Creating an online course is a brilliant idea, as it has the potential to generate passive income. Moreover, someone who is passionate about a particular topic may find it interesting to develop the course and share knowledge with potential members. However, course creation is no easy feat, it requires some groundwork before the launch. With the right tips and guidance, it’s possible to simplify the process and learn how to create online courses from scratch.
1. Pick a topic for the course
The first step for beginners in creating an online course from scratch is to choose a specific topic. Given the immense competition in the online course market, it is essential to select topics that align with one’s unique expertise and passion. This means one should have industry insight, credibility, and a genuine interest in the subject matter. Once the list has been narrowed down to potential subject topics, one must determine which ones have the highest market demand. For instance, courses titled “Making Chicken Soup” may attract fewer enrollments but will help one get established as a leading educator in the space. On the contrary, covering popular topics like “novel writing” may lead to a larger student base, but the competition with other courses can be daunting.
2. Conduct research
Once the topic is selected, the next step involves creating an online course to identify skills, knowledge, or experiences students are most interested in learning. It requires conducting user research to understand the target audience. During the research process, one must speak with prospective users to determine what they are looking for, understand the problems that a customer experiences and needs solving, and assess what they want to achieve. This will help assess how the course should be structured and what information should go into it to deliver the end product.
3. Outline the course material
The next step in designing an online course that sells is to outline the course material. One must create an outline that exhibits a structure and design for the entire course. A simple way to do this is by writing the different lessons the individual plans on teaching online on a piece of paper. The course creator can break each lesson down to the main topics they wish to cover. One can move in a logical order and try to make the ideas evolve naturally from one to the other. This will ensure a smooth learning process, ultimately helping one create a profitable online course while also meeting the student’s educational requirements.
4. Select a platform
There are several platforms one can explore to create online courses. The course creator must look for features, including offering a suite of design options, built-in marketing tools, and multiple content options. Those who are creating a website for the first time can explore designer-made online education templates for inspiration. On the other side, if the website is already live and launched, one can install compatible tools to create a course that complements the website. The course creator can choose to offer standalone lessons, which participants can access at their convenience. Alternatively, they can also offer the course as scheduled events that require an advance signup.
5. Envision the other features of the website
When creating a website for launching a course, it is also important to consider different aspects of the site that need to be operational. In addition to the signup webpage, one might want to create a members area that is accessible only to program participants. Additionally, setting up communities for users to interact, share notes, and discuss course-related topics can enhance the overall experience.
6. Create the course content
When creating an online course, the content that needs to be designed is important. If one already has professional experience with the course topics, they likely would have some content associated with it. One could gather all these materials and repurpose them to enhance the online course or start fresh. One can follow certain course content ideas that can make it engaging and educational enough for potential students.
Video content
Preparing video content is one way how the course creator can create material for their online courses. One can use a smartphone camera to film themselves, explaining various subject topics and concepts. For cleaner footage, one can read up on video tips to create professional-looking content, including the type of microphone, tripod, and lighting to use. After the content is filmed, edit the raw footage using video editing software, some of which are free. Editing can help get rid of unwanted pauses and longer takes in a video and make it more crisp and viewable.
Class assignments
The course creator can include assignments and activities as part of the course curriculum to help the freshly imparted knowledge sink in. The content can be published as a downloadable PDF or an online accessible quiz or survey.
Course certificates
It’s important to incentivize course participants with professional certificates or badges. One can offer a badge for accomplishments or make custom certificates that are automatically emailed to the participants once they complete the program.
7. Set a price
Once the online course is completely designed and ready for launch, one can set a price. The pricing of the online course may also help with the marketing strategies. One must decide how many participants would be enrolled in the course, the revenue generation that’s intended, and what the goal looks like. One must consider a couple of factors while setting the price, including course production costs, the target audience, what the competition offers, and the value offered.
8. Market the course
Just like any product or service, marketing a course can lead to the right audience, eventually generating sales. After launching the course, one can promote it using various mediums, including social media, messaging apps, and emails. Hosting webinars to discuss the course and provide insights can also be effective. Additionally, one can also consider offering early bird pricing for those who sign up before a particular date. There are several other marketing strategies that one can explore online.