How to Create an Online Course for Instructors That Sells

Do you want to teach and be paid passively? Selling an online course is one of the most profitable methods of making money while imparting knowledge. The good news is that you do not have to be a computer whiz or a popular influencer. With the proper steps, anyone can create an online course and make good recurring income.

What you’ll learn in this guide:

✔ How to choose a profitable course topic (even if you’re not an expert)
✔ The easiest tools to use (no coding required!)
✔ How to film, edit, and upload your course (even with just a phone)
✔ Where to sell it (best platforms for beginners)
✔ How to get your first students (marketing tips that work)

Let’s get started!

1. Determine Your Target Audience

Before spending weeks creating a course, make sure people will buy it. You should not want to waste time on something nobody wants. Be specific once more. The target audience is too broad and non-actionable to be defined as “anyone interested in my course subject”.

Instead, focus on identifying your target audience’s main demographics.

• Age – Online students are, on average, 34 years old. This number may vary depending on the subject of your course. Make the necessary changes to your writing and teaching methods.
• Gender – Online students have a gender split of 53 percent female and 47 percent male on average.

However, in other areas, such as engineering, the ratio can shift dramatically, with male students accounting for up to 85 percent of students.

• Education levels – The majority of students enrolled in online courses have a Bachelor’s degree or above. Adjust the course’s difficulty to meet your target audience’s educational level.
• Status of employment – Is your course designed to teach professionals who are already employed? Is it geared towards job searchers looking to start a new career in a different field?

So, before creating your course:

• Google Trends – See if interest is growing or declining.
• Quora/Reddit – Look for questions people ask about your topic.
• Survey your audience – Ask, “Would you pay for a course on [topic]?”
• Create a waitlist – Offer a free lesson to see who signs up.

Pro Tip: If at least 50 people say they’d buy, you have a good idea.

2. Select a Course Topic

The first step in creating an online course should be deciding on a primary focus topic. You must choose a specific course topic early. You don’t need to be the world’s best expert—just one step ahead of your students.

✅ Good topics:

• “Excel for Small Business Owners”
• “Yoga for Beginners”
• “Instagram Growth for Artists”

❌ Bad topics:

• “How to Be Happy” (Too broad)
• “Advanced Quantum Physics” (Too niche)

Find Out What People Want

Check:

• Google Trends (Is interest growing?)
• Amazon books (What’s selling well?)
• Reddit/Quora (What questions do people ask?)

Pro Tip: Search Udemy or Skillshare to see what’s popular.

3. Create Clear Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes are the backbone of your course. They tell students exactly what they’ll be able to DO after finishing your course. Students want to know exactly what they’ll learn. Be specific about the results they’ll get. Good outcomes keep you focused while creating content and help students understand the value they’re getting.

• Use action words – “By the end, you’ll be able to [do X].”
• Keep it simple – 3-5 key takeaways per course.
• Focus on transformations – “Go from beginner to confident.”
• Avoid vague promises – No “Become a millionaire” claims.

Example: “By completing this course, you’ll be able to EDIT professional-looking videos in CapCut that get more social media engagement.”

4. Structure Your Online Course

A well-structured course keeps students engaged, improves completion rates, and delivers real results. Here’s how to organize your content effectively:

Start with a Strong Introduction

Your intro sets the tone for the entire course. It should:
✅ Welcome students – Make them feel excited to learn.
✅ Explain the course journey – What will they cover?
✅ Set expectations – How long will it take? What do they need?
✅ Motivate them – Why is this course valuable?

Example Outline:

• Video 1: “Welcome & How This Course Works” (3-5 min)
• PDF: Course roadmap + resource list
• Quick Quiz: “What’s Your #1 Goal for This Course?”

Break Content into Modules

Divide your course into 3-5 main sections (modules). Each module should focus on one key skill or topic.

Example for a “Social Media Marketing” Course:
1️⃣ Module 1: Setting Up a Winning Profile
2️⃣ Module 2: Creating Scroll-Stopping Content
3️⃣ Module 3: Growing Your Audience Organically
4️⃣ Module 4: Running Paid Ads That Convert

Pro Tip: Name modules with benefit-driven titles (not just “Module 1”).

