creating a website for your course, and making money by selling online courses through your website.

10 Steps to Create Online Course

1. Decide on the Course topic
2. Research Market Demand of that Topic
3. Analyze the Subject in Depth
4. Decide the Course Format
5. Decide the Course Price and Sales Goals
6. Write the Outline of Course
7. Create the Course Content
8. Chose the Right Online Platform
9. Bring your Course Online and Sell
10. Create a Feedback System

How to Overcome mental barriers of Creating a Course?

Even when I felt a strong desire to create an online course, I found myself facing some nagging doubts. 

It’s funny how something can hold you back, even when you know you have valuable knowledge to share. 

I’ve realized that these mental barriers are completely normal and affect even the most seasoned course creators. 

Let me share some simple principles that helped me push through these common obstacles.

You Think You Are Not an Expert

I used to tell myself, “Who am I to teach this?” But then I flipped the script and reminded myself, “I know more than my students.” 

When you create an online course, you’re essentially providing solutions to your students’ problems. 

You don’t need to be an expert; you just need to know enough to help others. Honestly, the term “expert” can feel like a myth. So, don’t let that hold you back!

There Are Already Hundreds of Courses on the Same Topic

Yes, I noticed there were many courses out there before I decided to create an online course. And guess what? 

There will be even more in the future, whether I start or not. But here’s the silver lining: this actually validates the market! 

It shows that there are plenty of buyers out there, and your course can definitely carve out its own piece of that sales pie. 

If you want to learn more about market validation, check out this resource.

You Need to Spend a Ton of Money

Let me clear this up: absolutely not! When I first started thinking about how to create an online course, I was worried about costs. 

But I discovered that you can get started almost for free with platforms like WordPress. 

Plus, there are fantastic tools like Thinkific that come with ready-made features designed to help you launch your course without breaking the bank.

You Don’t Know the Tools and Techniques

I used to feel overwhelmed by all the tools available for course creation. But then I realized that many tools are already at my fingertips! 

Whether it’s a document editor, presentation software, or even video and screen recording tools—these are all things I can easily use. 

When I decided to create an online course, I started leveraging these basic tools, and it made all the difference.

Lots of Work; You Don’t Have Time

I get it—time is precious! When I first thought about creating my course, it seemed like a monumental task. 

But here’s what worked for me: I started small. I took a topic I was passionate about and created a brief course just to test the waters. 

This not only helped me gauge my interest in course creation but also gave me insights into what people were eager to learn more about. 

If you’re curious about how to find your niche, check out this article. 

By addressing these mental barriers head-on and using the resources available to us, we can all take steps toward successfully creating our own online courses! So why wait? Let’s get started on this exciting journey together!

Reasons, Why should you start an Online Course?

When I first considered the idea of how to create an online course, I was surprised by just how many compelling reasons there are to dive in. 

Let me share my thoughts on why starting an online course can be a game-changer for you.

Market is Big and Expanding

One of the first things that caught my attention was the sheer size of the market. The demand for online courses is skyrocketing, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. 

In fact, I learned that by 2026, the global e-learning market is expected to reach a whopping $374.3 billion! 

With a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.6%, this is a prime time to create an online course. If you want to dig deeper into market trends, check out this insightful report.

Make an Impact, Make Your Name

Creating an online course isn’t just about sharing knowledge; it’s also about making an impact. 

When I decided to create an online course, I realized it gave me the chance to educate my target audience on topics I’m passionate about. 

This not only strengthens my reputation but also builds trust with potential clients who might be interested in my other offerings. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how my expertise can help others!

Earn a Passive Income

One of the most exciting aspects of becoming an online teacher is the potential for passive income. 

After you create an online course, you can sell it repeatedly over time, making updates as needed. 

This means that while you’re sleeping or enjoying your day, your course can still be generating income! It’s amazing to think that I could be compensated for my expertise while building a sustainable income stream. 

If you’re curious about how passive income works in this space, check out this guide.

