How to Easily Create and Sell Online Courses

 

To create and sell online courses can feel overwhelming.

Between outlining the curriculum, finding the right tools, creating engaging content, and figuring out how to market it, many course creators give up before launching.

Creating online courses also means competing in a crowded market where success requires both strategy and tech skills.

And let’s not forget the endless options when it comes to choosing platforms, setting up your products, and trying to create online without wasting time or money.

In this guide, I’ll show you the steps you need to take to create and sell online courses with less stress so your business will succeed.

 

N.B.: ProductDyno offers an all-in-one solution that helps you create and sell online courses without the hassle. They provide AI tools and templates to help you create online courses easily and quickly, and lots of marketing tools to help you deliver your courses effortlessly.

Check out these detailed comparisons to learn how ProductDyno can help you create an online course and how it compares to other tools:

 

Thinkific vs. Teachable

Teachable alternatives

The best learning management systems for small businesses

 

These posts compare the features and pricing of ProductDyno to other platforms so you can choose the best option for your course business.

 

How to Create and Sell Online Courses in 9 Easy Steps

 

Step 1: Find a High-Demand Topic You’re an Expert In

Before you even think about creating and selling your online course—recording videos or building a website— you need to start with a solid course idea.

This idea should be something you're passionate about and have real-world experience or skills in because it keeps you motivated and ensures your content is rich and credible.

 

Why This Step Matters

Creating online courses based on high-demand topics you know well makes it easier to stand out, deliver value, and attract the right learners. It saves you time and builds trust faster.

 

Ask Yourself These 5 Questions Before Selling Online Courses:

·       What do people often ask me for help with? — This shows what you're naturally seen as an expert in.

·       What topic do I enjoy talking or writing about for hours? — Passion fuels long-term success.

·       What problem can I solve that others struggle with? — Courses that solve specific problems tend to sell better.

·       What results have I achieved that others would want too? — Results give you credibility.

·       Would I still enjoy teaching this a year from now? — This helps you avoid burnout.

 

Research Your Target Audience Before Selling Online Courses

Understanding who your audience is helps you create online courses that truly help them. It also guides your marketing, pricing, and messaging strategy.

When you know your audience’s struggles and goals, you can create a course that speaks directly to them—making it more likely they’ll buy.

 

How to Research Your Target Audience:

Here are some methods you can use to research your target audience:

·       Customer interviews: Talk to 5–10 potential learners. Ask them what they struggle with and what solutions they’ve tried.

·       Online surveys: Use Google Forms or Typeform to gather insights on what people want to learn.

·       Social media: Monitor comments, hashtags, and groups to see what questions people are asking.

·       Online communities: Join forums like Reddit or Facebook groups and read discussions on your topic.

·       Quora: Search for your topic and read questions and answers to understand pain points.

·       Amazon book reviews: See what readers love and hate about books in your niche.

·       YouTube comments: Watch videos related to your topic and read viewer feedback.

·       Competitor course reviews: Study platforms like Udemy and Skillshare to see what learners say.

·       Google Trends: Check how popular your topic is over time.

·       AnswerThePublic: Use it to find common questions people have in your niche.

 

Validate Your Course Idea

Before you spend weeks recording course lessons, make sure people actually want the online course you intend to create.

Validation saves you from creating a course nobody wants. It helps you avoid wasted time and effort.

 

Ways to Validate Your Course Idea:

Here are some methods you can use to validate your online course idea:

 

·       Online research: Look up search volumes, trending topics, and competition on Google and YouTube.

·       Social media: Post about your online course idea and ask for feedback or votes.

·       Surveys: Send a short survey to your email list or social followers asking what they'd love to learn.

·       Focus groups: Gather a few people from your target audience and discuss your idea to get feedback.

·       Pre-sales or waitlists: Create a simple landing page and see how many sign-ups or purchases you get.

·       Reddit AMAs: Host a discussion on your expertise and pitch your online course idea.

·       Beta testers: Offer your online course to a few people for free or at a discount in exchange for feedback.

·       Freelance platforms: Check Fiverr or Upwork to see what people pay for in your niche.

·       Podcasts: Ask to be interviewed and mention your online course idea to gauge interest.

·       Email campaigns: Tease your online course idea to your list and track open rates and click-throughs.

 

 

Step 2: Decide on the Format

Choose a style that fits your audience’s preferences and your teaching style.

Text-Based Courses
These are great for learners who enjoy reading at their own pace. They’re easier and cheaper to create, and perfect for bloggers, writers, or professionals teaching theory or concepts.

