How to create an online course in 9 easy steps

Thinking about launching an online course but worried you’ll get lost in the noise? You’re not alone.

But the truth is, creating a successful course is within your reach — I’ve done it myself, reaching tens of thousands of students along the way, and I’m here to share my proven strategies.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the essential steps to help you craft a course that doesn’t just stand out but actually sells. From picking the right topic to structuring engaging content, I’ll guide you through the essentials to make your course the one they choose — and complete.

🎓 Interested in checking out some of our latest courses? Have a look at the new GetResponse Academy!

How to create an online course in 9 steps

Step 1. Choose the right course topic

The first and most crucial step in creating a successful online course is choosing the right idea.

If you pick a topic that doesn’t resonate with you, creating content will feel like a chore, and promoting it will be an uphill battle. But when you choose the right one, your enthusiasm and expertise will not only make the process more enjoyable but also lead to a more engaging experience for your students.

So, how do you find the right course topic? Follow these three steps:

1. Find a topic you’re an expert in and are passionate about

Creating a valuable online course starts with identifying your passion and skills. To pinpoint them, ask yourself the following questions:

• What am I passionate about? Think about the topics that excite you and that you could talk about for hours. Your passion will keep you motivated throughout the process.
• What am I skilled at? Consider your areas of expertise. What do you excel at? What do people seek your advice on? Your skills will ensure that you can provide valuable and credible content to your students.
• What do I enjoy talking about? Reflect on the subjects you love discussing with others. This will help you create engaging and lively course content.
• What do I enjoy teaching others? Think about the topics you enjoy explaining or teaching to others. Your enjoyment will translate into a better learning experience for your students.

By answering these questions, you’ll be able to narrow down your options and focus on a topic that resonates with your students and stands out in the crowded online learning space.

💡 Pro tip: Besides the course topic, you’ll also want to consider the breadth of your course. Dr. Carrie Rose, a Best-Selling Author and Course Development Expert, highlights the importance of keeping your course topic focused:

💡 Still unsure about the topic you should choose? Consider these – Profitable online course ideas for 2024

2. Research your target audience to understand their needs and preferences

Understanding your target audience is crucial for creating an engaging online course. After all, they’ll be taking it, so knowing their needs, preferences, and pain points will help you tailor your content to meet their expectations.

Here are some effective methods to research your target audience:

• Online surveys: Create an online survey to gather information about your audience’s demographics, interests, and challenges. Tools like Pollfish, SurveyMonkey, or Google Forms can help you collect valuable data.
• Social media: Use social media to observe and engage with your potential audience. Join relevant groups, follow hashtags, and participate in discussions to understand their interests and behaviors.
• Online communities: Join forums and online communities on sites like Quora and Reddit to get unfiltered insights from your audience.
• Customer interviews: Interview potential students to gather firsthand information about their needs, preferences, and pain points. This direct approach can provide valuable insights that surveys might miss.

By thoroughly researching your target audience, you’ll get to know them better, which will help you build a loyal following and increase your chances of success selling your courses.

💡Pro tip: Consider the reasons why people sign up for online courses and ensure they’re willing to invest their own money in them.

3. Validate your course idea to ensure there’s demand for it

Before diving into course creation, it’s best to validate your idea with market demand. This step ensures that there is a genuine interest in your course topic, which is crucial for its success.

Here are some methods to validate your course idea:

• Online research: Use tools like Google Trends, keyword research, and competitor analysis to check the interest in your course topic. Look for trends and search volumes that indicate a healthy demand.
• Social media: Leverage social media to test the waters. Share your course idea in relevant groups or forums and observe the reactions. Pay attention to the engagement and feedback you receive.
• Surveys: Create an online survey to directly ask your potential audience about their interest in your course topic. This can provide quantitative data to support your idea.
• Focus groups: Organize focus groups to discuss your idea and gather qualitative feedback. This method allows for deeper insights and can help you refine your concept.
• Pre-sales or waitlists: Offer a pre-sale or create a waitlist for your course. If people are willing to pay or sign up in advance, it’s a strong indicator of market demand.

By validating your idea with market demand, you can ensure that there is a market for your course. This step will help you avoid investing time and resources into a course that may not attract students, increasing your chances of creating a successful online course.

