How to Create Your First Digital Course
Creating a digital course is one of the most effective ways to make money online and yes, even while you’re sleeping. But it’s not just about throwing together some videos and hoping for the best. A good digital course solves a problem, delivers real value, and sets you up as an authority in your field.
If you’ve been thinking about launching your first course, here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to getting started and doing it right.
1. Decide What You Want to Teach
The first step is figuring out what you’re going to teach. Your course should focus on a topic you’re passionate about and have expertise in, but more importantly, it should address a specific need or problem your audience is facing.
For example, my course Vertical Video Mastery teaches people how to grow their online brand using video content. I chose this topic because I excel at it and knew there was demand for it. Think about what you can teach that people would find valuable.
2. Define the Outcome of Your Course
What will your students gain by completing your course? People don’t buy courses just to watch videos they buy because they want a result.
For instance, Vertical Video Mastery promises students to learn how to grow their brand and make money with short-form video content. Be clear about the outcome your course offers, and use that as a cornerstone for your marketing and messaging.
3. Outline Your Course Modules
Break your course into modules or sections, each covering a specific part of the topic. Think of these as chapters in a book that guides students step-by-step toward the promised result.
For example, my course includes six modules:
- The Makings of a Great Video
- Content Styles That Work
- How to Create a Video
- How to Edit a Video
- How to Go Viral
- How to Sell with Video
Each module contains individual lessons, which can be either long-form videos or shorter, bite-sized clips.
4. Choose a Platform to Host Your Course
You’ll need a platform to house and sell your course. Popular options include Teachable, Thinkific, or Kartra (which I use). These platforms allow you to upload your videos, organize your modules, and create a seamless experience for your students.
For example, I built an external sales page for Vertical Video Mastery and linked it to Kartra for easy checkout. Decide what works best for your course and your audience.
5. Develop a Marketing Plan
A great course won’t sell itself, you need a solid marketing plan to get it in front of the right people. Your plan should focus on connecting with your audience by addressing their pain points and showing how your course solves their problems.
Use social media, email campaigns, and testimonials to build trust and excitement around your course. Always be honest in your marketing, overselling and underdelivering can hurt your reputation in the long run.
6. Decide How You’ll Communicate With Students
Think about how much interaction you want to have with your students. Some courses are self-paced with no communication, while others offer live Q&A sessions or private groups for ongoing support.
For instance, courses with no direct communication are typically priced lower, whereas those with coaching or consulting elements can command higher prices. Decide what fits your schedule and goals.
7. Gather Testimonials Before Launching
Testimonials are powerful tools for building credibility and trust. If you don’t have any yet, consider running your course live with a small group of students. Use this as an opportunity to gather feedback and testimonials, which you can feature on your sales page and in your marketing efforts.
Creating your first digital course doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Following these steps will build a course that delivers value and sets you up for long-term success.