Audio-Based Courses
This is ideal for busy people who prefer learning on the go—during commutes or workouts. It’s great for mindset coaching, storytelling, or any topic where listening works better than watching.

Video-Based Courses
Perfect for visual learners. Videos build connection and trust, and are ideal for tutorials, how-tos, demonstrations, and subjects that benefit from seeing the instructor in action.

Email-Based Courses
Delivered in bite-sized emails over days or weeks. Great for building relationships, delivering structured learning in small chunks, and encouraging engagement through replies and calls-to-action.

Interactive Courses
Include quizzes, polls, simulations, and decision trees. Best for learners who want hands-on learning. Works well for coding, digital marketing, or corporate training environments.

Cohort-Based Courses
Run live with a group of students over a set time. Best for accountability, community, and real-time feedback. Ideal for coaching, career development, and bootcamps.

Blended Courses
Combine different formats—videos, live sessions, assignments, and community interaction. Great for professionals offering premium learning experiences with both flexibility and structure.

Mini-Courses
Short, focused, and easy to complete. Great for introducing your teaching style, validating a course idea, or offering a low-priced product to grow your audience.

 

Step 3: Plan Your Online Course Structure

A clear course structure helps learners stay on track and ensures your content delivers real transformation.

Define Clear Learning Objectives
Decide what students will know or be able to do after each lesson or module. This gives your course focus and sets expectations, helping students measure their progress and stay motivated.

Break Down Content Into Modules or Lessons
Group your topics into logical sections. Each module should cover a big idea, with lessons supporting it. This keeps your content organized, digestible, and easier to follow.

Sequence Lessons in a Logical Flow
Start with basics and build up to more advanced ideas. A smooth flow helps reduce confusion, ensures better retention, and creates a satisfying learning experience.

Consider Adding Practical Exercises and Milestones
Include worksheets, assignments, challenges, or projects. These help learners apply what they learn, build confidence, and stay engaged through small wins.

Include a Course Wrap-Up and Next Steps
Summarize the key lessons and encourage students to take action. Offer next steps like additional resources, advanced courses, or a certificate. It gives closure and extends the relationship.

 

Step 4: Select the Right Online Course Platform

Choosing the right platform is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when you create and sell online courses.

A great platform simplifies course creation, improves the learning experience, and boosts sales—all while saving time and stress.

There are many ways to launch online courses: you could DIY it with WordPress and plugins, host content in a Facebook group, or even send lessons via email.

But if you want something that brings everything together in one place, makes it easy to create online, and helps you actually sell your products too—ProductDyno is the way to go.

Unlike patching different tools together, ProductDyno is an all-in-one platform built to help you create, launch, and sell your online course—without getting overwhelmed by tech.

 

Why ProductDyno Makes It Easy to Create and Sell Online Courses

Course Creation

ProductDyno helps you structure and build your course with ease. Upload videos, PDFs, audio files, and more—all inside a clean, intuitive dashboard. You can clone previous courses or create fresh ones with guided prompts.

Content Delivery (Text, Audio, Video, Interactive)

Whether you’re offering video walkthroughs, downloadable guides, or interactive content, ProductDyno delivers lessons in a way that’s professional and accessible across all devices.

Learning Experience

ProductDyno’s smooth user interface enhances the student experience. Learners get a seamless journey with clear progress indicators, clean layouts, and distraction-free course viewing.

Student Engagement Features

ProductDyno helps you boost student success with quizzes, comments, and email follow-ups. You can automate emails based on progress or send manual check-ins to keep learners motivated.

Community Building

Use ProductDyno’s built-in features or integrate with third-party tools to create communities where students can support and learn from each other—building trust and loyalty.

Marketing and Sales Tools

Whether you’re offering a free online course to capture emails, selling one-time courses, offering subscriptions, or bundling products, ProductDyno gives you tools to upsell, create discount codes, and integrate with top email tools.

Analytics and Reporting

Track everything—student logins, module completion rates, sales performance, and more. The built-in dashboard helps you make smarter decisions about content and marketing.

Productivity

Save hours with AI course outlining and autogenerated module descriptions. ProductDyno helps you go from idea to published product faster than ever.

 

Features That Simplify Course Creation in ProductDyno

UI Builder

Drag and drop your way to a professional course layout—no coding or design skills needed. The UI builder gives you total control over how your course looks and feels.

AI Course Creation Tools

ProductDyno’s built-in AI tools help you outline lessons, suggest content, and even generate module summaries—perfect for busy creators.

Ultimate Course Blueprint Designer

Plan every module, milestone, and objective with ease using this visual planner. It helps you map the learning journey from start to finish.

