How to Sell Online Courses in 2022 [Ultimate guide] -
The selling of online courses it is cost-effective and straightforward. What you choose to publish is up to you - we're only here to assist you and make the process as simple as it can be.
In that same spirit this is the full guide to help you on the right path. There is also information on free tools which you can utilize to design and market an online course that is profitable.
Quick find links of things we'll cover:
- Pick a course topic
- Market Demand Research Market Demand
- Outline Course Content and Learning Outcomes
- Define the Formats of the Course
- Make a Film, Write Scripts, and edit
- Choose A Platform to Sell on
- Add Your Online Class on
- Set Pricing
- Start and Promote
- Receive feedback, refine and improve
The Things You'll Need To Create Online Courses
Many people associate production value with quality and expertise. Therefore, it's worthwhile to invest in some kit to make your online courses appear professional. Before we get into the different tools you might need to create your online courses, keep in mind to place quality of content over recording quality of the online course.
Here are some suggestions that can assist you in creating an effective online class.
1. Camera
Many smartphones can now record extremely high-quality videos. You can increase the quality of your videos by making sure that your smartphone is firmly seated on a platform, like a tripod or even just books! It's also a good to get a good lighting kit, or shoot your videos where there's plenty of constant daylight.
If you're considering making a a serious investment as a course designer, we suggest investing in DSLR cameras, as well as a professional lighting set-up.
2. Green Screen
You might want to consider purchasing an green screen you can project different backgrounds onto your videos. The result is that your videos will appear more professional. In addition, you may decide to film your online courses over several days, therefore, a green screen can ensure your background stays consistent throughout the video.
3. Microphone
You must ensure that your students listen to your voice clear. You can start with an audio clip or lapel microphone, which typically costs approximately $25. There are a variety of excellent recording USB microphones in the market that won't cost the budget.
4. Software for Video Editing
Editing software is likely to appear on your wish agenda. If you're not thinking of anything complicated, you can use an editing software that is free, like iMovie (for Mac users) and OpenShot, VSDC, and ShotCut (for Windows users).
5. Screen Recording Software
If you need to present slideshows or demonstrate the tasks you perform on your computer You may require Screen recording software. There are free software as well as online tools that could work including QuickTime and Loom. Take note that these programs will only allow recording up to 720p instead of 1080p or more.
How do you create and sell Profitable Online Courses
1. Choose a Topic for a Course
Your course topic needs to be a blend of your passions and knowledge, as well as the needs of your potential customers and expectations.
Whatever your area of experience, tailoring your course content to the needs of an audience in particular can pay off. Think about the reasons why people would search for classes on the internet that are related to your field of expertise. Are they looking to change something within their lives, master something new, resolve problems or boost the prospects of their careers?
Make sure you are specific in the course concept. For example, a course on 'How to take wedding Photos for Beginners is likely to have the benefit of a clearly defined audience and a better chance of winning new customers over 'How to improve your photography'.
2. Demand for Research Markets
Your students are excited about the course subject and are ready to begin filming. But , wait! Be sure to understand your target market before you start writing screenplays and shooting for your online course. In the end, who would want to work for hours on an online course to find out that it isn't demanded by the people you want to reach? No one, that's who!
The importance of making data-driven choices when it comes to building your online course business. Here are a few ways that you can conduct your market study:
- The volume of interest in a review. Using Google Trends it is possible to input the keywords for your course topic and gauge the amount of interest worldwide and by specific countries, or timeframe.
- Discover what your target audience might be asking about. Using Answer The Public, you can find out various questions that users are asking on the same topic.
- Engage with communities on Reddit and Qora. Identify various questions and challenges that people have to face in your particular field. Ask your questions on the forums to encourage other people to ask your questions via your forum. It could even help you with additional content that could be included in your topic of instruction.
- Talk to your target customers. There's nothing better than to hear from your prospective customers first-hand. Reach out and set up 1:1 calls to understand the needs of your customers and their pain points. Remember to do enough calls to ensure that the results you get aren't influenced by.
- Study your competition. Find out who your competition are and the services they're selling. Don't fret if there are others who've covered subjects in your field This proves there's a source of revenue for your desired topic. You should think about ways you could create a distinctive selling point within your course. Consider:
- Is there an easier method of explaining the issue to the public?
- Do I have the option of tailoring the subject to appeal to a different audience group?
3. Outline Instructional Content and Learning Outcomes
Based on your findings Based on your research, determine the learning outcomes in your online class. Be sure you as well as your students know what is expected from your course. Setting ambiguous or inaccurate expectations could not just make your students frustrated however, it can cause the creation of your course to be very frustrating for you.
It is a good idea to add this line: "By the end of this course , you'll be able to_____"
Here are some of the examples of learning outcomes:
- After completing this class, you'll be able to capture wedding pictures within an indoor space
- By the end of the course you'll be able to master the art of cooking amazing recipes with leftover food
- At the conclusion of this program, you'll know how to cook vegan dishes without using the use of processed ingredients.
Coming up with succinct learning outcomes will also aid you to promote your online course to a specific target audience later on.
