Building Your First Online Course: Complete Checklist

Creating an online course can be a great way to share your expertise and generate income. This guide breaks down everything you need to know into five simple steps:
- Plan Your Course: Identify your audience, set clear goals, and validate your course idea.
- Develop Content: Structure lessons using a course map, mix content types (videos, quizzes, text), and ensure accessibility.
- Choose a Platform: Compare platforms like Teachable, Thinkific, and Crevio to find the best fit for your needs.
- Market and Sell: Set competitive pricing, use tiered plans, and promote your course through content marketing and ads.
- Prepare for Launch: Run beta tests, fix technical issues, and create a strong launch strategy.
Quick Comparison of Platforms:
Feature | Crevio | Teachable | Thinkific |
---|---|---|---|
Starting Price | $29/mo | $39/mo | Free plan |
Transaction Fees | 0% | 5-10% | 0-5% |
Marketing Tools | AI-powered | Basic email | Course bundles |
Mobile Support | Native app | Responsive | Responsive |
Community Features | Live chat | Discussion boards | Add-on required |
Follow these steps to turn your knowledge into a profitable online course!
A Beginner’s Guide to Making Money with Online Courses
Step 1: Course Planning
Planning a course effectively begins with understanding your audience and pinpointing what they need to learn. Research shows that tailoring courses to meet specific student needs can boost completion rates by 76%. Let’s break this down into actionable steps.
Know Your Students
Start by building detailed student profiles. Use survey tools like Typeform, which can improve response rates by 53%. Focus on gathering insights about:
- Professional background and experience level
- Available study time (aim for 30-minute daily sessions)
- Technical skills
- Main goals and challenges
These insights will help you design a course that resonates with your audience.
Set Course Goals
Using your audience research, turn broad topics into clear, measurable objectives. The SMART framework can help here. For example, instead of saying "Learn Instagram Marketing", reframe it as: "Create and schedule three Instagram Reels that drive conversions within two weeks."
Organize your content with the Milestone Matrix:
-
Identify Core Competencies
Break the course into 5–7 key skills students need to master. Eliminate any content that doesn’t directly support these. -
Define Success Metrics
Establish clear benchmarks to track progress, such as:- Quiz completion rates (target 80% or higher)
- Submission of practical assignments
- Achieving portfolio milestones
Test Your Idea
Before finalizing your course, validate your concept to ensure it meets audience expectations. Use these methods tailored to your student profiles:
Validation Method | Success Threshold | Timeline |
---|---|---|
Target Audience Survey | 30%+ interest rate | 1–2 weeks |
Landing Page Test | 5%+ conversion rate | 2 weeks |
Beta Program | 50+ signups in 72 hours | 3 days |
Additionally, consider scheduling 15-minute discovery calls, as these often uncover challenges that surveys might miss.
Step 2: Content Development
With your course goals set in Step 1, it’s time to bring your content strategy to life.
Build Your Course Map
Use backward design to structure your course, organizing it into four types of modules:
Module Type | Duration | Content Focus |
---|---|---|
Foundation | 15-20 min | Core concepts, definitions |
Skill-Building | 25-30 min | Demonstrations, practice exercises |
Application | 30-45 min | Projects, case studies |
Assessment | 10-15 min | Knowledge checks, feedback loops |
Each module should be broken into 3-8 sections that are easy to follow. For example, in a course on "Instagram Marketing", the first module might cover "Platform Basics" with sections like profile setup, content types, and basic analytics.
Mix Content Types
To engage different learning styles, use the VERB framework:
- 40% video content: Keep videos under 15 minutes for better retention.
- 30% interactive elements: Include worksheets, quizzes, or activities.
- 20% text-based resources: Provide guides, articles, or reading materials.
- 10% audio supplements: Use podcasts or voice recordings for added depth.
Leadership coach Sarah Turner managed to earn $25,000 with just a smartphone, a $200 microphone, and Canva Pro.
Make Content Accessible
Accessible courses can reach a broader audience – up to 23% more learners. Here’s how to ensure your course is inclusive:
-
Video Content
Use tools like Otter.ai (around $0.10 per minute) to create accurate transcripts. Always include closed captions in your videos for better accessibility. -
Text Elements
Make sure text has at least a 4.5:1 contrast ratio. Use clear headings in PDFs and documents to support screen readers. -
Interactive Components
Design exercises that work seamlessly across devices, as 45% of learners access courses on mobile. Platforms like H5P or Articulate Quizmaker can help create mobile-friendly interactive content.
"The Global Marketing Institute increased completion rates by 33% through iterative beta testing and accessibility improvements".
