With the economy continuously evolving, many people are looking for ways to create additional streams of income. Online opportunities, in particular, have become an attractive option for those seeking flexibility and autonomy. One of the most profitable and sustainable ways to make money online is by selling courses.

But how do people make money selling courses? If you have expertise in a particular field—whether it’s digital marketing, graphic design, cooking, or fitness—there’s a high demand for online education. People are increasingly turning to the internet to learn new skills, improve their careers, or explore new hobbies. This opens up a huge opportunity for you to turn your knowledge into a profitable course that can reach a global audience.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key steps and strategies to help you create and sell an online course that not only adds value but also brings in income. 

Factors to consider before you start selling courses online

Before creating and selling a course, there are a few important factors you need to consider. These elements will shape your approach, helping you build a course that connects with your target audience and stands out in a crowded marketplace.

1. Niche and expertise

The first step in creating a course is identifying a niche you’re both passionate about and knowledgeable in. This could be anything from digital marketing, cooking, or fitness, to more specialized skills like public speaking or web development. However, passion and expertise alone aren’t enough. You need to make sure there’s demand for the topic you want to teach. It’s important to choose a niche that not only interests you but also has an audience willing to invest in learning about it.

Think about what skills or knowledge you possess that could help others achieve their goals. Additionally, research the competition to see if there’s an untapped gap in the market. A successful course often lies in finding a balance between what you’re good at and what people are actively searching for.

2. Market research

One of the most important steps in course creation is market research. Before you start designing your course, spend some time analyzing what’s already out there. Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, or YouTube have thousands of courses—so it’s essential to study what works and what doesn’t.

Look at reviews, ratings, and course descriptions to understand what students like and dislike about existing courses. What are the common pain points? Where can you offer something better or different? This research will help you avoid making the same mistakes others have and enable you to fine-tune your content to match what learners are looking for.

3. Target audience

Understanding your target audience is key to developing a course that resonates with them. Are they beginners who need basic knowledge? Or are they more advanced learners looking to deepen their expertise? Do they prefer self-paced learning, or do they need more guidance through live sessions and feedback?

Take the time to define your ideal learners. Consider their age, profession, interests, and challenges. If your course targets professionals, for example, your content will need to be more structured and detailed, while a course for hobbyists might be more casual and interactive. Knowing your audience will guide your course content, language, and even the tools you use to communicate.

4. Pricing strategy

Setting the right price for your course can be a tricky decision, but it’s important to consider several factors. First, think about your audience’s spending habits. Are they likely to pay for high-end, premium content, or would they prefer a more affordable option?

Next, evaluate the value your course offers. What makes it unique? How does it solve a problem or help your audience achieve their goals? The more value you provide, the higher you can price your course. However, be mindful of what similar courses in your niche are charging. If your course is priced too high without offering enough value, students may look elsewhere. On the other hand, pricing too low may make it hard to sustain your business.

It’s also a good idea to experiment with different pricing models—such as tiered pricing or offering discounts—to see what works best for your audience.

Read: A guide to pricing your online course

5. Course format

When designing your course, you’ll need to decide on the format that best suits your content and audience. Video-based courses are extremely popular because they offer a more engaging, interactive experience. However, not every topic requires video, and some students may prefer text-based resources, like eBooks, workbooks, or downloadable guides.

A blended approach, using both video and text, is often the most effective. Consider incorporating quizzes, assignments, or interactive elements to keep learners engaged and help reinforce key concepts. You also need to think about the course duration. Will it be a short, bite-sized course, or will it be more in-depth with multiple modules?

6. Platform choice

Choosing the right platform to host and sell your course is super important for success. While there are many options available, it’s essential to pick one that aligns with your goals and technical abilities. Some platforms, like Teachable and Thinkific, are user-friendly and offer extensive customization. However, they can come with fees and limitations in terms of marketing tools.

Selar is your best bet as an African for a seamless experience for creators to sell and market your courses. With our powerful yet simple-to-use interface, Selar allows you to host your course and manage payments, all while offering integrated tools to help you market effectively and build your audience. With Selar, you get a platform that not only supports your content but also gives you the tools to grow your student base and market your course effectively.