Geographical Independence

Another fantastic reason to create an online course is the freedom it offers. You’re not tied down to a specific location; you can establish your online academy from anywhere in the world! 

This geographical independence allows you to reach a global audience and connect with people from diverse backgrounds. Imagine teaching students from different countries while sipping coffee in your favorite café!

Low Investment to Start

Finally, let’s talk about costs. When I was considering how to create an online course, I was relieved to find out that it requires very little investment—almost nothing! 

Since it’s all online, there’s no need for printing materials or renting physical space. 

Your students can access your course from their mobile phones or computers, making it incredibly convenient for everyone involved. 

If you’re ready to learn more about getting started with minimal investment, check out this resource.

So, what are you waiting for? The opportunities are endless when you decide to create an online course! Let’s take this exciting step together and make our mark in the e-learning world!

Steps to Create a Online Course

STEP 1: Decide on the Course Topic

When I first set out to create an online course, one of the most crucial steps was deciding on the course topic. 

It’s essential to focus on something you’re either already familiar with or eager to dive deeper into. 

Trust me; having a genuine interest in your subject makes all the difference!

Choosing a course topic is the foundation of setting up an online course. I remember sitting down and brainstorming subjects I love talking about. 

I also considered what my audience needed to know for an engaging and enjoyable learning experience. 

It’s not just about what you want to teach; it’s about what will resonate with your learners.

Your Expertise Matters

You might be surprised at how much knowledge you already possess! When I began to create an online course, I realized that I had a wealth of information from my previous experiences. 

If you’ve taught in a classroom or even shared knowledge informally, you likely have a solid foundation to build upon.

Online courses also offer access to a plethora of resources that can help you refine your topics and expand your expertise. 

I found that by breaking down my main topic into smaller, focused sections, I could create a more structured and engaging course.

Need Some Ideas? Here Are My Top 8 Niches

If you’re still on the fence about what topic to choose, don’t worry—I’ve got your back! Here’s a thorough list of the top eight niches that can inspire you as you think about how to create an online course:

1. Technology and Software: With rapid advancements in tech, there’s always something new to teach.
2. Business & Entrepreneurship: Share your insights on starting or growing a business.
3. Arts & Crafts: If you’re creative, this niche allows you to showcase your artistic skills.
4. Health: Topics related to wellness and fitness are always in demand.
5. Education: Help others learn how to teach or improve their teaching methods.
6. Writing and Content Creation: Share your writing tips or content strategies.
7. Personal Development: Guide others on their journey toward self-improvement.
8. Entertainment: Whether it’s music, film, or gaming, there’s always an audience eager for insights.

If you want more ideas or guidance on selecting the perfect niche, check out this helpful article.

So, as you embark on this exciting journey to create an online course, take some time to reflect on what truly excites you and what your audience wants to learn. 

This foundational step will set the stage for everything else that follows! Let’s get started together!

STEP 2: Research Market Demand of That Topic

Once I settled on my course topic, the next step in my journey to create an online course was to dive into market research. 

I quickly realized how crucial it is to understand whether there’s a demand for the content I wanted to share.

Understanding Market Demand

I’ve seen many aspiring course creators worry that if there’s a lot of competition, their course won’t be viable. 

But here’s what I learned: competition can actually be a good sign! It indicates that there’s significant market demand for that topic and that people are willing to pay for it. 

This realization gave me the confidence to move forward with my own course.

Conducting Keyword Research

To get a clearer picture of what potential learners were interested in, I started conducting keyword research. 

This step was eye-opening! By using tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest, I could see what people were searching for related to my topic. 

It helped me identify specific areas where I could provide value and fill gaps in the existing courses.

For instance, when I was looking into my niche, I discovered that many people were searching for specific solutions or insights that weren’t being addressed adequately. 

This gave me a fantastic opportunity to tailor my course content to meet those needs. If you want to learn more about effective keyword research, check out this guide.

Enrolling in Online Courses

As part of my research, I also enrolled in a few online courses similar to what I wanted to create an online course about. 

