The Ultimate Guide to Selling Your Online Course Like a Pro

hero image blog

Key Takeaways

Create and sell an online course requires a structured approach to be profitable and to attract the right audience. This guide follows you through every step from conception to marketing to pricing to enrolling students.

Key Points

  • Define your audience for content and high conversion‍
  • Set a strategic price considering perceived value and competition‍
  • Use the right platforms like Systeme.io or Podia to automate sales
  • Create engaging content with different formats (videos, quizzes, case studies)‍
  • Set up a sales funnel to convert visitors into customers

Stats

  • Mis-targeted audience reduces ROI and increase abandonment
  • Free content like webinars attracts and qualifies prospect
  • Good customer support improves retention and reputation
  • Customer testimonials boost credibility and sales

Marketing Strategies To Implement

  • Targeted advertising via Facebook Ads and Google Ads to generate qualified and relevant traffic.
  • Automated email marketing to nurture your prospects and encourage them to buy.
  • SEO optimized to attract a long-term and sustainable organic traffic.
  • Social media engagement to build an active and engaged community around your course.

Best Practices for Creating Content

  • Set clear and progressive learning objectives to help learners achieve their goals.
  • Break down the course into short modules to help learners absorb the information.
  • Add gamification elements to increase learner motivation and engagement.
  • Ensure high-quality audio and video to provide a pleasant learning experience.

To successfully sell an online course, you need to target the right audience, provide value and implement an effective marketing strategy. By following these tips and choosing the right tools, you’ll maximize your sales while providing an enriching experience for your learners.

In the past, those who wanted to create an online course had to go to great lengths.

They had to create their own website, set up a payment processor, record and distribute course content, and promote their course - all of which required hard work and various tools.

Each of these steps was full of pitfalls, and it was not uncommon for people to give up before they even started, when they realized how many steps they had to take. Today, of numerous platforms take care of (almost) everything for you.

With some of best online course platforms currently available, it's easier than ever to start creating and selling your own courses.

In this article, I will not only explain How to create an online course, but also how to successfully market it and sell it to an audience that will love it.

Read on to find out more.

Define your target and positioning

Even before creating the content of your training, it is essential to clearly define your target audience and to position your offer strategically on the market.

Defining your audience well is very important for selling online training courses, as it maximizes profitability and ease of access to this activity.

A good understanding of your audience allows you to adapt your message, increase your sales, and reduce dropouts by offering training that is perfectly aligned with their expectations.

Poor targeting can lead to several negative consequences:

  • Low conversion rate : If your training does not meet the real expectations of the public, it will not arouse interest.
  • High dropout rate : Learners who are poorly targeted will have a hard time following your program to the end.
  • Poor return on investment (ROI) : Investing in advertising and content creation without knowing your audience can generate unnecessary costs.
  • Difficulty retaining customers : A poorly targeted audience will be less likely to recommend your course to others.

Concrete example: If you sell project management training for entrepreneurs, but your content is too focused on large businesses, your learners may not feel involved.

Step 1: Analyze your skills and passions

analysez vos connaissances
Source: https://www.lumigo.fr/ikigai-francais-sens-vie-vivre-passion/

To create a course that resonates with your audience, start by introspecting into your own knowledge and passions.

Anyone can analyze their knowledge and passions to create an online course. Here's how to do it:

Make a list of your areas of expertise

  • Identify your key competencies acquired through your career, education and personal experiences.
  • Ask yourself, “What problems can I help solve?”

Ask yourself, “Do I have proven experience?”

  • Do you have concrete results or testimonies that validate your knowledge?
  • Do you have a proven methodology that you can teach?

Make sure you are ready to teach this subject for the long term

  • Choose a field that you are passionate about to avoid running out of breath.
  • Check the sustainability of your theme (avoid ephemeral trends).

Practical exercise: Write down three topics that you are passionate about and analyze their monetization potential by finding out if they are the subject of existing training courses.

Useful tools: Notion, Trello, mind mapping (Xmind).

Step 2: Conduct in-depth market research

faire une étude de marché avec un business model canva

Once your expertise is defined, it is important to analyze the potential demand to ensure that there is a real need for your training. Reading the trends is essential to adapt your training:

Trend analysis via Google Trends

  • Type in the keywords related to your subject and sector and then observe their evolution over time.
  • Compare different variants of your theme to identify the most sought after.

