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Key Highlights

  • Learn how to create and structure online courses effectively.
  • Understand how to set up a professional course website.
  • Master strategies on how to sell online video courses.
  • Explore creating winning pricing strategies.

Introduction

Online learning is a rapidly growing industry offering incredible opportunities to turn your expertise into income. But turning this into a profitable business requires educational knowledge, marketing and technical skills. If you have ever wondered how to sell online courses effectively, then it begins with creating a resource that provides real value to learners.  

With millions of individuals turning to the Internet to acquire new skills, understanding why online courses are so popular can help you better position your own courses for success. According to Forbes online learning statistics, the market growth will flourish by 20.5% between 2022 and 2030.   

With scalability and expertise being key reasons for this growth, marketing yourself requires a lot of effort. Selling an online course is about crafting an engaging experience, understanding your audience’s needs and presenting your course professionally. Choosing the right platform to showcase and market your course is essential. It can significantly impact your success and create your own space online. 

Once you have the freedom to control your course’s branding, layout and features, you have the scope to reach a global audience. This approach distinguishes you from the market and makes it easy to gain success. 

This guide is your stop for exploring how to sell online courses along with ways you can set up and market your online course for more value and visibility. 

Start building and structuring your course content

Creating a well-structured and engaging online course is critical to ensuring that your learners find value and can easily follow the learning journey you’ve laid out for them. From planning the course structure to choosing the right format for your content, everything plays a role in the overall effectiveness of your course.   

In this section, we’ll explore how to build and organize your course content, offering actionable tips to help you succeed. 

Planning your course structure  

The foundation of any successful online course lies in its structure. A clear and logical course outline ensures that a person can easily navigate through the material, enhancing their learning experience.   

Here’s how to plan your course structure effectively:  

Create a course outline 

The first step in learning how to sell video courses online is building a comprehensive outline. This serves as the skeleton of your course and helps organize your thoughts into coherent modules and lessons.   

Start by breaking down the topic into main sections (modules), then divide each section into smaller, digestible lessons.   

Bluehost WordPress Content Creator Solution is one such package that offers several tools and plugins for creating and organizing course content efficiently. You can build custom pages for each lesson and module, ensuring your students can easily access content.

Module and lesson breakdown 

Each module should focus on a specific theme or skill set. For instance, if your course is about selling online courses, one module could focus on setting up a course landing page, while another could dive into marketing strategies. Within each module, break the content down into smaller lessons. This keeps the information manageable and easier to absorb.   

Quizzes and assessments 

Including quizzes and assessments after each module or lesson is a great way to engage students and reinforce learning. You can use WooCommerce plugins to add quizzes and track individual progress easily. Various integrated tools offer built-in quiz and assessment functionalities to help you build interactive content.  

Additional learning materials 

Apart from the lessons, consider including extra resources such as worksheets, PDFs or cheat sheets. These additional materials provide learners with practical tools they can use to implement the knowledge they’ve gained. For example, a successful online course creator might benefit from downloadable templates for course sales pages or course creation worksheets.  

Creating engaging and effective course content 

Engagement is one of the biggest factors in retaining people and ensuring they get the most out of your online course. With the type of content, the format used to present is equally essential. 

Here’s how to create content that keeps everyone engaged with formats that add value:  

Video content  

Videos help demonstrate techniques and make learning easy. Developing effective videos is crucial before learning how to sell video courses online, especially for teaching complex topics or demonstrating software tools. To create engaging video content, focus on clear explanations, high-quality visuals and personable delivery. Consider using screen recording software to show how to use various tools, such as setting up an online course landing page or optimizing a course sales page.   

Text-based content  

Some topics, especially in fields like writing, business or theory, lend themselves well to text-based courses. Use clear, concise and easy-to-follow writing to complement your videos. For example, a course on ‘how to optimize content for SEO‘ might be better suited to written materials. Text-based courses are less resource-intensive and easier to update compared to video-based courses. However, they require strong writing skills to keep everyone engaged and motivated.   

Audio courses  

Audio formats can be a great way to deliver content for learners on the go. For example, a course on social media advertising tips could include podcasts that enrolled individuals can listen to during their commute. Audio courses are relatively easy to create, especially if you prefer speaking over recording video. 

