How to Sell an Online Course: 5 Simple Steps

In this guide, we’ll take you through the process of creating and selling your own online course, providing you with the knowledge and tools you need to succeed in this exciting and dynamic market.

The world of online education is booming, and it’s no surprise why. With the rise of digital technology and the increasing demand for online solutions, creating and selling online courses has never been more accessible or lucrative. Whether you’re an expert in your field, or just starting out, the online education market is ripe for the taking. With the worldwide e-learning market projected to reach almost $400 billion by 2026, now is the perfect time to tap into this growing market and turn your knowledge into a profitable online business.

Creating and selling online courses not only provides a source of passive income, but it can also be a powerful marketing tool to improve relationships with your customers. In this guide, we’ll take you through the process of creating and selling your own online course, providing you with the knowledge and tools you need to succeed in this exciting and dynamic market. So, whether you’re a seasoned educator or just starting out, let’s dive in and learn how to sell an online course, and turn your passion into a profitable online business!

The essential elements of a great online course

Online course creation can be a great way to share your knowledge and expertise with a wider audience, but creating a great online course takes more than just putting content online. To ensure that your course is engaging, effective, and successful, it’s important to consider the essential elements that make up a great online course. In this section, we’ll explore the key elements that you should keep in mind when creating your course.

  1. Clear Learning Outcomes: A great online course should have clear and measurable learning outcomes that align with the needs and goals of the students. This will help them understand what they will be able to accomplish by completing the course and provide a sense of accomplishment.
  2. Engaging Content: An online course should be engaging, interactive and provide a rich learning experience. This can include a variety of content types such as videos, quizzes, interactive activities, and case studies.
  3. Expertise and Credibility: The instructor or creator of the course should have the necessary expertise and credibility in the subject matter to effectively deliver the content and answer student questions.
  4. Accessibility and Ease of Use: The course should be easily accessible and user-friendly, with a consistent and intuitive navigation structure that makes it easy for students to find and access the materials they need.
  5. Support and Interaction: A great online course should provide students with the support and interaction they need to be successful. This can include access to the instructor, a community forum, or other forms of support such as email or office hours.
  6. Relevance and Timeliness: The course should be relevant to the current needs and interests of the students and should be updated and maintained to ensure that the information is current and accurate.
  7. Flexibility and Self-Paced Learning: An online course should provide students with the flexibility to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule, and should include a variety of learning modalities to accommodate different learning styles.
  8. Assessment and Feedback: A great online course should provide students with opportunities to assess their own progress and receive feedback on their performance to help them measure their learning and identify areas for improvement.

What you need to do to get started with online course creation

To get started on creating your own online course, you’ll need more than just a logo and a good idea! It’s important to establish a clear purpose, set realistic goals, and choose the right course format and online course software. 
 
In this section, we’ll explore these key considerations and provide you with a comprehensive checklist of the essential steps you need to take to create a successful online course. Whether you’re an experienced educator or a first time course creator, you’ll find valuable information and practical tips to help guide you through the process. So, if you’re ready to take the first step towards creating your own online course, let’s dive in!

Establish a clear purpose

Before you start selling your course, it is important to have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve, and what niche you want to serve. Once you know this, creating a course that meets the needs and expectations of your target audience becomes much easier. 
 
To get started, ask yourself what problem or need your course is solving for your target audience, and make sure that this purpose is reflected in all aspects of your course content and marketing. This will help you to stay focused and motivated throughout the course-creation process, and will also make it easier to market your course to potential students.

Set clear and realistic goals

Creating a course that works for your business is all about setting clear and achievable goals. When setting these goals, follow the smart framework: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). For example, you might set a goal to reach a certain number of students, generate a certain amount of revenue, or achieve a certain level of student satisfaction. Once you know what those are, it’s time to get started.
 
The first step is to create a timeline that delineates the major milestones – from research to content creation, sales funnel development, etc. Once everything has been planned in advance, and you have an idea of how much work will be involved each day, it’s time to start building momentum! Achieving small goals every day will help keep you on track and motivated (and sane). Plus, once success starts happening as a result of following these steps, it’ll become easier and faster to continue succeeding in the future.

Choose the right course format

One of the most important decisions you’ll make when creating an online course is choosing the right format for it. There are a variety of course formats to choose from, such as video-based, text-based, interactive, and more. Consider what format will best suit your target audience and the type of content you’re teaching. Also, consider what format will be most efficient for you to create and maintain.

So, how do you choose when you have a dozen or more possibilities for developing course content, all of which are beneficial in different ways? Well, there are three main things to think about:

Your Audience

It’s likely that your ideal client has a very specific format choice. While some people like viewing videos, others favor reading written instructions quickly. Some individuals learn best by doing and using a checklist as a reference. Others still considerably prefer audio that they may listen to while engaging in other activities. Make sure you know your niche and what they want!

Your Content Type

Let’s face it: Some material works better in some formats than others. For instance, it can be challenging to demonstrate how to utilize software without a screen share video. In the same vein, a fillable spreadsheet is essential if you’re asking clients to participate in a discovery process. Your niche will often determine the best content type from a practical standpoint.

Your Preferences

Your clients’ demands should be your top priority, but your preferences are also important. It’s a sure bet that if you’re not at ease with video, you’ll put off finishing your course and worry needlessly about it. On the other hand, if writing isn’t your strong suit, forcing yourself to produce 50 pages of content will be difficult.

Take the above into consideration when choosing your course content, and you will be off to a great start. Don’t be afraid to mix and match content where necessary and try to include simple instructions that are easy to follow for each module you create.