This was incredibly beneficial! Not only did it give me insight into how others structured their courses, but it also helped me understand what worked well and what didn’t. 

Plus, experiencing the learner’s perspective allowed me to think about how I could enhance engagement and value in my own course.

So, as you embark on your journey to create an online course, don’t skip this vital step of researching market demand. It’s essential for ensuring your content resonates with your audience and stands out in the crowded online learning space. Let’s keep moving forward together!

STEP 3: Analyze the Subject in Depth

Now that I’ve chosen my topic and researched market demand, it’s time to dive deep into the subject as I prepare to create an online course. 

Whether you’re already an expert or just starting out, this step is crucial for ensuring that your content is both comprehensive and valuable.

Going Beyond Basic Information

I quickly learned that it’s not enough to regurgitate information that anyone can find with a quick Google search. Instead, I focused on digging deeper into the subject matter. 

I explored a variety of resources, from books and articles to competitor courses and webinars. 

This exploration enriched my understanding and helped me uncover insights that would set my course apart.

For example, while researching how to create an online course about indoor plant care, I discovered a wealth of information about different plant species and their specific needs. 

This knowledge allowed me to craft a more engaging and informative course.

Conducting Keyword Research

To better understand what potential learners were curious about, I conducted keyword research again. 

This time, I focused on the types of questions people were asking related to my topic. Tools like AnswerThePublic and Google Trends became invaluable in this process. 

They helped me identify common queries and concerns that my audience might have, allowing me to tailor my course content accordingly.

If you want some tips on effective keyword research techniques, check out this resource.

Identifying Subcategories

As I delved deeper into my niche, I kept an eye out for subcategories that could enrich my course. 

For instance, if I were teaching about indoor plants, I would cover the basics like watering and natural light. 

However, to truly add value, I sought out unique perspectives—like exploring various types of air-purifying plants. 

This not only broadened the scope of my course but also made it more appealing to a wider audience.

So as you embark on your journey to create an online course, remember that thorough analysis is key. 

By digging deep into your subject matter and understanding your audience’s needs, you’ll be well-equipped to deliver an exceptional learning experience. Let’s keep pushing forward together!

STEP 4: Decide the Course Format

As I continued my journey to create an online course, one of the most important decisions I faced was choosing the right format for my course. 

The structure and delivery method not only influence how I market the course but also determine how much content to include and what I can charge for it.

Exploring Different Course Formats

I discovered that there are several formats to consider, each with its own unique benefits. Here’s what I found out about the three main types of courses:

Mini-Course

A mini-course is typically short, taking about an hour or two to complete. I found that these can take various forms, like a playlist of ten brief videos or a series of informative emails. 

One of the great things about mini-courses is that they’re usually offered at a low cost—often under $100—or even for free! 

This makes them perfect as lead magnets to attract potential students for more comprehensive courses later on.

When I decided to create an online course, starting with a mini-course helped me test the waters and understand what my audience was looking for. 

It was a fantastic way to gather feedback and refine my ideas before diving into larger projects.

Multi-Day Course

Next up is the multi-day course, which is designed for intermediate learners and typically spans several days. 

These courses often include supplemental materials like worksheets and checklists, along with pre-recorded videos that break the content into manageable modules. I learned that these courses usually range from $250 to $2,000 in price.

After successfully launching my mini-course, I felt confident enough to move on to a multi-day course. 

This format allowed me to dive deeper into the subject matter and provide more value to my students.

Masterclass

Finally, there are masterclasses, which can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. These courses aim to provide a comprehensive system for success and are often targeted at professionals. The price tag for masterclasses can range from $300 to $5,000.

While masterclasses sound enticing, I realized it’s best not to start with this format if you’re new to course creation. 

Gaining experience through shorter courses and multi-day programs first is essential. If you want tips on how to structure your courses effectively, check out this article.

Making Your Decision

Ultimately, deciding on the right format for your course is crucial as you embark on your journey to create an online course. 

Each format has its strengths, and selecting one that aligns with your goals and audience needs will set you up for success. 

