Pablo Luna
Nowadays, more and more people are using online courses to learn in their own time. Whether they are looking for career advancement, trying to create their own business, or simply want to learn something new, the options are endless. If you think you’ve got what it takes to share your own knowledge, you may be tempted to create your own online courses.
But, what does it take to get to the top of the market and actually sell your online course? In this article, you will see an easy-to-follow outline on how best to create, manage, and sell your online courses. If you are considering launching a course of any kind, read on to find out exactly what you need to do.
Are Online Courses Profitable?
The short answer is yes. The market is huge and has seen a huge growth in recent times, especially with people looking to create a new income stream or further their careers. In fact, recent data suggests that the e-learning market could reach a staggering $325 million by the year 2025, which is a massive market to tap into. However, with such huge competition, you’ll need to give it your all to stand out from the pack and make your course a financial success.
Compare Platforms
There are numerous online teaching platforms available, many of which allow just about anyone to upload and sell their own material. Comparing platforms is tricky, as you need to understand the pros and cons of each – see here for more information regarding comparing leading platforms. It’s important to understand which platform is right for you. Some are more geared towards career learning, while others teach more laid-back courses.
Plus, different platforms may charge different commissions or fees when selling through their site. Do your research and find out which platform you think suits you. Once you have done this, it’s time to move on to building your course.
Decide on What to Teach
To be successful in your quest to become an online course instructor that makes good money, you need to know what you’re going to teach – and know it well. Make sure that whatever it is you’re thinking of teaching, you are an expert in. You need to feel confident in the fact that you can write, create, and present a course that will genuinely add value for a customer. If you are not an expert in your field or don’t think you know quite enough, this will show through and you will likely not make good sales.
Create and Structure Quality Courses
OK, so it’s time to create your course. When it comes to creating and structuring your course, you need to do it right. Structurally, there needs to be a clear route from the start to the end of the course. You could choose to order the course in difficulty level, with introductory categories laying the groundwork and further chapters increasing in difficulty level. Alternatively, depending on the course material, you could opt to work chronologically or any other logical order.
The content itself needs to be of the highest level. Each chapter, category, or section needs to be well written and well-structured, with clear learning objectives throughout. Consider the use of quizzes and tests throughout to test your client’s learning. The use of graphics, charts, and well-recorded videos can all help you attract and retain customers. With high-quality content comes high-level pricing. A poorly written course will not command a high fee from customers.
Use Catchy Titles
It’s also hugely important that your course title is catchy, accurate, and interesting. If you chose to teach Java programming for beginners, for example, your course needs to be titled appropriately. “Java Course Level 1” does not sound as appealing as “An Inclusive Introduction To Java Programming,” for example.
Your title – and its following blurb – will make sure you’re attracting the right customers. Sticking with the Java example, you’d want to follow that title up with an introductory paragraph, explaining exactly who the course is for and how quickly it will benefit them.
Marketing Tactics
Marketing your course well is the final part of making your content a success. In fact, it is arguably one of the most important aspects. You need to make sure you’re getting traffic from search engines by using SEO, while also using social media marketing and paid advertisements to drive people towards your sales page. Email and affiliate marketing can also play a huge part in marketing any successful online business, courses included. Tackle the marketing from each of these angles to drive consistent traffic to your page.
Using these methods, you will be able to build a quality online course and sell it for a good profit. Marketing and quality content is key – it’s hard to successfully market a poor product! So, make sure your course is perfect, your content is helpful, and your marketing is on point.
