how to create online courses from scratch

7 Simple Steps to Create And Sell Your First Online Course (Even If You’re a Complete Beginner)

The $375 Billion Online Course Secret They Don’t Want You to Know

Look, I’m going to be blunt here.

While you’re sitting there wondering if you have what it takes to create an online course, thousands of people with LESS knowledge than you are cashing in BIG TIME.

I’m talking about ordinary people who are waking up to payment notifications while you’re still hitting the snooze button on your dreams.

The online learning industry is projected to hit $375 BILLION by 2026. That’s not just money changing hands. That’s a WEALTH TRANSFER happening right now.

And you’re either going to be on the receiving end… or you’re going to be left behind.

Two years ago, I was exactly where you are. Doubting myself. Overthinking everything. Making excuses.

Then I discovered a simple 7-step system that changed everything. I’ve now launched multiple courses, served thousands of students, and built a “make money while I sleep” business that my past self wouldn’t believe.

The best part? I didn’t need special connections, fancy degrees, or technical wizardry.

I just needed this roadmap I’m about to hand you on a silver platter.

Ready to sell an online course?

Step 1: Before You Create An Online Course Find Your Money-Magnet Topic (Hint: It’s Not What You Think)

Here’s the brutal truth most “gurus” won’t tell you:

Nobody cares about your passion. They care about their PROBLEMS.

Your winning course topic isn’t about what excites you. It’s about what keeps your ideal customers awake at 3 AM, desperately Googling for solutions.

💰 Try my “Pain-to-Profit” method for choosing a course topic:

1. Make a list of problems you’ve personally solved (even if it seems “too simple” to you)
2. Spy on your market using these goldmines:
   – Reddit threads where people are BEGGING for help
   – Amazon book reviews where readers complain “this didn’t solve my problem”
   – Facebook groups where the same desperate questions pop up weekly
3. Look for problems where people are already throwing money at half-baked solutions

Example: Don’t create a generic “how to write better” course. Create “The 5-Day Email Sequence That Converts Subscribers Into $997 Clients (Even If You Hate Selling)”. Make your course answer a specific problem.

Remember: The riches are in the SPECIFIC PROBLEMS you solve, not the general topics you cover.

Step 2: Get Paid BEFORE You Start Your Course Creation

Want to know the #1 reason most course creators fail?

They spend months creating a course NOBODY WANTS.

Smart creators get PAID FIRST, then create. Here’s how:

🤑 The “Sell-Then-Build” Method:
1. Create a mouth-watering course description that focuses on the transformation, not the information
2. Set up a simple payment page with a “founding member” discount
3. Sell 5-10 spots before you’ve created a single video

If people won’t pay for the PROMISE of your solution, they definitely won’t pay for the finished product.

One student tried to launch a $497 “Instagram Growth” course that NOBODY bought. Then she pre-sold a $997 “Client-Getting Instagram Strategy for Service Providers” course to 7 people in 48 hours.

The difference? She found a SPECIFIC PAIN that people were willing to pay to solve.

The “Webinar-to-Wallet” Secret: How to Get Paid Before You Create a Single Lesson

Forget spending weeks building a course nobody wants. This is my goto strategy – best practise – to validate before I create online courses.

It’s the ultimate shortcut that lets you validate your idea AND get paid upfront:

Host a live webinar that sells your course before it even exists.

I know, it sounds crazy. But trust me, this is how the pros do it.

Here’s the “Webinar-to-Wallet” formula I’ve used to generate thousands in pre-sales:

1. Open with the “After” Picture: Don’t talk about features. Paint a vivid picture of the transformation they’ll experience. What will they be able to DO after taking your course? How will their life be different?

2. Show your Target Audience the Map: Walk through your course outline like it’s a treasure map. Show them the exact steps they’ll take to reach their desired outcome. Make it clear that each piece of the puzzle fits together perfectly.