10 actionable steps to make money selling courses

1. Choose a profitable topic

Start by choosing a topic that not only aligns with your expertise but also has demand in the market. If you have skills in web development, coding courses are in high demand. If personal development is your niche, topics like productivity, stress management, or communication skills are sought after. It’s essential to validate your course topic by researching trends on platforms like Google Trends or checking relevant communities on social media to gauge interest. Make sure there’s an audience willing to pay for the knowledge you’re offering.

2. Create high-quality content

The value of your course depends on the quality of your content. Make sure that it’s clear, well-structured, and free of fluff, delivering actionable insights your audience can apply immediately. Whether you’re creating videos, written content, or interactive materials, the key is to make sure each module provides real value. For video courses, ensure the production quality is clear—good audio and visual quality are essential for keeping students engaged. You don’t need to invest in expensive equipment, but clear and professional communication is a must.

3. Organize your course structure

An organized course structure is vital for keeping students engaged and ensuring they get the most out of the content. Break your course into modules, with each module focused on a specific topic. Each lesson within the module should build upon the last, taking students step by step through the material. For example, if you’re teaching digital marketing, your modules could cover fundamentals like “Introduction to Digital Marketing,” “Content Creation & Strategy,” “SEO & Social Media Marketing,” and “Email Marketing & Analytics.” The key is a clear progression, helping students feel like they’re advancing with each step.

4. Create a sales page that converts

Your course sales page is your best tool to convert visitors into paying students. Make sure your page is clean, straightforward, and highlights the value your course offers. The page should include a compelling headline that speaks directly to your target audience’s pain points. Include an overview of the course, a breakdown of what students will learn, and your credentials to add authority. If possible, include testimonials from previous students to build social proof. And don’t forget a strong call-to-action (CTA) that directs visitors to purchase or inquire for more details.

5. Market your course on social media

To get your course in front of the right audience, promote it across social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Create engaging content around the course topic—this could include sharing useful tips, running live webinars, or offering sneak peeks into the course content. Social media allows you to showcase your expertise and engage with potential customers. Paid ads on these platforms can also help target a specific audience and increase your course’s visibility, driving more potential students to your course page.

6. Offer freebies to attract leads

One of the best ways to attract potential customers is by offering a free resource related to your course. This could be a free mini-course, a checklist, an eBook, or a webinar. Offering something of value for free helps build trust and allows prospects to get a feel for your teaching style before committing to a paid course. It also provides an opportunity to collect email addresses, which you can later use for email marketing and nurturing your leads.

7. Set up a sales funnel

A sales funnel is the journey a potential customer takes from discovering your course to purchasing it. To set up an effective funnel, start by offering a free resource (like an eBook or a mini-course) that leads to your paid course. Using email marketing automation tools, you can nurture leads by sending follow-up emails that build on the free content they’ve received, providing more value, and gradually moving them toward purchasing your full course. Offering limited-time discounts or bonuses can encourage immediate action.

Read: Everything You Need For an Efficient Sales Funnel

8. Provide ongoing support for your students

Providing exceptional support to your students is a key factor in keeping them engaged and encouraging course completion. Offer personalized feedback and answers to questions, and consider hosting office hours where students can reach out for additional help. If you have a course community, actively participate in discussions and offer your expertise. Students who feel supported are more likely to complete your course, leave positive feedback, and recommend your course to others.

9. Collect testimonials and reviews

Testimonials and reviews serve as powerful social proof, helping to build trust with potential customers. Once your students complete the course, ask them for feedback and testimonials. Positive reviews can be featured on your course landing page, social media, or in future marketing materials. Highlighting testimonials from students who have successfully applied what they learned can help show the real-world value of your course.

10. Continuously update and improve your course

To keep your course competitive and valuable to students, it’s essential to update it regularly. Add new lessons to reflect changes in trends or emerging techniques in your niche. Revisit older lessons to improve them based on student feedback, or refresh content to keep it current. Offering live updates, additional resources, or new modules can help keep students engaged and encourage them to recommend your course to others. An up-to-date course is also more likely to show up in search rankings, leading to more traffic and sales.

Selling online courses is a great way to monetize your knowledge while helping others learn and grow. The key to success lies in creating valuable, well-organized content, marketing it effectively, and offering exceptional customer support to build a loyal following. 

Is your course ready? Sign up on Selar today to host, sell, and promote your courses to a global audience. With Selar’s seamless platform, you’ll have the tools you need to turn your course-selling dreams into reality.