Olesia Vlasova

Are you a designer, photographer, streamer, or content creator with a podcast, blog, or YouTube channel? Have you often wondered how to get paid to create content? Whether teaching, entertaining, or showcasing your skills, earning a steady income from your content is key to long-term success.

There are countless ways to make money from content creation, but many seem challenging. What if we told you another method – perhaps less well-known but far more interesting – that could be a great way to earn money?

Selling online courses.

This article will guide you on turning your skills and knowledge into passive income through online courses, with tips to boost your earnings.

Online courses are a scalable way to sell content for money. Here are some essential steps to get started:

To define your audience, think about the people you already work with, focus on those who are most likely to buy your course, and consider targeting new groups if you want to grow your reach.

Choosing the right niche means finding one that is both profitable and sustainable. Your niche is the perfect overlap where your experience, skills, passions, and customer needs align:

If you plan to publish your course on massive open online course or MOOC platforms (we’ll discuss them below), it’s essential to pick a subject carefully. Very general or popular courses aren’t ideal. Instead, focus on highly specialised topics that solve specific problems (e.g., “Video Editing for Beginners” or “Excel for Small Business Owners”). While fewer people may search for these courses, they’ll attract a specific target audience and more students in the long run.

Also, consider creating evergreen courses. These cover topics that remain relevant over time by addressing ongoing issues in your niche. Unlike trendy topics, evergreen courses attract students because they focus on challenges people consistently face, even in fast-evolving fields like social media or AI.

You can read more about what you can teach online to make money here.

Break your course into clear modules and short lessons to keep it engaging. Incorporate real examples, worksheets, and quizzes.

Invest in good sound, lighting, and visuals if you're making a video course. You don’t need expensive equipment – tools like a smartphone and free editing software (e.g., DaVinci Resolve) can work wonders.

For text-based courses, focus on creating explicit, well-organised content. You can also use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to rewrite text, check grammar, etc. However, always verify the information after using AI.

An LMS (Learning Management System) helps you manage and deliver your courses. Options include TalentLMS, iSpring, LearnWorlds, or Seturon.

You can host your course on MOOC platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, or EdX, which are great for beginners. However, keep in mind that they control your pricing and visibility, take a cut of your earnings, and often don’t allow you to sell high-priced courses. Alternatively, you can publish your course on your website using a course platform or a WordPress plugin. This gives you complete control and more profit, but you’ll need to drive traffic to your site.

No matter where you host your course, effective pricing strategy and marketing are crucial for attracting visitors and making sales.

To make money from an online course, price it smartly. Offer different levels, like a basic course, a premium version with extras, or one-on-one coaching. If your content is helpful and solves a problem, people will pay for it.

Flexible subscription models let students choose how much access they want based on their budget. You can offer a basic plan with course materials and a premium plan with extras like live sessions and feedback. This helps attract more students at different price levels and stabilises your income. Options include monthly plans, tiered subscriptions, and all-access models with regular updates.

Create course bundles by combining multiple courses and selling them at a discounted price. This helps you earn more by offering students a better deal. Instead of selling just one course, you can include your main course, digital downloads, and personal sessions in the bundle. Bundles also let you introduce students to other courses or skills they might not have considered before.

Platforms like Patreon, Buy Me a Coffee, or Ko-fi allow creators to offer exclusive content through a subscription model. Creators can generate recurring income by providing perks such as early access, unique materials, or behind-the-scenes content. Delivering value, staying engaged, and posting regularly are crucial to keeping subscribers.

You can also create a membership system on your website using tools like MemberPress or Podia. Offering tiered memberships can increase value – lower tiers might include bonus content, while higher tiers offer personalised interactions like webinars or one-on-one consultations. This approach helps build a loyal community and makes subscriptions more appealing.

Building an online course is only the first step. The real challenge is reaching and engaging your intended audience. Here are some valuable tips:

Direct advertising gives creators more control over which ads appear on their website or newsletter. However, too many ads, ad blockers, and changing earnings can be problems. Direct advertising is best for creators with a strong website or newsletter, not just a social media presence.

You can advertise your course directly on your website or in a newsletter by placing ads highlighting its benefits. This approach gives you complete control over the content and allows you to target your audience directly, creating higher engagement and sales opportunities.

Optimise your content for search engines (SEO) to increase visibility. Use relevant keywords, create quality content, and ensure your website or course platform is search-friendly to attract more traffic.

Social media is a great way to build your personal brand. Use LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube to share educational posts, updates, and behind-the-scenes looks at your teaching.

Engage with your audience by replying to comments, hosting Q&A sessions, and sharing content created by your followers.

Partner with influencers, bloggers, or industry experts whose audience matches your target market. They can help promote your course through reviews, sponsored posts, or affiliate collaborations.

Build trust and attract a following with free content, then upsell your paid courses or premium offerings.

And, of course, be consistent! Regular content keeps you top-of-mind and builds trust.

Live events provide high value and let you charge premium rates. Host a 60-90 minute live workshop using tools like Zoom or Google Meet to teach a specific skill, charging a set fee per seat. Use live events as a funnel – students get value upfront and will likely buy your more extensive courses afterwards.

Congratulations, now you know how digital creators make money!

You can use different strategies to increase your income, stabilise your career, and reduce risk. Start by creating an online course and sharing free social media or YouTube content to build your audience. Once you have followers, offer a subscription for exclusive content like behind-the-scenes videos or early access to new courses. This way, you can earn regular income while promoting your main course.

Bundling your course with other digital products like eBooks or templates can add value. Different membership levels or bonus materials, such as live sessions or consultations, can attract more customers. Flexible pricing and working with influencers can also help you reach a larger audience and boost sales. Combining these strategies will help you earn consistently.