Competition study

  • Consult training platforms such as the marketplace Udemy, Teachable, Skool to see popular courses in your field.
  • Analyze customer reviews to identify pain points and opportunities for improvement.

Use community forums and groups

  • Look for discussions in Facebook, Reddit, and Quora groups related to your topic.
  • Ask questions to identify challenges faced by your target audience.

Practical example: If you want to offer digital marketing training, analyze Facebook groups where entrepreneurs share their challenges related to online advertising.

Useful tools: Google Trends, Answer The Public, SEMrush.

Step 3: Create detailed customer personas

Créer des personas clients pour lancer votre formation en ligne

A customer persona is a fictional but realistic representation of your ideal customer, based on real data. This will help you tailor your message and meet the specific needs of your audience. Here's how to build an effective persona:

  1. Define demographic characteristics : Age, gender, location, education level, profession.
  2. Identify motivations and goals: Why are they looking for training? What problem are they trying to solve?
  3. Analyze potential objections: Limited budget, lack of time, fear of failure.
  4. Customer persona example:
Name: Marie, 35, e-commerce entrepreneur.
Problem: She wants to automate her marketing tasks but lacks technical skills.
Objective: Find simple training, with step-by-step tutorials.
Objections: Fear that the training is too theoretical and difficult to apply.

Expert advice: Create multiple personas to cover different types of potential buyers and refine your content accordingly.

Useful tools: HubSpot Persona Tool, Xtensio.

Step 4: Validate your training idea

Before you start creating content, understand the interest of your target market to avoid investing time and money in an unviable project. Here's how

  1. Launch a survey on your social networks
    • Ask open-ended questions to understand what your audience wants.
    • Example question: “If you could learn one skill today, what would it be?”
  2. Create a free mini-course
    • Offer a lightweight version of your training (e.g., a 30-minute webinar) and measure engagement.
    • Use platforms like Systeme.io or Podia to host your mini-course.
  3. Launch a pre-registration landing page
    • Describe your training in detail and offer free registration to measure real interest.
    • Analyze the conversion rate and adjust your proposal if necessary.
  4. Gather initial testimonies
    • Ask a few people to preview your content and get their feedback.

Concrete example: A productivity coach validated his idea by offering a free webinar, and by observing that 80% of participants wanted to go further with comprehensive training.

Useful tools: Google Forms, Typeform, Jotform, Leadpages.

Conclusion and next steps

Defining your audience and positioning your training correctly is an essential step in maximizing your chances of success. Here is a checklist before creating your course:

✅ Have you listed your skills and validated their commercial potential?
✅ Have you analyzed the competition to identify opportunities for differentiation?
✅ Have you defined detailed personas?
✅ Have you tested your training idea with a mini-product or a survey?

By answering these questions, you will be ready to build a course that is perfectly adapted to the needs of your audience and to optimize your chances of success.

Designing engaging and quality training

Creating quality training is based on careful planning, a effective pedagogy, and adapted supports to provide a rewarding and engaging learning experience.

Online courses offer advantages over face-to-face training. Well-structured training facilitates the assimilation of knowledge and improves learner satisfaction, which increases the chances of success of your program.

Here is a guide to designing a course adapted to the expectations of your learners.

How do you set effective goals?

définir des objectifs pour une formation en ligne

Before you start creating content, it's essential to set specific learning goals that will guide your learners throughout their journey. Here's how to set effective goals:

Use the SMART method

  • Specific : The objective must be clear and specific (Example: “Create a WordPress website without technical skills”).
  • Measurable : Integrate indicators to assess progress (Example: “Publish 3 web pages in 7 days”).
  • Achievable : The objective must be realistic and adapted to the level of the learners.
  • Realistic : Ensure that the resources provided are sufficient to achieve the objective.
  • Temporal : Set a time limit to reach each skill (Example: “Training completed in 4 weeks”).

Segment goals by module

Set a specific goal for each part of your training to maintain motivation and track progress.

Engage learners

Engaging learners by sharing goals from the start to provide a clear vision of the learning journey.

Practical example:

Main objective: “By the end of the training, you will be able to design and manage a functional e-commerce site.”