3. Sell the Dream: Remind them of the ultimate outcome. Who will they BECOME after completing your course? What will they be able to ACHIEVE? Make them FEEL the possibility.

4. The “Founding Member” Invitation: Don’t just sell a course. Invite them to join an EXCLUSIVE beta program. Position it as a chance to:
   – Get early access at a STEAL of a price
   – Help SHAPE the course with their feedback (plus testimonials)
   – Become a “Founding Member” with VIP access to you

This isn’t just about selling. It’s about building a tribe of early adopters who are invested in your success.

Pro Tip: Ditch the polished presentation. Keep it real, keep it raw, and make it clear that they’re part of something that’s EVOLVING. People love being on the inside.

The bottom line? Webinars aren’t just for selling. They’re for validating, building excitement, and getting paid BEFORE you put in the hard work.

Stop guessing and start SELLING. Your bank account will thank you.

Step 3: Structure Your Course Content Like a Transformation Machine

Let me tell you a secret that took me years to learn:

Information is worthless. Transformation is priceless.

Your course isn’t a collection of videos. It’s a SYSTEM that takes your target audience (the learners) from their painful “before” state to their desired “after” state.

🧠 Use my “Transformation Architecture” framework:

1. The Wake-Up Call – Shatter limiting beliefs and create urgency
2. The Clear Path – Show them the exact roadmap to success (step-by-step)
3. The Quick Win – Give them an immediate result to build confidence
4. The Deep Dive – Core training that solves their biggest obstacles
5. The Breakthrough – Advanced strategies that accelerate results
6. The New Identity – Help them see themselves as transformed

🎬 CRUCIAL: Keep videos under 10 minutes. Research shows attention drops by 50% after the 10-minute mark. Your students want results, not your life story.

Step 4: Choose an Online Course Platform That Makes You Money (Not One That Drains It)

Listen carefully: The platform you choose can make or break your course business.

Most beginners make a COSTLY mistake: they choose platforms based on fancy features instead of PROFIT POTENTIAL.

💻 Here’s what actually matters:

– Does it let you OWN your customer data? (Critical for repeat sales)
– Does it take a huge cut of your revenue? (Some take 50%!)
– Does it make checkout FRICTIONLESS? (Every extra click costs you money)

My top recommendations based on PROFIT potential:

🎯 The platform that made me the MOST money wasn’t the fanciest—it was the one that got out of the way and let me SELL. (ThriveCart Learn+)

As for equipment? Keep it simple:
– A decent microphone ($60-100)
– Screen recording software
– Basic slides

Your students care about RESULTS, not production quality. I’ve seen $2,000 courses filmed on iPhones outperform studio-quality productions that taught fluff.

Step 5: Learn How to Create Your Course Content To Get RESULTS (Not Just Compliments)

Want to know why most courses get abandoned after Module 1?

They’re BORING information dumps that don’t lead to action.

Your content needs to be like a good action movie: fast-paced, engaging, and impossible to turn off.

The learning experience is as important as the learning objectives.

🔥 My “Action Activation” formula:

– Start each lesson with a PROMISE: “After this 9-minute video, you’ll be able to…”
– Teach ONE thing per video (not everything you know)
– Include EXAMPLES that make concepts real
– End with a specific ACTION STEP they can complete in 15 minutes or less

The secret sauce? Course materials which are IMPLEMENTATION ASSETS:
– Templates they can copy-paste
– Checklists that make action brainless
– Swipe files of proven examples
– Action worksheets that force implementation

The most successful students don’t just watch my videos—they IMPLEMENT what I teach. And they pay me again and again because I give them RESULTS, not just information.

Step 6: Build a Sales System That Converts Cold Prospects Into Eager Buyers

Let’s get real: Creating your course is only 20% of the battle.

The other 80%? SELLING IT.

But I’m not talking about sleazy tactics or pushy sales pitches. I’m talking about a SYSTEM that turns the right people into buyers—almost automatically. And those are the kindsof systems you need to learn how to create online.

