How To Earn Big Selling Online Courses (Seriously)

Social media is full of influencers selling the dream of making money from online courses. But is it actually possible, and how much can you believe?

We're here to do some myth-busting, and demystify the process of setting up a successful, scalable business.

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It's a familiar scene online: gurus flaunting lavish lifestyles, claiming they earned it all by selling online courses.

With so many pitching the “get rich quick” narrative, skepticism is natural. Yet, behind the veneer of these enticing advertisements, there is a concrete opportunity for dedicated individuals.

Yes, people can – and do – make a substantial amount of money selling online courses, and can reach 6-figure salaries.

However, that's not to say success is guaranteed.

Too often people go into the online course gig with false expectations of what's required to not only get your idea off the ground, but send it into the stratosphere.

And it's no wonder when there's so much misinformation out there from influencers who give a misguided impression of what's entailed.

However, when you go in with your eyes open, cognisant of what's involved, and prepared with the right tools and know-how, your chances of making serious money are seriously improved!

We're about to break down the myths and build you up with tips and tools to get you excited about your future as a successful online course creator.

Let's go!

Common Myths About Making Money from Online Courses

Myth #1: “Passive Income” = Early Retirement!

The term “passive income” has deceived countless online entrepreneurs into believing that starting and running an online business is an easy ticket to becoming a multi-millionaire.

But making good money from online courses requires an ongoing commitment and a lot of initial input into creating a stellar product that people will want to buy.

We've chosen this as our first myth so that you're aware from the outset, and aren't left disillusioned with a half-finished product and a lot of work ahead.

Still reading? That's a great first sign that you've got what it takes to make your online course a roaring success!

Myth #2: Build It and They Will Come

This goes hand in hand with the previous point. Creating your online course is just the start.

Unless you've already acquired a substantial following on social media or some serious clout in your industry, you'll have to put some effort into marketing your course to reach the right audience.

That's not to say it's difficult – as we'll discuss later, if you're smart and strategic about your marketing efforts, it won't take long to build a solid customer base that brings in regular income.

Myth #3: You'll Make Big Money, Quickly

Beware the influencer that tells you “I made $100,000+ in my first month selling my online course, and you can too!”

While it's completely possible for someone to become an overnight success, there's certainly no guarantee it will happen for you, and there's no science to it either.

Set your sights on the future and go in with reasonable expectations about what you can achieve in the short term.

That's not to say you should limit your vision for your online course! Aim big, but prepare to play the long game.

Focus on creating a quality product, optimize your site for conversions, and you'll reap the rewards in due time.

Tips To Help Your Online Course Bring In The Big Bucks

Tip #1: Get Behind Your Idea

Mindset is everything when it comes to being an online entrepreneur. If you've got skills, experience and / or expertise, there are people out there who want to learn from you.

But having valuable knowledge is just the starting point. The real success comes from truly believing in your idea and being willing to advocate passionately for its value. Here’s how you can get fully behind your idea to increase its market potential:

✦ Identify Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

What makes your course different from others in the market? Pinpoint what sets your knowledge apart, whether it’s your unique experience, teaching style, or an uncommon topic.

Emphasize this in your content and marketing to stand out.

✦ Develop a Strong Foundation

Build your course on the pillars of your expertise and passion. Ensure every part of your course – from the curriculum to the delivery method – aligns with what you stand for and what you're most knowledgeable about. This will enhance the quality of your course and make it easier for you to sell it convincingly.

✦ Embrace Continuous Learning

The best teachers are lifelong learners themselves. Keep up with the latest in your field and continuously refine your course or offer refresher training courses based on new insights and feedback.

This commitment to quality and relevance will keep your content fresh and your learners engaged.

✦ Communicate Your Belief

Your enthusiasm for your course topic is contagious.

Use every interaction – be it through marketing materials, social media posts, or direct communication with potential students – to convey your genuine belief in the value of your course.

When potential students see your passion, they are more likely to believe in the value of what you’re offering and make a purchase.

By fully standing behind your idea with a mix of passion, preparation, and proactive engagement, you'll be more successful at communicating and delivering real value to your students.

This is at the heart of the difference between short-lived successes and sustainable businesses with a loyal customer base that spreads the word about your brand and keeps coming back for more of your expertise.

Tip #2: Hold Your Horses!

Everyone's out to make a quick buck, and you're probably excited to get your idea off the ground, but you need to play the long game.

It's easy to be tempted by learning management systems (LMSs) that promise you can set up in minutes and start earning instantly. But if you’re aiming for long-term success and scalability, slow down and choose wisely.

✦ Choosing the Right System

Not all LMSs are created equal. If you envision managing a large number of students – think hundreds of thousands or even millions – you’ll need a platform robust enough to support both rapid growth and large volumes of users.

Choose an LMS with strong data architecture, a solid infrastructure, and reliable customer support.

This foresight will help prevent performance bottlenecks that could turn successful launches into disasters.

✦ Browse All Pricing Plans

For now, you might decide to start on a budget-friendly basic plan as you road test your online course. But switching LMSs down the line isn't easy. Take some time to assess your options from the outset.

Browse higher-tiered plans to see what options and features will be available to you as you upgrade and expand.

✦ Choose a Flexible Solution

Not all LMS plugins offer the same level of flexibility. Many are built solely with online courses in mind, and as a result, limit the kind of content you can offer paying course members.

