Thinking of Creating an Online Course? Start Here First
You already know your subject and have years of experience, stories from the field, and/or a method that delivers results. You've seen what works. People already come to you for advice, and now you are ready to package that knowledge into something more structured and scalable.
āA course is simply a focused way to help people reach a specific outcome. It gives your audience a way to learn from you on their own time while positioning your expertise in a professional, organized format.
Begin Conversations While Building Your Course
Instead of waiting until your course is done to start talking about it, consider sharing what you are creating as you go. This invites people into the process and will help build your audience. It also provides helpful feedback on what people want most. People enjoy being part of something from the beginning. By sharing your process, you're building interest and trust at the same time.
Offer a Small Resource That Builds Toward Your Course
A great way to connect is to give away a small win. Think of this as an introduction to your teaching style. A checklist, a short video, or a quick guide can show people that your approach works. Design your free resource around the same topic as your course. Make it simple to use and easy to apply.
Focus on Connection Over Scale
The size of your audience matters less than the level of trust. When a few people feel seen, helped, and supported, they often become your best clients and biggest advocates. Look for places where your potential audience already gathers. This could be a professional group, social platform, or online forum.
Step by Step Plan for Your First Course Launch
Step One
Pick a specific result that your course will help someone reach. Write it as a statement with an action and a benefit.
Step Two
List the steps needed to reach that result. These will become your course modules. Organize them in the order that makes the most sense for someone brand new to your method.
Step Three
Visit conversations online where your ideal audience is already spending time. Look for the phrases they use, the struggles they describe, and the outcomes they're seeking.
Step Four
Create a free resource that helps someone take the first step. Keep it simple. A one page guide, a short how to video, or an email mini series works well.
Step Five
Mention your resource in conversations naturally. Share it inside online groups, on social posts, or in comments. Begin building your email list by offering value first.
Step Six
Invite five to ten people to join your first version of the course. This can be taught live over video or pre-recorded behind a paywall. Offer personalized support in exchange for feedback.
Step Seven
Use what you learn from your first group to adjust your content, delivery, and message. Keep improving your course with each round.
The sooner you begin helping someone with your expertise, the sooner you begin building momentum! You already have the knowledge and know how to guide someone through a process. With an online course, you'll have a way to share that with more people (and create a supplemental income stream).
