14 Steps to Create an Online Course: Full Guide

With a global e-learning market estimated at $325 billion by 2025, and with more than 77% of businesses already using online learning to train their employees, it's clear that online courses have become an essential pillar of modern education.

From the initial design of your online course ideas to effective promotion, through the choice of best platforms, you will discover the strategies and tools needed to captivate your audience and maximize the impact of your training.

Whether you are an expert looking to share your knowledge, an entrepreneur exploring new opportunities, or an educator adapting your methods to the digital world, this guide will provide you with the keys to transform your expertise to create an online course profitable.

Let's get started.

Creating an online course: Step-by-Step Method

Definitely! I will continue with the following sections, detailing them and making them as instructional as possible.

Step 1: Choose your subject

The choice of subject is the focus of your online course.

This will determine not only the content of your course, but also its potential success.

How do I choose the right subject?

Identify your passions and skills:

Make a list of your areas of expertise, hobbies, and topics you are passionate about.

A subject you're excited about will make the creative process more enjoyable and your professional education more engaging.

Evaluate market demand

Use tools like Google Trends, Answer the Public, or Google search suggestions to understand what people are looking for in your field.

Identify a problem that needs to be solved

The best courses meet a specific need. What problem will your course solve for your students?

Find your niche

The more specific your subject is, the less you will have direct competition.

For example, instead of creating a general photography course, you could specialize in “Product Photography for Online Stores.”

Assess your level of expertise

You don't have to be the greatest global expert, but you need to know enough to provide real value to your students.

Don't be afraid of competition in the field of e-learning!

If other courses exist on your subject, it is often a sign that there is a demand.

Step 2: Research the market

Once you have an idea for a topic, it is crucial to study the market to confirm that there is demand and to understand your potential competition.

How do you research the market effectively?

Analyze online training platforms

Visit sites like Udemy, Coursera, Udacity, or Skillshare and look for courses similar to yours.

• Note the number of students enrolled
• Read reviews to understand what students like or what's missing
• Observe the structure and content of popular formations

Use social media

Look for Facebook groups, Instagram hashtags, or X-discussions related to your topic.

• What questions do people ask frequently?
• What problems often come to mind?

Conduct surveys

Create a short survey for your potential target audience.

• Use free tools like Google Forms, TypeForm, or JotForm.
• Ask questions about their needs, current knowledge, challenges, and what they are looking for in an online course

Analyze keywords

Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to see the search volume related to your topic.

Study online forums and communities

Sites like Reddit, Quora, or specialized forums in your field can be a goldmine of information about the needs of your target audience.

Market research is not only to confirm that there is a demand for online training courses.

It also helps you refine your training idea and identify unique angles that you could approach.

Step 3: Establish your credibility

It is essential for attracting and retaining students. Here's how to establish it, even if you're not a recognized “expert” in your field:

1. Share Your Personal Journey: Tell your story of how you gained your knowledge. People value authenticity and stories of personal growth.
2. Highlight your successes :Have you solved the problem you are teaching in your own life or career? Share these successes.
3. Keep learning :Stay up to date in your field. Take other courses, read the latest publications, attend conferences.
4. Create free content :Start a blog, YouTube channel, or podcast to demonstrate your expertise.
5. Get testimonials :If you've already helped people in your field, ask them for stories.
6. Show off your certifications :If you have any relevant degrees or certifications, mention them.

tip : Being honest about your level of expertise can be an asset. If you have just learned something, you can often explain it better to other beginners.

Step 4: Define your target audience

Understanding exactly who your course is for will help you create more relevant and effective content.

How do you define your target audience?

1. Create personas :Imagine a typical student for your course. Define their:
   • Age
   • Profession
   • Education level
   • Goals
   • Challenges

1. ‍Analyze Demographics: If you already have an audience (blog, newsletter, social media), study its characteristics.
2. Consider the skill level :Is your course for beginners, intermediates, or experts?
3. Identify the motivations :Why would anyone want to take your course? To progress professionally? Out of personal passion?
4. Think of the obstacles :What are the barriers that could prevent your target audience from enrolling in your course?

Don't try to please everyone. A course targeted at a specific audience will be more effective and easier to promote than a general course.

Step 5: Create your course outline

A well-structured plan is the backbone of your course. It will guide you in creating content and help your students follow a logical progression.

How do you create an effective plan?

1. Define the Overall Objective: What will your students be able to do at the end of the course?
2. Divide into main modules :Identify the main themes or skills to be covered.
3. Create lessons for each module :Break each module down into specific lessons.
4. Set learning goals :For each lesson, specify what the student will learn.
5. Plan practical activities :Include exercises, quizzes, or projects to reinforce learning.

