Ever wondered how some people rake in six figures (or more) selling online courses while you’re still debating what to teach? Well, buckle up because I’m about to spill the tea on how you can turn your knowledge into a money-making machine.
No boring lectures, no fluff—just real, actionable steps to help you launch a profitable online course business. And hey, if you think, “I don’t have expertise in anything,” I promise you, you do. So, let’s break it down.
Step 1: Find Your Million-Dollar Idea (Hint: It’s Closer Than You Think)
People don’t buy courses just for knowledge; they buy results. So, what’s something you’re great at that others struggle with? Maybe you:
- Can bake a cake so fluffy it could double as a pillow.
- Have mastered productivity hacks that save hours each week.
- Know how to land high-paying clients without cold pitching.
If people ask you for advice on something repeatedly—ding, ding! That’s your course idea. Not sure? Run a poll in Facebook groups, Reddit threads, or Instagram stories to see what people need help with.
Step 2: Validate Your Idea Before You Create It
Imagine spending months creating a course, only for it to flop harder than a bad first date. Painful, right? Let’s avoid that by testing demand before you pour your heart (and time) into it.
Here’s how:
- Pre-sell it. Launch a waitlist or a beta version at a discounted rate. If people pay, you’re onto something. If they don’t? Tweak your offer or try a different niche.
- Spy on your competition. Check platforms like Udemy, Teachable, or even TikTok to see what’s trending in your niche.
- Ask your audience. Run a quick survey or hop on calls with potential students to see what they’d pay for.
By the way, don’t be afraid of competition. It means there’s already a market for your idea!
Step 3: Create a Course That Actually Sells
Let’s get real—no one wants to sit through a 100-hour course that feels like a college lecture. Your course should be engaging, easy to digest, and—most importantly—solve a problem.
Keep It Simple and Actionable
- Break lessons into bite-sized videos (5-15 minutes max).
- Use storytelling and real-life examples. (Nobody remembers theory, but they remember stories!)
- Provide quick wins. If students see results fast, they’ll rave about your course (hello, word-of-mouth marketing!).
Tools to Make Your Life Easier
- Loom or Screen Flow for recording.
- Teachable or Kajabi for hosting.
- Canva for slides and visuals.
Don’t overcomplicate it—start with simple videos and PDFs. Fancy editing can come later.
Step 4: Price It Right (Because $27 Isn’t Cutting It)
Here’s a shocker: Pricing too low can hurt your sales. If you charge $27, people will assume your course isn’t valuable. But slap a $497 price tag on it, and suddenly, it feels premium.
Pricing Strategies That Work:
- Anchor pricing: Offer a premium version at $997 so that your $497 course feels like a steal.
- Tiered pricing: Have a basic, standard, and VIP version to cater to different budgets.
- Payment plans: Breaking down a $997 course into three $349 payments makes it feel more affordable.
Oh, and don’t forget to add bonuses (templates, cheat sheets, or private coaching) to increase perceived value!
Step 5: Market Like a Pro (Even If You Hate Selling)
Now comes the fun part—getting people to buy your course! You don’t need a huge audience; you just need the right strategy.
Marketing Strategies That Work:
- Social proof: Testimonials, case studies, and student success stories build credibility.
- Email marketing: A well-crafted email sequence can turn leads into buyers.
- Webinars & live workshops: People love free value—hook them with a training, then pitch your course at the end.
- Affiliate marketing: Let others promote your course and earn a commission.
And if you’re thinking, “But I hate selling!”—remember, you’re not forcing anyone. You’re helping them solve a problem.
Step 6: Automate & Scale (Because You Deserve Passive Income)
Once you’ve launched successfully, it’s time to scale.
- Automate sales with evergreen funnels. (Use tools like Click Funnels or Convert Kit.)
- Repurpose content. Turn course snippets into social media posts, blogs, or YouTube videos.
- Launch a community. A Facebook group or membership site adds long-term value (and more revenue!).
FAQs (Because I Know You’re Thinking This…)
Q: Do I need a huge audience to succeed?
Nope! Many six-figure course creators started with small, engaged audiences.
Q: What if I’m not an expert?
You don’t need a PhD—just be one step ahead of your students.
Q: How long does it take to make six figures?
Some do it in months, others in a year. The key? Consistency + smart marketing.
Final Thoughts (And Your Next Step!)
Building a six-figure online course business isn’t just for tech gurus or influencers. With the right strategy, you can do it too. The hardest part? Getting started.
So, what’s stopping you? Drop a comment below with your course idea—I’d love to help! 🚀