Have you been planning to create an online course but have been hesitant to start because you are afraid, don’t know which equipment to use, or don’t even know how to outline your course? Yes, we’ve all been there. Building an online course about a niche topic is a great way to share your knowledge and expertise (and earn some money). However, the process can be daunting and challenging. That is why most people don’t even start the process. Many people make mistakes (I made many mistakes with my first course) when creating their first online course. Those mistakes can you time, money, and credibility (i.e., reviews). I learned the hard way. So what are the top mistakes to avoid when creating an online course?
In this blog post, I’ll discuss the top 5 mistakes to avoid when creating an online course. I learned along the way, and some of the mistakes I noticed when I was creating my 3rd course. You can check out my bio here. In this guide, I will give you pointers to create a successful online course that your students will love.
Introduction
Creating an online course can be a profitable and rewarding experience. Some instructors on Udemy are making millions each year in revenue. However, it’s essential to avoid certain mistakes that could derail your efforts and deplete your energy.
To help you create a successful online course, I’ve compiled a list of the top 5 mistakes to avoid. I made most of these mistakes with the first course I published on Udemy. My first online course is called Clubhouse App for Beginners: Complete Business Tutorial, and I can confidently call this course a test trial. The course is still free, and you can enroll and let me know how many mistakes I have.
In this article, I’ll explore each online course creation mistakes and offer tips on how to avoid them.
Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Creating an Online Course
Creating an online course is a significant undertaking, and there are many pitfalls to avoid. Here are the top 5 mistakes to avoid when creating an online course:
Mistake #1: Failing to Define Your Target Audience
One of the first mistakes you can make when creating an online course is failing to define your target audience or completely ignoring to define your audience. Creating content that resonates with your audience will be easy if you know who your course is for.
Most people think their course is for everyone, beginners and advanced students aged 18 – 65+. It can’t be, and not every product can’t be for everyone.
You have to be more specific. Ask questions like Who is my ideal customer? Which skills will my students learn? At what stage of learning are my students currently? How much knowledge do they have? What skills do they already possess?
Then, you need to tailor the content to suit your target audiences’ needs, interests, and goals. It’s easier to create a course for a specific group than to try to tailor it for ‘everyone’. If your students are already knowledgeable, then skip the part in your course where you explain basic terms.
Mistake #2: Overloading Your Course with Information
Another mistake many course creators make is overloading their courses with too much information. While providing value to your students is essential, overwhelming them with data can be counterproductive.
Your course should be structured in a way that’s easy to follow, with clear goals and outcomes. Yet again, the lectures shouldn’t be too short or too long.
Put yourself in your student’s shoes. Is it better to watch three videos that are four minutes long or one video that is more than 12 minutes long?
Mistake #3: Ignoring Technical Considerations
Creating an online course involves more than just creating content. You’ll also need to consider technical aspects such as video quality, sound quality, and platform compatibility. Udemy is different than Kajabi, Thinkific, and Teachable.
If you ignore these technical considerations, your course may not be well-received by your students. Before you start filming, check your microphone, camera, and output quality. If you are not satisfied, then change your equipment.
The special effects in your course won’t make your course highly successful, but the sound quality will greatly impact the reviews.
Mistake #4: Neglecting Marketing
Creating an online course is only half the battle; you also need to market it effectively. If you create a course, but nobody knows about it, then what’s the point?
Neglecting marketing can lead to low enrollment and low sales. To avoid this mistake, develop a marketing plan and use various marketing channels to promote your course. Check our guide for successful course promotion.
Marketing is the most crucial step in this process. If you already have an audience or email list, then course promotion is easy. But, if you are starting, leave a marketing budget. Hire somebody on Fiverr or Upwork to do course promotion for you. Or create a campaign in Google Ads or promote your course on Facebook.
Mistake #5: Failing to Test Your Course
Finally, failing to test your course can be a costly mistake. Testing your course before launching it can help you identify and fix any issues before your students experience them.
Things that can go wrong: the course hosting platform change the video size or quality; the additional materials (pdf, templates, images) cannot be downloaded; the video cuts in the middle, etc. When you upload your course on the hosting platform of your choosing, go through the course yourself. Be a student for a day.
If you are having trouble choosing a course hosting platform, check out our Forento review.
Make sure to test your course thoroughly, including all the technical aspects, before launching it.
FAQ
To make your course engaging, use a variety of teaching methods, such as video, quizzes, and interactive activities. Encourage students to participate and ask questions, and create a community where they can interact with each other.
Pricing your online course can be challenging. Consider the value you’re providing, the competition, and your target audience’s budget. Research what other course creators are charging for similar courses and adjust your pricing accordingly.
If your course doesn’t sell, evaluate your marketing strategy and course content. Consider revising your course or marketing strategy and try again. You can also seek feedback from students to identify areas for improvement.
