How to Make Money with Online Courses: A No-BS Guide
Let’s cut to the chase. You’re here because you’re wondering, “Can I actually make money with online courses?” or “How do I even start?” Maybe you’re worried it’s too late, too competitive, or too complicated. I get it. But here’s the truth: online courses are still one of the best ways to build a scalable income online. The key? Doing it right.
I’m not here to sell you a dream. I’m here to give you a roadmap. Let’s dive in.
Why Online Courses Are Still a Goldmine
Before we get into the how, let’s talk about the why. Online courses are booming because:
- People want to learn skills fast. From coding to cooking, there’s a course for everything.
- You can scale without trading time for money. Once your course is built, it sells while you sleep.
- The market is growing. The e-learning industry is projected to hit $375 billion by 2026.
But here’s the kicker: most courses suck. They’re either too generic, poorly structured, or just plain boring. That’s your opportunity.
Step 1: Pick a Profitable Niche
You can’t just create a course on “how to make money online” and expect to stand out. You need to niche down. Here’s how:
Ask Yourself:
- What am I good at? (Think skills, hobbies, or expertise.)
- What do people keep asking me for help with?
- Is there a demand? (Use tools like Google Trends or Udemy to check.)
Examples of Profitable Niches:
- Digital marketing for small businesses
- Personal finance for millennials
- Yoga for beginners
- Graphic design for non-designers
Pro Tip: Don’t overthink it. Start with something you know and validate it by talking to your audience.
Step 2: Create Content That Sells
Here’s where most people mess up. They spend months creating a course without knowing if anyone wants it. Don’t do that.
How to Create a Course People Actually Buy:
- Start Small: Create a mini-course or webinar first. Test the waters before going all in.
- Solve a Specific Problem: Don’t try to cover everything. Focus on one pain point and solve it well.
- Keep It Engaging: Use videos, worksheets, and quizzes. Nobody wants to read a 50-page PDF.
- Make It Actionable: Give step-by-step instructions. Your students should see results fast.
Pro Tip: Use platforms like Teachable or Thinkific to host your course. They’re beginner-friendly and handle all the tech stuff for you.
Step 3: Price It Right
Pricing can make or break your course. Too high, and no one buys. Too low, and you devalue your work.
How to Price Your Course:
- Research Competitors: See what others in your niche are charging.
- Start Mid-Range: If most courses are
100−100-200, price yours at $150.
- Offer Payment Plans: This makes it easier for people to say yes.
Pro Tip: Don’t undervalue your course. If it solves a real problem, charge what it’s worth.
Step 4: Market Like a Pro
Creating the course is only half the battle. The other half? Getting people to buy it.
Marketing Strategies That Work:
- Build an Email List: Offer a free lead magnet (like a cheat sheet or mini-course) to grow your list.
- Leverage Social Media: Share valuable content related to your course topic.
- Run Ads: Use Facebook or Google Ads to target your ideal audience.
- Collaborate: Partner with influencers or other creators in your niche.
Pro Tip: Focus on one marketing channel at a time. Master it before moving to the next.
Step 5: Scale and Automate
Once your course is selling, it’s time to scale. Here’s how:
Ways to Scale Your Online Course Business:
- Upsell and Cross-Sell: Offer advanced courses, coaching, or related products.
- Create a Membership Site: Charge a monthly fee for ongoing access to your content.
- Outsource: Hire freelancers to handle customer support or content creation.
Pro Tip: Use tools like Kajabi or Podia to automate your sales funnel and save time.
FAQs About Making Money with Online Courses
1. Do I need to be an expert to create a course?
Not at all. You just need to know more than your target audience. Start where you are and grow from there.
2. How long does it take to create a course?
It depends on the complexity, but you can create a mini-course in as little as a week.
3. What if no one buys my course?
That’s why validation is key. Test your idea before investing too much time or money.
4. Can I sell my course on multiple platforms?
Absolutely. Use platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, and your own website to reach more people.
5. What’s the best platform to sell online courses?
For beginners, I recommend MillionFormula.com. It’s simple, affordable, and packed with features to help you succeed.
Final Thoughts
Making money with online courses isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. It takes work, but the payoff is worth it. Start small, focus on solving real problems, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.
Remember, the best time to start was yesterday. The second-best time is today.
Resources to Get Started:
- MillionFormula.com – The ultimate platform for creating and selling online courses.
- Teachable – Great for beginners.
- Thinkific – Perfect for building branded courses.
- Kajabi – All-in-one solution for scaling your course business.
Now go out there and create something amazing. The world is waiting for your expertise.
Keyword: Make Money with Online Courses