By choosing a membership plugin that doubles as an LMS plugin, you have more flexibility to provide different types of exclusive content or supplementary content for your students.

You also get more control over how content is packaged and sold.

For instance, you can offer tiered membership levels, each providing different courses, supplementary materials, or exclusive access to webinars and live sessions.

This structure can significantly enhance the value of your offerings and encourage learners to upgrade their membership for more exclusive content.

By taking the time now to ensure your tech stack is robust, you'll avoid common pitfalls that stall success.

To boot, you'll also build a strong foundation that supports your growth and allows you to focus on what you do best – creating and teaching great online courses.

Tip #3: Invest in Quality Content

The quality of your video content can be make or break for your online course. In a saturated industry, where learners have a ton of options to choose from, you want to ensure your videos are pleasant to watch.

Here’s how to ensure your video content stands out and effectively engages students:

✦ Invest in Good Equipment

High-quality video starts with good hardware. Use a decent camera and microphone to ensure clear visuals and crisp audio.

Even a mid-range DSLR or a modern smartphone can produce great video if used correctly.

✦ Focus on Lighting

Good lighting makes a huge difference in video quality. Natural light is ideal, but if that’s not available, consider softbox lights or ring lights to brighten your recordings without harsh shadows.

✦ Pay Attention to Sound

Clear audio is just as important as video quality. Use a lapel mic or a directional microphone to reduce background noise and enhance voice clarity. Avoid rooms with echo and try to record in quiet environments.

✦ Keep It Simple

Editing videos so they look professional can be a time-consuming task. However, striving for perfection with each take can also be equally demanding.

Aim for a balance – plan your shots carefully to reduce the need for extensive post-production, but don't hesitate to edit when necessary to ensure a polished end product.

Use straightforward editing tools like Camtasia that let you cut, splice, and clean up your footage without needing to become a professional editor.

Remember, the goal is to keep your audience engaged with clear, concise, and visually appealing content.

✦ Maintain Consistency

Keep your video style consistent throughout the course. This means using similar intro sequences, consistent on-screen graphics, and a uniform editing style.

Consistency helps build a professional look and reinforces your brand.

By focusing on these aspects of video production, you can significantly enhance the quality and appeal of your course content. This makes it all-the-more likely that students will enroll, stay engaged, and recommend your course to others!

Tip #4: Set the Right Price for Your Course

Pricing your online course can be tricky. It’s about finding that sweet spot where you value your expertise fairly while also appealing to your target market.

We've written a whole article on how to price your online course – so check it out for a more in-depth guide. But here's the TL;DR version:

✦ Understand Your Audience

Research what your potential students are willing to pay. Consider surveys or exploring what similar courses charge.

✦ Value-Based Pricing

Set prices based not just on content length or type, but on the value the course brings to students. If your course offers skills that can lead to higher earnings for students, it can command a higher price.

✦ Tiered Pricing Models

Offer different levels of access or additional content at various price points to accommodate different budgets and learning needs.

Tip #5: Create a Compelling Landing Page

Your landing page is often your first impression. It needs to be sharp, clear, and persuasive:

✦ Lead With Your USP

Remember the unique selling proposition you established in tip #1? Make sure you communicate what makes your course unique and why it’s worth the investment right at the top of the page.

✦ Strong Call-to-Action

Make it easy for visitors to sign up with a prominent, enticing call-to-action.

✦ Use Testimonials and Success Stories

Social proof can greatly influence decisions. Include testimonials and success stories that resonate with potential students.

When you get to this stage, check out our blog on creating the perfect landing page for your course, complete with a real-life case study so you can see our tips in action.

Tip #6: Consider Multiple Revenue Streams

Diversifying your income can stabilize your business and boost overall earnings:

✦ Subscription Model

Consider offering a subscription that provides ongoing value with updates, new content, and continuous access to support.

✦ Affiliate Marketing

Become an affiliate for products or services you recommend in your courses. This adds value for your students while also opening another revenue channel.

Make sure to choose affiliate programs that align with your course content and your audience’s needs.

✦ Supplementary Materials

Offer workbooks, templates, or access to exclusive webinars as add-ons. Cross-sell these materials to students who would benefit from extra resources.

By integrating these strategies, you ensure your course attracts and retains students, effectively grows its reach, and diversifies its income streams.

This holistic approach simultaneously boosts your credibility and your financial sustainability.

Conclusion

We hope that now you have a better and more truthful understanding of what's involved in making a highly profitable online course.

As you can see you need to put serious thought into your long-term strategy from the outset. This includes:

1. Getting behind your course and dedicating continuous efforts to its success
2. Choosing your LMS wisely
3. Prioritizing quality, and committing to making adjustments and improvements over time
4. Researching the current market to determine who your target audience is, what they want and how much they're willing to pay.
5. Looking at multiple ways to monetize your site and diversify your income streams

Now, take a moment to explore what MemberMouse and Courses for MemberMouse can offer.

These tools provide robust, feature-rich platforms that are easy to build upon and scale, potentially a perfect fit for growing your online education business sustainably.

We're excited to see where your journey takes you! Start building your course today, and if you have any thoughts or questions, don't hesitate to leave a comment below. Let’s create something incredible together!

Want tips, ideas, and insights to help you build and scale your online business? Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn. And to make sure you never miss a beat, subscribe to our newsletter below!

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