How to Sell Online Courses
The complete guide to monetize your knowledge in 2026
Everything you need to know to create, launch, and sell your online courses successfully. No experience required.
Why Sell Online Courses?
The online education market is booming. With more people seeking flexible learning options, creating and selling courses has become one of the best ways to share your expertise and build a sustainable income.
Whether you're a professional with years of experience, a creative with unique skills, or an expert in a niche topic, there's an audience waiting to learn from you. The best part? You create the course once and can sell it unlimited times.
This guide will walk you through everything from choosing your topic to making your first sale.
7 Steps to Sell Your First Online Course
Follow this proven roadmap to launch successfully
Choose your topic and validate demand
Pick a topic you're knowledgeable about and that people are actively searching for. Use tools like Google Trends, Reddit, and social media to validate interest before creating content.
Tips
- Focus on solving a specific problem
- Check if people are already paying for similar courses
- Survey your existing audience if you have one
Define your ideal student
Get crystal clear on who your course is for. Understanding your target audience helps you create better content and market more effectively.
Tips
- Create a detailed student avatar
- Identify their pain points and goals
- Research where they hang out online
Plan your course content
Outline your curriculum before recording anything. Break your topic into modules and lessons that take students from beginner to achieving their goal.
Tips
- Start with the transformation you're promising
- Work backwards to identify necessary steps
- Keep lessons focused and actionable
Create your course materials
Record your videos, create worksheets, and prepare any supplementary materials. Don't aim for perfection—good enough is good enough to start.
Tips
- Start with a simple setup (phone + natural light works)
- Batch record to save time
- Include different content types for variety
Choose your platform
Select a platform that fits your needs and budget. Look for easy setup, good payment processing, and features like live video if you plan to offer live sessions.
Tips
- Compare fees carefully (monthly vs. per-sale)
- Consider if you need live video features
- Check student experience and support options
Set your pricing strategy
Price based on the value you provide, not the hours of content. Consider offering different tiers or packages to capture different market segments.
Tips
- Research competitor pricing
- Start higher than you think—you can always offer discounts
- Consider payment plans for higher-priced courses
Launch and promote
Build anticipation before launch, then use multiple channels to spread the word. Email lists, social media, partnerships, and content marketing all work.
Tips
- Build an email list before launching
- Create valuable free content to attract students
- Ask for testimonials and use social proof
Benefits of Selling Online Courses
Why course creation is one of the best business models
Scalable income
Create once, sell unlimited times. Your income isn't tied to your hours worked.
Share your expertise
Make a real impact by helping others learn skills that took you years to develop.
Work from anywhere
Run your course business from anywhere with an internet connection.
Build authority
Position yourself as an expert in your field and open doors to new opportunities.
Low startup costs
Start with minimal investment. No inventory, no shipping, no physical location needed.
Passive income potential
Once set up with good marketing systems, courses can generate income while you sleep.
Why Choose iLoquio to Sell Your Courses
Everything you need, only 5% when you sell
$0 monthly fees
No subscription costs eating into your profits. Pay only when you make a sale.
Built-in live video
Host live sessions, Q&As, and webinars without needing Zoom or other tools.
Unlimited courses
Create as many courses as you want. No artificial limits on any plan.
Global payments
Accept payments from students worldwide with Stripe integration.
Simple setup
Get your course online in minutes, not days. No technical skills required.
Keep 95% of sales
With only 5% commission, you keep more of what you earn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Start Selling Your Course?
Create your free account and start building your course today. No credit card required, no monthly fees.
Start for free