The internet has made it possible to teach anything. If you’ve ever thought about turning your skills into a money-making machine, you’re not alone. Online courses are digital gold, projected to be worth $319 billion by 2029, and African creators are stepping up to the game. In this article, we will break down how you can hack online course design and launch a course as an African creator, step-by-step.

Step 1. Find your money-making idea (hint: It’s already in your hands)

You don’t need to invent the next big thing. Your skills and experiences are already more valuable than you think. Start by asking yourself: What do I know that others would pay to learn? Think about your skills, hobbies, and unique experiences. Maybe you’re great at photography, coding, or making the perfect jollof rice (and yes, people pay for cooking courses too!). 

Pro tip: Check Selar’s weekly Creator Spotlights on social media, Udemy, and Teachable to see what’s trending. If people are already buying courses on a topic you know, that’s a good sign! Then before you go full-on course mode, create a poll on Instagram Stories, Twitter, or your WhatsApp Status to gauge people’s opinions. 

Ask your followers: If I made a course on [this topic], would you buy it?

The responses will tell you everything you need to know.

Step 2. Know your people (and speak their language)

Before you hit “record,” figure out who you’re teaching. Are you helping beginners who don’t know where to start, or advanced learners looking to level up? Understanding your audience makes it easier to create content that helps.

For example: If you’re a graphic designer, you might want to decide whether to teach students who want to learn Photoshop from scratch or entrepreneurs who need quick design hacks for their businesses. Knowing your audience will help you determine the structure and focus of the course. 

Speaking the language of your audience also means understanding their struggles and tailoring your online course to meet them. A student living in Nigeria might deal with slow internet, expensive data, or limited access to certain tools. Knowing this and providing solutions through your course will set you apart. Acknowledge it. Solutions like offline downloads, documents, or lighter course materials will set you apart.

Step 3. Plan your course, like a Pro 

Now, map out your course. This doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with a simple outline:

1. Introduction: Who you are and what they’ll learn from listening to you.
2. Modules/Lessons: Break your content into bite-sized pieces. Try to keep your videos under ten minutes each. 
3. Bonus content: Templates, quizzes, checklists, or extra tips.
4. Conclusion: Wrap it up with key takeaways.

Use local examples that your audience will instantly relate to. Teaching marketing? Reference successful African-owned brands who leverage great marketing tactics, like Kai Collective, and I Said What I Said. Talking content creation? Share stories of successful creators like Salem King and  Fisayo Fosudo.

Step 4. Lights, camera, action! 

When you are done planning the content of your course, time to shoot! You don’t need a fancy studio setup. Your smartphone, good lighting  (think natural light by a window), and a quiet room can do wonders.  

• Videos: Use apps like Capcut, Inshot, or even Zoom.
• Audio: A simple lapel mic can improve sound quality.
• Slides: Canva is your best friend for making professional-looking slides.

Step 5. Choose where to sell

The right platform can make or break your course’s success. There are tons of platforms to host your course, but here are some Africa-friendly options:

• Selar: Selar is perfect for African creators, letting you accept payments in Naira, Cedis, and eleven other currencies. Plus, with just 12000 naira, you can get access to features that are creator-friendly with minimal hassle.
• Udemy or Teachable: If you’re aiming for an international audience, these platforms work—but watch out for those fees.
• Payment gateways: Integrate Paystack or Flutterwave on your website to ensure smooth transactions for your audience across the continent. It could be a lot of work to maintain. 

6. Price it right (exposure doesn’t pay the bills)

Remember, you’re not just creating content, you’re building a business. 

• Do your research: Check what similar courses in your niche are charging, especially in your country. Price competitively but don’t undervalue your work.
• Flexible payment options: Consider installment payment plans to make your course accessible without slashing prices. With Selar, you can also use the subscription and membership features to create drip content for your audience, and the coupon feature to give out coupons to loyal followers. 
• Bundles and bonuses: Add value with downloadable resources, bonus videos, or 1-on-1 sessions. For example:
  • Basic tier: $10 (₦7,500) for course-only access
  • Mid-tier: $25 (₦18,750) with bonus resources like templates
  • Premium tier: $50+ (₦37,500+) with personal coaching or Q&A sessions

Remember, people will pay more for value. So, don’t sell yourself short!

Read: How to Price Your Online Course to Make More Sales

7. Market your course like you mean It

Don’t just drop your course and hope for the best, try to create some buzz!

• Leverage your social circles: Wherever your audience is, that’s where you also need to be. If you’re trying to cater to a younger audience, it might be wise to try LinkedIn. If you are trying to reach older folks, Facebook might be a great platform for your audience. Share sneak peeks, testimonials, and your course journey to build trust with your audience.
• Collaborate and cross-promote: Partner with other African creators, influencers, or even local businesses to amplify your reach.
• Email lists are gold: Start building your email list early. Offer free resources or mini-courses to get people on board, then nurture those leads.

8. Keep your students hooked (retention = referrals)

A happy student is your best marketing tool. They are more likely to tell more people about your online course, which will lead to more profit. 

• Create a community: Use WhatsApp groups, Telegram channels, or even Discord to foster connection among your students.
• Engage regularly: Host live Q&A sessions, respond to feedback, and make your students feel seen.
• Update and improve: Keep your course fresh with new content, updated resources, or bonus material.

9. Scale it up (because one course isn’t enough)

Once you’ve nailed your first course, the sky’s the limit. Repurpose your content by turning your course into ebooks, workshops, or even webinars. You can also partner with schools, NGOs, or companies that could benefit from your content, to sell it to them at discounted rates. In fact, why stop at one course when you can create a whole learning platform? The sky is the limit. 

Final Thoughts

Creating an online course isn’t just about making money, it’s about sharing knowledge, building community, and leaving an impact. As an African creator, you have a unique perspective that the world needs to hear. So, pick your topic, create with intention, and watch your influence grow.