The demand for online education is growing fast. In fact, the global e-learning market is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1%, reaching an estimated value of $336.98 billion by 2026.
This growth reflects a prime opportunity to launch your career in course creation and sell your courses online.
If you’re unsure where to start, here’s how to create an online course designed for maximum sales potential.
How to Create an Online Course that Sells
Choose your topic
When choosing a topic, focus on areas where you have expertise and make sure it aligns with market demand. Research your target audience’s needs through surveys, social media groups, or competitor analysis. Identify gaps in existing courses to create a unique selling point that differentiates your offering.
Plan your course structure
Planning your course structure includes developing clear and well-defined objectives, deciding on the course length, and the subject’s complexity. Get to know more about your target audience and their needs, then map out a logical progression of topics from the basic, fundamental concepts to advanced skills.
Create your content
Develop your course material by scripting engaging lessons that align to your audience’s needs using a mix of formats like video tutorials, slides, PDF guides, and interactive quizzes. Make sure to record high-quality videos with good lighting and audio, design visually appealing slides, and craft supplementary resources such as worksheets or templates.
You can also repurpose existing content or collaborate with experts if needed.
Choose your hosting platform
Select an online course platform that suits your needs, such as Udemy, Coursera, Skillshare, and Teachable. Consider features like ease of use, customisation options, payment integration, and scalability.
Set pricing
Determine a pricing structure based on the course value and market rates. Offer tiered pricing plans for different levels of access or include bonuses like one-on-one coaching sessions to justify higher prices.
Launch your course
Introduce your course through promotions like discounts or exclusive access offers. You can also host live events or webinars to generate excitement and attract early sign-ups.
Why Selling Online Courses Can Be a Good Business
Passive income potential
Selling online courses enables creators to generate passive income by creating a course once and selling it repeatedly with minimal ongoing effort. Unlike traditional businesses, this model allows unlimited scalability, as courses can be distributed globally without logistical barriers.
Building authority and brand
Selling online courses positions creators as experts in their field, enhancing their reputation and opening doors to other opportunities such as consulting, speaking engagements, or collaborations.
Low startup costs
Starting an online course business requires relatively low capital compared to other ventures like eCommerce or physical businesses. Creators only need basic tools like a computer, internet access, and knowledge of their subject area.
Many people make money by selling online courses; do you have what it takes to be one of them?
Now is always the right time to learn how to create an online course that stands out. Using the right strategies, commitment, and tools, the sky’s the limit for your online course business.