How to Create an Online Course (That Sells… and That People Actually Finish)
With the growing demand for e-learning, now is an ideal time to create an online course. Explore how to create an effective online course that both makes an impact and generates sustainable income for you.
As a teacher (or former teacher), you already know how to design and deliver meaningful learning experiences. You understand how to scaffold skills, assess understanding, and guide learners toward growth. That foundation makes you well-positioned to create an online course.
And the opportunity has never been greater. The global e-learning market is projected to reach approximately $406 billion in 2026, showing increasing demand for high-quality online learning experiences.
If you search “how to create an online course,” you’ll find the standard checklist:
Choose a topic
Outline modules
Record videos
Upload to a platform
And while that’s a start, the reality is, most online courses aren’t that strong or successful. Most online courses are built on delivering information. The strongest courses, however, are built around transformation.
And that difference is what determines whether a course generates real impact and income.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how to create an online course that does both.
Why Create an Online Course?
Before we dive into the how, it’s worth exploring why creating an online course is worth it.
An online course allows you to:
Scale your expertise beyond the classroom
Build authority with your expertise
Generate more income
Support more learners and make a wider impact
Create structured transformation and successful outcomes for your learners
Unlike one-off workshops or informal content, a well-designed course provides continuity and progression. It allows students to move step-by-step toward success (or transformation).
And when designed well, it keeps creating impact, for your students and for you.
The Problem with Most Online Courses & How to Make Online Courses Engaging
If you look at large online course creation platforms like Udemy and Kajabi, there are thousands of courses on nearly any topic.
Yet only a fraction of those courses get completed, receive strong reviews, and generate consistent revenue.
Why? Most courses are built around information delivery rather than transformation design.
While information-focused courses answer the question: “What should I know?”, transformation-focused courses answer the question: “What will I be able to do?”
Course completion drops when:
Learners don’t see immediate application
There’s no accountability
Feedback is absent
Progress feels abstract
Reflection is missing
In a physical classroom, motivation is supported by structure and presence. Platforms can make hosting straightforward, but the technology doesn’t create engagement. Online, that structure must be intentionally designed.
Courses that prioritize community, participation, and implementation consistently outperform those that rely solely on recorded content.
So let’s dive further into how to design and develop an online course that’s effective and that sells.
How to Create an Online Course That Sells
Here are a few online course creation tips to help you get started with bringing your course into the digital world:
Tip 1: Start With the Result
One of the most common mistakes in course creation is beginning with content instead of outcomes.
When creating an online course, start by answering: “What transformation will students of this course experience?”
Consider the problem you’re solving and the type of learner you’re serving. Ask yourself:
Who will your students become as a result of this course?
What habits will they need to develop?
What mindset shifts need to happen?
Clarity at this stage shapes and simplifies every decision that follows, including content, curriculum design, marketing, and even pricing decisions later.
Tip 2: Be Specific with Your Target Audience
Online courses are most effective when they serve a clearly defined audience. Teaching “everyone” often means reaching no one.
Consider your target audience’s (your ideal learner’s):
Skill level (beginner, intermediate, advanced)
Background
Pain points/current challenges
Desired outcomes
The more precise you are, the more relevant your lessons become. This specificity strengthens both your curriculum/instructional alignment and messaging.
Tip 3: Design for Action and Follow-Through
Engagement doesn’t happen automatically online. If you’re wondering how to create an interactive online course that truly supports learners, build in:
Clear action steps
Application exercises and ways to take action
Reflection prompts
Short feedback loops/cycles (for accountability and motivation)
Visible progress tracking/markers
These elements build momentum, which is critical for online learning. Without these, learners might consume but not implement what they’re learning, or they might not complete the course.
You want your online course to feel like a guided process to success (or transformation).
Explore more in our guide on Online Course Creation Tips: Using Your Expertise to Get Started
Ready to Create and Sell an Online Course That Generates Impact and Income?
If you’re interested in designing and launching an online course that people actually finish (and recommend!), you need:
Strategic positioning
Outcome-driven curriculum design
Engagement structures
A thoughtful marketing plan
That’s exactly why I created the Online Course Creation Foundations Program: to teach you how to create an online course step-by-step. This program guides you through:
✅ Identifying a viable and profitable course topic
✅ Structuring content for virtual and self-paced learning
✅ Selecting and using appropriate course creation tools
✅ Developing a marketing and launch strategy
✅ Building entrepreneurial confidence alongside instructional skill
You’ll receive expert, personalized support and feedback every step of the way, and you’ll earn certification as an Educator Forever Course Developer.
You’ll be guided through the entire process — from planning and creating your course to marketing with confidence. Through the program, you’ll enjoy:
Modules: Interactive videos, tools, and resources giving you step-by-step guidance to create and market a high-quality, impactful, and profitable online course
Live workshops: Live workshops every month, where you'll master course creation foundations and strategies
Live office hours: Live office hours every month, where you can get your questions answered and receive live support
Personalized feedback on each assignment: Benefit from expert guidance on your scope & sequence, videos, + materials, marketing plan
If you’ve been dreaming of sharing your expertise in a bigger way, expanding your income, and reaching more people, this is for you. Sign up now!
FAQ About How to Create an Online Course
How much does it cost to create an online course?
The cost to create an online course varies. If you already have a computer and internet access, you can start with basic recording tools and a hosting platform like Udemy or Kajabi. Monthly platform fees typically range from $0 to $150+. Additional costs may include a microphone, design tools, etc. Many educators start simple and reinvest as revenue grows.
How long does it take to create an online course?
To create an effective online course, it can take around 4-12+ weeks, depending on its length and complexity (and how much time you’re able to devote to it each week). A short mini-course can be built in a few weeks, while a comprehensive signature course takes longer. Planning and outlining usually take more time than recording, so clear outcomes and structure are key. Rushing the design phase often leads to more revisions later.
What are the biggest mistakes new course creators make?
Common mistakes include starting with content instead of outcomes and targeting too broad an audience. Many course creators overload lessons with information but lack implementation. Skipping market validation is another frequent issue. Weak positioning makes selling difficult. Clear structure and specificity prevent most problems.
How can I learn how to create an online course?
You can learn the basics of how to create an online course through different ways, including blogs, podcasts, and online tutorials. However, a step-by-step program like the Online Course Creation Foundations Program helps you avoid mistakes, accelerate progress, and focus on both instructional design and marketing strategy. (A successful course requires both of these!)