Choose the right online course software

When it comes to choosing the right course platform for your online course, there are several key functions that you should look for to ensure that it can support your course creation, marketing, and sales efforts. Here are some essential functions that a course platform should have to help you create and market a successful online course:

  1. Course creation tools: Look for a platform that offers a variety of course creation tools, such as a drag-and-drop course builder, multimedia integration, hosting, and content management capabilities. These tools will allow you to easily create and organize your course content, and make it engaging and interactive for your students.
  2. Marketing and promotion tools: A good course platform should provide you with a variety of marketing and promotion tools, such as email marketing, affiliate marketing, and social media integration. These tools will help you to reach a wider audience and promote your course to potential students.
  3. Sales and checkout functionality: You should also look for a platform that offers robust sales and checkout functionality, such as payment processing, coupon codes, and upselling options. These features will make it easy for you to sell and manage your course, and allow you to create special offers and discounts to drive sales.
  4. Course analytics and reporting: The platform should also have analytics and reporting features, so you can track the performance of your course, such as course completion rate, engagement and student feedback. This will help you to understand your students and make data-driven decisions to improve your course.
  5. Customizable design and branding: A good course platform should also allow you to customize the design and branding of your course, so it reflects your personal brand and message. This will help you to create a consistent and professional look and feel for your course, and make it stand out from other online courses.
  6. Mobile compatibility: A course platform should be mobile-friendly, as it makes it easy for students to access and complete the course on the go, which will increase the reach of your course.

 

By considering these essential functions when choosing a course platform, you’ll be able to create a course that is engaging, effective, and easy to market and sell.

At Modern, we have all the tools you need to create, market and sell your courses. We believe in helping you grow without limits, and that’s why we offer unlimited courses, websites, and hosting, plus advanced marketing features that you won’t get anywhere else. Go Modern Today!

Types of online courses you can create

The world of online courses is vast and offers endless possibilities for those who wish to share their knowledge and expertise. From e-learning courses to virtual masterclasses, there is a format that caters to every learning style and preferences. Here are some of the most popular types of online courses that you can create to sell and engage your audience.

E-Learning Courses

E-learning courses are a popular choice among online course creators due to their simplicity and flexibility. These courses can be delivered in a variety of formats, including online lectures, interactive assignments, and video tutorials. E-learning courses are an excellent way to reach a wide audience quickly and easily. They can be structured to teach basic concepts, help learners get started on a new topic or provide more in-depth information.

Mini-Courses

Mini-courses are a great option for learners who want to rapidly acquire a new skill set or improve their knowledge on a specific subject. These courses are usually concise and focused, making them ideal for busy individuals. Mini-courses are a good way to build trust with your audience before selling a more comprehensive course. They can also help learners get started with learning new concepts without feeling overwhelmed or frustrated.

Self-Paced Online Courses

Self-paced online courses are a fantastic choice for learners who value flexibility and control over the pace of their learning. These courses often come with rich multimedia content that makes learning more engaging and fun. They provide learners with the opportunity to interact with the instructor or other learners, helping to cement the concepts learned. Although they typically take more effort to create, self-paced online courses are often more comprehensive and can command a higher price.

Virtual Masterclass

A virtual masterclass offers a personal and convenient learning experience for learners. This format typically includes video lessons, demonstration-based talks, and opportunities for practice and improvement. Virtual masterclasses can be live or pre-recorded, providing the audience with the opportunity to engage and ask questions in real-time. If you have specialized knowledge in a particular niche, a virtual masterclass might be the perfect option for you.

Membership Site

A membership site is a monthly subscription service that provides learners with new material on a weekly or monthly basis. It’s an effective course type to keep your audience engaged and provides a platform to generate relevant content. With a membership site, you can develop a group of like-minded individuals who can provide valuable feedback and shape the content you release. This can help you retain and develop stronger relationships with your audience and create content that is tailored to their needs, ultimately increasing sales.

How to create an effective and compelling offer for your online course

When selling an online course, you will first need to plan out a compelling offer. You need to think about your target audience and what they would want to invest in your course. When building your offer, make sure you focus on the result. The result should closely align with your ideal client’s desires. The three steps below will help you get clear on your ideal client and build a course around their needs.

Research your market

Market research is an important step in creating a successful online course. It helps you understand the needs of your target audience, identify gaps in the market, and ensure that your course is relevant and valuable. By doing this market reasearch early on can help save time later by directing you towards relevant marketing channels and leads.

One way to conduct market research is to gather feedback from your existing audience. If you already have a following on social media or a mailing list, reach out to them and ask for their thoughts on the course topic and what they would like to see covered. You can also conduct surveys or interviews to gather more detailed information.

Another way to conduct market research is to research your competitors. Look at other courses that cover similar topics and see what they are offering. Take note of the format, length, and pricing of the courses, as well as any positive or negative reviews. This will give you an idea of what is already available in the market and how you can differentiate your course.

Finally, you can gather information from industry experts, influencers or professionals. Reach out to them and ask for their insights on the topic you are planning to create a course on, as well as their thoughts on the market trends, gaps, and opportunities.

Once you have a good understanding of who your target market is and what they need, start probing which questions are being asked most frequently around the course subject. Furthermore, identify where potential buyers hang out online – on social media platforms such as Facebook or LinkedIn? Or maybe they congregate in specific groups related to the topic of your course?