📈 My “Desire Escalation” sales system:

1. Create a free Irresistible Lead Magnet – Solve ONE specific problem for free (but make them hungry for more)
2. The Relationship-Building Email Sequence – 5-7 emails that demonstrate your unique approach
3. The “Aha Moment” Webinar – Show them what’s possible and introduce your course as THE solution
4. The Fear-Dissolving FAQ Page – Address objections before they become roadblocks

💰 Pricing psychology that WORKS: How to price your course
– Tiered pricing creates options (Basic, Premium, VIP)
– Early-bird discounts reward fast action
– Payment plans remove financial barriers

One of my students went from struggling to sell a $197 course to easily enrolling students at $997 using this exact system. The difference wasn’t the CONTENT—it was the SALES APPROACH.

And remember: throughout the course collect feedback and testimonials.

Step 7: Launch, Learn, and Leverage Your Success

Here’s where most course creators go wrong: (which is why they’re not successful online)

They treat their launch like a one-time event instead of the BEGINNING of a profitable journey.

Your first launch is just a data-gathering mission. The REAL money comes from what you learn and how you adjust.

🚀 My “Perpetual Profit” launch strategy:

1. Set a non-negotiable launch date (commitment creates results)
2. Create genuine urgency with limited spots or bonuses
3. Go ALL IN on promotion for 7-10 days (this is not the time for modesty)
4. Personally reach out to potential students who showed interest
5. Analyse what worked and what didn’t

After your launch:
– Survey BOTH buyers and non-buyers
– Identify where students get stuck
– Create additional resources for common roadblocks
– Plan your NEXT launch with improvements

💬 The million-dollar question to ask buyers:  
“What finally convinced you to buy?”

Their answers will become your marketing gold for launch #2.

Create An Online Course : The Brutal Truth About Course Creation Success

Let me be crystal clear about something:

The world doesn’t need more information. It’s DROWNING in information.

What people desperately need—and will gladly pay for—is TRANSFORMATION.

They need someone who’s been where they are, who can guide them to where they want to go, who can save them time, money, and heartache.

That person is YOU.

Not because you know everything (you don’t).
Not because you’re perfect (you’re not).
But because you’ve solved a problem that others are still struggling with.

The only question is: Will you step up and package your solution into a course that changes lives?

Or will you keep your knowledge locked away while others with half your expertise cash in?

The choice is yours. But I hope you choose to join the creators who are building wealth while making a difference.

Because six months from now, you could be waking up to those Stripe notifications I mentioned.

Or you could be exactly where you are right now—still wondering “what if?”

Get started: Create and sell an online course. 

# 7 Steps to Create and Sell an Online Course on the Best Course Platforms

FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Questions on How to Create An Online Course From Scratch

Q: What are the essential first steps when planning to create your online course?

A: Starting your journey as an online course creator begins with market research! First, you need to identify what people want to learn and validate the market demand for your course.

Look at platforms like Udemy and LinkedIn to see what’s popular. Then, create a course outline based on your expertise and the gaps in online education.

Remember, a successful online course solves specific problems for your target audience. Oh, and don’t skip the competitor analysis – see what others are teaching and how you can make your course even more high-quality!

Q: How do I choose between platforms like Udemy, Teachable, and Thinkific for selling online courses?

A: Ah, the platform dilemma! Each has its quirks.

Udemy gives you instant access to millions of potential learners but takes a bigger cut of your earnings.

Teachable and Thinkific let you build your own branded school with more control over pricing and marketing. Teachable is super user-friendly with great sales features, while Thinkific offers slightly better course design options.

Most platforms offer a free trial, so take them for a test drive! Your choice should depend on whether you want to build your own online business or leverage an existing marketplace.

Pro tip: some creators use multiple platforms – putting a basic course on Udemy and premium offerings on their own Teachable or Thinkific site!