Here is an example of a structure:

1. Introduction to digital marketing
1.1 What is digital marketing?
1.2 The different digital marketing channels
1.3 Why is digital marketing important?

2. The fundamentals of SEO
2.1 Understanding search engines
2.2 The basics of on-page optimization
2.3 The importance of content for SEO
2.4 Practical exercise: SEO analysis of a web page

3. The Basics of Social Media Marketing
...

consultancy : Use a mind mapping tool like MindMeister or XMind to visualize the structure of your course.

Step 6: Define Expected Outcomes

Expected results are what your students will be able to do after taking your course. This is a key element in attracting and motivating students throughout the course.

How do you define attractive results?

1. Be specific and measurable :Instead of saying “You will learn digital marketing”, say “You will be able to create and launch your first Google Ads campaign.”
2. Align them to the needs of your audience :Go back to your market research. What problems is your audience looking to solve?
3. Use action verbs : “Create”, “Analyze”, “Implement”, “Optimize”, etc.
4. Quantify if possible “Increase your organic traffic by 50% in 3 months”
5. Think short term and long term :What will they be able to do immediately after class? And in the longer term?

Example of expected results for a digital marketing course:

• Create a content strategy optimized for the SEO
• Launch and manage a profitable Facebook Ads campaign
• Increase your conversion rate by 20% through email marketing
• Analyze your marketing performance with Google Analytics

Key point : Your expected results are a promise to your students. Make sure that your course actually achieves these results.

Step 7: Create your content

It is the core of your course. Quality content is essential to keeping your students happy and getting good evaluations.

Content types to consider

Videos

• Screenshots for technical tutorials
• Face-to-camera videos for more personal contact
• Animations to explain complex concepts and increase know-how

Text

• Video transcripts
• Detailed guides in PDF
• Summaries of key points

Additional resources

• Practical sheets
• Templates
• Checklists

Practical exercises

• Quiz
• Projects to be carried out
• Case studies

Tips for creating effective content:

• Be concise : Aim for videos of 5-10 minutes maximum per concept.
• Vary the formats : Combine video, text, and practical activities to suit different learning styles.
• Use concrete examples : Illustrate each concept with real cases.
• Create WOW moments : Seek to elicit those moments of sudden understanding that motivate learners.
• Update regularly : Plan to update your content to stay relevant.

Content quality is critical, but don't aim for perfection right from the start.

Start with what you have and improve gradually.

Step 8: Set your price

Pricing is a delicate art that can greatly influence the success of your course.

Factors to consider when setting your price:

1. Perceived value :What is the return on investment for your students? How much could they earn or save as a result of your lessons?
2. Competition :Study the prices of similar courses, but don't just copy them.
3. Costs :Take into account the time spent creating and maintaining the course, as well as the technical costs (accommodation, tools, etc.).
4. Target audience :What is the purchasing power of your audience?
5. Brand strategy :A high price may position your course as “premium,” while a low price may attract more students but potentially devalue your offering.

Pricing strategies to consider:

• Introductory price : Offer a discounted rate for early registrants.
• Tiered pricing : Offer different levels of access (basic, standard, premium).
• Subscription : For regularly updated content.
• Single payment : For unlimited access to the course.
• Bundle offer : Combine several courses for a higher value offer.

Do not hesitate to test different prices. You can always adjust based on returns and conversion rates.

Step 9: Choose your platform

The choice of platform will greatly influence how you create, distribute, and monetize your course.

Main options:

1. Online course platforms (Udemy, Coursera, edX):
   • Advantages: Existing large audience, managed technical infrastructure
   • Cons: High competition, limited pricing control

1. Learning Management Systems (Teachable, Thinkific, Kajabi, Teachizy):
   • Benefits: More control, the ability to create your own brand
   • Cons: Need to build your own audience
2. Your own website :
   • Benefits: Full control, no platform fees
   • Disadvantages: Requires technical skills or investment for development

Selection criteria:

• Ease of use for students and trainers
• Features offered (quizzes, certificates, forums, e-commerce, etc.)
• Customization options
• Costs (subscription fees, sales commissions)
• Integrated marketing tools
• Technical support
• Integration possibilities with other tools (email marketing, CRM, etc.)
• Payment options for students

consultancy : If you're just starting out, start with an all-in-one platform like Teachable or Thinkific. You can always migrate to a custom solution later if needed.

Step 10: Build an email list

An email list is a powerful tool to promote your online education and retain your students, here's why it's important:

• Direct communication with your audience
• Independence from social media algorithms
• Generally higher conversion rate than other marketing channels

How to build your list:

1. Create a lead magnet :Offer something free and valuable in exchange for an email address. For example:
   • A free mini-course
   • An e-book
   • A useful checklist
   • A free webinar
2. Optimize your home page :Include a clearly visible registration form on your website.
3. Use social networks :Promote your lead magnet on your various social channels.
4. Create quality content :Blog regularly and include calls to action to sign up for your newsletter.
5. Use smart pop-ups :Set up pop-ups that appear at the right time, without being intrusive.