Structure courses into modules and lessons

Structurer la formation en ligne

Good structuring is essential to make the content digestible and to allow gradual learning.

How to structure your training effectively

  1. Divide into progressive modules : Each module should deal with a specific aspect of the subject.
    • Module 1: Introduction to the subject
    • Module 2: Fundamental Concepts
    • Module 3: Putting it into practice
    • Module 4: Case studies and evaluation
  2. Vary lesson formats : Offer content in a variety of forms to maintain engagement.
    • Explanatory videos (ideal for practical demonstrations)
    • Written materials (PDF guides, fact sheets)
    • Practical exercises to reinforce active learning
    • Quiz to assess comprehension and maintain motivation
  3. Create a logical progression : Start with the basics before introducing advanced concepts to avoid cognitive overload.

Recommended structure model

Module Content Recommended Format Objective
Introduction Program overview Video, text Explain the basics
Theory Core concepts Video, quizzes, PDF support Understand key principles
Practical Cases Real-world scenarios Tutorial videos, exercises Apply concepts in practice
Final Assessment Knowledge validation Quizzes, final project Measure skills

Expert advice: Systeme.io and Thinkific offer tools to easily structure your modules and monitor learners' progress.

Create engaging courses

Créer un cours en ligne engageant

The courses in your training should be engaging, clear, and accessible to maintain the interest of your learners until the end of the program.

Best practices for making your courses engaging

  1. Use accessible and educational language : Explain complex concepts in simple terms, avoid excessive jargon, and use analogies to facilitate understanding.
  2. Vary content formats :
    • Short videos (5 to 10 minutes) to maintain attention.
    • Attractive infographics and visuals to summarize the key points.
    • Interactive exercises such as case studies or practical challenges.
  3. Integrate gamification elements to improve engagement:
    • Certifications and badges at every key stage.
    • System of points or rankings to stimulate motivation.
    • Weekly challenges to encourage consistency.
  4. Encourage interaction with learners : Offer live Q&A sessions, chat rooms, or private groups on Slack or Facebook.

Recommended tools: Canva (for visuals), Typeform (for interactive quizzes), and Systeme.io (for online courses with gamification).

Equipment needed for professional videos

exemple d'Équipements pour vendre des formations sur internet

The quality of your videos plays a major role in the perception of your training. Good sound and a clear picture enhance the credibility and professionalism of your content. Here is some recommended equipment for producing quality videos:

Camera

  • Logitech C922 (for tight budgets, HD quality)
  • Sony Alpha A6400 (advanced option for professional videos)
  • Your smartphone (if equipped with a good camera, stabilization recommended)

Microphone

  • Blue Yeti (micro USB ideal for indoor recordings)
  • Rode NT-USB (professional mic with great sound quality)
  • Lavalier BOYA BY-M1 (affordable lavalier microphone for smartphone and DSLR)

Lighting

  • Neewer LED ring for even lighting on the face.
  • Softbox (softer lighting, ideal for long recordings).

Editing and recording software

  • Camtasia (easy to use tool with advanced editing features).
  • OBS Studio (free, great for screenshots and webinars).
  • ScreenFlow (specially designed for creators of online courses on Mac).

Pro tip: Always test your equipment before recording to avoid unpleasant surprises (bad sound, bad light).

Practical tips for a better user experience

To ensure smooth and effective learning, be sure to:

  • Cut videos into 5 to 15 minute sequences to avoid fatigue.
  • Add subtitles for people with hearing difficulties or who are not French speakers.
  • Provide additional downloadable materials (summaries, fact sheets).
  • Maintain a dynamic and motivating tone throughout your training.

Conclusion and next steps

Designing engaging and quality training requires a structured and thoughtful approach.

By applying these tips and using the right tools, you can create a program that is engaging, loved by your learners, and profitable in the long run.

Here is a checklist to validate before starting your training:

✅ Clear educational goals defined
✅ Well structured and organized modules
✅ Varied and interactive content created
✅ Professional audio and video quality assured
✅ Learner progress monitoring plan put in place

By following this approach, you will be in a position to offer rewarding and engaging training that stands out on the market.

