Creating a simple online course is yet another way to lure in potential customers, give something of value to existing customers, and to make a profit or design a freebie as an incentive.

Online courses are also great, cost saving ways to train employees. Once you have created an online course, send it out via e-mail or post it on your website as a download.

Course Outline

The first step in creating an online course is to decide on a subject.

Are you going to be training employees to use a new piece of software or computer system or teaching your customers about a subject?

Once your subject has been established, define your purpose. Outline several goals that will be used to achieve your purpose. Each goal can be turned into a lesson in the course.

Lessons Outline

Outline each lesson. Your lessons will fulfill your goals and meet your purpose. Once you have each lesson outlined, create content for each lesson.

Each lesson should be brief and go straight to the point. Your students need to be able to retain each lesson and apply it to the next. For simple courses, lessons should contain about 400-1200 words each.

Introduction

Creating a video is a great way to introduce your online course. If you’re feeling ambitious, create an introductory video for each lesson.

Your introduction should highlight the points of your lesson and enhance its content. Keep the video’s short and precise.

Marketing

Market your course on all online avenues available to you. This includes websites, blogs, social media outlets, and opt-in lists.

You can even turn to affiliate advertising as another marketing avenue. Remember to include the cost of the course or the fact that it is free.

These are the basics for designing a simple online course. What tips or advice can you offer to those creating a course?

Actionable online marketing advice delivered weekly. 

Join our subscribers who receive our most helpful content first.