3 Keys to Building an Online Course

As a digital products coach, I get a lot—and I mean A LOT—of questions about online courses. Should you create one? Are they really worth it? What does it take to build a successful course?

I hear you!

It's true online courses are rocking it these days, especially as world events have caused more people to figure out how to work and learn remotely. There’s no shortage of courses available in every field and interest imaginable, and the market is wide open for more. Creating a virtual course can be a smart way to share what you know AND earn a significant income from your efforts, which is why many writers and speakers are turning to this medium. But is it right for you?

Here are three factors that will determine your ability to create a successful online course. If you have each of these in place, then you’re ready to jump into the e-course game!

1. You have a great idea for a topic and you’re passionate about sharing it.​

Chances are this is true of you. If you’re a writer, blogger, speaker, podcaster, teacher, pastor or creative communicator of any sort, you’ve probably got a fire in your gut to spread a message, which God called you to share. An online course could be simply a smart extension of the work you’re already doing.

Consider what specific topic you could teach on. Is it a Bible study? A how-to message? Skills training or personal growth advice? Are you trying to reach and encourage families, business owners, or some other group with a specific need? Does your topic lend itself to video or downloadable materials? If so, you might have a winner.

2. You have an audience that’s interested in your topic. (In other words, your course meets a need.)​

Good news: this isn’t about that dreaded word, platform. If you have a built-in audience ready to devour your course, GREAT. That’s a green light to move forward and serve your audience well. Share like crazy through email and social media where your audience is already poised to listen.

However, even creators without an existing audience can build and sell a course—and build their audience in the process. How?

Through ads.

If you’re willing to put in the hard work of marketing your course through a targeted sales funnel on social media, you can still be successful at gaining customers. However, advertising to cold audiences is not for the faint of heart. I highly recommend investing in a thorough ads training course such as the Facebook Ads Intensive by Brilliant Business Moms. Most importantly, do your research to make sure there truly is a need for your course. As long as people have the problem your course solves, you won't run out of potential customers.

3. You’re serious about earning money from your message.​

Online course creation takes work. It requires your time, expertise, and willingness to spend money in order to make money. But if you’re serious about generating an income from your message, then an online course can be a fantastic tool to reach people anywhere, thanks to worldwide technology.

So what kind of start-up investment are we talking about? Well, that depends on which tool you use to build your online course. You could subscribe to a course platform like Teachable or Thinkific, which is basically like renting space on their site to house your course. This is a good option for beginners, but keep in mind you will not own the site, so you’ll lose some control over how you can brand it and promote it, particularly when it comes to sales funnels and online advertising.

If you’re committed to creating and selling an online course or have plans to develop multiple courses down the road, and especially if you're planning to run a profitable sales funnel, I highly recommend using Kajabi, an all-in-one course building platform. It has made all the difference in my business. Learn why I'm such a big fan here—and why Kajabi doesn’t actually end up costing more than other options. In fact, in my case, it costs LESS.

Now, if the thought of creating and selling an online course seems overwhelming, I have good news. I can help walk you through it. Check out my free masterclass: How to Create and Sell Digital Products Without Feeling Stupid, Salesy, or Sacrilegious. Just click HERE to watch at your convenience.