Here are some great questions to think about when doing customer research:

  1. Who is our ideal customer?
  2. What do they struggle with?
  3. What does your ideal customer really WANT?
  4. What sets you apart from your competition?
  5. What is the best way to communicate with the kind of people you are trying to reach out to?

Plan your course

When planning the content for your online course, it’s important to keep your ideal clients’ desired outcome in mind. This means understanding what problem they are trying to solve or what goal they are trying to achieve and creating content that will help them reach that outcome.

To start, create a list of the key topics that need to be covered in the course. Then, think about the specific problems or challenges that your ideal clients are facing in relation to those topics. By understanding their pain points, you can create content that addresses those issues directly and provides valuable solutions.

Next, consider the format of the course. Will it be primarily video-based or will it include written materials and quizzes? How long will it be? Will it be self-paced or will it have a set schedule? These decisions should be based on the preferences and learning styles of your ideal clients.

Finally, it’s important to test the course with a small group of beta testers before launching. This will give you valuable feedback on how well the content is meeting your ideal clients’ desired outcome and allow you to make any necessary adjustments.

Here is a quick checklist you should reference when planning (and creating) your course content:

  1. Define the desired outcome: Understand what problem or goal your target audience is trying to solve and create content that will help them achieve that outcome.
  2. Plan the course structure: Create an outline of the key topics that will be covered in the course and the order in which they will be presented.
  3. Create a list of learning objectives: Identify the specific skills or knowledge that you want your students to gain from the course.
  4. Design engaging and interactive content: Use a variety of formats such as videos, written materials, quizzes, and activities to keep the students engaged and interactive.
  5. Use visual aids: Incorporate relevant images, diagrams, and infographics to make the content more engaging and easy to understand.
  6. Include assessments: Create quizzes, tests, and other assessments to help students measure their understanding and progress.
  7. Incorporate real-life examples and case studies: Use real-life examples and case studies to illustrate the concepts and make the content more relatable and practical.
  8. Get feedback from beta testers: Get feedback from a small group of beta testers to ensure that the content meets the desired outcome and is effective.
  9. Continuously improve: Continuously gather feedback from your students and use it to improve the content and structure.
  10. Monitor the performance: Keep track of the course’s performance, engagement, and completion rate. Use the data to make data-driven decisions and improvements.

 

By following this content planning checklist, you’ll be able to create a well-structured, engaging, and effective course that aligns with the desired outcome of your target audience and provides them with the knowledge, guidance and skills they need to reach their goals.

Validate Your Offer and Presell your course

Pre-selling an online course will help you generate revenue and build excitement before the course is officially launched. It can also help you gauge the level of demand for the course and make any necessary adjustments before it’s too late.

One way to pre-sell your online course is by creating a landing page. A landing page is a standalone webpage that is designed to capture leads, and it’s a good way to get people to sign up for more information about your course. It should include a clear and compelling headline, a brief overview of the course, and a call to action (CTA) button, such as “Sign up for more information” or “Reserve your spot now.”

Another way to pre-sell your online course is by offering a webinar or free class. This is an easy way to give people a taste of what the course will be like and build interest. You can use this opportunity to showcase some of the key topics that will be covered in the course, provide valuable insights, and answer any questions that people might have.

Another way to pre-sell your course is by reaching out to your existing audience and letting them know about the course. You can use email marketing, social media, or in-person events to spread the word and generate interest.

Finally, you can pre-sell your course by offering early bird discounts, bonuses or special perks to people who sign up early. This can create a sense of urgency and encourage people to take action.

How to create valuable course content quickly and with less stress

Creating valuable content can be a time-consuming and stressful process. However, there are ways to streamline the process and make it less overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help you create valuable content quickly and with less stress:

Tip #1: Start with a clear outline

Starting with a clear outline is one of the most important steps in creating valuable content. It helps to ensure that the content is well-organized, easy to follow and covers all the key topics that your students need to learn.

Here are a few things to consider when creating an outline for your course:

  • Begin with a general overview of the course: Start by outlining the overall goal and objective of the course. This will give you a clear idea of what you want to achieve with the course and what topics you need to cover.
  • Break it down into sections and modules: Divide the course into sections or modules that cover different topics. This will make the content more manageable and easier to follow.
  • Identify the key topics and subtopics: Make a list of the key topics that you want to cover in the course and break them down into subtopics. This will help you to stay focused and ensure that the content is comprehensive.
  • Determine the sequence of the content: Decide on the order in which the topics will be presented. This will help you to build a logical and coherent structure for the course.
  • Include assessments and activities: Plan for assessments like quizzes, tests, and other activities that will help students measure their understanding and progress.

By starting with a clear outline, you’ll be able to create a well-structured and comprehensive course that is easy to follow and covers all the key topics that your students need to learn. This will help you to stay focused, organized and make sure that the content is meeting the desired outcome of your students.

Tip #2: Break it down into smaller chunks

Breaking down the course content into smaller chunks is a good way to make the content more manageable and less overwhelming. It allows you to focus on one topic at a time, which can help you to create more detailed and comprehensive content.

Here are a few things to consider when breaking down the content into smaller chunks:

  • Create a schedule: Create a schedule that shows when each section or module will be completed. This will help you to stay on track and ensure that the content is ready on time.
  • Set milestones: Set milestones for each section or module. This will help you to measure progress and stay motivated.
  • Prioritize: Focus on the most important topics first and prioritize the ones that will provide the most value to your students.
  • Break down topics: Break down your topics into smaller, more workeable chunks. This will make the content easier to understand and follow.

