My Honest Opinion on Creating an Online Course in 2025

In today’s world, you can literally find a course on anything you could possibly think of. From niche hobbies like the complete guide to raising goats to career shifts with courses on how to become a professional mermaid or even learning how to DIY your own exorcisms (because let’s face it, that’s a hot skill you should add to your LinkedIn profile under “special skills”), it can feel like the market is saturated.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of online course offerings, you’re not alone. But the good news is that this is often a sign that you’re almost ready to launch your own course, if you haven’t already. You’re an expert in your field, and you know you have valuable knowledge to share! And it also means this blog post is just for you.

Watch the full video below or read the rest of the post!

 

Is It Too Late to Start?

Is it too late to create an online course now that it seems like every niche is covered? The answer is a heck no! However, there’s a catch. The pandemic created an eLearning boom, resulting in a spike in demand for online courses and, conversely, a surge in supply as many rushed to teach new skills. This meant we saw everyone from hairdressers offering DIY hairstyle tutorials to bartenders conducting cocktail classes online.

The downside? Many courses were created quickly, without a focus on quality or the actual value they provided. This has led to a glut of mediocre online courses backed by impressive marketing, making it seem daunting for newcomers to compete.

But here’s the silver lining: Right now is actually a fantastic time to create an online course, but it must be great. And “great” doesn’t necessarily mean expensive production quality.

 

Why Competition is Good

Competition in the online course market can actually work in your favour. Think of it this way: if your course were a supermarket item, would you prefer to be the obscure earthworm jerky sitting alone on the shelf or the oat milk in a section with 15 other brands? The oat milk may have competition, but that also indicates demand.

If someone comes looking for a specific course topic and sees your offering with a better presentation or a unique angle, it’s an easy switch. This competition not only creates awareness but also gives you the opportunity to showcase how your course could be a better fit for potential students.

 

How to Outshine the Competition

To stand out and succeed, consider these key strategies:

1. Manage Expectations

Communication is critical in business. Managing expectations can significantly enhance the experience for your future students. For instance, when I launched my first online course, I was upfront about its newness. I offered a hefty discount in exchange for feedback and provided one-on-one support to my students. This honesty and engagement made a big difference in their experience.

2. Empathy is Key

Creating a course that resonates with your target audience requires empathy. Understand their needs and create a learning experience tailored for them. For example, in your introductory lesson, let students know they can control the video speed. This simple gesture can accommodate various learning paces and preferences, showing your consideration for their unique situations.

3. Focus on Transformation, Not Just Information

A common mistake is to prioritize information over transformation. In traditional university settings, students endure years of lectures for a piece of paper. In online learning, however, people seek outcomes. Always ask yourself: what transformation are you promising, and what’s the quickest route to get them there?

For instance, consider course titles. Instead of “Spanish 101,” opt for “Learn Conversational Spanish in 60 Days.” The latter offers a clear promise of transformation.

4. Use Actionable Titles for Lessons

The titles of your lessons should reflect actionable outcomes. For example, instead of naming a lesson “Controlling Finances,” title it “Get Control of Your Finances.” This approach clarifies what students will achieve, helping both you and your students stay focused on the goal.

 

Final Thoughts

So, is it too late to create your first (or next) online course? Absolutely not! But to thrive, you’ll need to put in the effort to ensure your course stands out.

To help you avoid common pitfalls, I’ve identified four major mistakes that often tank new courses. I made all four with my first online course, and I want to help you to avoid these if I can. Wondering what they are? Make sure to check out this post and tutorial where I share these with you.