Starting a Business Selling Courses

By: Justin Ferriman • June 4, 2015
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wordpress-for-elearningI think it’s safe to say that most people like to make money. This is often one of the reasons why people contact us to learn more about LearnDash. They see selling an online course as a great way to earn extra income (and they are right).

But, this is just the beginning of the process.

The next logical question that has to be answered in this process is, “what is the topic of the course you are going to sell?”

Some people choose to create a course on something that they know really well, while others prefer to research topics that are selling and to create their own unique version.

There is another group of people who prefer to purchase a pre-made course and sell it. I’m not the biggest fan of this approach, but it can certainly be done.

What I usually hear in my discussions with people who are looking to sell an online course is that they want to know which approach is best – they’re looking for a “magic bullet”.

Unfortunately one does not exist. The truth is, any of these approaches have the possibility of being successful. If there is any secret to selling your course online, it is this:

It’s easiest to create a course (and start a business) that is fueled by passion.

Difficult Journey, But One Worth Taking

Starting a business, even a side business selling courses, is hard.

At first it will be fun, but you’re bound to run into roadblocks along the way, and these roadblocks can really damper your motivation. If your only motivator is “making money”, then you will more than likely burn out.

Creating a course takes time, patience, and (most of all) motivation to see it through. At times you will get sick of the course topic – which is precisely why it’s a good idea to choose something that you are passionate about to begin with.

If you try to create a course on a topic just because you think it will “sell”, then it can be hard to be motivated during the hard times.

Can you create a course with financial reasons as your primary motivator? Absolutely. Plenty of people do.

I firmly believe that if you choose an industry or topic that you thoroughly enjoy, your chances of success will increase. It won’t feel like “work”. You will enjoy networking in the industry and building a following – all of which will help lead to more sales.

Before starting your quest to sell an online course, carefully consider what it is you are passionate about. It will make the entire process that much more enjoyable.

Justin Ferriman

Justin started LearnDash, the WordPress LMS trusted by Fortune 500 companies, major universities, training organizations, and entrepreneurs worldwide. He is currently founder & CEO of GapScout. Justin’s Homepage | GapScout | Twitter