How to Sell Online Courses in 2022 [Ultimate Guide] -
The selling of online courses can be extremely cost-effective and simple. The content you publish is up to you - we're just here to support you and make your life as effortless as you can.
In that same spirit, here is the complete step-by-step guide to guide you on the right path. You will also find information about free software which you can utilize to design and market an online course that is profitable.
Links to quick-find things we'll cover:
- What Do You Need to Create Online Courses
- How to create and market online courses that are profitable
- Pick a course topic
- Research Market Demand
- Outline Course The Content and the Learning Outcomes
- Define the Formats of the Course
- Write Script, Film, and edit
- Choose A Platform To Sell Your Products On
- upload Your Course Online
- Set Pricing
- Promoting and Launch
- Receive feedback, refine and Improve
How to create Online Courses
Many people associate production value with expertise and quality. It's therefore worth investing into a few tools to ensure that your course appear professional. However, before we dive into the many tools will be required to make your online courses, be sure to put quality of content over video production quality of your online course.
Here are some tips we believe will assist you in creating an effective online course.
1. Camera
Many smartphones can now record extremely high-quality videos. The quality of the video you record by making sure that your smartphone stands on a sturdy foundation such as an upright tripod, or perhaps books! It's also a good option to invest in a basic lighting kit or at least make your video in a location with lots of natural light.
If you're considering making a a serious investment as a course designer, we suggest investing in DSLR cameras, as well as a quality lighting setup.
2. Green Screen
Think about purchasing a green screen that you can use to project various backgrounds on your videos. It makes your videos appear more professional. The most important thing is that you could decide to film your online class over many days. A green screen will ensure that your background stays consistent throughout the videos.
3. Microphone
You must ensure that your students can listen to the teacher clearly. Start with an audio clip or lapel mic that usually costs approximately $25. There are also some great recording USB microphones in the market, that don't break the budget.
4. Software for Video Editing
Editing software is likely to be on your shopping agenda. If you're not thinking of anything complicated it's possible to use an editing software that is free, like iMovie (for Mac users) as well as OpenShot, VSDC, and ShotCut (for Windows users).
5. Screen Recording Software
If you are required to show slideshows or demonstrate things on your PC You may require screen recording software. There are free software and online tools that might be able to work, including QuickTime as well as Loom. Take note that these programs will only allow recording up to the resolution of 720p, not 1080p or higher.
How to Create and Sell online courses that are profitable
1. Select a Course Topic
Your subject of study must connect your passions and knowledge, as well as your future customers' requirements and demands.
Whatever your area of expertise, fine-tuning your online curriculum to suit the demands of specific audiences will pay dividends. Take a look at the motives for why people would search for classes online related to your area of expertise: are seeking to improve something in their daily life, acquire how to do something else, fix problems or boost their career prospects?
Make sure you are specific in the course concept. For example, a course on "How to Take wedding Photos for Beginners' will have a more defined market and a better chance of winning new customers over 'How to Enhance Your Photography'.
2. Research Market Demand
Your students are excited about the course subject and are ready to begin filming. However, you need to wait! Make sure that you fully know your audience before you start writing scripts and filming to create your course online. In the end, who would want to put in hours creating an online program only to discover it isn't demanded by your target audience? Who would?
Data-driven decision making is essential when it comes to building your online course business. There are several options to carry out market study:
- The volume of interest in a review. Using Google Trends, you can input the keywords for the subject of your class and determine the amount of interest worldwide as well as by specific countries or timeframe.
- Learn what your intended public might be asking questions regarding. Using Answer The Public, you can discover the various questions people are asking about specific topics.
- Connect with the communities of Reddit and Qora. Identify various questions and issues that users are facing within your niche. Ask your questions on the forums to inspire others to post your questions via your forum. You may even be able to provide them with additional content that can be added to the course content.
- Talk to your target customers. There's nothing better than hearing from the people you want to serve firsthand. Reach out and set up one-on-one calls with them to learn about the needs of your customers and their pain points. Be sure to schedule sufficient calls so that your findings aren't biased.
- Find out about your competitors. Determine who your rivals are, as well as what services they're offering. Do not be concerned if you find others who've covered subjects in your field, this proves that there's a source of revenue to your chosen topic. You should think about ways you could offer a distinct benefit to your students in your course. Ask yourself:
- Is there an easier way to explain the subject issue to the public?
- Do I have the option of tailoring the subject so that it appeals to a different audience group?
3. Outline Instructional Learn Outcomes and Content
Based on your findings Based on your research, determine the learning outcomes of your online course. Make sure that you as well as your students understand the expected outcome of the course. Setting ambiguous or inaccurate expectations will not only make your students unhappy however, it can cause the creation of your course to be very frustrating for you.
A good practice is to complete this statement: "By the end of this class, you'll be able to"
Here are some examples of learning outcomes:
- After completing this class, you'll be able to learn how to take wedding photos within an indoor space
- By the end of this class it will allow you to learn how to cook amazing recipes with leftover food
- After completing this class, you'll be able to cook vegan dishes without using processed ingredients
Coming up with succinct learning outcomes will also aid you to market the online course for a certain audience later on.
When you've established your learning outcomes, start making a collage of all your content into sections and smaller sections within every section. Divide your online course into sections that are logical, so students are able to move naturally from one part from one section to the next.