Multimedia content  

Combining various types of content—such as audio, infographics and interactive exercises—can make your course more engaging. For instance, you could offer a podcast-style lesson discussing the psychology behind buying online courses or create an infographic summarizing the online course creation process.   

Actionable content  

Ensure your course material is actionable by including practical exercises, step-by-step guides and tips that students can immediately apply. This could include setting up their own online store to sell paid or free courses or create online courses. Actionable content motivates students to continue progressing through the course and apply their learning in real-world scenarios. 

Set up your online course in 3 steps 

Setting up your online course begins with creating a professional website that builds trust, showcases your expertise and delivers a seamless user experience. Platforms like WordPress are ideal for their flexibility and credibility, allowing you to present clear course information, testimonials and an easy-to-navigate layout that encourages enrollment. 

Next, choose a profitable niche by researching audience interests and validating your course idea through surveys or pre-sales. A well-targeted niche ensures you attract the right students and meet their needs effectively. Finally, define your unique selling point (USP) by highlighting your expertise, offering personalized learning or focusing on a specific niche to stand out in the competitive market. Together, these steps create a solid foundation for a successful online course business. 

How to sell and market your online course effectively 

Once your course is ready, it’s time to think about the best way to sell and deliver it.  

Choosing a course platform for selling and delivering your course  

Now that you know the various aspects needed to create a course, it’s time to bring your plan to action. It starts by choosing a platform that will host your website. With unending options available on the internet, choosing the one based on your needs is crucial. 

Platforms like Teachable and Kajabi offer beginner-friendly features for hosting and selling courses, but they often come with higher costs and limited scalability. Bluehost WordPress Content Creator Solution stands out by combining affordability, scalability and flexibility. 

With integrated WooCommerce and extensive course creation plugins, we ensure to offer a comprehensive set of tools for your ease. Besides tools, multiple plugins offer flexibility in terms of streamlining the process of website creation and management. 

A few plugins include: 

  • YITH Easy Login plugin and onboarding processes to integrate course materials. 
  • InstaWP Migration Tool for automated transfer without technical expertise. 
  • Yoast Video SEO to enhance video performance on websites.    

Setting up automated email campaigns  

Automated email marketing helps engage students at different sales funnel stages. Use tools like YITH Email Templates and JetPack Forms to nurture leads, drive course purchases and re-engage past students with tailored campaigns.  

Creating a membership area for students  

Set up a membership area where students can access course materials, track progress and interact with other learners. YITH Membership feature allows you to create plans and give value to your students. This creates a cohesive learning experience and offers opportunities to provide additional content or services.  

Payment gateways and checkout systems  

Integrate payment gateways like PayPal or Stripe for secure and easy transactions. Using WooCommerce ensures seamless checkout processes and smooth access to your course content. 

Also read: How to add and setup WooCommerce on WordPress 

7 tips to market your online course 

How to sell online course requires you to create a robust digital marketing strategy. Here’s how to develop a plan that will drive traffic and boost sales.  

1. Developing a digital marketing strategy  

The first step is understanding your target audience. Define your ideal students by considering factors such as their age, location and professional goals. Once you understand their needs, create tailored marketing messages that address their pain points.   

You can reach your audience through various digital channels like social media, SEO and email marketing.  

2. Choosing the right theme for your course website  

Choosing a WordPress theme for your website plays a significant role in the user experience and the overall look of your course platform. A responsive, professional theme designed specifically for online course creators will make it easier for your students to navigate your site and engage with your content.    

You can use the WonderBlocks feature provided with Bluehost WordPress Content Creator Solution to help you create a unique look for your online course business. The solution also offers AI builder support for creating instant websites. 

3. Creating SEO strategies for course websites  

Yoast Seo Plugins

Optimizing your course website is essential for attracting organic traffic. Focus on keyword research to identify terms like “how to sell online courses” and other long-tail keywords related to your niche. Optimize your landing pages and blog posts using these keywords, ensuring they rank high in search engine results. WordPress-based solutions make SEO easy with plugins like Yoast SEO, which guides you through on-page optimization.  

4. Building an email list and growing your audience  

CreativeMail Email marketing feature is one of the most effective ways to convert leads into customers. Start by offering free content like eBooks, webinars or mini courses in exchange for email subscriptions. 

Plugins can help navigate the subscription and generate reliable revenue based on customer loyalty.  YITH Subscription uses lead magnets to grow your list and nurture your audience with valuable emails that highlight course benefits and success stories.   