💡 Pro tip: When researching your audience, also consider what’s available on the market. If similar courses or content already exist, think about how yours can stand out and offer unique value to your audience. Your unique expertise, point of view, or approach can make all the difference.

Step 2. Decide on the format

Once you’ve chosen your topic, the next step is deciding on the course format.

The format you choose can have a big impact on how well your course will resonate with your audience, so be sure to choose the one they’re most likely to engage with.

There are several popular course formats you can consider:

• Video-based courses: Ideal for explaining complex concepts and demonstrating skills visually.
• Text-based courses: Works well for theoretical content or for audiences who prefer reading.
• Email-based courses: Lessons are delivered directly to students’ inboxes over a set period.
• Interactive courses: Engages students actively with quizzes, assignments, or live webinars.
• Blended courses: Combines multiple formats to cater to diverse learning styles and needs.
• Cohort-based courses: Creates a community-driven experience with scheduled sessions and group discussions.
• Mini-courses: Short, focused modules on specific topics, ideal for quick learning.

Our E-learning Revolution research has shown that video-based courses are most popular among all age groups. However, my personal favorite is blended courses. While they’re more difficult to create than purely video-based or text-based courses, they’ll help you engage your audience better.

By blending formats such as videos, text, quizzes, live webinars, and learning communities, you’ll improve student engagement and maximize your course completion rate. This, in turn, can lead to other benefits, including more positive reviews, word of mouth, and higher sales of your other complementary digital products.

Step 3. Plan your course structure

With your topic and format set, it’s time to organize your course into a logical, engaging structure. A well-thought-out structure makes it easier for students to follow along and helps ensure they reach the learning outcomes you promised.

Here’s a simple five-step approach to structuring your course:

1. Define clear learning objectives

Start by outlining what you want your students to achieve by the end of the course and each individual module. Clear objectives not only guide your content but also give students a sense of accomplishment as they progress.

2. Break down content into modules or lessons

Divide your course curriculum into bite-sized, manageable sections. Think of each module as a chapter in a book, covering one major concept or skill. Breaking content down into small, digestible lessons helps students stay engaged and makes the course feel less overwhelming.

3. Sequence lessons in a logical flow

Arrange your lessons so that they build upon previous ones, moving from foundational topics to more advanced concepts. This logical progression allows students to build their skills and knowledge step-by-step.

4. Consider adding practical exercises and milestones

Plan for exercises, quizzes, or assignments at the end of each module to reinforce learning and keep students actively engaged. For longer courses, setting milestones with mini-assessments can help students feel a sense of progress and achievement along the way.

5. Include a course wrap-up and the next steps

Conclude your course with a final lesson that recaps key takeaways and encourages students to put their new skills into practice. If you have related offers or digital products, this is also a great moment to introduce them or suggest further learning resources.

By following these steps and tips, you’ll create a course structure that feels cohesive, engaging, and impactful. A clear structure will not only guide your students but also make the content creation process smoother for you.

💡 Pro tip: AI tools like ChatGPT and GetResponse’s AI Course Creator offer a great starting point for creating a course outline. Just provide the details of your online course, and they’ll create a solid first draft for you. Be sure to then adjust the course outline to include any missing pieces based on your own expertise and knowledge.

And here’s a sample prompt you can use to have ChatGPT plan out your course content:

Step 4: Select the right online course platform

With your course structure mapped out, it’s time to choose where and how you’ll host and sell your online courses.

Many creators delay this decision until after they’ve developed their content, but I recommend selecting a platform first. The platform you choose can shape the formats you’ll use, how you interact with students, and even how you market your course.

Fortunately, most platforms offer free plans or trials, so you can explore options without upfront costs.

There are two main ways of hosting and selling online courses:

• Online course marketplaces: Platforms like Udemy or Skillshare handle much of the technical setup and provide a ready-made audience. However, they often take a noticeable cut of your earnings, limit customization, and lack marketing features.

• Self-hosting: Self-hosting on your own website gives you full control over branding, customization, and user data. It also often allows for better integration with your website and marketing tools like your email service provider. For this, you’ll need a learning management system (LMS) like LearnDash, a standalone tool like Teachable, or an all-in-one course platform like GetResponse.

