Knowledge has always been currency – from the days of trading information for goods to the modern world of digital courses and e-learning. In a society that is ever-changing and always looking for new ways to learn, there has never been a better time to start selling online educational courses. Still, it’s a challenge to attract students and get them to part with their money.
Here are tips to help you get started.
Choose the Right Learning Management Platform
It doesn’t matter what the subject matter of your course is – whether it’s about the workings of centrifugal pumps or 21st-century philosophical musings – a platform that is rife with technical difficulties will make it nearly impossible to get people to enroll and stay enrolled.
Do your research when choosing a learning management system (LMS), and be sure to select one that is easy for both you and your potential students to use. A good LMS will also have features like gamification, which help keep students engaged, as well as social media integration to help with marketing and promotion.
Keep Your Course Relevant
No matter what you’re teaching, it’s important to make sure that your course is relevant and up-to-date.
This means including the latest industry trends, using real-world examples, and even featuring guest lectures from experts in the field. For example, say your course is about social media marketing. You’ll want to include content on the latest platforms (like Tiktok and Instagram Stories), such as tips and tricks for using them effectively.
If your course is based on outdated information, students will quickly become frustrated and lose interest.
Create an Engaging Course Design
The design of your course is just as important as the content itself. Think of it in terms of an online shopping experience – would you rather purchase a course that is well-designed and easy to navigate or one that is cluttered and confusing?
What constitutes good course design? Make it visually appealing. This doesn’t mean that your course needs to be flashy, but it should be pleasing to the eye. Then, prioritize navigation. Your course should be organized in a way that makes sense and is easy to follow. Students should be able to move through the material at their own pace and have the ability to go back and review sections as needed.
Promote Your Course Effectively
Once you’ve created a relevant high-quality course, it’s time to start promoting it! Luckily, there are many ways to do this effectively – and many of them are free.
Take advantage of social media. Create a profile for your course on popular platforms, post regularly, and consider running ads that target potential students.
It’s also a good idea to create a website for your course. This is a great way to reel in students with an overview of what your course covers, as well as information about you and your credentials.
Finally, don’t forget the power of word-of-mouth. Ask your friends, family, and colleagues to spread the word about your course, and offer a discount to anyone who enrolls through them.
Selling online courses can be a great way to earn extra income – but only if you do it right. By following these tips, you can set yourself up for success and make sure that your courses are in high demand.