Choosing the right platform to sell your vocational training

Choosing the online training platform is a key step that influences the visibility of your course, the user experience and your revenue. It is essential to select a solution that fits your educational goals, target audience, and business strategy.

Here is a comparison of the main platforms available according to the essential criteria to consider:

Platform Ease of Use Automation Available Integrations Monetization Pricing
Skool Intuitive and simple Gamification, reminder emails Zoom, Stripe, Zapier Single subscription ($99/month) 14-day free trial
Systeme.io Very accessible Advanced automation Mailchimp, Zapier, PayPal Flexible payment options 14-day free trial, then from €27/month
Teachable Easy to use Automated emails API, PayPal, Stripe One-time payment and subscriptions Starting at $29/month
Udemy Simple to access None Limited High commissions (50%) Free (with commission)
Thinkific Very intuitive Yes Over 100 integrations Flexible pricing, subscriptions Starting at $39/month
Podia Maximum ease Yes Zapier, Mailchimp, Stripe No transaction fees Starting at $39/month

Ease of use

A user-friendly interface is essential to avoid wasting time on technical management and to focus on creating educational content.

When evaluating a platform, check to see if:

  • It offers a “drag and drop” editor to organize your course modules effortlessly.
  • The dashboard is ergonomic and allows intuitive monitoring of learners.
  • A mobile version is available to ensure smooth access from any device.

If you are looking for a quick start, Systeme.io and Podia are particularly recommended for their ease of use. On the other hand, Thinkific offers more customization options for advanced trainers.

Automating the user journey

automatisation pour vendre une formation en ligne

Automation makes it possible to optimize the customer journey and simplify the management of online training courses. A good system should be able to handle repetitive actions without manual intervention.

Among the essential features:

  • Automated email sequences to relaunch learners and encourage them to finalize their training.
  • Automatic certificates delivered at the end of the learning journey to reinforce customer satisfaction.
  • Gamification to improve student engagement
  • Automated upsells and cross-sells, in order to offer additional offers during the purchase process.

Skool, for example, integrates an automatic gamification system that motivates learners and encourages them to progress. Systeme.io, on the other hand, allows you to create advanced sales scenarios to maximize the conversion rate.

Integration with other tools

Intégration de systeme io

The effectiveness of a platform also depends on its ability to integrate with your existing tools to improve the user experience and automate tasks.

Points to be evaluated:

  • Compatibility with webinar tools like zoom or Google Meet for live sessions.
  • Connection with CRMs such as HubSpot or ActiveCampaign for a smooth management of prospects.
  • Payments via Stripe, PayPal, or local solutions adapted to your audience.
  • Possibility to add analysis tools such as Google Analytics to monitor the performance of the training courses.

For example, Thinkific stands out for its more than 100 native integrations, while Podia offers a simple connection to essential marketing tools via Zapier.

Monetization and payment flexibility

monétiser pour vendre des cours

To maximize your revenue, you need to offer payment solutions that are tailored to the preferences of your audience. An ideal platform should offer:

  • Payments in several installments to facilitate access to your training.
  • Currency Management allowing to reach an international audience.
  • Creating recurring subscriptions, ideal for trainers who want to offer long-term support.
  • Possibility to offer group packs, thus increasing the average transaction value.

With Systeme.io, you can set up subscription offers easily, while Udemy imposes a unique payment model with high commissions. For total control over pricing, Podia is a great choice.

Support and assistance for trainers

Support et assistance des formateurs

Good customer support is essential to quickly resolve technical problems and assist you in setting up your training.

Important things to check:

  • Support availability (live chat, email, telephone support).
  • Existence of a detailed knowledge base and video tutorials for autonomous use.
  • Presence of an active community to exchange with other trainers and share good practices.

Skool excels at creating communities, offering trainers and learners an interactive space to ask questions and share content. Teachable, for its part, offers 24/7 support for premium users.

Concrete examples of use

To illustrate the choice of a platform, let's take a few common scenarios:

  • Trainer who wants to automate the sale of training courses without technical skillsSysteme.io, which offers an all-in-one solution with predefined sales channels.
  • Content creator seeking to retain its learners with an interactive communitySkool, thanks to its advanced social features.
  • Instructor who wants total control over pricing and contentPodia, which does not take any commission and allows simple integrations.

