How to Create an Online Course (4 Easy Steps to Make it Easy)

The allure of sharing your expertise through an online course is undeniable. 

Whether you're an educator looking to expand your reach, a business owner aiming to amplify your brand, or a freelancer seeking an additional revenue stream, the potential of e-learning is vast. 

However, the thought of creating an online course is overwhelming and stressful. It’s such a big project with so many components that go into making it work.

In reality, with the right mindset and method, navigating this path can be not only achievable but remarkably straightforward.

You just have to take it in steps.

So, how do you create an online course?

Step 1: Pick Your Topic

Selecting the right topic for your online course is foundational.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to topics for online courses. It could be based on gluten-free cooking, dog training, using certain systems like Notion or Photoshop, or even how to start your own business. 

It's crucial to choose a subject area that not only aligns with your knowledge but also ignites your passion. 

Your topic should be a field you feel comfortable discussing at length and teaching to others. 

Reflect on your experiences: 

• What have you dedicated significant time and effort to? 

• What problems have you persistently solved? 

The sweet spot is where your expertise intersects with an audience's demand.

So take a look at the content you already like to create, what shows up the most and what do you love talking about the most? 

Step 2: Choose Your Platform

There are a lot of course-creating websites out there and you’ll have to do a little research to figure out which one works best for you and your chosen topic. 

The good news is that there's a wealth of platforms—such as Udemy, Thinkific, and Kajabi—that cater to a variety of needs and preferences. Each offers its own suite of features, from video hosting and course management to marketing tools and built-in communities.

Platforms like Skillshare and Teachable are also great since they have a built-in fan base of people who are already on that platform and could search what you’re teaching.

• If you don’t already have a large online follower base, these platforms could be a better choice for you to create an online course.

• If you already have a large following on TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube, you could host your course on your website if you use a website host like Squarespace.

All that said, prioritize a platform that offers a seamless user experience, intuitive instructor tools, and, crucially, robust support.

The right platform acts as a silent partner, aiding in the logistics so you can focus on what matters most—teaching your content effectively.

Step 3: Outline Your Course

The art of outlining your online course is akin to architecting a learning journey. 

Begin with an overarching learning goal—what should students be able to do, understand, or apply after completing your course? 

Break this down into digestible modules or sections that flow logically and progressively.

This will take quite a lot of brain power, especially if you have a lot of information to share. 

It’s important to organize your information in a way that will make sense to your viewers, so they are engaged but not confused by your content. 

If you’ve ever taken a course, you probably noticed they are often split into Modules.

Modules are like the chapters of a book. 

They give you an overall idea of what that section is about such as “Marketing” for a business-related course or “Grocery Shopping” for a course about meal prepping. 

Once you have your modules, organize those bigger ideas into smaller ones and then once more for your more specific tips. 

For instance, our outline for our meal-prepping course might look something like this:

Grocery Shopping

• Finding the Best Produce Near You

• Farmer’s Markets

• Local Farms

• Organizing Your Grocery List

• Spices

• Meats

• Produce

Clarity is key. Your outline is not only a guide for your students; it's your compass as you design each element of the course. 

If you’re not sure how to categorize something, start with a brain dump. 

Simply put all your ideas onto a piece of paper and organize it after you feel like you have everything out of your head and onto the list. 

Step 4: Bringing Your Course to Life

With a solid topic, a chosen platform, and a comprehensive outline, it's time to bring your course to life! 

The last step can take forms in a few ways, some people like to make a slideshow to share while they narrate, and others like to talk to the camera and add their graphics or photos later. 

When trying to decide the best way to create your course keep in mind what your audience will like, or what they already expect from you if you have a following. 

This may take some trial and error. Try a few different things and see what you like best! 

Need Help Creating Your Online Course?

Creating an online course is no small project but it is a fun one! 

The more you love your topic the easier it will be and if you love it, someone else does too. 

Keep in mind while creating your course, how you’d like this information portrayed to you. It’ll help you create engaging content for your audience. 

If you need a little support with creating your course, you might want to consider hiring a TBC project manager to your team for the short-term. 

Find out more about how we can help by booking a Free Strategy Chat.