As a writer, you have a wealth of knowledge that aspiring authors, content creators, and business professionals would love to learn. But instead of only monetizing through books, freelance work, or blogging, why not turn your expertise into a profitable online course?
Online education is booming, with the e-learning market expected to reach $645 billion by 2030. Writers who create courses on topics like creative writing, self-publishing, blogging, and copywriting can generate passive income while helping others improve their skills.
Here we walk through the exact steps to create, launch, and sell a profitable online writing course.
Contents
Step 1: Choose a Profitable Course Topic
The first step to creating an online course is selecting a topic that aligns with your expertise and has strong market demand.
✔ Find Your Course Niche
Think about what writing-related topics you are knowledgeable about and passionate about teaching. Some popular writing course ideas include:
- Creative Writing: How to write fiction, short stories, or poetry.
- Self-Publishing: How to publish and market books on Amazon Kindle (KDP).
- Freelance Writing: How to land high-paying writing clients.
- Blogging & Content Writing: How to write blog posts that attract readers and rank on Google.
- Copywriting: How to write sales pages, emails, and ad copy that converts.
✔ Validate Your Course Idea
Before you start creating content, make sure there’s demand for your course. Here’s how:
- Check Online Course Platforms: Browse Udemy, Teachable, or Skillshare for popular writing courses.
- Use Google & YouTube: See if people are searching for your topic.
- Survey Your Audience: If you have an email list or social media following, ask them what they want to learn.
Once you confirm demand, it’s time to start building your course.
Step 2: Plan & Structure Your Course
Successful courses have a clear structure that guides students from beginner to expert. Plan your course in a way that’s easy to follow and engaging.
✔ Outline Your Course Content
Break your course into modules and lessons. A good format looks like this:
- Introduction: Overview of what students will learn.
- Core Modules: Step-by-step lessons covering key topics.
- Bonus Materials: Worksheets, templates, and extra resources.
- Final Project: Actionable task to help students apply what they’ve learned.
✔ Choose Your Course Format
Your course can include:
- Video Lectures: Screen recordings, slideshows, or face-to-camera lessons.
- Text-Based Lessons: PDFs, downloadable guides, or blog-style content.
- Interactive Elements: Quizzes, assignments, and discussion forums.
Video is the most engaging format, but if you’re not comfortable on camera, voice-over slideshows work well too.
Step 3: Choose a Platform to Host Your Course
Next, you need a platform to host and sell your course. Here are some of the best options:
✔ Self-Hosted Platforms (Full Control)
- Teachable: User-friendly and allows full branding.
- Thinkific: No transaction fees and customizable.
- Kajabi: Premium platform with built-in marketing tools.
✔ Marketplace Platforms (Easier to Get Students)
- Udemy: Large student base but lower course pricing.
- Skillshare: Subscription-based earnings.
✔ Membership Sites (Recurring Revenue)
- Patreon: Charge a monthly fee for exclusive content.
- Podia: Combines courses, memberships, and digital downloads.
If you want full pricing control, choose a self-hosted platform. If you prefer built-in traffic, Udemy or Skillshare may be a better fit.
Step 4: Price Your Course for Maximum Profit
Course pricing affects how much you earn and how students perceive your content.
✔ Pricing Strategies
- Low-Ticket ($20-$100): Great for Udemy and beginner-friendly courses.
- Mid-Ticket ($100-$500): Ideal for specialized training.
- High-Ticket ($500+): Advanced courses with coaching or live support.
For maximum profit, offer multiple pricing tiers, such as a standard course and a VIP package with extra resources.
Step 5: Market & Sell Your Course
Even the best course won’t sell itself. You need a marketing strategy to attract students.
✔ Build an Audience Before You Launch
- Email List: Use lead magnets like free writing guides to collect emails.
- Social Media: Share writing tips on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
- YouTube or Blogging: Create content that showcases your expertise.
✔ Launch with a Promotion
- Offer early-bird pricing for first students.
- Run a live webinar to promote your course.
- Partner with influencers in the writing niche.
✔ Use Paid Ads for More Sales
- Facebook Ads: Target aspiring writers and bloggers.
- Google Ads: Target people searching for writing courses.
Marketing is an ongoing process—keep promoting to drive consistent sales.
Turning your writing knowledge into a profitable online course is one of the best ways to generate passive income while helping others improve their skills.
Follow these steps to create and sell your course:
- Choose a profitable topic.
- Structure engaging course content.
- Pick the right platform.
- Set a strategic price.
- Market your course effectively.
Now, it’s time to take action. Start planning your online course today and turn your writing expertise into a thriving business!
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