Conclusion

The choice of platform depends on your goals and management preferences.

  • For a all-in-one solution easy to handle, choose Systeme.io.
  • If you prefer to create a committed community, opt for Skool.
  • For a complete control without commissions, Podia is ideal.
  • If you want a recognized solution with a large audience, Udemy can be a good starting point, despite its high commissions.

Before making a final decision, take advantage of the free trials offered by most of these platforms to test their functionalities and assess whether they fit your needs.

Determining the right price for your training

Setting the price for your online training is a step that influences not only your profitability, but also the perception of your offer by your potential customers. A well-thought-out rate should reflect the perceived value, be in line with the market and remain accessible to your target audience.

Here is a complete and practical approach to define pricing adapted to your training.

Analyze the competition to position your price

Analyse de la concurrence

Before setting your rate, it is essential to examine the market to understand how similar offers are positioned. Here are some simple tips for analyzing the competition:

  1. Search for similar courses on platforms like Udemy, Teachable or Podia and compare the prices offered for courses of equivalent length and quality.
  2. Identify the differences : does your training offer unique elements (coaching, support, community)? These elements make it possible to justify a higher rate.
  3. Observe customer reviews to identify market expectations and adjust your value proposition.
  4. Analyze competitor strategies by looking at the special offers, discounts and payment models adopted.

Practical example: If a course similar to yours is sold for €197, but does not offer any personalized follow-up, you can justify a price of €297 by including individual support.

Tools to perform this analysis:

  • Google Trends (search trends and interests)
  • Udemy, LinkedIn Learning (price comparison)
  • Facebook Groups (surveys of your audience)

Choosing the right price model

Choosing the pricing model depends on your content, audience, and long-term revenue goal. Here are the most common models with their advantages and limitations used in e-learning:.

Model Advantages Disadvantages Example
One-Time Payment
  • Generates immediate revenue.
  • Easy to manage without recurring follow-ups.
  • Ideal for short and specialized courses.
  • Lower revenue recurrence.
  • Requires constant marketing efforts.
"Build a WordPress Site in 30 Days" course sold for $197.
Monthly Subscription
  • Generates stable recurring revenue.
  • Encourages long-term engagement.
  • Perfect for regularly updated content.
  • Requires constant content updates.
  • High churn rate if perceived value declines.
Digital marketing learning platform at $29/month.
Installment Payments
  • Increased accessibility for a wider audience.
  • Boosts average order value without discouraging purchases.
  • Encourages sales for higher-priced courses.
  • Risk of cancellations or dropouts.
  • More complex administrative management.
Copywriting course offered in 3 payments of $150.

Example: Premium copywriting training billed in 3 payments of €150 instead of €450 at once.

Expert advice: Systeme.io and Podia offer simple solutions for managing installments and subscriptions.

Add value to justify the price

Ajoute de valeur et bonus à votre formation en ligne

Higher pricing may be justified by increasing the perceived value of your training.

Strategies to increase the value of your offer

Offer exclusive bonuses

  • Individual or group coaching sessions.
  • Downloadable templates and checklists for quick implementation.
  • Access to real case studies to illustrate concepts

Example: “Special bonus — 3 live coaching sessions for the first 50 registrants.”

Creating a private community

  • Access to a Facebook or Discord group for members only.
  • Opportunity for networking and mutual assistance between participants.
  • Encouraging collective motivation and the sharing of experiences.

Guarantees and social proofs

  • Offer a “Satisfied or refunded within 30 days” guarantee to reduce the perception of purchase risk.
  • Show compelling customer stories that prove the effectiveness of the training.

Certificates and badges

  • Offer recognized certification to add additional credibility.
  • Create levels of progression (beginner, intermediate, advanced).

Exclusive content and additional resources

  • Library of downloadable resources (ebooks, templates).
  • Additional modules on specific topics.

Concrete example: A course of 299€ including lifelong access to content updates + a certificate of completion of training = increased perceived value.

Mistakes to avoid when determining the price

Erreurs à éviter lors de la détermination du prix

Pricing your training can be complex, and some common mistakes can be a drag on your sales.