Personally I use ThriveCart Learn+ . One off investment and full control.

Q: What equipment do I need to create my online course with professional video production?

A: Good news! You don’t need a Hollywood studio to create your online course. At minimum, you’ll need a decent smartphone camera (newer models shoot amazing video), a simple clip-on microphone (audio quality matters more than video!), and some basic lighting (even a well-placed lamp can work wonders).

As you grow, you might invest in a DSLR camera, proper studio lights, and editing software. But please, make sure you’re focusing on valuable content first – learners would rather watch slightly imperfect videos with amazing information than beautiful footage of mediocre teaching.

Some of the most successful courses on Udemy started with super basic setups!

Q: How do I structure my course curriculum to ensure learners stay engaged?

A: Think of your course curriculum like a Netflix series – you want to hook your learners and keep them binge-watching! Start with quick wins to build confidence.

Break content into digestible 5-10 minute videos (attention spans are tiny these days). Mix theory with practical exercises, and include downloadable resources as part of your course.

The course you create should follow a logical progression that takes students from A to Z without overwhelming them.

Include quizzes to reinforce learning and maybe even a certificate at the end! Remember that different people want to learn in different ways, so include text, video, audio, and interactive elements when possible.

And please, no 60-minute lecture videos unless you want your students falling asleep face-first on their keyboards!

Q: What marketing strategies work best to get people to enroll in your course?

A: If you build it, they will NOT come… unless you market it! Start by creating a free course or mini-course as a teaser.

Use email marketing to nurture leads – maybe offer an email course first to build trust. Leverage social media with video snippets that showcase your teaching style.

Partner with influencers in your niche who can promote to their audience.

Consider running limited-time promotions where people can buy your course at a discount.

And don’t forget the power of testimonials – once you have happy students, their success stories will help you convince others to enroll.

The most successful course creators spend as much time marketing as they do creating content. Remember: even the best elearning content needs promotion!

Q: How important is building an online community for my course success?

A: Building an online community isn’t just important—it’s practically your secret weapon! When students connect with each other, they’re more likely to complete your course and rave about it to others.

You can create community through discussion forums, Facebook groups, Discord channels, or live Q&A sessions. The online community becomes a place where students help each other, share successes, and stay motivated.

As a bonus, it’s also your direct line to customer feedback – you’ll learn exactly what your learners love and what you could improve. Plus, engaged communities tend to buy additional courses from you and become your most enthusiastic referral sources.

Community building might take extra effort, but it’s worth its weight in gold for course completion rates and student satisfaction!

Q: What are the 10 steps to successfully launch my course once it’s ready?

A: Launch day jitters? Follow these 10 steps and you’ll be golden!

1) Beta test with a small group for feedback

2) Create a compelling sales page that addresses pain points

3) Set up an email sequence for interested prospects

4) Prepare promotional video teasers

5) Line up affiliates or partners who can help promote

6) Create a limited-time launch discount

7) Plan a webinar to showcase your expertise

8) Schedule social media announcements

9) Personally reach out to your network

10) Follow up with those who showed interest but didn’t buy.

Remember, your launch isn’t just about making sales – it’s about creating buzz and collecting testimonials that will help you sell more courses in the future! And please celebrate when people enroll – do a little dance for each student who decides your course will allow them to transform their skills!

Q: How do I know if there’s market demand for my course before I create it?

A: Don’t waste months creating a course nobody wants to learn! Test market demand by creating a simple landing page describing your course and collect email addresses from interested people.

Search sites like Udemy, Skillshare, and Amazon books to see if similar topics are selling well. Use Google Keyword Planner to check search volume for related terms.

Survey your existing audience or run small social media polls. You could even pre-sell your course at a discount before creating all the content – if people are willing to pay, that’s the ultimate validation!

The worst thing is spending hundreds of hours creating content only to hear crickets when you launch. Remember, successful online courses solve specific problems people are actively searching for solutions to!