So take some time to think about which option resonates most with you and your future students! Let’s keep moving forward together!

STEP 5: Decide the Course Price and Sales Goals

As I ventured further into my journey to create an online course, I found that one of the most challenging decisions was setting the course price. 

It felt a bit daunting, but I quickly realized that this step is crucial for the success of my course. 

Here’s how I navigated this tricky yet important aspect of course building and selling.

Factors Affecting Course Pricing

There are several key factors that influenced my pricing strategy, and I’d like to share them with you:

1. Your Time Spent on This Course

First and foremost, I made sure to account for all the time and effort I invested in creating my course. From recording lessons to designing worksheets and compiling materials, every hour mattered. I took a moment to calculate how much time I spent on each aspect of the course development process. This helped me understand the value of my work and set a fair price.

2. Your Marketing Cost

Next, I considered my marketing budget. It’s essential to factor in how much I planned to spend on promoting my course. 

I learned that whether my course was priced low or high, the marketing costs would still be significant. 

This realization helped me set a price that would cover not just production but also marketing expenses. If you’re looking for tips on effective marketing strategies, check out this resource.

3. Your Impact on Buyers’ Lives

I also reflected on the impact my course could have on my students’ lives. 

If my course could lead to measurable outcomes—like career advancement, increased income potential, personal satisfaction, or new skills—then I knew I could justify a higher price point. 

People are often willing to pay more when they see the tangible benefits they’ll receive.

4. Course Buyer Saves Time or Gains Money

Lastly, I considered how my course would save time or help buyers make money. 

If I could clearly articulate how my course would ease their lives or boost their earnings, it made pricing much simpler. 

Understanding this direct impact allowed me to confidently set a price that reflected the value offered.

Setting Sales Goals

Once I had a solid grasp on pricing, it was time to think about my sales goals. How many students did I want to enroll? 

What revenue target did I hope to achieve? Setting clear sales goals gave me direction and motivation as I moved forward with launching my course.

As you embark on your own journey to create an online course, remember that pricing is not just about numbers; it’s about understanding the value you provide and how it impacts your students’ lives. 

Take your time with this decision—it’s worth it! Let’s keep pushing ahead together!

STEP 6: Write the Outline of Your Course

Now that I’ve tackled pricing and sales goals, it’s time to dive into one of the most exciting parts of my journey to create an online course: writing the course outline! This step is crucial because it sets the foundation for everything I’ll teach.

Creating the Curriculum

To get started, I grabbed my laptop and opened a spreadsheet instead of reaching for a piece of paper. 

Trust me, using a spreadsheet made organizing my thoughts so much easier! I began by listing all the lessons I intended to teach. 

This way, I could see everything at a glance and make adjustments as needed.

As I wrote my outline, I focused on distinguishing the primary points I wanted to cover in each lesson. 

It was important for me to ensure that each lesson flowed logically into the next. I aimed to create a simple and fluid learning experience for my future students.

Dividing Content into Modules and Lessons

Since I was planning to create an online course that would be comprehensive, I knew I needed to break down the content into manageable modules and lessons. 

For instance, if my course covered a broad topic like digital marketing, I would divide it into modules such as SEO, social media marketing, and email marketing.

Within each module, I further broke down more basic topics into subtopics. 

This not only made it easier for me to organize my thoughts but also helped me present information in a way that was digestible for my students. 

By arranging everything in a logical order, I aimed to guide learners through the material seamlessly.

If you’re looking for tips on how to structure your course outline effectively, check out this helpful guide.

Passing Thoughts

As I worked on my outline, I felt a sense of clarity and excitement about what was to come. 

Writing the outline for my course was not just about listing lessons; it was about crafting an engaging learning journey for my students. 

So as you embark on your own path to create an online course, take your time with this step. 

A well-structured outline will make the rest of the course development process so much smoother! Let’s keep moving forward together!

STEP 7: Create the Course Content

Now that I’ve outlined my course, it’s time to dive into one of the most exciting and challenging parts of my journey to create an online course: developing the actual course content! 