  1. Undervaluing your expertise : Setting a price that is too low can give the impression of low quality. A fair price values your skills and attracts serious customers.
  2. Don't test different pricing : Conduct A/B tests with multiple prices to identify which one converts the best.
  3. Ignore hidden costs : Take into account platform fees, advertising costs, and time spent on support.
  4. Not offering payment options : Limiting payment methods can reduce your potential audience.

Conclusion and recommendations

Determining the right price for your training requires a balanced approach between Market analysis, the added value of your content, and the flexibility of payment methods.

Here is my final recommendation:

  • Start with a single payment if you are just starting out and want to test the application.
  • Opt for a subscription if you offer evolving content.
  • Integrate a payment in several installments to improve accessibility.

Take the time to compare the different pricing options and test them to maximize your conversions while providing a rewarding experience for your learners.

Building an effective sales funnel to maximize conversions

An effective sales funnel is a structured and automated process that guides a visitor from the first contact to the final purchase. It plays a key role in optimizing the conversion rate by removing barriers to purchase and building the trust of the prospect at every stage. With tools like Systeme.io, it is possible to create an efficient tunnel without advanced technical skills.

Why is a sales funnel essential?

Without a well-designed sales funnel, you risk losing prospects at various stages of the buying journey.

An efficient tunnel allows you to:

  • Qualifying leads by attracting only people who are interested in your training.
  • Automate tracking to nurture the relationship with your prospects without manual effort.
  • Maximize conversions by offering targeted offers at the right time.
  • Increase value per customer with upsell and cross-sell strategies.

Key steps in a successful sales funnel

Creating an effective sales funnel requires structuring each stage of the customer journey in a strategic way. Here's how to do it using Systeme.io, an all-in-one solution that facilitates the implementation of optimized tunnels.

1. Capture page — Attract and capture attention

Page de capture sur systeme IO

The capture page is the first step in the tunnel. Its objective is to collect the information of the prospect (name, email) in exchange for a Lead magnet attractive (e.g.: a free guide, a masterclass, an interactive quiz).

Here are the key elements of an effective capture page:

  • A catchy title which highlights a clear benefit (Example: “Learn how to create your first profitable online course in 30 days!”)
  • A simple form (name + email) to avoid abandonments.
  • An irresistible offer in the form of free content with high added value.
  • Engaging visuals to capture attention (explanatory video, image that captures attention).
  • A clear call to action (CTA) like “Download now” or “Access for free.”

Recommended tools: Systeme.io, Leadpages, ClickFunnels.

2. Automated email sequence — Engaging and converting

Séquence email automatisée

Once the prospect's email address is captured, an automated email sequence makes it possible to educate, create trust and gradually lead to a purchase.

Here is an example of an email sequence with Systeme.io:

Email 1 — Problem presentation

  • Explain the problem that your training solves.
  • Share statistics or studies to build credibility.
  • Call-to-action: “Learn how to overcome this problem here.”

Email 2 — Proposed solution

  • Present the benefits of your training by focusing on the transformation it brings.
  • Emphasize the simplicity and effectiveness of your method.
  • CTA: “Find out the details of the program.”

Email 3 — Social proof and testimonies

  • Show case studies, customer stories, and results.
  • Use quotes and videos from former participants to reassure.

Email 4 — Exclusive offer and call to action

  • Offer a limited-time offer to encourage rapid decision-making
  • Include money-back guarantees for reassurance.
  • CTA: “Take advantage of the offer before it's gone.”

Best practices:

  • Use compelling email subject lines to increase the open rate.
  • Include clear and repeated calls to action in each email.
  • Personalize emails using the prospect's first name to reinforce engagement.

Recommended tools: Systeme.io, Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign.

3. Optimized sales page — Convince and reassure

 Page de vente optimisée

A well-constructed sales page is the key to turning interest into a purchase. She must answer the prospect's questions and dispel their doubts.

Essential elements of a successful sales page:

  • An impacting title which highlights the final result of the training.
  • Example: “Learn how to start your own online business in just 8 weeks.”
  • Reinsurance elements :
    • Verified customer testimonials.
    • Recognized certification or media logos
    • “Satisfied or refunded” guarantee.
  • A clearly visible call to action (“I'm registering now!”).
  • A clear presentation of the program in the form of detailed modules.
  • Bonuses offered to encourage buying (individual coaching, templates).