By breaking down the content into smaller chunks, you’ll be able to create more detailed and comprehensive content that is easy to follow and covers all the key topics that your students need to learn. This approach will help you to stay focused, organized, and motivated while creating the content, and it will be less stressful.

Tip #3: Use existing materials

Using existing materials that you have created, such as blog posts, articles, or presentations, can help you to save time and create valuable course content quickly. These materials can provide a starting point for the course and can be adapted to fit the needs of your students.

Here are a few things to consider when using existing materials:

  • Gather existing materials: Review any existing materials that you have created, such as blog posts, articles, or presentations, that are relevant to the course.
  • Adapt the content: Adapt the existing materials to fit the needs of the course. You may need to add, remove or modify certain parts to make it more relevant and comprehensive.
  • Check the quality: Ensure that the existing materials are of high quality and provide value to your students.
  • Update the content: Make sure that the existing materials are up-to-date and relevant to the current trends and best practices in your field.

 

By following these tips, you’ll be able to create valuable content quickly and with less stress. By starting with a clear outline, breaking it down into smaller chunks, using existing materials, collaborating with others, re-purposing existing content, prioritizing, getting feedback, and using a content calendar, you’ll be able to create a successful and valuable course in a more efficient and less stressful way.

Tip #4: Collaborate with others

Collaborating with other experts in your field can help you create valuable content quickly and provide valuable insights, feedback and help you stay motivated. Collaboration can come in different forms such as co-teaching, guest lecturing, or getting feedback on the content you created.

Here are a few things to consider when collaborating with others:

  • Identify potential collaborators: Identify experts in your field who have the knowledge, experience and skills that align with the course.
  • Establish clear roles and responsibilities: Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each collaborator to ensure that everyone is on the same page and knows what is expected of them.
  • Schedule regular check-ins: Schedule regular check-ins to ensure that the collaboration is on track, and to address any issues or concerns that may arise.
  • Get feedback: Get feedback from your collaborators on the content, structure, and design to ensure that it meets the desired outcome and is effective.
  • Leverage the expertise of others: Take advantage of the expertise of your collaborators and use it to create a well-rounded and comprehensive course that provides value to your students.

 

Collaborating with others can be a rewarding way to create valuable course content quickly and provide valuable insights, feedback and help you stay motivated. 

 

Tip #5: Prioritize and focus on what is important

When creating a course, it’s easy to get carried away with all the different topics and ideas you want to cover. However, it’s important to prioritize and focus on the most important topics first to ensure that the course is comprehensive and provides the most value to your students.

Here are a few things to consider when prioritizing and focusing on what is important:

  • Identify the key topics: Make a list of the key topics that you want to cover in the course and prioritize them based on their importance.
  • Always reference the desired outcome: Understand what problem or goal your target audience is trying to solve and focus on the topics that will help them achieve that outcome.
  • Keep it relevant: Make sure that the content is relevant to your target audience and addresses their specific needs and challenges.
  • Cut out unnecessary content: Be willing to cut out content that is not essential to the course. This will help to keep the course focused and easy to follow.
  • Continuously evaluate and improve the course and make changes as needed to provide the most value to your students and to meet the desired outcome.

 

By prioritizing and focusing on what is important, you’ll create valuable content more efficiently and with less stress.

Tip #6: Get feedback and test the content

Getting feedback from beta testers or existing students is an essential step in creating valuable content. It allows you to gauge the effectiveness of the content and make any necessary adjustments before the course is officially launched.

Here are a few things to consider when getting feedback and testing the content:

  • Identify beta testers: Identify a group of beta testers who are representative of your target audience and who can provide valuable feedback on the course.
  • Provide clear instructions: Provide clear instructions on what you would like the beta testers to focus on when providing feedback, such as the structure, content, engagement level, etc.
  • Allow sufficient time: Allow enough time for the beta testers to complete the course and provide feedback.
  • Analyze feedback: Analyze the feedback provided by the beta testers and use it to make improvements to the course content and structure.
  • Test and iterate: Test the content with a small group of students and iterate based on the feedback received.
  • Monitor the performance: Keep track of the course’s performance, engagement, and completion rate. Use the data to make data-driven decisions and improvements.

 

By getting feedback and testing the content, you’ll be able to ensure that the course is meeting the desired outcome and is effective. This will also increase the chances of student’s success and satisfaction.

 

Tip #7: Use a Content Calendar

Using a content calendar is the best way to plan and organize your content creation process. It helps to keep track of all the tasks, deadlines and progress of the course. A content calendar allows you to see the big picture of the course, and it helps you to stay on track and make sure that everything is ready on time.

Here are a few things to consider when using a content calendar:

  • Plan in advance: Plan out the content well in advance, taking into consideration the time needed for research, writing, editing, and revisions.
  • Break down tasks: Break down the content into smaller tasks and assign deadlines for each task.
  • Set reminders: Set reminders for important deadlines and milestones.
  • Track Progress: Use the content calendar to track the progress of the course.
  • Adjust as needed: Be flexible and adjust the content calendar as needed, based on the progress of the course.
  • Share with team members or collaborators: If you are working with a team or collaborators, make sure to share the content calendar with them so that everyone is aware of the schedule and progress.
  • Use a tool: Use a tool like a spreadsheet, project management software, or a specific content calendar tool to help you keep track of the content creation process.

 

By using a content calendar, you’ll be able to plan and organize the content creation process in a way that is efficient, effective, and less stressful.

 By starting with a clear outline, breaking it down into smaller chunks, using existing materials, collaborating with others, re-purposing existing content, prioritizing, getting feedback, and using a content calendar, you’ll be able to create a successful and valuable course in a more efficient and less stressful way.