This step is where everything comes together, and I can’t wait to share my process with you.

Planning Your Course

Creating the course strategy goes beyond just having a curriculum. I realized that each learning module needs to be thoughtfully crafted to help learners absorb and retain crucial information. 

As I planned my course, I took the time to describe how I would deliver the educational material in detail.

One thing I learned is that keeping learners engaged from one module to the next is essential. 

I also focused on implementing the waypoint concept, which allows users to pause their course at any point and resume without losing their place. 

This feature enhances the learning experience and makes it more user-friendly.

Designing Each Module

When it came to designing each module, I aimed for a structured approach. Each eLearning module became a sequential collection of resources focused on a specific topic. For example, I included:

• 2-4 Post-Learning Goals: These goals helped clarify what learners should achieve by the end of each module.
• Instructions for Using Learning Resources: Clear guidance on how to navigate through the materials was crucial for understanding.
• Learning Exercises: I incorporated activities that allowed users to apply what they had learned, reinforcing their knowledge.

This structure not only made it easier for me to organize content but also provided a clear roadmap for my students.

Creating Learning Materials and Activities

The most challenging yet rewarding part of this phase was creating the actual learning materials and activities. 

This included everything from texts and images to videos, music, animations, interactions, and assessments. It was a lot of work, but seeing it all come together was incredibly satisfying!

Fortunately, there are numerous authoring tools available—both free and paid—that can assist you in producing eLearning content. 

Some of my favorites include Canva for graphics, Camtasia for video editing, and Articulate 360 for interactive content creation. 

These tools made my life so much easier as I worked to create an online course that was engaging and informative.

Passing Thoughts

As I embarked on this journey to create an online course, I found that developing the content was not just about filling in information; it was about crafting an engaging learning experience. 

So as you dive into this step, remember that every piece of content contributes to your students’ success. Let’s keep pushing forward together!

STEP 8: Choose the Right Online Platform

As I moved forward in my journey to create an online course, I found that choosing the right online platform was the next step. 

Thankfully, this part felt relatively straightforward compared to some of the previous steps. It mainly came down to my budget and the type of course I wanted to offer.

Understanding Different Platform Types

I quickly discovered that there are various online course platforms, each with its own unique features. Here’s a breakdown of the main categories I considered:

Do-it-Yourself (DIY)

One option was to create my own WordPress website. This DIY approach allowed me to install Learning Management System (LMS) plugins and populate my course content. 

However, I realized that I would also need to develop my own email marketing strategy using other WordPress plugins like Mailchimp or ConvertKit.

Additionally, I’d have to set up my own payment gateway integration and manage quizzes and certifications if my chosen LMS didn’t offer those features out of the box. 

While this option gave me complete control, I knew it would require a significant amount of time and effort to grow and scale my business on my own.

Standalone Platform

Next, I looked into standalone platforms like Thinkific and Teachable. These platforms provided a great deal of control over my content and data while simplifying many aspects of course creation. 

They offered built-in tools for quizzes, payment processing, and even marketing integrations, which made my life much easier.

All-in-One Platform

Then there were all-in-one platforms that combined everything I needed into one location. These solutions included website building, content delivery, and marketing tools all in one package. 

While they were typically more expensive, I found that they could save me time by eliminating the need to juggle multiple tools. If you want to learn more about all-in-one platforms, check out this comparison guide.

Marketplace Platform

Lastly, I considered marketplace platforms that provide an existing audience for my course. 

These platforms can help your course gain visibility much faster than if you were starting from scratch. However, I noticed that they often come with less control over data and pricing. 

This was something I had to weigh carefully as I thought about how to create an online course that aligned with my goals.

Making My Decision

Ultimately, choosing the right platform was about finding a balance between control, ease of use, and budget. 

As you embark on your own journey to create an online course, take the time to assess your needs and what will work best for you. Let’s keep moving forward together!

The moment has finally arrived! After all the hard work and planning to create an online course, it’s time to bring my course online and start selling it. 