Track your course’s performance using platform analytics. Aim for at least a 65% completion rate and over 80% pass rates on assessments. Plan quarterly updates to keep your content relevant and up-to-date.
Once your content is well-structured and accessible, you’re ready to move on to choosing the right hosting platform.
Step 3: Platform Selection
Once your content is ready, choosing the right platform is key to expanding your reach and boosting revenue. Platforms with built-in SEO tools have been shown to increase organic traffic by 40-60%.
Crevio vs Other Platforms
Feature | Crevio | Teachable | Thinkific |
---|---|---|---|
Starting Price | $29/mo | $39/mo | Free plan |
Transaction Fees | 0% | 5-10% | 0-5% |
Marketing Tools | AI-powered | Basic email | Course bundles |
Mobile Support | Native app | Responsive | Responsive |
Community Features | Live chat | Discussion boards | Add-on required |
Course creation expert Samantha King emphasizes: "Prioritize platforms offering native community features – engaged students spend 3x more than passive learners".
Platform Requirements
Make sure your platform aligns with your course objectives from Step 1 by focusing on these three key areas:
1. Technical Infrastructure
Ensure the platform includes SSL encryption, supports videos, PDFs, and interactive formats, and offers automated enrollment.
2. Payment Processing
Choose platforms that provide:
- Multiple payment gateways (e.g., Stripe, PayPal)
- Flexible pricing options
- Automated tax handling
- Installment plans
- Tiered pricing and upsell options to enhance your Step 4 pricing strategy
3. Student Experience
Look for cross-device compatibility, progress tracking, interactive features, and automated certificates to enhance student satisfaction.
Platform Setup Guide
Follow these essential setup steps to ensure a smooth launch:
1. Payment Configuration
- Connect your payment processors
- Set up tax settings based on your target regions
- Configure coupon systems
- Test the checkout process with a low-cost product (e.g., $1)
2. Content Organization
- Create a clear course hierarchy
- Set up progress tracking for students
- Enable completion certificates
- Automate email notifications
"The key to successful course delivery isn’t just about features – it’s about finding a platform that aligns with your growth trajectory. Our data shows creators prioritizing scalability earn 40% higher second-year revenue. Choose platforms that grow with your business, not just meet current needs." – Axel Grubba, Crevio Founder
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Be mindful of these additional expenses:
- Payment processing fees (around 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction)
- Domain registration ($10-$50/year)
- Certificate costs ($2-$5 per student)
- Video storage overages ($0.10-$0.50 per GB)
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Step 4: Sales and Marketing
Now that your platform is set up (Step 3), it’s time to focus on how you’ll generate revenue.
Set Your Price
Research at least three competitors using tools like CourseMeter or Udemy Insights. Factor in your production costs, the spending habits of your target audience, and the overall value of your course.
Pricing Tier | Price Point | Included Features |
---|---|---|
Basic | $97 | Core course content |
Premium | $197 | Course + worksheets + coaching call |
Pro | $297 | All features + community access |
Using a tiered pricing model allows you to cater to different customer needs and budgets. To make each tier stand out, offer 20–30% more value in the higher tiers with extras like coaching calls or exclusive resources. This approach ties back to the interactive elements discussed in Step 2’s VERB framework, ensuring premium tiers feel worth the investment.
Marketing Plan
Develop a multi-channel marketing strategy that targets where your audience spends their time. Start with a three-month campaign that combines content marketing and paid advertising.
Content Marketing
- Publish two SEO-optimized blog posts per month addressing your audience’s challenges (from Step 1).
- Host 45-minute webinars (30 minutes of training + 15 minutes for pitching your course).
- Record these webinars and use them in email follow-ups – non-attendees often convert at an 18% rate.
Paid Advertising
Start small with a $20/day budget and test across platforms:
- Google Ads: Target keywords tied to your audience’s pain points.
- Facebook Ads: Use lookalike audiences based on your existing customers.
- Track all campaigns with UTM codes and aim for a 3:1 return on ad spend.
Additional Revenue Options
Don’t stop at the initial sale – leverage your platform’s features (from Step 3) to increase earnings. Upsells alone can account for up to 28% of total revenue.
Here are a few ways to boost revenue:
- Offer post-course modules for $97.
- Collaborate with brands to drive traffic (a potential 15% increase).
- Launch an affiliate program with ready-to-use promotional materials.
To build trust, display guarantee badges prominently on your sales pages. Pair these guarantees with specific promises, like “Master [Skill] in 30 Days or Your Money Back,” to reassure buyers and encourage conversions.
