If you had told me three years ago that I would be running a successful online course business, I would have laughed nervously and changed the subject. At the time, I was juggling caregiving responsibilities for my grandmother while trying to figure out my next career move. The thought of launching an online course seemed as far-fetched as winning a marathon without training.
But here I am, several courses later, and I’ve learned that building an online course is not only achievable but incredibly rewarding. It’s a process that challenged me, pushed me out of my comfort zone, and taught me skills I never knew I had. This is the story of how I went from zero to launch, the mistakes I made along the way, and the strategies that helped me succeed.
Starting From Scratch: The Idea Phase
The journey began in my living room, surrounded by stacks of books, a laptop with way too many tabs open, and a blank notebook staring back at me. The first hurdle was figuring out what to teach.
I asked myself a simple question: What do I know that could genuinely help people? As a former high school teacher, I realized I had a knack for breaking down complex topics into manageable steps. After some brainstorming, I landed on my first course idea: Time Management for Busy Professionals. It was a skill I had mastered during my teaching days, and I knew it was something many people struggled with.
To validate my idea, I started talking to friends, family, and former colleagues. Their feedback was encouraging, but I also learned that my audience wasn’t just interested in general advice—they wanted actionable steps they could implement immediately. This insight shaped the course’s structure and content.
Building the Framework: Organizing My Ideas
Once I had a topic, the next step was to create a roadmap. I broke the course into manageable sections, starting with the basics of time management and gradually building toward more advanced strategies. Each section had its own objectives, key takeaways, and action steps.
I used sticky notes to map out the entire course on my living room wall. This visual approach helped me see the flow and identify gaps. For instance, I realized I was focusing too much on theory and not enough on practical tools. So, I added sections on creating schedules, prioritizing tasks, and using apps to stay organized.
The First Recording Session: A Comedy of Errors
Let me tell you about my first attempt at recording a lesson. I had my laptop propped up on a pile of books, a $10 microphone clipped to my shirt, and a desk lamp positioned as a makeshift spotlight. Within minutes, the lamp fell over, the microphone picked up every creak of my chair, and I accidentally recorded the entire session with the camera zoomed in on my forehead.
It was a disaster, but it was also a learning experience. I realized that while I didn’t need fancy equipment, I did need a basic setup that worked. I invested in a decent microphone, a tripod, and a ring light. These small upgrades made a huge difference in the quality of my videos.
Launching My First Course: A Humble Beginning
When it came time to launch, I had no idea what to expect. I had built the course on a beginner-friendly platform, uploaded my videos, and set a modest price of $49. To promote it, I sent emails to my network, posted on social media, and even handed out flyers at local coffee shops.
The results? I sold seven courses in the first month. It wasn’t the avalanche of sales I had dreamed of, but it was enough to prove that my course had potential. More importantly, the feedback from those first students was invaluable. They loved the content but suggested adding more interactive elements, like quizzes and downloadable worksheets.
Iterating and Improving
With this feedback in mind, I went back to the drawing board. I added quizzes at the end of each module to reinforce learning, created worksheets for goal-setting exercises, and included case studies to make the content more relatable.
I also started experimenting with marketing. I ran a few small Facebook ads, collaborated with a local coworking space to offer a free webinar, and built a simple website to showcase my course. Each new strategy brought in more students and helped me refine my process.
Scaling Up: Turning a Side Hustle Into a Business
Over time, my confidence grew, and so did my ambitions. I created additional courses on related topics, like productivity hacks and overcoming procrastination. I also started bundling my courses into packages, offering discounts for students who enrolled in multiple programs.
One of the biggest game-changers was building an email list. I offered a free mini-course as a lead magnet, and within six months, I had over 500 subscribers. This allowed me to connect directly with potential students and launch new courses with a built-in audience.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
Looking back, there are several key lessons that helped me go from zero to launch:
1. Start With What You Know
Your first course doesn’t have to be groundbreaking. Focus on a topic you’re familiar with and passionate about.
2. Test Your Idea
Before investing too much time and money, validate your idea by talking to your target audience. Their feedback will help you refine your course.
3. Keep It Simple
You don’t need a professional studio or a team of editors to create a great course. Start with the basics and improve as you go.
4. Focus on Value
Always ask yourself: What problem am I solving for my students? The more value you provide, the more successful your course will be.
5. Embrace Feedback
Your first version won’t be perfect, and that’s okay. Use feedback from your students to make your course better.
Practical Steps to Launch Your Own Course
If you’re ready to start your online course journey, here are some actionable steps:
- Brainstorm Topics: List your skills and expertise. What do people often ask you for advice about?
- Research Your Audience: Use surveys, forums, or social media to understand your audience’s needs.
- Outline Your Course: Break your content into modules or lessons, each with clear objectives.
- Record Your Content: Use affordable equipment and keep your videos short and engaging.
- Choose a Platform: Popular platforms like Teachable, Thinkific, or Kajabi make it easy to host and sell courses.
- Market Your Course: Leverage social media, email marketing, and collaborations to reach potential students.
- Gather Feedback: Ask your students for feedback and use it to improve your course.
Why This Journey Matters
Building an online course business isn’t just about making money—it’s about sharing your knowledge, connecting with people, and making a difference in their lives. For me, it’s been a journey of growth, both professionally and personally. Every time a student sends me a message saying my course helped them achieve their goals, it reminds me why I started this journey in the first place.
If you’ve ever thought about creating a course, don’t let fear or doubt hold you back. Start small, be patient, and keep learning. You have something valuable to share, and the world is waiting to hear it.