3. Keep Lessons Short & Engaging

People lose focus after 8-10 minutes. Break lessons into bite-sized chunks.

✅ Ideal Lesson Length: 5-15 minutes max
✅ Mix Formats: Videos, text, quizzes, worksheets
✅ End with Action Steps – “Now try this…”

Example Lesson Flow:

1. Video (5 min): “How to Write Viral Captions”
2. PDF Cheat Sheet: 10 Proven Caption Templates
3. Assignment: Write 3 captions & share with the group

Include Practical Exercises

Students learn by doing, not just watching. Add:
✔ Worksheets (Fillable PDFs)
✔ Challenges (e.g., “Post daily for 5 days”)
✔ Case Studies (Show real examples)

Pro Tip: Give feedback opportunities (e.g., submit assignments for review).

Build in Progress Checks

Help students track their growth with:
📌 Quizzes (Multiple-choice, true/false)
📌 Self-Assessments (“Rate your confidence on this skill”)
📌 Milestone Celebrations (“You finished Module 1—great job!”)

End with a Powerful Conclusion

Wrap up with:
🎯 Key Takeaways Recap (Summary video)
💡 Next Steps (How to keep learning)
📢 Call to Action (Join your advanced course, coaching, etc.)

Example Closing Module:

• Video: “Congratulations! Here’s What You’ve Achieved”
• PDF: Certificate of Completion
• Survey: “How was your experience?”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Too much theory – Balance teaching with action.
❌ Long, rambling videos – Edit tightly.
❌ No clear progression – Each module should build on the last.

Action Step: Outline Your Course 

Grab a notebook and:

• Write down 3-5 modules
• List 3-5 lessons per module
• Add 1 worksheet or exercise per module

Need help? Use this free tool: Canva Course Planner

5. Choose the Most Engaging and Effective Delivery Method

The way you deliver your course content can make or break student engagement. Here’s how to pick the best formats for maximum impact:

Video Lessons (Most Engaging)

Best for: Demonstrations, walkthroughs, and personal connection

How to Do It Right:

• Keep videos short (5-15 minutes ideal)
• Use screen sharing for software tutorials
• Show your face occasionally to build rapport
• Add animated text/graphics (use Canva or Animaker)

Equipment You Need:

• Smartphone or webcam (0−$200)
• Basic microphone ($20−$100)
• Free editing software (CapCut, iMovie)

Pro Tip: Record in “batches” – do all Module 1 videos in one sitting for consistency.

Text-Based Content (Most Flexible)

Best for: Reference material, quick tips, and students who prefer reading

Formats That Work:

• PDF Guides (Step-by-step instructions)
• Workbooks (Fill-in-the-blank exercises)
• Case Studies (Real-world examples)
• Transcripts (For video lessons)

Pro Tip: Use formatting tricks:

• Bold key takeaways
• Bullet points for easy scanning
• Highlight important quotes

Audio Lessons (Most Convenient)

Best for: Commuters, multitaskers, and podcast lovers

Great For:

• Thought leadership content
• Interview-style lessons
• Meditation/visualization exercises

How to Record:

• Use your phone’s voice memo app
• Try Anchor.fm for free podcast-style hosting
• Keep background noise minimal

Interactive Elements (Best for Retention)

Boost engagement with:

Quizzes:

• Multiple choice knowledge checks
• “What would you do?” scenario questions
• Self-assessment surveys

Worksheets:

• Fillable PDFs
• Templates students can reuse
• Progress trackers

Discussion Prompts:

• “Share your biggest takeaway…”
• “Post your before/after results.”