So, what’s the better option? Here are my recommendations:

If you don’t have an audience and aren’t sure how to build one, consider a marketplace like Udemy. The setup process is easy, and they’ll help you promote the course to their existing user base.

The downside is that the platform has high commission rates (up to 63%) and frequently runs sales campaigns, which can limit your potential revenue. Plus, it has rather limited marketing features in case you want to communicate with your students.

If you want to build an audience yourself and only create courses, you may want to consider an LMS like LearnDash (for WordPress sites) or a standalone tool like Teachable.

These tools require more technical knowledge but will help you successfully create and scale online courses. The downside is that you’ll have to connect them with your other marketing tools (e.g. email service provider, community platform) and promote the courses yourself.

If you want to build an audience yourself and create and market your courses using emails, automation, webinars, and more, I recommend tools like GetResponse. Apart from intuitive AI, they come with prebuilt marketing and sales tools that’ll help you develop successful online courses with ease. Plus, GetResponse doesn’t take any portion of your profits.

The downside, similar to standalone tools, is that you can’t rely on the existing community, so you’ll need to market your courses yourself.

You may also take a mixed approach. You can host some courses in a marketplace and others on your own website. This way, you can use platforms like Udemy, SkillShare, or even YouTube to build an audience and refer it to your own website, where you’ve got more control and monetization options.

This option is most optimal if you’re ready to develop at least two courses and spend time marketing them.

Once you’ve done that, do some window shopping and try the most popular course platforms. If you plan to expand your offer, consider your current and future needs and choose a tool that’ll scale with you.

Step 5. Develop engaging content

Now that you have your online course platform and structure, it’s time to create high-quality course content that keeps students engaged and helps them achieve their goals. Compelling content is the backbone of any successful online course, so focus on clarity, interaction, and variety.

Here are some essential steps for crafting engaging course content:

1. Start strong with a clear introduction. Begin each lesson or module with a quick overview of what students will learn. This helps set expectations and gives students a sense of purpose for each section, keeping them focused and motivated.
2. Break up content with short, digestible lessons. Long videos or walls of text can overwhelm students. Aim to keep each lesson focused and concise, ideally around 5-15 minutes for video or text-based content. Shorter segments help maintain attention and give students a clear path to progress through the course.
3. Use a mix of formats to keep things interesting. Add variety by combining videos, slides, downloadable resources, and interactive elements like quizzes or exercises. Mixing formats keeps things fresh and caters to different learning styles, enhancing overall engagement.

4. Include interactive elements to reinforce learning. Regularly adding quizzes, assignments, or reflection questions encourages students to apply what they’ve learned. Interactive elements help students retain information and turn passive knowledge into practical skills.

4. Incorporate real-life examples or case studies. When possible, use real-life examples or case studies to illustrate concepts. This makes the content feel relevant and actionable, helping students see how they can apply what they’re learning in real-world situations.
5. End each module with a quick recap and the next steps. Summarize key points at the end of each module to reinforce what students have learned and give them a sense of progress. Outline the next steps or suggest additional resources if they’d like to dive deeper into the topic.
6. Focus on quality and engagement. If you’re creating videos, invest in a microphone (the Apple AirPods work just fine!) and an HD camera (it could be the one on your laptop). For editing, aim for a quick pace by trimming any unnecessary content. Keeping lessons clear, concise, and on-point makes the course more enjoyable and holds attention.

When developing your first course, remember: done is better than perfect. You don’t need a film studio budget or months of production time to create a profitable course that resonates. In fact, our study found that 27.4% of creators spend between $101–$500 on creating their courses, and 36.3% finish their course within 1–3 months. Starting with a modest setup and refining based on student feedback is often more effective than waiting for perfection.

Creating engaging course material can be time-intensive, but it’s important to remember that no course is ever completely finished. Launching your first online course allows you to gather valuable feedback, giving you the insights needed to make improvements over time. Quality builds trust and motivates students to complete the course, but perfection isn’t a requirement—iteration is.