Quality takes precedence over quantity. A small list of committed subscribers is better than a large list of unselfish subscribers.

Step 11: Create a sales page

Your sales page is often the first point of contact between your course and your potential students. It should be compelling and informative.

Essential elements of a good sales page:

1. A catchy title :Highlight the main benefit of your course.
2. A video presentation :Introduce yourself and briefly explain what students are going to learn.
3. The benefits of the course :Clearly list what students will be able to do after taking the course.
4. The content of the course :Give an overview of the modules and lessons.
5. Testimonies :Include reviews from former students if possible.
6. Your biography :Establish your branding as a reference in the field.
7. FAQS :Anticipate and answer frequently asked questions.
8. Guarantee :Offer a money-back guarantee to reassure potential buyers.
9. Clear call to action :The “Register Now” button is clearly visible.

tip : Use visual elements (icons, images, graphics) to make your page more engaging and easy to navigate.

Step 12: Launch your marketing strategy

Once you've created your course, it's time to let the world know about it.

Marketing strategies to consider:

1. Content marketing
   • Blogging
   • YouTube videos
   • Podcasts
2. Social media marketing
   • Share excerpts from your course
   • Use stories to show behind the scenes
   • Engage in relevant groups
3. Email marketing :
   • Send email sequences to present your course
   • Share stories from happy students
4. Free webinars :Give a taste of your teaching and present your course at the end.
5. Partnerships and affiliations :Collaborate with other content creators in your niche.
6. Paid advertising :
   • Google Ads
   • Facebook/Instagram Ads
   • LinkedIn Ads (for B2B courses)
7. Search engine optimization (SEO) :Ensure that your sales page and content are well referenced with SEO tools.

Important reminder : Marketing is a continuous process. Don't expect immediate results, be patient and persistent.

Step 13: Build a Community

A strong community around your course can greatly improve the learning experience and increase student loyalty.

How to create and maintain an engaged community:

1. Choose a platform :
   • Private Facebook group
   • Skool Group
   • Forum integrated into your course platform
   • Slack or Discord for real-time interactions and fast content sharing
2. Establish clear rules :Define from the start what is acceptable and what is not acceptable in your community.
3. Encourage interactions :
   • Ask questions regularly
   • Organize challenges or contests
   • Highlight student successes
4. Be present and responsive :Answer questions, participate in discussions.
5. Offer exclusive content :Share additional resources or industry updates.
6. Host live events :Q&A sessions, development webinars, etc.

Key point : A strong community can transform your course from a simple product into a rewarding and lasting experience.

Step 14: Update your course regularly

The world is changing rapidly, and your education needs to keep pace to stay relevant and attractive.

Why update regularly:

• Maintain the relevance of every part of your content
• Improving the experience of each learner
• Justify maintaining or increasing your training prices
• Generate new sales from former students

How to update effectively:

1. Ask for feedback :Regularly ask for the opinion of your students on what could be improved.
2. Follow the trends in your industry :Stay up to date with the latest developments in your field.
3. Analyze the data :Review lesson completion rates, FAQs, and more
4. Add new content :Create new lessons or modules to cover new topics.
5. Enhance existing content :Update examples, improve video quality, etc.
6. Communicate about updates :Let your current and past students know about the improvements made.

Final advice : Think of your training as a living project that is constantly evolving. This approach will help you maintain its quality and relevance over the long term.

What is the best platform for creating an online course?

Choosing the “best” platform depends on your specific needs.

Here is a detailed comparison of the popular options:

1. Teachable : For independent contractors

Key features :

• Intuitive course creation interface
• Customizable sales pages
• Integrated affiliate management
• Managed payments and detailed reports
• End of training certificates

Rates : Starting at $29/month (annual plan)

Teachable has a good balance between ease of use and functionality. However, transaction fees on the basic plan can be high, and some users find the customization options limited compared to other platforms.

2. Udemy : For new instructors with a large audience

Features

• Existing large user base
• Integrated online training creation tools
• Integrated automatic subtitling
• Integrated marketplace for the promotion of online training courses

Rates : Free for instructors (Udemy takes a commission on sales)

Udemy is great for initial exposure, but a lack of price control and frequent promotions can devalue online courses. In addition, competition is fierce, which can make it difficult for new trainers to gain visibility.

3. Skool : To create learning communities

Features

• Strong community orientation
• Advanced gamification tools
• Intuitive and modern user interface
• Integration of forums and discussion areas

Rates : Starting at $99/month

Skool excels at creating engaged communities, but may be limited for those looking for more traditional online training features. The price can be high for newbies, and the platform is relatively new to the market.