5. Social media marketing for course creators  

Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube can be powerful tools for promoting your online course. Use video content to showcase your expertise, provide course previews and engage with your audience.   

Running paid ads on these platforms can also help you reach a larger audience with targeted ads based on interests, job titles and behavior.  

Also read: Social Media Advertising Tips To Master Your Small Business’s Strategy  

6. Using testimonials and case studies  

Building trust is crucial in online course sales. Leverage student testimonials and case studies to show real-world results. Share success stories on your website, in social media posts and in email marketing campaigns. This social proof encourages potential students to make a purchase. 

7. Creating a seamless user experience   

    Creating a seamless user experience ensures enrollers can easily find and engage with your course content. Focus on easy navigation with a clear menu for course details, pricing and testimonials. Optimize for mobile with a responsive WordPress theme and ensure fast loading times using caching tools.  

    Include clear calls to action like “Enroll Now” and a smooth checkout process with WooCommerce. These elements work together to provide a user-friendly site that keeps students engaged and drives conversions. 

    Create an online presence for launching your course 

    When it comes to building a website for your online course business, there are multiple platforms that you can explore. Using a one-stop solution can help you cater to all online course setup needs. From creating a website to launching exciting offers to attract the target audience, you can explore all in one place.  

    Bluehost is a trusted WordPress hosting provider offering robust features tailored to online content course creators.    

    Bluehost WordPress Content Creator Solution

    Here’s why using Bluehost WordPress Content Creator Solution is ideal for setting up your course website:  

    Fast, secure and reliable hosting  

    Bluehost offers fast, secure and reliable solutions, ensuring that your course website runs smoothly without interruptions. A slow or unreliable website can harm your reputation and frustrate potential students.   

    With Bluehost, your site will perform optimally, providing a great user experience for visitors.  

    One-click WordPress installation  

    Bluehost makes it easy to use WordPress through its one-click installation process. This means you don’t need to be tech-savvy to create your course website.   

    Simply select a WordPress theme and the Content Creator Solution Package will take care of the technical aspects, so your focus can remain on creating and selling your courses.   

    Integrations with course-building plugins  

    Bluehost integrates seamlessly with powerful plugins, allowing you to build and manage your online course content easily. These plugins help you create lesson plans, quizzes, certifications and other interactive features, making it easy to engage your students. Besides, you can access the WooCommerce Paid Course feature to create, manage and sell online courses seamlessly.  

    Scalability for growth  

    As your online course business grows, you’ll need a hosting provider that can scale with your needs. Using Yoast SEO features helps bring high traffic to websites, ensuring that your course website can grow with you. 

    How to price your online course 

    Pricing your online course effectively is crucial to ensure that you attract students while also valuing the effort and expertise you’ve invested. The right pricing strategy will depend on several factors, including your course content, target audience and the competitive market.   

    Let’s explore how to set an optimal price for your online course and how to apply different pricing strategies to ensure long-term success.

    Factors to consider when setting a price 

    When determining the price of your online course, it’s important to take various factors into account:  

    1. Course length and depth  

    The longer and more comprehensive your course, the higher the price you can justify. For example, a course that includes multiple modules, in-depth lessons, quizzes and assignments can be priced higher than a shorter course.  

    However, balance is key—don’t price based on length alone; ensure the content is valuable and engaging.  

    1. Target audience  

    Understand your audience’s purchasing power. Are they students looking for affordable courses or professionals seeking high-quality, in-depth training?   

    If you’re targeting individuals on a budget, a more affordable pricing structure might be appropriate, while high-end professionals might be willing to pay a premium for specialized knowledge.  

    1. Value of the course  

    If your course offers unique insights, expert-level information or a proven track record of success, you can set a higher price point. Highlight the benefits and outcomes of your course, as students are more likely to invest in it if they feel the value justifies the cost.  

    1. Competition  

    Check out how your competitors price similar courses. If your course is comparable in content and quality, aim for a competitive price. If you offer additional features like one-on-one coaching or personalized support, you may be able to price your course higher.  

    Different pricing models for online courses 

    There are several pricing strategies you can use, each suited to different types of courses and audiences:  

    1. One-time payment  

    This is the most straightforward model, where students pay a single fee to access the entire course. It’s ideal for self-paced, standalone courses. This model offers simplicity and transparency for both the creator and the student.  