When you've established your learning outcomes, start making a collage of all your information into small lessons in every section. Divide your online course into logical sections where your students can progress naturally between sections to move on to the next section.
Example:
Course Topic: How to Take Wedding Pictures for beginners
- Section 1 Introduction to the wedding photography equipment
- What are the tools you require to purchase
- How can you change your camera's settings to match those of professionals do
- Section 2: How to frame your models
- How to frame your models for outdoor use
- How do you frame your models indoors
When you've got a crystal clear course outline, you should have a clear direction to start creating your content taking each lesson one at a time. Every lesson must include a detailed outline and a variety of exercises for students to complete. In each lesson, try to have clear learning objectives that students will walk away with.
4. Determine the Course Formats
Most online course creators focus on video-based lessons, but there are many ways to create diverse types of lesson, such as:
- Video
- Text
- Quiz
- Assignment
- Survey
- Downloadable
- Embed
Make use of the variety of lesson types to make your online course fun. Remember that every student is different in their learning. Certain students are better off with the use of visuals, while others learn better when they get involved in the process through assessments and quizzes.
5. Write Script, Film, and Edit
At this point, you'll be able to clearly define your plan of action. You're now ready to create your course content and start creating your lessons!
If you are teaching using video, begin with writing your script. Careful scripting makes sure that your lessons are logically well-organized, straightforward to follow, and concise. You can use a teleprompter app to display your script on a tablet that's mounted next to your camera. It's better than trying to memorize everything!
If you're really lucky you'll get a perfect take at the first go. Most people aren't this fortunate - not even in Hollywood. The majority of course authors require several takes. Make sure you practice your script. Expect it to take at most three times to capture the course content with a style that you'll be happy with.
Make sure to edit your video to improve the quality of your video production. Make sure your audio is in good shape, as well as add pop-ups, text and other pop-ups whenever you need to.
6. Pick a platform to sell to
Here are the best features at :
- Unlike many online course platforms out there, it's free! It's also not just a free trial It's totally free. You can access every single feature on without paying any money. Charges the user 5% of transaction fees every time you sell. This is a great option especially if you're just starting out and you don't have a huge amount of sales yet.
- There are a myriad of functions to help online course creators like the ability to host videos in-house, custom branding, drip courses, as well as a range of interesting lessons, including texts, videos questions, downloads and quizzes. surveys, assignments, as well as embeds.
- It is an eCommerce platform therefore you are able to create a fully customizable landing page. Additionally, you can create a complete website with 's robust store builder. You'll be in control of the course you sell on your own website.
- You can set various pricing options including one-time fees or subscriptions as well as payment plans.
- You have access to marketing tools and store's data to run successful campaigns.
7. Upload Your Online Course on
Within your account, navigate 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 the online course's product details.
Be sure to keep:
- Customize the sales pages of your website. This is where you'll provide an extensive description of what your online training course is all about to your potential clients. Information you provide on your sales page will largely impact the traffic coming from search engines , as well as the process of turning your website visitors to paying customers. At , you can also customize your customers' checkout and thank-you pages as well.
- Make a certificate of the completion. At you can easily issue a completion certificate for proof that the student successfully completed your online class. They can provide a sense of achievement for students and as a bonus you can encourage them to boast about their achievements on social media This will be a free promotion for you!
- Set up the drip program (if necessary). You can provide certain content to students for a set period of time.
8. Set Pricing
It's a challenge when you're trying to sell online courses for the first time. It is possible to research the average rate for similar content but you'll likely have test the market, and prepare for some trial and failure. It's possible to begin low to build a following and earn some good reviews prior to charging a more expensive cost later.
There are various pricing options available on the platform including one-time fee per course, payment plans as well as subscriptions.
Additional content, such as download guidebooks, live classes, and coaching are handy ways to create additional selling opportunities.
9. Promoting and Launching
Now that you've finished creating your course content, it's time to launch your course. You can now begin to drive visitors to your site!
Participate in relevant Facebook Groups and engage in the conversation by offering your expert advice for free. Increasing your social media following is an effective method to increase the number of followers you have.
Then, you can use email marketing to promote the course you are offering to your subscribers via email. The marketing of email is more effective when you've established a foundation of trust with prospective customers.
Create a blog to increase your list of email subscribers. Build your blog content and social media posts on what the students you are preparing to teach hope to achieve, and give hints of answers that can be found within your class.
Testimonials are like gold dust. Make every effort to obtain them, and then do all you can to use them. If someone has had a positive encounter with any of your online classes, they're usually happy to share the experience, but they will usually need to ask. So don't be shy. Testimonials are the best marketing you can get.
10. Get Feedback, Refine and improve
The most well-known subject areas, creating online courses is a competitive business. The feedback of participants can help you improve the value of the content. Request specific feedback on what people find the most and least helpful parts of the course and what they feel could be better.
It's not always easy even after you've invested a lot of effort in course development. But this is no time to sacrifice your skin. React positively to feedback , and then use feedback to improve your course further improved.
Hopefully, these tips will help you plan how to sell profitable online courses. The mechanics of doing it through are, as ever simple. You'll always have someone to assist you should you're stuck.
Good luck!