Live Components (Best for Community)

Options to Consider:

• Weekly Q&A sessions
• Group coaching calls
• Live workshop days
• Office hours for troubleshooting

Platform Options:

• Zoom (most reliable)
• YouTube Live (public)
• Discord (for ongoing chat)

How to Choose Your Mix

Follow this decision tree:

• Is it a visual skill? → Video
• Is it theoretical knowledge? → Text + Audio
• Does it require practice? → Interactive worksheets
• Will students need help? → Live components

Example Mix for a Photography Course:

• 60% video (camera demonstrations)
• 20% PDF cheat sheets (settings guides)
• 10% quizzes (knowledge checks)
• 10% live critiques (Zoom sessions)

Tech Tools to Make It Easy

Free/Low-Cost Options:

• Loom (screen recording)
• Canva (design worksheets)
• Google Forms (quizzes)
• Descript (video/audio editing)

Pro Tip: Use one “home base” platform (like Teachable) that supports all these formats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using only one format (boring!)
❌ Making videos too long (attention spans are short)
❌ Skipping interactive elements (passive learning = poor retention)

Action Step: Plan Your Delivery Mix

Grab a piece of paper and:

• List your main course topics
• Next to each, write the best format to teach it
• Aim for at least 2 formats per module

Example:
“Lighting Techniques” → Video demo + PDF lighting diagram

6. Produce Your Online Course: Filming, Recording & Editing (Expanded Guide)

The secret to professional-looking course content isn’t expensive equipment – it’s smart techniques anyone can use. Here’s your complete roadmap to creating high-quality course materials on any budget:

Filming High-Quality Video Content

Essential Equipment (Budget-Friendly Options):

• Camera: Smartphone (iPhone/Android) or webcam ($0)
• Lighting: Natural light from window or $20 ring light
• Audio: Phone mic works, or $50 lavalier mic
• Stabilization: $20 tripod or stack of books

Pro Shooting Tips:

• Frame yourself properly (eye level, head/shoulders in shot)
• Use the “rule of thirds” (don’t center yourself)
• Dress simply (avoid patterns/stripes)
• Check background (tidy, non-distracting space)

Scripting vs. Improv:

• Scripted: Best for technical content (read from teleprompter app)
• Outline: Best for conversational delivery (bullet points)
• Freestyle: Only if you’re extremely comfortable on camera

Recording Crystal-Clear Audio

Audio Quality Matters More Than Video!

• Quiet space: Record in closet with clothes for sound dampening
• Mic positioning: 6-12 inches from your mouth
• Test recordings: Listen for echoes/hisses before complete take

Free Audio Editing:

• Audacity (remove background noise)
• Descript (edit audio like a text document)

Pro Tip: Record 5 seconds of silence at the start – this becomes your “room tone” for editing.

Screen Recording for Software Demos

Best Free Tools:

• OBS Studio (most powerful)
• Loom (easiest)
• QuickTime (Mac built-in)

Pro Techniques:

• Zoom in on important areas (mouse cursor)
• Slow down complex steps
• Add captions for clarity

Editing Like a Pro (No Experience Needed)

Simple Editing Workflow:

• Cut mistakes: Remove “ums” and pauses
• Add intro/outro: 5-second branded screens
• Insert B-roll: Alternate angles/screenshots
• Include text overlays: Highlight key points
• Export: MP4 format, 1080p resolution

Best Free Editors:

• DaVinci Resolve (most professional)
• CapCut (easiest mobile option)
• iMovie (Mac users)

Creating Supporting Materials

Must-Have Course Assets:

• Worksheets: Fillable PDFs (Canva)
• Slides: Simple PowerPoint/Google Slides
• Cheat Sheets: One-page reference guides
• Transcripts: Helps visual learners

Design Tips:

• Use consistent colors/fonts
• Leave white space
• Add your logo

Quality Control Checklist

Before publishing any content:
✅ Audio is clear with no background noise
✅ Video: well-lit and stable
✅ All lessons follow a consistent format
✅ No errors in supporting materials
✅ Captions accurate (use auto-caption then proofread)

Budget Breakdown

Starter Setup ($50):

• Phone tripod: $20
• Clip-on mic: $25
• Natural lighting: Free

Upgraded Setup ($300):

• Ring light: $50
• USB microphone: $80
• Premium editing software: $170/year

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Reading robotically from script
❌ Using echoey rooms
❌ Making edits too jumpy
❌ Forgetting to smile/be energetic
❌ Skipping test recordings

Action Plan: Your First Recording Session

• Pick one short lesson (3-5 minutes)
• Set up your recording space
• Do 3 test takes
• Edit your best take
• Show a friend for feedback

Pro Tip: Batch-record multiple lessons in one session wearing the same outfit for continuity.

