How to Create an Online Course
From idea to published course in 7 simple steps
A practical, no-fluff guide to creating your first online course. No fancy equipment or technical skills required.
Creating Your First Course is Easier Than You Think
Many aspiring course creators never start because they think they need expensive equipment, professional video skills, or years of teaching experience. The truth? You just need knowledge someone else wants and a simple way to share it.
This guide will walk you through the entire process of creating an online course, from validating your idea to publishing and getting your first students. We'll focus on practical steps you can take today, not theoretical advice.
By the end, you'll have a clear roadmap to create and launch your course.
7 Steps to Create Your Online Course
Follow this proven process from idea to launch
Validate your course idea
Before creating anything, make sure people actually want to learn what you're planning to teach. Validation saves you from spending weeks on a course nobody buys.
Tips
- Search for existing courses on your topic (competition = demand)
- Ask your audience directly what they want to learn
- Look for questions people ask on Reddit, Quora, and forums
- Check Google Trends for search interest
Define your course promise
Great courses promise a specific transformation. 'Learn photography' is weak. 'Take professional product photos with your smartphone' is specific and compelling.
Tips
- Focus on the outcome, not the content
- Be specific about who the course is for
- Define what students will be able to DO after completing it
Outline your curriculum
Map out the journey from where your students are now to where they want to be. Break it into modules, then lessons. Each lesson should teach one concept.
Tips
- Start with the end goal and work backwards
- Limit modules to 5-7 for manageable structure
- Each lesson should be actionable (students DO something)
- Include a quick win in the first module
Choose your content format
Video is popular but not always necessary. Consider what format best serves your content: video, audio, text, or a mix. Sometimes a PDF guide teaches better than a video.
Tips
- Video works great for 'how to do' content
- PDFs and worksheets add hands-on practice
- Audio is good for conceptual content (people can listen while commuting)
- Mix formats to keep engagement high
Record your content
Don't aim for perfection. Your first course won't be your best, and that's okay. Focus on clear explanations and good audio—these matter more than fancy visuals.
Tips
- Start with your smartphone (modern phones record great video)
- Invest in a decent microphone (audio quality matters most)
- Record in a quiet space with good lighting
- Batch record to maintain energy and consistency
Edit and organize
Keep editing simple. Cut mistakes, add basic titles, and organize your content logically. Students care about learning, not Hollywood production.
Tips
- Use free tools like DaVinci Resolve or iMovie
- Cut the 'ums' and long pauses
- Add chapter markers for easy navigation
- Keep videos under 10-15 minutes when possible
Publish and test
Upload to your platform, set up your sales page, and do a full test as if you were a student. Fix any issues before promoting.
Tips
- Go through the entire course as a student
- Test on different devices (phone, tablet, computer)
- Ask a friend to test and give honest feedback
- Launch with a small group first (beta testers)
Why Create an Online Course?
The advantages of packaging your knowledge
Teach once, earn repeatedly
Unlike consulting or coaching, a course sells while you sleep. Create once, sell unlimited times.
Reach global audiences
Your course can reach students anywhere in the world, 24/7. No geographical limits.
Establish expertise
Having a course positions you as an authority in your field. It opens doors to speaking, consulting, and more.
Help more people
You can only coach so many people one-on-one. A course lets you help hundreds or thousands.
Build an asset
A course is a business asset you own. It can generate revenue for years with minimal maintenance.
Low startup costs
You can create a course with equipment you already own. The barrier to entry has never been lower.
Create Your Course on iLoquio
Everything you need, nothing you don't
Simple course builder
Upload videos, PDFs, and organize into modules. No technical skills required.
No monthly fees to start
Create and publish your course without paying until you make sales.
Built-in live sessions
Add live Q&As or coaching calls without needing separate video tools.
Instant payments
Get paid directly via Stripe. No waiting for monthly payouts.
Student management
Track progress, send messages, and manage your students easily.
Keep 95% of sales
Only 5% commission means more money in your pocket.
Frequently Asked Questions
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