How to attract buyers and sell an online course

Attracting buyers for your online course is crucial for its success. The following are a few strategies that you can use to attract buyers for your course:

 

Setup Your Marketing Tools

Setting up the right marketing tools is essential for attracting buyers for your online course. Having online course platform that is focused on marketing and sales is essential. Here are a few tools that you may want to consider when setting up any online business:

  • Email and SMS marketing: Use email and SMS marketing to promote your course and reach out to potential buyers. Marketing platforms like Modern can help you create and send professional-looking emails, and send text messages to your potential buyers.
  • Web chat: Modern allows you to connect with potential buyers in real-time and answer any questions they may have about your course using a web chat widget. This is a great way to get more leads and sales from people who would otherwise leave your site.
  • Landing pages: Use landing page tools like Modern to create professional-looking landing pages that are optimized for conversions. The great thing is that you can create unlimited landing pages and sales funnels with hosting included!
  • Payment forms: Use payment form tools like Modern to set up secure payment forms that make it easy for potential buyers to purchase your course.
  • CRM (Customer Relationship Management): Use a CRM tool like Modern to keep track of potential buyers, manage customer interactions, and automate follow-up tasks.
  • Automations: Use automation tools like Modern to automate repetitive tasks, such as sending follow-up emails or updating customer information in your CRM.

By setting up these tools, you’ll be able to connect with potential buyers, promote your course, and make it easy for them to purchase your course. These tools will also help you automate repetitive tasks and make it more efficient to manage the customer relationship and follow

Create a compelling course title and description: Your course title and description should be clear, compelling and accurately reflect what the course is about.

Use social proof

Using social proof is a great way to attract buyers for your online course. Social proof refers to the influence that the actions and opinions of others have on our own behavior. By using testimonials, reviews, and case studies, you can showcase the success of your course and provide evidence that it is valuable and effective.

  • Testimonials: Testimonials are statements from past or current students that showcase the benefits of your course and how it has helped them. You can use testimonials on your website, landing pages, and in your marketing materials.
  • Reviews: Reviews are feedback from past or current students that provide a more detailed account of their experience with your course. Positive reviews can be used to build trust and credibility with potential buyers.
  • Case studies: Case studies are detailed accounts of how your course has helped a specific student or organization. They provide concrete examples of the results that can be achieved with your course and can help potential buyers understand the value of your course.
  • Show ratings and numbers: If you have a lot of reviews and testimonials, you can also show the average rating, total number of reviews to make it more convincing.
  • Use videos: Use videos of testimonials and case studies to showcase the success of your course. Videos provide a more personal and engaging way to showcase the benefits of your course and can be more effective than written testimonials or case studies.

 

By using social proof in the form of testimonials, reviews, and case studies, you’ll be able to build trust and credibility with potential buyers, and showcase the success and value of your course. This will increase the chances of potential buyers enrolling in your course and ultimately lead to more sales.

Optimize your website and landing pages for course sales

Optimizing your website and landing pages for sales is essential for attracting buyers for your online course. Here are a few strategies that you can use to optimize your website and landing pages:

  1. Create a clear and compelling course page: Your course page should be clear, visually appealing, and accurately reflect what the course is about. It should include a clear course title, description, and list of benefits.
  2. Include social proof: Include testimonials, reviews, and case studies on your course page to showcase the success of your course and provide social proof that it is valuable and effective.
  3. Use a clear call-to-action: Use a clear and prominent call-to-action on your course page, such as “Enroll Now” or “Sign Up” to make it easy for potential buyers to take the next step and purchase your course.
  4. Optimize for SEO: Optimize your course page and website for SEO, including keywords relevant to your course, page titles, and meta descriptions, to make it easier for potential buyers to find your course.
  5. Use landing pages: Use landing pages to promote your course and make it easy for potential buyers to purchase. Landing pages should be optimized for conversions, with a clear headline, compelling copy, and a prominent call-to-action.
  6. Use videos: Use videos on your course page and landing pages to showcase the benefits of your course and provide a more engaging and personal experience for potential buyers.
  7. Use A/B testing: Use A/B testing to test different elements of your course page and landing pages, such as the headline, copy, and call-to-action, to see what works best and optimize for conversions.

 

By optimizing your website and landing pages for course sales, you’ll be able to increase the chances of potential buyers enrolling in your course and ultimately lead to more sales.

Leverage email and SMS marketing to sell your online course

Email marketing and SMS marketing are powerful tools that can help you sell your online course. Here are a few strategies that you can use to effectively market your course using email and SMS:

  1. Build your email list: Build a list of potential buyers by collecting their email addresses through sign-ups on your website, lead magnets, landing pages, or at events. Tip: A quick and easy way to grow your list is to offer free content.
  2. Segment your list: Segment your email list into different groups based on factors such as location, interests, or past behavior. This will allow you to send targeted and personalized messages to different groups of potential buyers.
  3. Create a schedule: Create a schedule for sending emails, such as sending a promotional email once a week, an educational email once a month, and a follow-up email after purchase.
  4. Use a clear and compelling subject line: Use a clear and compelling subject line that accurately reflects the content of the email and encourages the recipient to open it.
  5. Use a clear call-to-action: Use a clear and prominent call-to-action in your emails, such as “Enroll Now” or “Sign Up” to make it easy for potential buyers to take the next step and purchase your course.
  6. Use SMS Marketing: Use SMS to send reminders, updates, and promotions to your potential buyers. It can be used to send a reminder for a webinar, information about a sale, or a special offer.
  7. Use automation: Use automation tools like Modern to send follow-up messages to potential customers who are in your sales funnel or have shown interest in your course.