7. Choose Your Online Course Platform (Expanded Guide)

Selecting the right platform is like choosing the perfect storefront for your digital business. Here’s how to pick the best home for your course in 2025:

a) All-in-one course Hosting Platforms

Best for: Creators who want everything in one place

Top Options:

Teachable ($39+/mo)

• Pros: Beautiful templates, built-in community features
• Cons: Transaction fees on a basic plan

Thinkific (Free plan available)

• Pros: More customization, better quizzes
• Cons: Fewer marketing tools

Kajabi ($119+/mo)

• Pros: Amazing automation, all-in-one solution
• Cons: Steep learning curve

Key Features to Compare:
✔ Course delivery options
✔ Payment processing
✔ Student management
✔ Marketing tools

Pro Tip: Most offer free trials – test 2-3 before committing.

Read: Best Online Course Platforms

b) Marketplace Platforms

Best for: Beginners who want built-in students

Top Options:

Udemy (Free to list, 50% commission)

• Pros: Instant audience of millions
• Cons: Little control over pricing

Skillshare ($3-10 per student)

• Pros: Great for creative topics
• Cons: Recurring revenue model

When to Use:

• For your first course to build confidence
• When you don’t have an existing audience
• For supplemental income (not primary business)

c) WordPress Solutions

Best for: Tech-savvy creators who want full control

Best Plugins:

• LearnDash ($159/year)
• LifterLMS ($299/year)
• MemberPress ($179/year)

Why Choose WordPress?

• 100% customizable
• Keep all student data
• No monthly fees (just hosting)
• Integrates with any tool

Cons:

• Requires more technical skill
• You handle all security/updates

d) New 2025 Options to Watch

Emerging platforms gaining traction:

• Maven (for cohort-based courses)
• Circle.so (community-focused learning)
• Podia (great for memberships + courses)

Innovative Features:

• AI-powered student engagement
• Built-in virtual classrooms
• NFT certificates

Decision Checklist

Ask yourself:

• Budget: Can I afford monthly fees?
• Tech Skills: Do I need something simple?
• Goals: Do I want to build my brand?
• Features: Must I have live classes/community?

Scoring System:
Give each platform 1-5 points for:

• Price
• Ease of use
• Customization
• Marketing tools
• Payment options

8. Establish Your Pricing Structure (Expanded Guide)

Pricing your course correctly is both an art and a science. Get it right, and you’ll attract ideal students while being fairly compensated. Here’s how to price for profit:

Pricing Strategy Options

A. Cost-Plus Pricing

• Calculate expenses (platform, ads, labor)
• Add desired profit margin
• Example: $200 costs+ $300 profit = $500 price

B. Value-Based Pricing

• Price based on transformation
• Example: Course helps earn $10K
• Best for premium/business courses

C. Competitive Pricing

• Research similar courses
• Price slightly below (entry) or above (premium)

D. Tiered Pricing

• Bronze ($97): Course only
• Silver ($297): Course + workbook
• Gold ($997): VIP coaching

Price Range Guidelines

Course Type	Price Range	Student Expectation
Mini-Course	$29−$99	1-2 hours, basic concepts
Standard Course	$100−$500	5-10 hours, actionable system
Comprehensive Program	$500-$2,000	20+ hours, certification
Coaching Add-On	$1,000+	1:1 support, accountability

Pro Tip: The more specialized your niche, the higher you can price.

9. Launch Your Course Successfully

A strategic launch turns your course from a hidden gem into a thriving business. Marketing strategies that work:

• Build an email list (offer a free mini-course)
• Run a challenge or webinar
• Partner with influencers
• Use Pinterest/YouTube SEO

Launch Formula:

• Build anticipation (2-4 weeks)
• Open enrollment (5-7 days)
• Follow up with email sequences

10. Build a Thriving Community

A thriving community transforms passive students into loyal advocates and repeat buyers. Here’s how to create a vibrant ecosystem around your course:

• Creating a private Facebook group
• Hosting live Q&As
• Offering bonuses for completion
• Sending weekly tips

Pro Tip: Happy students become your best marketers through testimonials and referrals.

Ready to Get Started?

Creating an online course is, at present, easier than ever. The key is to start small, validate your idea, and focus on helping your students get results.