How to Create an Online Course: Turn Your Knowledge Into a Digital Product That Sells

Want to scale your expertise beyond 1:1 work? Learning how to create an online course could be your ticket to freedom and impact.

Every day, ordinary people with specialized knowledge are turning what they know into profitable courses.

And the best part? Once you build it, you can sell it over and over without trading more hours for money.

Let me show you exactly how to create an online course that people will actually buy, complete, and rave about…

Why Online Courses Are the Ultimate Digital Product

Let’s be real.

You’re sitting on a goldmine of knowledge that others would gladly pay for.

Here’s why learning how to create an online course is such a game-changer:

According to Research and Markets, the global e-learning market is projected to reach $336.98 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 9.1% from 2021 to 2026.

That’s not just growth—that’s an explosion of opportunity.

And the benefits go way beyond just money:

• Monetization – Turn your knowledge into a sustainable income stream
• Impact – Help others transform their lives with your expertise
• Authority – Cement your position as a trusted expert in your field
• Scalability – Reach thousands of students without more work
• Freedom – Break free from the time-for-money trap

The best part? You don’t need fancy credentials.

You just need to know something valuable that others want to learn.

For more ideas on turning your knowledge into digital products, check out my guides on where to sell digital products and how to create printables.

Planning Your Course For Maximum Success

Most courses fail before they even launch.

Why? Lack of strategic planning.

Here’s how to create an online course that’s positioned for success from day one:

Know EXACTLY Who Your Course Is For

Generic courses get generic results.

You need to define your ideal student with laser precision:

Get specific AF.

Instead of “people who want to learn photography,” target “busy parents who want to take pro-quality photos of their kids with the smartphone they already own.”

The more specifically you define your audience, the more your course will resonate with them.

Create Learning Objectives That Actually Matter

Your course needs clear, actionable objectives that students genuinely care about.

Use the SMART framework to define outcomes your students will actually value:

Focus on transformation, not just information.

People don’t buy courses because they want more information—they buy courses because they want a different life.

Map Out Your Course Structure

A well-structured course is like a roadmap that guides students from Point A (their current situation) to Point B (their desired outcome).

Here’s the perfect structure:

Break each module into specific lessons that build logically on each other.

Make sure every lesson focuses on ONE key concept or skill.

For more ideas on how to structure learning content, check out my guides on how to create templates and how to write an ebook.

Creating Engaging Course Content

Great planning means nothing if your content puts students to sleep.

Here’s how to create course content that keeps students engaged from start to finish:

Choose the Right Content Format for YOUR Topic

Different topics call for different formats.

Select the ones that best showcase your particular expertise:

The best courses often combine multiple formats to accommodate different learning styles.

But if you’re just starting, focus on doing ONE format really well instead of many formats poorly.

Use Multimedia to Boost Engagement and Retention

Humans are visual creatures.

Multimedia elements can dramatically improve understanding and retention:

• Images – Use screenshots, infographics, and diagrams to illustrate concepts
• Videos – Show, don’t just tell, especially for demonstrations
• Animations – Explain complex processes with simple animations
• Audio – Include narration for those who prefer listening
• Interactive Elements – Add quizzes, polls, and clickable elements

The key is relevance—don’t add media just for the sake of it.

Every visual should serve a specific learning purpose.

Write Course Material That Actually Gets Completed

The dirty secret of online courses? Most students never finish them.

Here’s how to write content people actually complete:

1. Keep It Concise – Cut any fluff or tangents that don’t serve the learning objective
2. Use Conversational Language – Write like you’re speaking to a friend, not writing an academic paper
3. Include Stories – Weave in real examples and case studies to illustrate points
4. Add Practical Applications – Show exactly how to apply each concept in real life
5. Create Knowledge Checks – Include quick quizzes to reinforce learning

Remember: Clarity beats cleverness every time.

If you’re struggling with creating engaging content, consider exploring my guide on how to create an email course for ideas that can transfer to your online course.

Building Your Course Platform

Now it’s time to bring your course to life on a platform that makes it easy for students to learn and for you to manage.

Choose the Right LMS for YOUR Needs

Your Learning Management System (LMS) is the foundation of your course delivery.