Instant Course Builder

Upload your content and let ProductDyno arrange it into a structured, professional-looking course—automatically. It’s perfect for fast launches.

Features That Simplify Course Selling in ProductDyno

Site Builder

Create a full course website from scratch with custom branding and domain setup—no separate hosting required.

Page Builder

Design beautiful sales pages with an easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface.

Pre-Designed Page Templates

Start with professionally designed templates optimized for conversions. No guesswork—just pick a layout and customize.

Pre-Made Blocks

Add testimonials, countdown timers, FAQ sections, and more with a click—perfect for persuasive, high-converting pages.

Email Integrations for Email Marketing

Connect with tools like Mailchimp, ConvertKit, or ActiveCampaign to build and nurture your audience.

Autoresponder Integration

Automate follow-ups, welcome sequences, and sales campaigns with your preferred autoresponder.

Sales Funnel Builder

Create entire funnels—lead magnet to upsell—in one place. No need for external tools.

Lead Magnet Features

Attract and capture leads with free downloads or mini-courses that link to your premium content.

Wombat

ProductDyno’s internal system for quickly duplicating, modifying, or repurposing product setups—saving you time and effort.

Shopping Cart

Fully integrated cart system with customizable checkout pages.

Payment Gateways

Accept payments through Stripe, PayPal, or other trusted processors—set up one-time payments or flexible plans.

CRM

Manage your customer relationships, track interactions, and segment users for better engagement.

Webhooks

Connect ProductDyno to thousands of apps via webhooks—automate like a pro.

And So Much More

You can create unlimited digital products and link each to its own custom sales button, checkout page, and delivery page with just a few clicks.

 

Why Choose ProductDyno Over Other Platforms?

Unlike most course platforms that force you to host your content on their site, ProductDyno gives you the freedom to host on their platform—or your own website. That’s flexibility most others don’t offer.

And while other platforms charge monthly or annual fees, ProductDyno offers one-time or installment payment options—no subscriptions. This means more money in your pocket and less pressure to constantly make sales just to cover software fees.

Want to learn more about how ProductDyno compares with other tools? Read these helpful guides:

·         See this comparison of Thinkific vs. Teachable platforms to understand how ProductDyno stacks up feature-by-feature.

·         Explore some top Teachable alternatives if you’re looking for more flexibility and control.

·         Or check out the best learning management systems for small businesses to see why ProductDyno is a smart choice for entrepreneurs.

When it comes to selling and delivering your online course with ease, few tools offer as much freedom and functionality as ProductDyno.

 

Step 5: Develop Engaging Content

Creating content that holds your students' attention is critical to the success of your online course.

Boring content leads to poor completion rates, refunds, and negative reviews. But when your content is engaging, learners stay motivated, complete the course, and are more likely to recommend it to others.

Here are 10 tips to help you craft engaging course content:

1. Start with a story or personal experience
Stories create emotional connection and make lessons relatable. Begin each module with a quick story or example to grab attention and offer context.

2. Use visuals and multimedia
Mix videos, slides, audio, and infographics to break the monotony of text and appeal to different learning styles.

3. Keep lessons short and focused
Avoid long, dense content. Break your course into bite-sized lessons so learners can digest one idea at a time.

4. Include real-life examples
Show how your content applies in real scenarios. This helps students connect theory to practice, increasing retention.

5. Use conversational language
Write as if you're talking to a friend. Simple, direct language keeps learners relaxed and more receptive to the material.

6. Add interactive elements
Quizzes, polls, or drag-and-drop activities keep learners actively engaged and help reinforce the lesson.

7. Provide immediate wins
Give students small, quick wins early on—like a template or action step they can use right away. It builds momentum.

8. Repeat key concepts
Reinforce important ideas by repeating them across lessons in different ways—text, visuals, or voice—to boost retention.

9. Include action steps
At the end of each lesson, give students a task or reflection. This makes learning hands-on and helps apply the knowledge.

10. Encourage feedback and questions
Ask students to comment or ask questions. It creates a two-way learning experience and shows you're listening.

 

Step 6: Upload Your Content

Once your content is ready, it’s time to upload it to ProductDyno. The platform supports all major content types—text, video, audio, quizzes, downloads, and more—so your course can be as rich and interactive as you want it to be.

Here’s how to get your course live on ProductDyno:

Create Your Structure

ProductDyno lets you organize your course into modules and lessons using a simple drag-and-drop interface. You can structure everything visually and update it anytime.

Upload Videos and Text Lessons

Add video content directly or embed it from platforms like Vimeo or YouTube. Combine it with text summaries or scripts so learners can watch and read.