 

By using email and SMS marketing, you’ll be able to reach a large number of potential buyers and increase the chances of them enrolling in your course. These methods can be used to send regular updates, promotions, and reminders to keep your course on top of the mind of potential buyers.

Utilize Influencer marketing

Influencer marketing is a powerful strategy that can help you sell your online course. Influencer marketing involves partnering with individuals who have a large following on social media, blogs, or other platforms, and who can promote your course to their followers.

When it comes to finding the right influencer, it’s important to look for individuals who align with your brand and have a following that is representative of your target audience. Additionally, the influencer should have a genuine interest in your course and be able to speak authentically about it.

One of the key benefits of influencer marketing is that it allows you to reach a wider audience than you would be able to through your own marketing efforts. Influencers can help to increase visibility and credibility for your course, and can also drive traffic to your website. Additionally, by partnering with an influencer, you can tap into the trust and loyalty that their followers have in them, which can lead to increased conversions.

To make the most of influencer marketing, it’s important to have a clear plan in place. This can include setting specific goals, determining the metrics you will use to measure success, and outlining the specific responsibilities of the influencer. It’s also important to have a clear understanding of the compensation and incentives that will be offered to the influencer.

Overall, influencer marketing can be a powerful way to sell your online course, by increasing visibility, credibility and driving traffic to your website. It also allows you to reach a wider audience and tap into the trust and loyalty that influencers have with their followers. By having a clear plan in place and choosing the right influencer, you can maximize the effectiveness of this marketing strategy.

Use paid advertising

Using paid advertising, such as search and social advertising, is a great way to sell your new course. Paid advertising allows you to target specific audiences, increase visibility, and drive traffic to your website.

Search advertising, such as Google AdWords, allows you to place ads on search engine results pages when people search for keywords related to your course. This can be an good way to reach potential buyers who are actively searching for courses like yours. Social advertising, such as Facebook ads, allows you to place ads on social media platforms and target specific demographics, interests, and behaviors. This can be an efficient way to reach potential buyers who are active on social media.

To make the most of paid advertising, it’s important to have a clear plan in place. This can include setting specific goals, determining the metrics you will use to measure success, and outlining the budget for your advertising campaign. It’s also important to regularly monitor the performance of your ads and make adjustments as needed to optimize results.

When creating your ads, it’s important to have a clear and compelling message that highlights the benefits of your course and includes a clear call-to-action. Additionally, it’s important to use visually appealing images and videos that will grab the attention of potential buyers.

Overall, paid advertising can be a great way to sell your online course by increasing visibility and driving traffic to your website. It allows you to target specific audiences and reach potential buyers who are actively searching for courses like yours. By having a clear plan in place and creating ads with a clear and compelling message, you can maximize the effectiveness of paid advertising for your profitable online course.

Sell your online course with Organic Outreach

Organic outreach is a cost-effective way to sell your online course by using content marketing and building relationships with potential buyers. Organic outreach can be a powerful way to increase visibility, credibility, and trust for your course. Here are a few strategies that you can use for organic outreach:

  1. Content marketing: Create valuable and informative content such as blog posts, videos, infographics and social media posts that target your ideal student and address their needs and challenges. This content can be used to attract potential buyers to your website and provide them with valuable information about your course.
  2. Guest posting: Reach out to popular blogs, websites and online publications that are relevant to your course topic and offer to write a guest post. This will give you exposure to a new audience and help to establish yourself as an authority in your field.
  3. Networking: Network with other professionals in your field and attend relevant events, such as webinars, conferences, and meetups. Building relationships with other professionals can help to increase visibility and credibility for your course.
  4. Social media: Use social media platforms to connect with potential buyers and share your content. Engage with your followers and respond to their questions and comments. Building a community on social media can help to increase visibility and credibility for your course.
  5. Referral marketing: Encourage satisfied students to refer their friends and colleagues to your course. This can be done by offering referral discounts or bonuses.

 

By using organic outreach strategies, you’ll be able to increase visibility and credibility for your course, build relationships with potential buyers and ultimately sell your course. Organic outreach is a cost-effective way to reach potential buyers and can be a powerful long-term strategy for selling your online course. Let’s move on to the next section.

How to increase the LTV (lifetime value) of your courses

Increasing the lifetime value (LTV) of your online course is important for the long-term success and profitability of your business. LTV is a measure of the revenue that a customer generates over their lifetime. Here are a few strategies that you can use to increase the LTV and create a profitable course strategy:

Create a thriving community

Creating a thriving community around your online course can greatly increase the lifetime value of your course. A community is a group of people who share common interests and interact with each other. By creating a community for your students, you can increase engagement, retention, and loyalty.

When students have a sense of belonging and are able to connect with others who share their interests, they are more likely to continue engaging with your course, which can lead to repeat purchases. Additionally, a community can foster a sense of accountability and motivation, which can help students to achieve better results with your course. A community can also serve as a platform for providing ongoing support and resources, which can help to increase the value of your course in the eyes of your students. A community can also serve as a platform for students to provide feedback and suggestions, which can help you improve and update your course to better meet the needs of your students. All these factors can increase the lifetime value of your course and make it more valuable to your students.

Upselling and cross-selling

Upselling and cross-selling are powerful strategies that can help increase the lifetime value of your online course. Upselling is the process of encouraging customers to purchase a more expensive product or service, while cross-selling is the process of encouraging customers to purchase related products or services. By upselling and cross-selling, you can increase the average purchase value of your course and generate more revenue per customer.