4. WordPress + LearnDash: For those who want total control

Features

• Full control over design and functionality
• Perfect integration with the WordPress ecosystem
• Advanced gamification features
• No transaction fees on each online course sold

Rates : Starting at $199/year for LearnDash (+ WordPress hosting costs)

This solution offers maximum flexibility for professional trainers, but requires significant technical skills. Maintenance and safety are entirely the responsibility of the user, which can be burdensome for non-technicians.

5. Coursera: For academicians and experts

Features

• Partnerships with renowned universities
• Huge global audience
• Peer review tools
• Possibility to offer accredited certificates
• Online access on computer and mobile

Rates : On request (institutional partnerships)

Coursera offers great credibility, but access is limited and competitive. The process of creating online courses can be long and rigid, and the platform is better suited to institutions than to individual instructors.

How do you promote your online courses?

To effectively promote and sell your online courses, adopt a multi-channel approach:

1. Optimize your online presence : Create an attractive website and optimize it for search engines (SEO).
2. Use social networks : Share relevant content and engage your audience on the platforms where your target audience is located.
3. Build an email list : Offer valuable free content in exchange for email addresses to build your list.
4. Create quality content : Blog, start a podcast or a YouTube channel to demonstrate your expertise.
5. Collaborate with influencers : Identify potential partners in your niche to broaden the reach of your product on social media or their websites.
6. Offer free webinars : Give a taste of your online education to attract potential students.
7. Use paid marketing : Invest in targeted advertising campaigns on Google Ads or social networks.
8. Encourage reviews and testimonials : Ask your satisfied students or collaborators to share their experience.
9. Offer launch discounts : Create a sense of urgency with time-limited offers.
10. Optimize for word-of-mouth : Encourage students to recommend your course with an affiliate program.

The key is to be consistent, patient, and measure your efforts to adjust your strategy over time with the right marketing channels.

Types of online vocational training

Online courses come in several formats, each adapted to different learning styles and educational goals. Here are the main types of online courses:

1. Course at your own pace: Adaptable

These courses allow flexible progression, ideal for busy schedules. They offer great autonomy but require self-discipline. Perfect for studying theoretical concepts or learning software.

• Benefit: Allows for thorough consideration of content.
• Disadvantage: May lack direct interaction, potentially demotivating for some.

2. Live courses: real-time interactions

Delivered via videoconference at fixed times, these courses recreate the atmosphere of a virtual classroom. They encourage immediate discussions but offer less time flexibility.

• Benefit: Immediate interaction with the instructor and other learners.
• Disadvantage: Difficult for learners in different time zones.

3. MOOC: Courses open to all

Massive online courses, often free or inexpensive, offered by renowned institutions. They democratize access to education but with limited interaction.

• Advantage: Allows you to test a subject before further engagement.
• Disadvantage: Generally low completion rates.

4. Hybrid courses: Best of both worlds

Combining online learning and face-to-face sessions, this format combines flexibility and face-to-face interaction. Effective for subjects requiring theory and supervised practice.

• Benefit: Promotes social connections while offering flexibility.
• Disadvantage: May be more expensive to set up.

5. Micro-Learning: Short and targeted lessons

Divide content into 5- to 10-minute lessons, ideal for mobile learning and busy schedules. Adapted to our modern lifestyle.

• Advantage: Facilitates the retention of information thanks to short sessions.
• Disadvantage: Risk of fragmentation of learning for complex concepts.

6. Social Learning: Collaborative

Emphasizes interaction and collaboration between learners, promoting the exchange of ideas and the development of communicative skills.

• Benefit: Promotes the exchange of ideas and social skills.
• Disadvantage: Can be intimidating for more reserved participants.

FAQs

How much does it cost to create an online course?

The cost of online training can vary from almost nothing to several thousand euros, depending on your existing tools and needs. Key costs include recording equipment, software, and platform fees.

How long does it take to create an online course?

On average, creating quality training can take 25 to 500 hours, depending on the complexity and length of the training. A mini-course can be created in a few weeks, while a full online course can take several months.

Do I need to be an expert to create an online course?

You don't necessarily have to be professionals. You need to have a good understanding of the subject and know more than just your target customers. The important thing is to provide value and to be able to teach effectively.

Summary

By following this guide, you'll be well-equipped to create, launch, and maintain successful online training.

Remember that each online course creator has their own background and ways of doing things, so don't be afraid to experiment and adjust your approach based on your results and the feedback from your students.

Hopefully, this condensed guide was able to help you understand the entire process of creating online courses.

Not only will you create a steady stream of revenue, but you'll also have the benefit of sharing your expertise and becoming a thought leader in your niche.