How to Market Online Courses in 2022 (Ultimate Guide) --
Making online courses available can be extremely cost-effective and simple. Which course you decide to make is your choice - We're here to help you and make it as easy as possible.
In that same spirit, here is the complete step-by-step guide to guide you on your way. Also, you will find details on free tools that can be used to create and sell an online course that is profitable.
Quick find links of things we'll cover:
- What Do You Need to Create Online Courses
- How do you create and sell online courses that are profitable
- Pick a course topic
- Market Demand Research Market Demand
- Outline Course Content and Learning Outcomes
- Determine the Course Formats
- Create Scripts, Film and Edit
- Choose a Platform to Sell On
- Add Your Online Class on
- Set Pricing
- Promoting and Launch
- Receive feedback, refine and improve
The Things You'll Need To Create Online Courses
People equate production values with the quality of their work and know-how. So it's worth investing into a few tools to ensure that your online courses appear professional. Before we get into the various tools that could be needed to build your online course, always remember to prioritize the quality of your content before the video production quality of your course online.
Here are some things that we believe will aid you in creating a successful online course.
1. Camera
The majority of smartphones today can capture extremely high-quality videos. It is possible to improve the quality of your video recording by ensuring that your phone is standing on a solid base, such as the tripod, or the stack of books! Also, it's a great to get a good lighting kit or make your video in a location with a lot of consistent sunlight.
If you're planning to make an investment that will be worthwhile as a course designer, we suggest purchasing DSLR cameras as well as a high quality lighting setup.
2. Green Screen
You might want to consider purchasing green screens that could be used to create different backgrounds onto your video. This makes your videos look more professional. In addition, you may opt to record your online class over many days. A green screen will ensure that your background is consistent across the videos.
3. Microphone
Be sure your students can listen to you clear. It is possible to start by using a clip-on mic or a lapel mic that usually costs approximately $25. There are also some excellent audio-streaming USB microphones available on the market, that don't break the budget.
4. Video Editing Software
Editing software is likely you'll be looking at on the shopping agenda. If you're not planning anything complicated, you can use free video-editing software such as iMovie (for Mac users) and OpenShot, VSDC, and ShotCut (for Windows users).
5. Screen Recording Software
If you are required to show slide shows or perform things on your PC it is possible that you require the software to record your screen. There are free programs as well as online tools that could perform the task, such as QuickTime and Loom. Take note that some of these software are able to record only 720p instead of 1080p or more.
How do you create and sell profitable online courses
1. Select a Course Topic
The subject matter of your course must be a blend of your passions and knowledge, as well as the needs of your potential customers and requirements.
Whatever your area of experience, tailoring your courses to meet the requirements of specific audiences can pay off. Consider the main reasons people would search for classes in your particular field of expertise. Are you looking to make a change in their daily life, acquire a new skill, solve problems or boost the prospects of their careers?
Try to be specific with your course idea. Course topics such as "How to Take wedding Photos for Beginners is likely to have a more defined market and a better chance of winning new customers over "How to improve your photography'.
2. Research Market Demand
You're thrilled about your class subject and are ready to start filming. But , wait! Make sure that you fully understand your target market before you begin to write the scripts and filming the online courses. Who wants to put in hours creating an online course discover that it isn't demanded by your target audience? Nobody - that's who!
Data-driven decision making is essential for building the online course company. There are several ways that you can do your market research:
- Interest in reviewing. Using Google Trends it is possible to input the search terms for your subject and assess the level of interest globally as well as by specific countries or time-frame.
- Find out what your ideal people are asking questions regarding. Using Answer The Public to learn about the different questions users are asking on specific topics.
- Join communities on Reddit and the Quora community. Identify various questions and issues that users have to face in your particular field. Post your own questions to encourage other people to ask their questions on your thread. It could even help you with more content can be added to your course topic.
- Talk to your target market. There's nothing better than getting to know the people you want to serve firsthand. Contact them and schedule 1:1 calls to understand their requirements and concerns. Be sure to schedule sufficient calls so that your results aren't biased.
- Find out about your competitors. Find out who your competition are and the services they're providing. Be assured that there are other people who have covered topics within your niche which indicates that there's a market to your chosen topic. Consider ways to create a distinctive advantage in your program. Ask yourself:
- Is there an easier method of explaining the issue to the public?
- Do I have the option of tailoring the subject so that it appeals to a different segment of the audience?
3. Outline Course Learn Outcomes and Content
Based on the information you have gathered Based on your research, determine the learning outcomes for your online course. You and your students can clearly understand the expected outcome of the course. Incorrect or unclear expectations can not only leave your students angry, but it will also create a course that is extremely difficult for both of you.
An excellent practice is to complete this statement: "By the end of this class, you'll be able to_____"
Here are some examples of learning outcomes:
- At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to learn how to capture wedding pictures inside in a setting
- At the conclusion of the course you'll be able to learn how to cook tasty recipes using leftover food
- At the conclusion of this program, you'll be able to prepare vegan recipes with no processed ingredients
The ability to create concise learning outcomes will also aid the instructor to advertise your online course towards a particular audience later on.