Choose wisely based on these factors:

Don’t get paralyzed by options.

For most creators, the “perfect” platform doesn’t exist—choose one that meets your core needs and start creating.

Design Your Course for Maximum Student Success

The visual design and user experience of your course dramatically impacts completion rates.

Focus on these elements:

• Clean Navigation – Make it dead simple to find and move through content
• Consistent Branding – Use the same colors, fonts, and style throughout
• Progress Tracking – Show students how far they’ve come to motivate continuation
• Mobile Optimization – Ensure your course works well on all devices
• Downloadable Resources – Provide PDFs, worksheets, and templates for offline use

Remember: Confusion is the enemy of completion.

If students get lost or frustrated with your course platform, they’ll abandon ship.

Set Up Seamless Payment Systems

Make it ridiculously easy for people to give you money.

Any friction in the payment process will cost you sales.

Consider these options:

Pro tip: Offer multiple payment options and installment plans to remove financial barriers.

For more ideas on optimizing your sales process, see my guide on how to run an online challenge as a course presale tool.

Marketing Your Online Course

“If you build it, they will come” is a MYTH.

Great courses don’t sell themselves.

You need a strategic marketing plan:

Create a Marketing Strategy That Actually Works

Effective course marketing starts with clarity on these elements:

The best marketing strategies focus on education first, selling second.

Demonstrate your expertise through free, valuable content before asking for the sale.

Leverage Social Media and Email Marketing

These are your most powerful tools for course promotion.

Here’s how to use them effectively:

• Choose 1-2 Primary Platforms – Focus on where your audience is most active
• Create a Content Calendar – Plan posts that educate, engage, and occasionally sell
• Share Student Success Stories – Nothing sells courses like social proof
• Build an Email List – Offer a valuable freebie related to your course topic
• Create an Email Sequence – Nurture subscribers with value before pitching

The most effective course marketing formulas follow this sequence:

1. Provide massive value for free
2. Build a relationship through consistent content
3. Identify and address objections proactively
4. Make a compelling offer with clear benefits
5. Create urgency with limited-time bonuses

For a deeper dive into email marketing for courses, check out my guide on how to start a paid newsletter.

Optimize for Search and Run Strategic Ads

Don’t rely solely on social media and email.

Use these additional channels to expand your reach:

Start with organic methods first. Once you have proof that your course converts, scale with paid advertising.

Engaging With Your Students

Student engagement is the secret sauce that separates good courses from great ones.

Here’s how to create an exceptional student experience:

Provide Support That Keeps Students Moving Forward

The number one reason students don’t complete courses? They get stuck and give up.

Prevent this with multi-layered support:

Remember: Students don’t buy courses—they buy outcomes.

Your support system is often what makes the difference between success and failure.

Foster Interaction and Community

Learning is social.

Students who feel connected are far more likely to finish your course.

Try these engagement strategies:

• Discussion Prompts – End each lesson with a specific question or action item
• Accountability Partners – Pair students up for mutual support
• Implementation Challenges – Create time-bound activities with shared goals
• Student Spotlights – Showcase success stories and progress
• Live Events – Schedule regular community calls or workshops

The connections students make with each other often become the most valuable part of your course.

For more community-building ideas, check out my guide on how to create an online membership.

Track Progress and Celebrate Success

What gets measured gets managed.

Use these methods to track and improve student progress:

Actively celebrate student milestones and achievements.

Recognition reinforces progress and motivates continued action.

The Bottom Line on Creating Successful Online Courses

Learning how to create an online course isn’t just about sharing information.

It’s about designing a transformational journey that takes students from where they are to where they want to be.

Remember these key principles:

• Focus on transformation, not just information
• Start with your student in mind, not your content
• Structure for success with a logical progression
• Engage multiple senses with diverse content formats
• Support your students through obstacles
• Market with value first, sales second

The world needs your knowledge and perspective.

Don’t let perfectionism keep you from creating your first digital product.

Start with what you have, where you are, and improve as you go.

YOUR course could be the exact thing someone has been searching for.

YOU GOT THIS 🙌

In your corner,
Adam