Starting an course Online in my opinion is like planting a tree which needs planning, care, and patience, but the rewards are great.
As Rahul Vishwakarma says, creating an online course is rewarding and it lets you share your expertise in coding, cooking, or plant care which allows you can connect with learners worldwide.
Follow these steps to create and launch a successful online course, one branch at a time.
Step 1: Choose Your Topic
Choose a topic you’re skilled in, passionate about, and that people will pay for which is rewarding. Here’s the correct method to do it which will be the foundation of your course.
- Your Skill: If you’re great at baking sourdough or solving tough algorithms then you need to focus on that.
- Market Demand: Few are interested in a course on “How to Properly Fold Socks,” so to discover popular topics, consider using Google Trends or Reddit and doing market research.
- Audience: Picture your ideal student. Are they beginners or experts, so knowing your audience helps you create a course that works for them.
Step 2: Plan the Course Structure
Now you need to consider your course structure as a blueprint for a skyscraper that don’t just stack bricks randomly and hope for the best. Instead, plan a clear outline to build a strong foundation for your students
- Course Title: For example, make it more exciting! Instead of “Learn to Bake Bread,” try “Master Perfect Sourdough in 7 Days.”
- Modules: You need to split your course into clear sections, like book chapters which approach helps learners progress smoothly.
- Learning Goals: What should students know by course end? These goals ensure your course stays focused and valuable.
Tip: Add a fun module name, like “Avoid the Loaf of Shame” for bread tips.
Step 3: Develop Engaging Content
And now this is where your course comes to life and you need to use a mix of formats to keep things lively:
- Videos: People love to watch videos for their speed and fun, so use a simple visuals and examples which does not need for professional editing. Just your phone and good lighting will suffice.
Written Materials: Consider these as cheat sheets which incoudes PDFs, notes, or workbooks to boost learning. - Quizzes: Everyone enjoys quizzes, except surprise math tests. So, make sure to include fun questions to test knowledge and engage learners.
- Discussion Forums: Now you can also create a space for learners to share thoughts and ask questions easily on WordPress. You’ll build a mini-community, and students will love the interaction with you.
Bonus: Here’s a funny example to make it relatable. “If you goto the Module 3’s recipe, you’ll end up with something that looks like it escaped from a science lab.”
Step 4: Pick the Perfect Platform
Your platform is the soil for your course, so, choose wisely, friends.
- Teachable: Beginner-friendly and flexible. You can use it to build, market, and sell your course. Plus, there are discount codes like the Teachcoupon special to save you 45% on your Teachable subscription.
- Udemy: This one is great for exposure, but they’ll take a slice of your pie.
- Thinkific: Another solid option, especially if you like customization of your course.
- Kajabi: It’s all-in-one and a bit more expensive for beginners and Ideal for those aiming high.
Each platform has pros and cons, so match it to your goals and budget.
Step 5: Set the Right Price
Pricing can make you nervous. But, here’s how to find the right balance:
- Course Value: You need to ask what’s your course worth? If it teaches something that is rare or high-demand then don’t sell yourself short.
- Market Research: See what similar courses charge in your niche, remember, aim for value, not just the lowest price for students.
- Offer Discounts: Early-bird or launch-week specials can attract new students and they can build momentum.
People pay for bottled water. If your course is valuable, they’ll pay for it too.
Step 6: Build a Killer Sales Page
Your sales page is the front door to your course that is why make it exciting, or no one will come in. Here’s how to make it irresistible:
- Headline: Grab attention with a bold promise like apple, for example, “Learn to Code Like a Pro in 30 Days.”
- Course Details: List what’s included and never hold back on why it’s amazing.
- Testimonials: Early testers can provide great feedback and your mom’s glowing review counts (kidding… maybe).
- Clear Call to Action: Make the “Enroll Now” button bright and easy to find because no one wants to search for it.
Step 7: Market Like a Pro
You wouldn’t have a party without guests, similarly, marketing is crucial for attracting students to your course like Email List which Create one by offering free resources or previews. Emails remain valuable in the digital world.
- Social Media Buzz: Now you can share posts, stories, or videos that tease your course. Add some memes for extra engagement.
- Live Webinars: Offer free training as a sneak peek that think of it as giving out samples at a food court—people will want more.
Pro Tip: Post a countdown to your launch. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is real.
Also, my friends, don’t forget to grab a Skillshare discount code. It will unlock thousands of creative and professional classes at a low cost!
Step 8: Launch Like a Rockstar
It’s showtime! Make sure everything runs smoothly:
- Test Everything: Check payment gateways, course access, and video links.
- Make It Loud: Use all channels for marketing like email, social media, and even carrier pigeons (just kidding, or am I?).
- Engage Early Students: Show you care. A positive experience leads to good reviews.
Step 9: Improve Through Feedback
No course is perfect at first. Yet, feedback fosters growth. Gather it by:
- Surveys: Ask students what they loved and what they didn’t.
- Completion Rates: Check who finishes the course and if few succeed, consider making changes.
- Forums: Encourage open discussions for more suggestions.
Step 10: Keep Marketing
Even after your course is live, don’t stop promoting it:
- Write Blogs: Share useful posts about your course to attract traffic.
- Collaborate: Partner with niche influencers or bloggers for a wider reach.
- Run Ads: Paid ads on social media or search engines can boost signups.