Once you've laid down the learning objectives, begin piecing together all the information into smaller lessons within each section. Divide your online course into clear sections so that students are able to move naturally from one section into the next.
Example:
Course Topic: How to Take Wedding Photographs for Beginners
- Section 1 Introduction to wedding photography equipment
- What is the equipment you need to buy to make
- How to adjust the settings of your camera like a professional
- Section 2: How to structure your models
- How do you frame your models for outdoor use
- How to frame your models indoors
When you've got a crystal clear plan of the course, you'll be able to start developing your course material, one lesson at a time. Each lesson needs to include a detailed outline and a variety of exercises for students to work through. Within each lesson, aim to have clear learning objectives that the students walk away with.
4. Choose the Formats for Courses
Most online course creators focus on video-based lessons, but 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
Utilize a range of lesson types to make your online course more enjoyable. Keep in mind that everyone learns in a different way. Some students learn better with video demonstrations. Others do better when they have the opportunity active participation in assessments and quizzes.
5. Create Scripts, Films Edit
At this point, you'll have a clear idea of your course plan. It's time to create your course content and start creating your lessons!
For video-based lessons, start with writing a script. Careful scripting makes sure that your lessons are logically structured, easy to follow, and concise. You can use a teleprompter application to show your lesson on a tablet that's mounted next to your camera. It's much better than trying to memorize it all!
If you're truly lucky, you'll get a perfect take in the very first try. Most people aren't this fortunate and that's not even in Hollywood. Most course creators need several sessions. Make sure you practice your script. Expect it to take at most three attempts to create the course's content in a way that you'll be happy with.
Be sure to edit your videos to increase their quality. production. Adjust your sound and include pop-ups and text whenever you need to.
6. Choose A Platform to Sell to
Here are a few of the top features available at
- Contrary to many other online courses platforms out there, it's free! It's also not simply a trial offer It's totally free. The user can use each feature on without paying a dime. It charges a 5% transaction fee for each sale you make. This is great especially when you're only starting out and you don't have a large amount of customers at the moment.
- It offers a range of options that online course creators can use, including in-house video hosting, customizable branding, drip-courses, as well as a range of interesting lessons, including texts, videos and quizzes, downloads, survey, assignment, and embedded.
- is an eCommerce platform, therefore you are able to create the perfect landing page that is fully customized. It is also possible to develop a whole website using the powerful store building tool. It will be easier to control your online courses when you offer them through your own site.
- You can set various pricing options including one-time fees, subscriptions, and installment plans.
- Access to your store analytics and 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. After that, choose "Course", and you'll be brought to the next screen which will allow you to enter your online course products specifics.
Remember to:
- Personalize Your sales webpage. This is where you'll give a detailed explanation of the online training course is all about to your future customers. What you include on your sales page will largely influence the number of visitors coming through search engines , as well as the process of turning your website visitors into paying customers. At , you can also modify your customer's checkout pages and thank-you pages as well.
- You can create a certificate for completion. At you can automatically provide a completion certificate to prove that the student successfully completed your online class. They can provide a sense of achievement for students and as a bonus, it might just encourage them to brag about their achievements on social media and, in turn, be a free promotion for you!
- Create a drip schedule (if needed). You can make certain course content available to students over a duration of duration.
8. Set Pricing
This part is tricky when you're trying to sell online-based courses for the very first time. It is possible to research the average price for similar courses, but it's likely that you'll need to test the market and be prepared for a bit of trial and error. It's possible to begin at a lower price in order to gain a foothold and earn some good reviews before charging a higher cost later.
There are a variety of pricing options to choose from on the platform including an annual fee for each course, payments plans, and subscriptions.
Extra content like downloadable guides, live group classes as well as coaching are great ways to create additional possibilities for sales.
9. Launch and Promote
Now that you've finished creating your course content, it's time to launch it and start driving visitors to your site!
Participate in relevant Facebook Groups and engage in the conversation by offering professional advice and guidance for free. Increasing your social media following can be a great method to increase the number of followers you have.
Afterwards, use email marketing to promote the course you are offering to your email subscribers. The marketing of email is more effective when you've built a base of trust with prospective customers.
Create a blog to grow your email list. Develop your blog's content and social media posts around the goals your students hope to achieve, and offer glimpses of the solutions that are available within your class.
Testimonials are like gold dust. Try everything to get them and do whatever you can to help them. If someone is happy with their experience with one of your online courses they're likely to be happy to talk about the experience, but they will almost always have to ask. Don't be afraid to ask. Testimonials are the best marketing you can get.
10. Receive feedback, refine and improve
In the most popular subjects, designing online classes is a market that is competitive. The feedback of participants can aid in improving the quality of the content. Ask for specific comments on what people find the most useful and less helpful aspects of your course, and what they feel can be improved.
It's not always easy when you've put a lot of effort into course creation. But this is no time to sacrifice your skin. React positively to feedback and use feedback to improve your course further improved.
Hopefully, these tips will help you plan how to make money selling online courses. How to go about it through remain simple. And there's always somebody ready to help you if you get stuck.
Best of luck!