    1. Subscription model  

    With a subscription-based model, students pay a recurring fee (monthly or annually) to access the course or a library of courses. This model works well for ongoing content delivery, such as regular updates or live sessions.  

    1. Payment plans  

    Offering payment plans can make your course more accessible to a broader audience. By breaking up the total price into smaller, manageable payments, you reduce the barrier to entry. This model works particularly well for higher-priced courses.  

    1. Discounts and promotions  

    Offering limited-time discounts or using coupon codes is a great way to attract new students. For example, you could offer an early-bird discount or discounts for groups or referrals using WooCommerce plugins.  

    Bluehost’s WordPress Content Creator Solution simplifies this with features like WooCommerce Paid Courses, enabling you to experiment with various pricing strategies and optimize for long-term success.

    How to price for long-term success 

    Pricing doesn’t end with the initial sale; it’s an ongoing strategy to ensure your online course continues to generate revenue. Here are a few tips for long-term success:  

    1. Course bundles  

    Group multiple courses together at a discounted price to increase the perceived value. This encourages students to buy more while saving them money, thus increasing your sales volume.  

    Example: 

    Coursera offers “Specialization Bundles” where individuals can enroll in a series of related courses, such as the Data Science Specialization, at a discounted rate compared to purchasing each course individually. 

    1. Upsells  

    After a student completes a course, offer them an advanced course or an additional service at a discounted rate. For example, you could offer one-on-one coaching or additional course material as upsells.  

    Example: 

    A photography course might upsell a premium editing software tutorial or personal critique sessions. LinkedIn Learning suggests related courses in the same domain, encouraging a person to deepen their expertise with advanced topics. 

    1. Discount strategies  

    Use discounts strategically to encourage repeat purchases. Offering “loyalty discounts” to returning students or discounts for students who refer others can help build customer loyalty and increase lifetime value. 

    Final thoughts 

    From identifying a profitable niche and crafting engaging course content to building an effective marketing strategy, each step is crucial for success. However, the foundation of your course business lies in having a reliable platform that can support all these efforts.

    Bluehost WordPress Content Creator Solution is an ideal choice for content creators looking to build a professional and seamless online course website. It ensures your site runs smoothly while offering security, scalability and many other features and plugins that will help your business grow. The easy-to-use tools allow you to design custom landing pages, manage student progress and integrate marketing strategies, including payment gateways and email campaigns.  

    By choosing Bluehost for your online course website, you can confidently launch and grow your online course business.   

    Contact us today and turn your expertise into a profitable course with Bluehost’s reliable WordPress solutions.  

    FAQs 

    Do I need to create a website to sell my course? 

    While not mandatory, having a website to sell your course provides greater control and professionalism. It allows for customization, branding and integration with course-building plugins. With Bluehost WordPress Content Creator Solutions, creating a course website is straightforward, enabling you to manage your content, payments and student engagement seamlessly, ensuring a better user experience and greater credibility.  

    What is the best platform to sell online courses? 

    The best platform depends on your goals. Teachable and Thinkific are beginner-friendly but limit customization. For maximum control and cost-effectiveness, Bluehost WordPress Content Creator Solution, with tools like WooCommerce Paid Courses, offers unparalleled flexibility to design, market and scale your online course business efficiently.

    How do I promote my online course?  

    Promoting your course requires a multi-channel marketing strategy. Leverage Yoast SEO on your course website and blog to attract organic traffic, run targeted ads on platforms like Facebook and Google and use social media to engage with your audience. Email marketing is also vital. Build an email list and offer free content or lead magnets to nurture leads. Consistent, engaging promotions are key to driving sales. 

    How do I handle payment processing for online courses?  

    To handle payment processing for your course, integrate secure payment gateways like PayPal or Stripe with your website. Most course platforms offer easy payment gateway integrations. With WooCommerce, you can set up these gateways on your course site, ensuring smooth, secure transactions for your students and a hassle-free sales process. 

    • Khushbu Jain is a content writer at Bluehost, with over three years of expertise spanning various industries. She excels at simplifying complex concepts and creating value-driven content. Besides work, she embraces her interest in spirituality and the occult, which enriches her unique perspective and creativity.

    Learn more about Bluehost Editorial Guidelines

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