Expert tip: Add a presentation video to humanize your offer and establish an emotional connection with your prospects.

Recommended tools: Systeme.io, ClickFunnels, Kartra.

4. Complementary offers (Upsell and Downsell) — Increase value per customer

Offres complémentaires (Upsell et Downsell

Once the customer is about to buy, offer additional offers to maximize the value of their basket.

Upsell (upgrade)

Offer a premium offer that brings more value to the learner. Here are examples of upsells:

  • An advanced complementary module at a special price.
  • A personalized coaching session.
  • VIP access to a private community.

Downsell (alternative offer at lower cost)

If the customer is hesitant to complete the purchase, offer a lightweight version of your training at a discounted rate.

Below are examples of downsells:

  • A basic version without the bonuses.
  • An installment payment plan.

Why is it effective?

  • Allows you to increase the average value of sales.
  • Satisfy prospects with different budgets.
  • Offer more options to maximize conversion.

Recommended tools: Systeme.io, ThriveCart, Kajabi.

Practical advice for a successful sales funnel

To ensure optimal results, follow these key tips:

  • Test and analyze performance of each stage (conversion rate, clicks, abandonments).
  • Simplify the user experience, each click should be intuitive and fast.
  • Offer guarantees to remove the psychological barriers to buying.
  • Use social proof (testimonials, customer reviews, success figures) to inspire confidence.
  • Optimize for mobile, because more than 60% of users browse on smartphones.

Conclusion and next steps

An effective sales funnel is essential to convert your prospects into customers in a fluid and automated way.

Here is a checklist to validate before launching your tunnel:

✅ Optimized capture page with an attractive lead magnet.
✅ Engaging and progressive email sequence.
✅ Clear and compelling sales page
✅ Strategically placed upsells and downsells
✅ Monitoring and continuous improvement thanks to statistics.

By following this approach and using tools like Systeme.io, you will be in a position to maximize your conversions and effectively automate the sale of your online training.

Mistakes to avoid when selling online courses

red, cross, error, crossed, wrong, incorrect, marking, symbol, sign, cross, wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong

Selling online training can be a powerful way to generate passive income and share your expertise.

However, there are some common mistakes that can put your success at risk. To maximize your results, it is important to identify these pitfalls and to put in place appropriate strategies from the start.

Here are the most common mistakes to avoid and how to fix them effectively.

1. Do not validate your market before creating the training

One of the most common mistakes is to start creating a course without ensuring that there is a real demand for the subject.

Why is it a mistake?

  • You risk creating a product that no one is interested in.
  • Waste of time and money on content that won't sell.
  • Lack of return on investment despite quality content.

How to validate your idea?

In-depth market study:
  • Use tools like Google Trends, AnswerThePublic and Udemy to analyze demand and trends.
  • Look for similar courses and identify popular topics.
Surveys and feedback:
  • Ask questions to your audience on social networks (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram).
  • Use tools like Google Forms or Typeform to get feedback on your ideas.
Free mini-course:
  • Start a free introductory course to measure market interest before developing a comprehensive program.

Concrete example: A digital marketing trainer tested their idea by offering a free webinar and observing the engagement rate before creating a comprehensive training course.

2. Choosing the wrong platform without studying your needs

choix de la plateforme de cours en ligne

The choice of the training platform directly influences your ability to manage your sales, the user experience and your profitability.

Why is it a mistake?

  • A platform that is too complex can discourage the user and generate frustrations.
  • Some platforms charge high commissions, reducing your margins.
  • A lack of functionalities (automation, CRM integration) can limit your growth.

How do you avoid this error?

Define your specific needs
  • Do you need advanced automations?
  • Is your audience French-speaking (Podia, Systeme.io) or international (Thinkific, Teachable)?
Compare popular platforms
  • Systeme.io : All-in-one solution with integrated sales funnel.
  • Teachable : Ideal for branding and monetization via subscription.
  • Skool : Perfect for creating an engaged community around training.
Test before you commit

Most platforms offer free trials. Take the opportunity to explore their functionalities and check their suitability for your project.

3. Do not offer customer support or support

support client pour votre formation professionnelle

A lack of follow-up and support can cause high dropout rates and damage your online reputation. Learners expect quick answers to their questions and personalized support in order to progress effectively.

