Low barrier to entry, virtually zero risk and costs kept to a minimum, and additionally – the prospect of achieving really satisfactory earnings. These are the arguments most often heard by people who are planning or have already decided to create and sell their own courses or online training. Do you belong to one of these groups (read: are you planning to produce such material)? However, you don’t quite know “what it’s all about” and actually… Where should you start? You will find the answers to your questions below.
Learn how to create and then sell online courses and training.
What to know before you start selling your courses? Reaping financial benefits from conducting and selling online courses or training requires two things:
- Have knowledge and skills that you want to share with others. And more importantly – these “others” will want to pay for them.
- Operational preparation, i.e. taking care of all the most important issues related to the format of your digital products, their quality, distribution method, and of course – marketing.
Due to the fact that both points require a very broad discussion – let me focus on the second one in this article, i.e. the instruction on how to make money on courses. Do you want to know how to create such material and then monetize your knowledge efficiently? I invite you to read!
How to make money by selling online courses?
Here are 6 very specific tips that will guide you step by step through the entire process of creating and selling your knowledge in the form of online courses or training. To start with, think about the form in which you will serve your content. The most popular formats include, of course:
- Video – These can be both materials recorded exclusively for the purposes of the course (e.g. in a specially arranged studio or other space), as well as those obtained, for example, from webinars, podcasts or other sources.
- Text – So-called “written” courses/trainings, which can take the form of documents or presentations.
I already know what you’re thinking now. You are considering option no. 2 (text), because it seems easier to implement to you, and in addition – it does not require the ability to work in front of the camera.
However, you must remember that a course or training in the form of a video is definitely more attractive from the point of view of the participants themselves. Therefore, they are willing to pay much more for them.
If you have full freedom and do well in front of the camera – don’t hesitate and invest in the video format.
If you feel that it’s too early for such performances – I have a little hint for you. Consider creating a combined course in which you include the text and additionally – your voice (e.g. in the form of a discussion of materials). Such interaction with viewers will allow you to break the ice and perhaps record the next one in the form of a video.
Develop a training or online course scenario
I don’t know about you, but I definitely prefer it if the book I’m reading is divided into chapters. This procedure allows you to structure your knowledge, and above all – it is very convenient for me. After all, hardly anyone reads the whole thing “in one breath”. Yes! It happens, but let’s be realistic.
Your audience is very likely to have exactly the same thing – and not just when it comes to books. Therefore, do not surprise them with one huge material. Instead, divide your course into several or a dozen parts that they can reproduce and work through step by step. Whenever they want.
This type of division may concern specific issues, thematic areas, and even the way of acquiring knowledge (theoretical and practical part). Make sure that the individual parts do not take too long.
Take care of the technical issues
Imagine this situation. You spend your hard-earned money, let’s say, on a long-awaited smartphone. In return, however, you get equipment that hangs, jams, and its external appearance (to put it mildly) is very different from modern standards.
Disappointment – this is certainly the most delicate word that will come to your lips.
- If you limit yourself to text + audio only:
In this case, all you need is a good microphone with a tripod, as well as a clear and intuitive interface on which you will present and discuss your educational content. - You don’t want to invest in your own facilities for course production?
It’s understandable that you don’t want to “throw yourself in at the deep end” right away.
If you are taking your first steps in this industry and really want to find out if it is “something” for you – here is a little hint. Instead of arranging your own recording studio – use external support. You will find at least a few companies on the market that offer comprehensive (paid) support in the production of courses, training, webinars, podcasts and many other online materials.