Step 6. Upload your content

With your course content ready, it’s time to bring it to life by uploading everything to your course platform. This is where all the preparation comes together, so take the time to set up each component thoughtfully for the best student experience.

Here’s a quick checklist to guide you:

1. Create your structure. Begin by creating modules and lessons. It’ll help you keep things organized.
2. Upload videos and text lessons. Begin by uploading your core materials — video content, text, or slides. Ensure that each lesson is correctly titled and organized according to your course structure.
3. Add downloadable resources. Upload any additional resources, like templates or checklists, and link them within the relevant lessons. This helps students easily access extra tools that enhance their learning.
4. Set up quizzes and assignments. If your platform supports it, create quizzes or assignments to reinforce learning and provide feedback. Place them strategically at the end of lessons or modules to keep students engaged.
5. Set up the certificate. Create a certificate if you plan to give it to those who complete your course
6. Add the next steps. Share the next steps your students should take before leaving your course. This is the perfect moment to ask for feedback or promote your other offers.
7. Preview your course. Before going live, preview the course as a student would. Check the flow, ensure materials are accessible, and verify that quizzes, videos, and downloads work seamlessly.

This process may vary slightly depending on which course creation platform you decide on. Here’s what it looks like using the drag-and-drop editor in GetResponse.

Step 7. Set the price and launch your course

With your course ready to go, it’s time to determine its price and prepare for launch. Pricing can feel like a tricky decision, but setting the right price will help you attract your target audience while reflecting the value of your content.

Dr. Carrie Rose goes even further, suggesting that paid courses have better engagement rates because people who pay are more likely to commit:

Research market rates and audience willingness to pay

Start by looking at similar courses in your niche to get a sense of competitive rates.

According to GetResponse’s E-learning Revolution study, 20.6% of respondents are willing to pay between $51 and $200 for a course, while 19.2% are comfortable with $201–$500. This gives you a benchmark for pricing based on common willingness to spend.

Rest assured, most course creators adjust their prices after the launch. So don’t worry if you’re uncertain. You can always change your price later or run limited-time discounts.

Choose a pricing model

Decide on a pricing structure that suits your course and audience. You might consider:

• One-time payment: Simple and straightforward.
• Subscription model: Offers ongoing access for a monthly or yearly fee, ideal for content that is updated regularly.
• Tiered pricing: Providing different levels of access (e.g., basic, premium) can appeal to a range of budgets.

You can also consider creating product bundles, which would allow prospects to buy your online courses individually or together with other digital products or memberships at a discounted price.

Step 8. Launch and promote your course

With your online course ready to go, it’s time to launch and promote it effectively.

Before I share my preferred approach for promoting online courses, consider the audience you’re trying to reach. Where are they most active? Where do they seek information? Your audience research should guide your choice of the best marketing channels for promoting your course.

Our E-learning Revolution study, for example, showed that the top three most popular ways to discover online courses across all age groups are – online search, word of mouth, and social media.

At the same time, course creators use social media, email newsletters, and paid ads as their three most popular marketing channels.

Let’s now review the 8-step process for promoting your program. If you’d like to explore this topic further, consider our guide on marketing online courses.

1. Create a tripwire offer to attract prospective students

A tripwire offer is a low-cost product, typically between $5 and $50, designed to convert prospects into paying customers.

For your course, you could create a short guide, a mini-course, or a resource pack that aligns with the main course content. The goal is to offer high value at a low price to build trust and make it easier for customers to invest in your full course later.

2. Create a sales page for your course

A dedicated sales page is essential for presenting your course in the best light. This page should clearly outline who the course is for, the learning outcomes, and the unique benefits students will gain.

Address any common hesitations, include testimonials or reviews for social proof, and add a call-to-action (CTA) that directs visitors to sign up. If you’re using a tripwire offer, mention it on the sales page as an introductory option, but keep the focus on the full course as the ultimate solution.

3. Use social media and paid ads to drive traffic

Even if you don’t have a large audience, the odds are you have some following on social media. So use Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or whatever platforms you’re active on to promote both the tripwire offer and your main course.

The lower price of the tripwire can make it a more accessible entry point, attracting a larger audience and creating an opportunity to convert them into full-course students later on.

