So, you’ve been thinking about creating an online course. You’ve got knowledge, experience, and something to teach. With the right tools and a solid plan, you can create something that not only helps others but also builds a sustainable business for yourself. Let’s break it down step by step.
Step 1: Find your course topic
The best course topics usually come from three things:
- Something you’ve mastered – It doesn’t have to be a Ph.D.-level skill; it just needs to be something you can explain clearly.
- Something people ask you about – What do friends, colleagues, or clients come to you for advice on?
- Something people will pay to learn – You need an audience that’s willing to invest in learning this skill.
👉 Example: Let’s say you’ve been running a successful Etsy shop for handmade jewelry. People often ask you how you get so many sales. Boom! You’ve got a course idea: “Etsy Success Blueprint: How to Go from Hobby to Profitable Business.”
Step 2: Outline your course like you’re teaching a friend
Now that you have your topic, don’t overcomplicate things. Think about the most logical way to teach it. Imagine sitting down with a friend who knows nothing about your topic—what’s the first thing you’d explain? The second? The third?
Try this simple structure:
- Module 1: Introduction & Foundations
- Module 2: The Basics (Beginner-Friendly Steps)
- Module 3: Intermediate Level – Making Progress
- Module 4: Advanced Strategies
- Module 5: Wrap-Up & Next Steps
Step 3: Record your content (no fancy equipment needed)
Here’s where a lot of people get stuck. They think they need a professional studio, a $2,000 camera, and a background that looks like a Pinterest dream board. While quality is important, simplicity wins—especially when you’re just starting.
All you really need:
✔️ A decent smartphone or webcam
✔️ Good lighting (natural light works great)
✔️ A quiet space (closets make amazing soundproofed rooms!)
✔️ A simple microphone (or even just AirPods)
✔️ Screen recording software – If you’re demonstrating something on your computer (e.g., financial models, LinkedIn optimization), tools like Loom, Camtasia, or ScreenFlow work well)
Step 4: Host & sell your course (without the tech overwhelm)
This is where you’ll need to make a decision: where will your course live? There are plenty of options, from all-in-one platforms to DIY solutions like setting up a private website.
Here’s what to look for:
✔️ A place to upload your videos and materials
✔️ A simple way to accept payments
✔️ A way to communicate with your students
✔️ An easy-to-use design (so tech overwhelm doesn’t stop you)
Many platforms offer free trials, so you can test out what works best for you before committing.
💡 Tip: Kajabi is ideal if you want one single platform to create and sell courses, host memberships, build a website, and manage email marketing and financial tools.
Step 5: Launch your course (even if it’s not perfect)
Perfectionism is a dream-killer. Your first version doesn’t need to be flawless—it just needs to be helpful. Start with a beta version, get feedback, and refine it as you go.
💡 Pro tip: Run a small-group test launch at a discounted price. This lets you gather testimonials and tweak anything before a big launch.
Just start
The best way to learn is by doing, and the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll be helping others.