Add Downloadable Resources

Upload PDFs, templates, worksheets, or bonus materials. ProductDyno makes it easy to add these to any lesson or module as attachments.

Set Up Quizzes and Assignments

Create interactive quizzes to test understanding or assignments for deeper practice. You can choose scoring, feedback options, and more.

Set Up the Certificate

Issue a certificate of completion to reward your learners. ProductDyno lets you customize the certificate with names, dates, and your brand.

Add the Next Steps

Guide learners on what to do after finishing the course—like enrolling in the next course, joining a community, or booking a call with you.

Preview Your Course

Before publishing, use the preview feature to view your course exactly as your students will. Test navigation, downloads, videos, and formatting to ensure a smooth experience.

 

Step 7: Set the Price and Launch Your Course

It’s time to decide how much to charge and launch your course to the world. This step determines your revenue, so it’s important to get it right. With ProductDyno, setting pricing is easy and flexible.

Research Market Rates and Audience Willingness to Pay

Check out what similar online courses cost, especially those with your topic and format. Survey your audience or ask your email list to learn what they’re willing to pay.

 

Choose a Pricing Model with ProductDyno

ProductDyno supports various pricing structures, allowing you to match your course to the payment plan that best fits your market.

One-Time Payment

Let customers pay once for lifetime access. This is perfect for mini-courses or evergreen content.

Set this up in ProductDyno by selecting “Single Payment” under the pricing options. You can link this to your sales page button.

Subscription Model

Charge monthly or annually for ongoing content or access. In ProductDyno, create a recurring payment plan and connect it to your course product. This is ideal for membership-style learning.

Tiered Pricing

Offer different levels of access (e.g., basic, premium, VIP). Set multiple pricing tiers within ProductDyno and assign different content or bonuses to each. Great for upselling.

Memberships

Grant access to a content library or bundle of courses. Use ProductDyno to manage membership access, billing cycles, and auto-renewals. It's perfect for community-based or evolving content.

 

Check out these helpful posts to learn how ProductDyno compares against other tools:

·         Read our comparison of Thinkific vs. Teachable to explore key platform differences.

·         Explore other top Teachable alternatives if you want more control or pricing flexibility.

·         Dive into the best learning management systems for small businesses to find tools that simplify course creation and management like ProductDyno does.

 

Step 8: Launch and Promote Your Course

Launching your online course is a pivotal moment that requires strategic planning and execution.

With ProductDyno, you can streamline this process, ensuring a successful launch and effective promotion.

Step-by-Step: Launching Your Course with ProductDyno

1.    Finalize Your Course Content: Ensure all modules, lessons, and resources are complete and uploaded.

2.    Set Up Access and Pricing: Configure your course's access settings and pricing model within ProductDyno.

3.    Create a Sales Page: Utilize ProductDyno's Page Builder to design a compelling sales page that highlights your course's benefits.

4.    Integrate Payment Gateways: Connect your preferred payment processors, such as PayPal or Stripe, to facilitate transactions.

5.    Test the User Experience: Preview the course as a student to ensure seamless navigation and functionality.

6.    Publish and Promote: Once satisfied, publish your course and begin your promotional activities.

 

ProductDyno Tools for Launching and Promoting Your Course

1.    Create a Sales Page for Your Course
ProductDyno's intuitive Page Builder allows you to craft professional sales pages without any coding knowledge.

Choose from a variety of pre-designed templates and customize them to match your brand. This feature ensures your course is presented attractively, enhancing conversion rates.

2.    Optimize Your Landing Page for Upsells
With ProductDyno, you can design your landing pages to include upsell opportunities.

By strategically placing additional offers or premium packages, you can increase the average transaction value. The platform's drag-and-drop functionality makes this process straightforward.

3.    Implement Upsells
ProductDyno enables you to set up upsell offers that appear after the initial purchase.

For example, after a student enrolls in your basic photography course, you can offer an advanced module at a discounted rate. This approach encourages students to invest more in their learning journey.

4.    Utilize Cross-Sells
Cross-selling is made easy with ProductDyno's Collections feature. You can bundle related courses or products, offering them as a package deal.

For instance, pairing a course on social media marketing with one on content creation provides added value to your students.

 5. Offer Downsell Options
If a potential customer declines your primary offer, ProductDyno allows you to present a downsell—perhaps a shorter course or a free trial. This strategy helps retain potential customers who might be hesitant about the initial offer.

6. Promote Through Podcasts
ProductDyno supports the integration of audio content, enabling you to create and distribute podcast episodes related to your course material. This medium can attract a broader audience and establish your authority in the subject matter.