I knew that this step would be crucial not just for me, but also for my future students and the market as a whole.

Focusing on Your Buyers’ Needs

As I prepared to launch, I reminded myself that the selling process was entirely in my hands. 

The key was to concentrate on my buyers’ problems and clearly communicate how my course would help them solve those issues. 

Whether they were making purchases over the phone or directly from a landing page, understanding their needs was essential.

Marketing Strategies to Consider

To effectively market my course and drive sales, I explored several strategies:

Weekly/Monthly Webinars

One of the first strategies I implemented was hosting webinars. I found that webinars are relatively inexpensive and a fantastic way to generate leads for my course. 

From my experience, there’s a much higher chance that someone who watches a 30- to 60-minute webinar will be interested in purchasing my course afterward. 

If you’re curious about how to set up engaging webinars, check out this guide.

Email Marketing

Next, I focused on email marketing. I captured emails from visitors on my landing page. 

While not everyone who visits will buy immediately, requesting their email allows me to establish an email marketing funnel that can persuade them later. 

I even created a mini-course delivered via email to promote my main course—this strategy helped build anticipation and excitement!

Social Media Marketing

I also developed a social media marketing plan. This involved determining which platforms would best connect me with my potential followers.

 By consistently adding value through posts, I aimed to engage my audience and keep them interested in what I had to offer. 

Platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn became key players in my outreach strategy.

Post Online Ads

Finally, I explored running paid advertisements, such as Google Ads or Facebook ads. 

Targeting my ideal customer through these ads helped me reach people who were likely to be interested in my course. 

It was exciting to see how effective online advertising could be in converting viewers into customers.

Final Thoughts

As I embarked on this journey to create an online course, bringing it online and selling it felt like the culmination of all my efforts. 

By focusing on my audience’s needs and employing various marketing strategies, I was confident that I could successfully launch my course. 

So as you prepare to take this exciting step, remember that every effort counts! Let’s keep moving forward together!

STEP 10: Create a Feedback System

As I wrapped up my journey to create an online course, I realized that one of the most vital steps was establishing a feedback system. 

Getting feedback online has never been easier, and I wanted to make sure I was leveraging digital tools to enhance my course continually.

The Importance of Feedback

I learned that feedback is essential for improving my content and ensuring it meets the needs of my students. 

By actively seeking comments both during and after lessons, I could gain valuable insights into what was working well and what needed adjustment. It’s all about creating a better learning experience!

Utilizing Digital Tools

To facilitate this process, I decided to utilize various digital tools. For instance, I incorporated surveys using platforms like Google Forms and SurveyMonkey to gather structured feedback from my students. 

These tools made it easy for learners to share their thoughts on the course material, delivery style, and overall experience.

I also encouraged open communication through discussion forums or chat features within my course platform. This allowed students to ask questions and provide feedback in real time, creating a more interactive learning environment.

Continuous Improvement

One of the best parts about having a feedback system in place is that it enables me to make continuous improvements to my course. 

After each session, I would review the feedback and identify trends or common concerns. This way, I could adjust my content accordingly, ensuring that I was always meeting the needs of my audience.

As I continued to create an online course, I embraced the idea that feedback isn’t just a one-time thing; it’s an ongoing process. 

By fostering an environment where students felt comfortable sharing their thoughts, I could enhance not only my course but also their learning experience.

Passing Thoughts

So as you embark on your own journey to create an online course, don’t underestimate the power of feedback. 

Utilize digital tools to gather insights from your students, and be open to making changes based on their input. 

This will not only improve your course but also demonstrate your commitment to providing value. Let’s keep moving forward together!

FAQ’s

Wrapping Up:

Creating an online course is an exciting opportunity to share your knowledge, impact others, and earn money from anywhere in the world.

With the right strategy, dedication, and creativity, you can launch your course and start earning today. 

Don’t let fear or doubt hold you back—take the leap and create your online course to achieve the success you deserve!

Wish you all the Best. Please share your thoughts by clicking the colorful buttons and let me know in the Comments section when you scroll a bit down.

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