Example:
The topic of the course: How to Take Wedding Photos for Beginners
- Section 1: Introduction to wedding photography equipment
- What equipment do you require to purchase
- How can you change your camera settings like professional photographers.
- Section 2: How to frame your models
- How to frame your models for outdoor use
- How to frame your models indoors
Once you have a clear course outline, you should be able for developing your course material, each lesson by itself. Each lesson needs to have its own detailed guide and a variety of exercises for students to work through. In each lesson, try to establish clear goals for learning which students leave with.
4. Determine the Course Formats
A majority of online course creators are focused on videos, however in the case of online course creators, you are able to design diverse types of lesson, such as:
- Video
- Text
- Quiz
- Assignment
- Survey
- Downloadable
- Embed
Make use of the variety of instructional styles to make your online course more enjoyable. Keep in mind that everyone is different in their learning. Students learn best through visual demonstration, and some learn better when they get involved in the process through tests and assignments.
5. Create Scripts, Films and edit
By now you should know the basics of your plan of action. It's time to create your course content and begin creating your lesson plans!
When teaching video, begin with writing a script. Careful scripting makes sure that your lesson is logically well-organized, straightforward to comprehend, and clear. It is possible to use a teleprompter app to display your script on a tablet that's attached to the camera. This is superior to trying to learn it all!
If you're really lucky you'll be able to get the perfect shot in the very first try. Most people aren't this fortunate - not even in Hollywood. The majority of course authors require several attempts. Rehearse your script and expect it to take at most three times before you can create the course's content with a style you're happy with.
Be sure to edit your videos to improve its quality. video production. Make sure your audio is in good shape, as well as add pop-ups, text and other pop-ups where it's required.
6. Pick a platform to sell to
Here are some of the top features available at
- Contrary to many other online courses platforms out there, it's free! And yes, it's not only a trial period, it's free forever. You can access every single feature on without paying a dime. It charges the user 5% of transaction fees every time you sell. This is great especially when you're starting your business with your business and don't have lot of traffic just at the moment.
- There are a myriad of functions for online course creators, including on-site video hosting, customized branding, drip courses, and a variety of engaging kinds of lessons like texts, videos, quizzes, downloads, survey, assignment, and embedded.
- It is an eCommerce platform so you can create a fully customizable landing page. Additionally, you can create a complete website with 's robust store building tool. You'll be in control of your online courses when you offer them through your own site.
- There are a myriad of price options, such as one-time fees or subscriptions as well as payments plans.
- You get access to your Store's analytics as well as Marketing tools to conduct successful campaigns.
7. Upload Your Online Course on
If you have an account with Payhip, head to the Products tab and then click the "Add new product" button. Next, select "Course", and you'll be brought to the next screen which will allow you to add your online course product details.
Be sure to keep:
- Modify Your sales webpage. This is where you'll provide an extensive description of what your online training course is all about to your potential clients. The information that you have on your sales page will largely affect the amount of traffic that comes from the search engines and the conversion from your site users into customers. In addition, you are able to personalize your checkout pages and thank-you pages in addition.
- Create a certificate of the completion. At you can instantly issue a certificate of completion to provide proof that the student successfully completed your online class. The certificates provide a sense satisfaction for your students and as a bonus you can encourage students to share their achievements on social media and, in turn, serve as a promotional opportunity for your business!
- Create the drip program (if required). You can provide certain content for students to access over a certain length of duration.
8. Set Pricing
It's a challenge when you're trying to sell online classes for the first time. It is possible to research the average rate for similar content but it's likely that you'll need to evaluate the market and anticipate a bit of trial and failure. You may have to start at a lower price in order to gain a foothold and generate some positive reviews prior to charging a more expensive price later.
There are different pricing options to choose from on the platform including the one-time cost per course, payment plans, and subscriptions.
Extra content like downloadable guidebooks, live classes as well as coaching are great ways to create additional sales opportunities.
9. Launch and Promote
Now that you've finished creating your content for your course It's the time to go live with your course. You can now begin to drive visitors to your site!
Participate in relevant Facebook Groups and engage with the community by providing the advice of an expert for no cost. Increasing your social media following is a powerful way to grow an audience.
Afterwards, use emails to advertise the course you are offering to your subscribers via email. The marketing of email works better when you've built a base of trust and confidence with potential customers.
Start a blog and grow your email list. Create blog posts as well as social media content around what your potential students want to accomplish and provide a glimpse of solutions that are available within your class.
Testimonials can be described as gold dust. Make every effort to obtain them, and then do all you can to use the information they provide. If someone has had a positive encounter with one of your online courses they're generally happy to tell about their experience. However, they'll almost always have to ask. Don't be afraid to ask. Testimonials are one of the most powerful marketing tools that you could have.
10. Get Feedback, Refine and Enhance
Within the most popular subject areas, creating online classes is a competitive business. Getting feedback from participants will help you improve the value of the content. Get specific feedback about things that people think are the most and least helpful aspects of your course, and what they feel can be improved.
The feeling isn't always pleasant when you've put lots of energy in course development. However, this isn't the time for thin skin. React positively to your feedback and utilize feedback to improve your course even better.
These tips should aid you in planning how to make money selling online courses. How to go about it through remain, straightforward. You'll always have someone to aid you in case you get stuck.
Have a great time!