4. Use your email list

If you have an existing email list, it’s time to use it to promote the tripwire offer as a “sneak peek” or “first step” toward the main course. Once someone purchases the tripwire, you can follow up with an automated email sequence that highlights the benefits of your full course and offers an exclusive discount for tripwire buyers.

5. Optimize your landing page for upsells

When someone buys the tripwire offer, direct them to a landing page with an upsell to the main course. This page can outline how the main course expands on what they’ve already purchased, making it an easy next step for those who found value in the tripwire. Consider offering a limited-time discount or bonus to create urgency for this upsell.

6. Host a free webinar to showcase value

A free webinar is a great way to introduce your expertise and encourage attendees to consider both the tripwire and the main course.

During the webinar, mention the tripwire offer as an easy way for attendees to start learning while positioning the main course as the complete solution. As a bonus, consider offering a time-limited deal for your main course available only to the webinar attendees.

7. Engage and upsell

Once students purchase the tripwire offer, engage them with helpful tips, mini-lessons, or additional resources. This builds trust and adds value while setting up an upsell to your main course. Automated email sequences can help you stay connected, nudging them toward upgrading to the full course.

8. Creating an online community

Building an online community around your course can be a powerful way to attract new students and keep enrolled students engaged. Platforms like Facebook Groups, Discord, Skool, or MightyNetworks provide spaces for students to interact, ask questions, and support each other.

This creates a sense of belonging, keeps students motivated, and enhances the overall learning experience. An engaged community also generates organic word-of-mouth promotion, helping you reach new potential students.

Step 9. Measure success, gather feedback, and optimize

Your work isn’t done after you published your course. In fact, Ongoing marketing is essential to sell your online course effectively. You also need to analyze your results, gather feedback, and improve your course to keep it relevant and evergreen.

Here’s a three-step approach to guide this process:

1. Collect feedback from students

Regularly ask students for feedback to understand their needs, preferences, and areas where they might be facing challenges. This can be done through:

• Mid-course surveys: Check in with students partway through the course to gauge their experience so far and identify any adjustments you can make.
• Completion surveys: After students finish the course, request feedback on what they found most valuable and any improvements they’d suggest.

This input helps you pinpoint strengths and weaknesses, enabling you to make improvements that align with student needs.

2. Use testimonials and reviews to build credibility

Positive testimonials are a powerful marketing tool—nearly half (45.8%) of prospective students find online reviews to be ‘very important’ when deciding to enroll in a course, as shown in our research.

Display these testimonials prominently on your landing page, email promotions, and social media to build social proof and enhance credibility. Reviews that showcase the real-world value of your course can be instrumental in converting new students who rely on this validation before committing.

3. Analyze course performance data

Dive into your course analytics to understand how students are engaging with your content. Look at data points such as:

• Completion rates: Identify if there are specific lessons where students tend to drop off, as this may indicate areas that need reworking.
• Quiz or assignment scores: Analyze how students are performing on assessments to gauge the effectiveness of your teaching and whether certain concepts need more clarity.
• Engagement metrics: Track which lessons or modules are most popular, as this can help you understand what resonates and expand on those topics in future content.

Using data-driven insights helps you make informed decisions on how to optimize your course for better results.

For example, if you find that students are dropping off in certain modules, consider breaking up long lessons or adding more interactive elements to boost engagement.

By continually measuring, gathering feedback, and optimizing your course, you not only improve the learning experience but also build long-term credibility and satisfaction among your students.

This iterative approach helps you create a course that evolves with your audience’s needs, ensuring it stays relevant, valuable, and impactful.

Start selling online courses today

Creating an online course may seem daunting, but by following these steps, you’re well on your way to building something impactful. Whether your goal is to monetize your expertise, reach a wider audience, or make a meaningful difference, launching your own course is an incredible way to share your knowledge with the world.

Remember, every profitable course began with that first step. Start your course creation journey today, and join the thousands of creators who have already turned their passion and expertise into profitable online courses.

The world is waiting—start building your course and make your mark.

And if you’re looking for an all-in-one course creator tool that’ll help you host, market, and sell your courses under one roof, give GetResponse a try!

Not sure how we can help? Read on to learn how online teachers use GetResponse.