Consequences of poor support

  • Bad word-of-mouth and fewer recommendations.
  • Decrease in future sales.
  • Low satisfaction rate and increased reimbursement requests.

Solutions for effective support:

  1. Set up responsive support via email, chat, or WhatsApp. Tools like Zendesk or Tawk.to can help you.
  2. Create a dedicated private group on Facebook, Discord or Slack to promote mutual support between learners.
  3. Host live Q&A sessions weekly or monthly to answer common questions.
  4. Offer individual or group coaching to deepen certain points and offer a more personalized experience.

Pro tip: Add a detailed FAQ on your platform to answer recurring questions and ease your workload.

4. Neglecting marketing and training promotion

marketing de la formation professionnelle

Creating an excellent training course is not enough; it is essential to promote it effectively in order to attract customers. A lot of trainers focus only on the content and forget the marketing efforts needed to sell their training.

Why is it a mistake?

  • Without promotion, your training will remain invisible.
  • You won't attract qualified traffic to your sales page.
  • The lack of strategy reduces your return on advertising investment.

Marketing strategies to adopt

  1. Use of social networks : Create engaging content on Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube to reach your target audience.
  2. Email marketing : Build a qualified email list and use automated sequences via Systeme.io or Mailchimp.
  3. Paid advertising : Use Facebook Ads and Google Ads to drive traffic to your sales funnel.
  4. SEO and blog : Write articles optimized for Google on your website in order to attract organic traffic in the long term.

Concrete example: A personal development trainer multiplied his sales by launching a free webinar via a well-targeted Facebook ad.

5. Overvaluing or underestimating the price of training

évaluer le prix de la formation professionnelle

Setting the wrong price can hurt your sales. A price that is too high may deter potential buyers, while a price that is too low may give the impression of low value.

Consequences of poor price positioning

  • Perception of low quality if the price is too low.
  • Lack of profitability if production costs are high.
  • Difficulty convincing if the price is too high in relation to the perceived value.

How do you define the right price?

  1. Competitive analysis : Compare the prices of similar courses on the market (Udemy, Teachable).
  2. Test multiple price levels : Offer a standard offer and a premium offer to attract different customer segments.
  3. Offer payment facilities : Payments in several installments to make your training more accessible.
  4. Add bonuses : Offer additional things to justify a higher price (coaching, templates, etc.).

Pro tip: Use psychological pricing strategies (e.g. €297 instead of €300) to improve conversions.

Conclusion and next steps

To successfully sell your online training, it is important to avoid these common mistakes by carefully validating your market, choosing the right platform, setting up good customer support, and having a solid marketing strategy.

Here is a final checklist before starting your training:

✅ Have you validated the demand for your training on the market?
✅ Did you test multiple platforms before choosing the right one?
✅ Do you have support planned for your customers?
✅ Is your marketing strategy ready to attract prospects?
✅ Is the price of your training competitive and in line with its value?

By following these recommendations, you will be in a position to build sustainable and profitable online training while maximizing the satisfaction of your learners.

Overall conclusion

Selling online training successfully requires careful planning, from choosing the subject to retaining customers.

By adopting an approach focused on the quality of content and the user experience, you will be able to generate revenue on the internet while bringing real value to your audience.

Ready to launch your online training?

Start today by following these sections and using the right tools to maximize your chances of success.

profil auteur de stephen MESNILDREY
Stephen MESNILDREY

Your time is valuable... imagine:

Doubling your productivity in 30 days...Cutting operational costs by 40%...Increasing your ROI by 25% in 6 months...

Sounds too good to be true? Yet:

  • ✅ 71,000+ executives have seen their growth soar by 35% on average
  • ✅ 5 years guiding startups to success (valued at $20M+)
  • ✅ 100,000+ professionals draw inspiration from my articles every month

Want to stay ahead of the curve? You're in the right place! 💡

📩 Subscribe to my newsletter and receive weekly:

  • 👉 1 high-impact, ready-to-use strategy
  • 👉 2 in-depth analyses of transformative SaaS tools
  • 👉 3 practical AI applications for your industry

The journey starts now... and it's going to be extraordinary! 🚀

You’ll Also Love…

Discover other carefully selected articles to deepen your knowledge and maximize your impact.