For example, once a student has completed your basic course, you can offer them an advanced course, a coaching package, or a course bundle. This will give them access to more in-depth knowledge, personalized support, and additional resources that can help them further develop their skills and achieve their goals. Additionally, you can cross-sell related products or services such as e-books, webinars, and online workshops that complement the initial course. This can help to increase the value of your course in the eyes of your students, and make them more likely to make repeat purchases.

In order to implement upselling and cross-selling, it’s important to know your customer’s needs and preferences, and to have a clear understanding of the products or services that you are offering. It is also important to time your upsell and cross-sell offer correctly, for example, after a student has completed a course or reached a certain milestone in their learning journey. It’s also important to present your offer in a way that is clear and compelling, highlighting the value and benefits of your additional products or services. By using upselling and cross-selling, you can increase the lifetime value of your online course and generate more revenue over time.

Offer Ongoing Education

Offering ongoing education and support to your students through webinars, Q&A sessions, and other online learning resources is an effective way to increase the lifetime value of your online course. It helps to keep your students engaged and interested in your course and may lead to repeat purchases. By offering ongoing education and support, you can continue to provide value to your students even after they have completed your course.

For example, you can offer webinars on advanced topics, Q&A sessions where students can ask questions and get personalized advice, and access to a community of other students who are also taking your course. This can help to increase the value of your course in the eyes of your students, and make them more likely to make repeat purchases. Additionally, by providing ongoing support, you can also help your students to achieve better results with your course and feel more satisfied with their purchase.

Create a membership program

Creating a membership program is a powerful way to increase the lifetime value of your online course. A membership program is a recurring subscription that offers exclusive content, resources, and discounts to students who sign up. This can help to generate recurring revenue and increase the value of your course in the eyes of your students.

When creating a membership program, it’s important to consider the needs and preferences of your students, and to offer exclusive content and resources that will provide ongoing value to them. For example, you can offer access to advanced courses, exclusive webinars, Q&A sessions, and a community of other students. Additionally, it’s important to provide a clear and compelling offer that highlights the benefits of the membership program, and to make it easy for students to sign up and manage their subscription.

By creating a membership program, you can increase the lifetime value of your online course by generating recurring revenue and providing ongoing value to your students. This can help to increase engagement and retention and make it more likely for your students to make repeat purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Sell an Online Course Without an Audience?

Selling your first course can be challenging, especially if you don’t have a large audience to market to. However, with the right strategy, you can still successfully sell your course and reach your target audience. Here are some tips show you how to sell an online course without an audience:

Utilize social media: Social media is a powerful tool for reaching new audiences. Utilize platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to share information about your course and engage with potential students.

Offer a free trial or sample: Offering a free trial or sample of your course is an excellent way to get people interested in what you have to offer. This will also help you build a relationship with potential students and establish trust.

Utilize SEO: Optimize your own website for search engines so that it is easier for people to find your course when they search for related topics.

Attend relevant events: Attend industry events, webinars, or online conferences to network with potential students and promote your course.

By following these tips, you can reach new audiences, build trust, and successfully sell your online course, even with a small following. Remember, success takes time and effort, so stay persistent and focused on your goals

What makes an effective online course sales page?

An effective sales page can make the difference between selling a course and having one that falls flat. There are several key elements that go into creating an effective online course sales page. Here are some of the most important ones to keep in mind:

A clear and concise headline: Your headline should grab the reader’s attention and let them know exactly what your course is about. It should be short, simple and to the point, and should clearly communicate the value of your course.

A strong value proposition: Your sales page should clearly articulate the benefits of your course and what makes it different from others. What are the specific outcomes or results that learners can expect to achieve after completing your course? What makes it unique?

Testimonials: Social proof is an important part of any sales page, and online course sales pages are no exception. Testimonials from previous learners or customers can help build trust and credibility, and can be a good way to show that your course is valuable and effective.

Course overview: Provide a brief overview of what is included in your course, what topics are covered and what format it takes. This section should be clear, concise and easy to understand.

Course features and benefits: This is where you can go into more detail about what learners will get from your course. This can include things like interactive learning experiences, access to resources, hands-on practice and personalized feedback. Be sure to highlight the benefits of each of these features.

A well-designed and professional layout: The design of your sales page is critical. Make sure it is visually appealing and easy to navigate, with clear headings and a logical flow. Use high-quality images and graphics to break up text and make it more engaging.

A clear call to action: Your sales page should end with a clear call to action that tells learners what to do next. Whether it’s to sign up for your course, download a free trial or request more information, make sure your call to action is easy to find and follow.

By including these elements in your online course sales page, you’ll be well on your way to creating a page that is effective and engaging, and that can help you convert leads into sales. At Modern, we have customizable templates that can help you create highly effective sales pages in minutes!

What are some tips for pricing my online course correctly?

Pricing your online course correctly is an important part of the sales process, and getting it right can make all the difference in attracting potential students and generating revenue. Here are some tips to consider when determining the best price for your online course:

Conduct market research: Look at the prices of similar courses in your niche, and consider the value that your course offers in comparison. This will give you a good idea of what the market will bear for your type of course.

Consider the time and effort you’ve put into creating your course: Consider the amount of time and resources you’ve invested in creating the course, and think about what you’re comfortable charging for that effort.

Offer tiered pricing options: Offering multiple pricing options for your course can help appeal to a wider range of students, and give those who are hesitant to commit a more affordable entry point.