7. Leverage Your Email List
With ProductDyno's lead magnet feature, you can grow and engage your email list effectively. Offer free resources or mini-courses in exchange for email subscriptions, then nurture these leads with targeted email campaigns to promote your main course.

8. Host a Free Webinar to Showcase Value
ProductDyno integrates with various webinar platforms, allowing you to host live sessions where you can demonstrate your expertise and the value of your course. This interactive approach can significantly boost conversions.

9. Utilize W.O.M.B.A.T for Social Media Marketing
ProductDyno's W.O.M.B.A.T (Word Of Mouth Buzz Advertising Tool) feature empowers you to create viral marketing campaigns. By incentivizing social sharing and referrals, you can expand your course's reach organically.

 

Step 9: Measure Success, Gather Feedback, and Optimize

Post-launch, it's crucial to assess your course's performance and make necessary improvements.

Collect Feedback from Students

Mid-Course Surveys: Implement surveys midway through the course to gauge student satisfaction and identify areas for improvement. This proactive approach allows you to address concerns promptly.

Completion Surveys: At the end of the course, solicit feedback on the overall experience, content quality, and learning outcomes. Use this information to refine future courses.

Use Testimonials and Reviews to Build Credibility

Positive testimonials can significantly influence potential students. Encourage satisfied learners to share their experiences, and feature these reviews prominently on your sales pages and marketing materials.

Analyze Course Performance Data

Completion Rates: Monitor how many students complete your course. Low completion rates may indicate issues with content engagement or course structure.

Quiz or Assignment Scores: Assess the average scores to determine if the material is appropriately challenging and effectively conveyed.

Engagement Metrics: Track metrics such as video watch times, forum participation, and resource downloads to understand how students interact with your content.

By continuously evaluating these aspects, you can enhance your course's effectiveness and provide a better learning experience for your students.

 

Create and Sell Online Courses with ProductDyno Today

If you struggle to find an easy, affordable way to create and sell your online course, you’re not alone.

Many creators get stuck with confusing tools, monthly fees, and clunky platforms that slow them down.

ProductDyno changes all that. With its beginner-friendly tools, AI-powered features, and one-time payment option, ProductDyno makes it incredibly simple to build, launch, and sell your course—without the overwhelm.

I break it all down for you in my blog posts. Dive into the best learning management systems, explore top Teachable alternatives, or compare Thinkific vs Teachable to learn more.

How To Create And Sell Online Courses: Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the best online course to sell?

The best online course to sell is one that solves a specific problem for a clearly defined audience.

Popular choices include courses on digital marketing, productivity, freelancing, coding, graphic design, and personal finance.

These topics have broad appeal and practical application.

Niche courses—like Excel for real estate agents or meal prep for busy moms—also sell well due to their targeted value.

To find your best course idea, look at what skills people often ask you about, what’s trending on platforms like Udemy, and what you’re good at teaching.

The sweet spot is useful, in-demand, and something you enjoy.

 

How can I create an online course for free?

You can create an online course for free using tools you already have. Outline your course with Google Docs or Notion.

Record lessons with free screen recording software like OBS Studio or Zoom.

Use Canva to design your slides.

Host your course on platforms like Teachable (free plan), Gumroad, or Thinkific (free tier).

Promote through free channels—email, social media, or blogging.

Don’t worry about perfect production—focus on delivering helpful, well-structured content.

Ask for feedback, update your material, and grow as you go.

Many successful creators start small and upgrade tools only after their first few sales.

 

How do I create an online e-learning course?

To create an e-learning course, start with a clear topic and learning goal.

Break it into modules and lessons.

Use scripts or outlines to stay organized.

Create visuals or slides using Canva or PowerPoint.

Record your voice or face using Zoom or OBS. Add quizzes or assignments using Google Forms or built-in course tools.

Choose a platform like ProductDyno to host your course.

Upload your videos, arrange content, and write engaging descriptions. Make sure navigation is easy, and instructions are clear.

Test the course with a few people, fix any issues, and then launch it confidently.

 

What online course makes the most money?

Courses that teach high-demand, career-boosting skills tend to make the most money.

These include:

·       tech courses (coding, web development, data analysis)

·       business and marketing (SEO, digital ads, email marketing), and

·       finance (investing, personal finance, crypto)

Others that do well include health coaching, productivity, and certifications (like project management or language tests).

Niche topics with strong demand—like real estate investing or remote freelancing—can be very lucrative too.

The key isn’t just the topic, but how well it solves a problem and who it targets. High-ticket courses with strong value and clear results usually earn the most over time.