Step 5: Launch Preparation
Once your pricing and marketing strategy (Step 4) is finalized, it’s time to gear up for the launch. Here’s how to make sure everything is ready.
Run Beta Tests (Validate Market Fit)
Choose 10-20 participants who closely match your target audience. Avoid relying solely on friends or family for feedback – they’re likely to be biased.
Focus on these metrics during the beta phase:
Metric | Target Benchmark | Why It Matters |
---|---|---|
Course Completion Rate | >60% | Tracks how engaged participants are |
Quiz/Test Scores | >80% average | Measures knowledge retention |
Technical Issues | <5% of participants | Ensures platform reliability |
Net Promoter Score | >8/10 | Reflects overall satisfaction |
Schedule feedback sessions every 10 days. Asking for input too often – more than three times a week – can overwhelm testers and lead to lower-quality insights.
Final Course Review
Before launching, ensure your course is polished and ready to deliver on the promises made in Steps 1 and 2.
Technical checklist:
- 1080p video quality
- Audio tested on multiple devices
- Compatibility with iOS and Android
- Validation of all resource links
- Payment gateway functionality
For content accuracy, use tools like Copyscape to check for plagiarism and verify that all statistics are up to date. Have experts in your field review the material to ensure it meets professional standards.
Launch Strategy
Coordinate your launch with the marketing plan established in Step 4. Research shows that launches between Tuesday and Thursday at 10 AM EST tend to achieve 22% higher enrollment rates. Avoid periods like tax season or back-to-school weeks when your audience might be distracted.
Launch sequence:
- Build anticipation (3 weeks): Send teaser emails and showcase social proof.
- Launch execution: Host a live Q&A webinar 48 hours before opening enrollment.
- Sustain momentum: Offer weekly Zoom office hours and feature student spotlights.
Set up a real-time dashboard to track enrollment and engagement metrics. You might also consider adding bonus content as students progress through the course. This tactic boosted engagement by 40% in a recent photography course case study.
"The beta test for our ‘Power-Up Podcasting’ course with 20 students at $200 each provided invaluable feedback for improving module pacing and adding practical exercises. After implementing these changes, our full launch enrolled 500 students at $499, generating $249,500 in revenue." – Pat Flynn, Smart Passive Income
Next Steps
Main Points Review
Once you’ve wrapped up your launch strategy (Step 5), shift your attention to these key metrics for success:
Success Indicator | Target Benchmark | Implementation Time |
---|---|---|
Beta Test Completion | >85% | 2-3 weeks |
Average NPS Score | 45+ | Ongoing |
Email List Size | 1,000+ subscribers | 4-6 weeks |
Technical Validation | 100% feature functionality | 1 week |
According to Thinkific, creators who find success often dedicate 40% of their time to building content and 60% to validation and marketing prep.
Action Items
Based on your Step 5 beta test results, focus on these priorities:
-
Platform Infrastructure
Set up essential tools like:- Payment processing systems
- Email marketing automation (ConvertKit is a solid option)
- A course analytics dashboard
-
Content Development
Use storyboard templates to organize your material. For instance, Canada Safety Training increased course completion rates by 30% by optimizing their content flow. -
Marketing Foundation
Build the core assets for your promotional efforts:- A webinar presentation deck
- An email nurture sequence
- A 30-day social media content calendar
FAQs
How do I create an online course step by step?
Creating your first online course involves a clear, organized approach that ensures both quality and validation. Here’s a streamlined plan based on the 5-step process mentioned earlier:
Phase | Key Actions | Timeline |
---|---|---|
Market Research | Conduct pre-sales surveys (aim for 40% conversion) | 2-3 weeks |
Content Structure | Plan and create course content | 3-4 weeks |
Technical Setup | Set up your platform and recording tools | 1-2 weeks |
Launch Preparation | Beta test and refine the course | 2-3 weeks |
"Top-performing courses maintain a student completion rate of 30% within the first month through strategic gamification and engagement tactics"
When selecting a platform, refer to the criteria outlined in Step 3’s comparison. Use the VERB framework highlighted in Step 2 to create engaging and well-organized content.
Accessibility Tips: Make sure your course is accessible to all users by including:
- Closed captions with near-perfect accuracy
- PDFs compatible with screen readers
- High-contrast text for better readability
To meet professional standards, invest in quality equipment and structure lessons effectively. Keep individual lessons under 12 minutes to maintain attention. Data also shows that offering a limited-time 25% discount for the first 100 seats can encourage early sign-ups and boost sales.
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