Consider your target audience: Who are you selling the course to? What is their budget? These are important questions to answer when setting your price, as the target audience will greatly impact what they’re willing to pay.

Offer promotions and discounts: Running promotions or offering discounts can help increase sales and attract students who may have been hesitant to purchase at a higher price.

Monitor and adjust pricing: Keep an eye on how your course is performing and make changes if necessary. If sales are slow, consider lowering the price. If sales are brisk, consider raising the price to reflect the perceived value of the course.

Ultimately, the goal is to find a balance between what the market will bear and what you feel comfortable charging for your time and effort. By considering these tips and monitoring the performance of your course, you’ll be well on your way to pricing your online course effectively.

Should I create a free trial or offer early access to my online course?

Offering a free trial or early access to your online course can help generate buzz and excitement for your course, while also giving potential customers a chance to experience your course before committing to a purchase. There are pros and cons to both options, so it’s important to consider what makes the most sense for your course and audience.

A free trial will let potential customers experience a limited version of your course, giving them a taste of what the full course has to offer. This can help build trust and credibility, as well as giving you the opportunity to provide value and demonstrate your expertise. However, it’s important to note that not all content can be shared for free, so it’s important to choose what to include in your free trial wisely.

On the other hand, offering early access to your course can also be a good way to generate excitement and build anticipation for your course. It can also provide you with valuable feedback from early adopters, which can help improve your course before its official launch. However, it’s important to make sure that your early access content is of high quality, as this will set the tone for the rest of your course.

Ultimately, whether you choose to offer a free trial or early access to your course will depend on your goals, the type of course you’re offering, and your target audience. By considering these factors, you can determine what approach will work best for your online course.

How can I track my progress while selling my online course?

Tracking your progress while selling your online course is essential to see what is working and what is not. This will help you make informed decisions and continuously improve your online course and sales strategy. Here are a few ways you can track your progress:

  1. Sales Metrics: Keep track of your sales numbers, including the number of course enrollments and the total revenue generated. This will give you an overall picture of your online course’s performance.
  2. Feedback from Students: Ask for feedback from your students and listen to what they have to say. You can collect this feedback through surveys, Q&A sessions, and by monitoring social media and review sites.
  3. Marketing Analytics: Analyze the performance of your marketing efforts, such as email campaigns, social media posts, and advertisements. Use tools like Google Analytics to track the traffic to your website and the behavior of your visitors.
  4. Course Completion Rates: Monitor the number of students who start your online course and the number who complete it. This will give you an indication of the engagement level of your students and the effectiveness of your course content.

By tracking your progress, you can see what is working and what changes you need to make. This will help you make data-driven decisions and continuously improve your online course and sales strategy.

What are some options for online course platforms?

There are a variety of options available, including popular platforms like Udemy, Coursera, Kajabi, and Thinkific, as well as more specialized software like LearnDash or LifterLMS. Consider the features, pricing, and ease of use of different platforms before making a decision. Also, consider if the platform aligns with your goals, in terms of audience, types of courses and course structure. Some of these platforms can cost hundreds of dollars a month and offer limitations.

At Modern, we empower course creators with the comprehensive tools and resources you need to bring your educational vision to life. Whether you’re just starting out or are an experienced educator, our platform offers everything you need to create, market, and sell your courses with ease.

With our state-of-the-art technology, you can create and host an unlimited number of courses, websites, and sales funnels, allowing you to scale your business without any limitations. In addition, we offer advanced marketing features that you won’t find anywhere else, such as email marketing automation, social media integration, and analytics that give you insights into your course performance.

Our goal is to help you grow and succeed as a course creator, and our platform is designed to provide you with everything you need to create and market your courses. So, why wait? Sign up with Modern today and start realizing your full potential as a course creator!

What are the best social platforms to get new customers for my online course?

There are several popular social media platforms that can be effective for marketing your online course. Here are some of the best options to consider:

  1. Facebook: With over 2 billion monthly active users, Facebook is one of the largest social networks in the world. It’s a great platform for promoting your online course, as you can create a business page, join groups related to your niche, and run ads to reach a wider audience.
  2. Instagram: Instagram is a visually-based platform that is great for marketing online courses that are visually appealing. You can use Instagram to share behind-the-scenes footage, student testimonials, and other engaging content to attract potential students.
  3. YouTube: YouTube is the second-largest search engine in the world, and it’s a great platform for promoting your online course. You can create a YouTube channel, upload video content, and optimize your videos for search to reach a wider audience and get subscribers.
  4. LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a professional social network that is great for selling B2B courses. You can use it to create a company page, join groups related to your niche, and run ads to reach a wider audience.
  5. Twitter: Twitter is a micro-blogging platform that is great for promoting your online course. You can use it to share updates, news, and other relevant content to attract potential students.
  6. TikTok: TikTok is a newer social platform that is great for selling courses that are visually appealing, it has a younger audience, so if your course is targeted to that group it could be a great option.
  7. Spotify: While not strictly a social platform, spotify is great if you have a podcast that serves your niche.

It’s worth noting that each platform has its own strengths and audience demographics, It’s important to research and test which platforms your target audience is most active on, and then focus on those platforms to reach them. you should also consider using a combination of platforms to reach different demographics, and to maximize your reach.

Conclusion

After reading this blog, you should know how to sell an online course using various tools and methods. From the different elements that make up a great course to increasing the LTV, this blog has it all! If you’re ready to take your course selling to the next level, sign up for our free course email course and start selling like a pro today!