Think You Can't Create an Online Course? Think Again

April 27, 2025

Jack Sterling

Think You Can’t Create an Online Course? Think Again

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That idea nagging at you – the one where you teach people what you know? The skill you’ve mastered, the tough lesson you learned, the passion project you live and breathe? It’s more than just a background thought. For a surprising number of people, turning expertise into an online course has become a serious path to impact and income. In fact, 70% of six-figure creators report online courses as their top earner.

But let’s be real. It feels like everyone and their dog is launching a course these days. You might be wondering: Is it too late? Am I too old/young/inexperienced/busy? Do I need a Hollywood budget and a PhD in marketing?

Deep breaths. The short answer is: no. The opportunity is still massive, but the game has changed. Forget churning out dry info-dumps. Success in 2025 is about connection, transformation, and being smart about the process. Ready to cut through the noise? Let’s get into it.

What We’ll Cover:

Is This Train Still Leaving the Station? (Spoiler: Yes.)

If you’re worried you missed the boat, relax. The online learning wave isn’t just continuing; it’s turning into a tsunami. The global e-learning market is projected to hit a staggering $462 billion by 2027. People aren’t just tolerating online learning; they’re actively seeking it out, from formal education (76% of four-year university students take online courses) to specialized skills.

And who’s meeting that demand? People like you. The “creator economy,” which includes course creators, is booming – expected to reach $500 billion by 2027. Check out these numbers:

Statistic Data Point Context
Global Creator Economy Forecast $500 billion by 2027 Knowledge monetization is a huge part. [2]
Top Earner for Six-Figure Creators 70% cite Online Courses Outperforming ads, sponsorships, etc.
Average Course Creator Age 42 years old Experience matters more than you think!
Average Course Price (Podia data) $137 People pay for value, across many price points. [5]
Udemy’s Monthly Buyers (Example) ~1.44 Million Shows a massive, active paid course market. [1]
Interest in Launching Course Business (US) 28% considered it in 2023 Knowledge commerce is on people’s minds.

Notice that average creator age? 42! This isn’t just a game for digital natives hopping on trends. It’s increasingly driven by seasoned professionals and experts sharing hard-won wisdom. Your experience is your asset.

Myth-Busting: What Everyone Gets Wrong About Online Courses

Before you dive in, let’s clear up some common misconceptions that might be holding you back:

  • Myth: It’s only for the young tech gurus. As the stats show, the average creator is 42. Mid-career experience is highly valued. Your perspective is needed!
  • Myth: You need a giant budget. Nope. While you can spend thousands, the average cost to get started is around $177. Focus on value, not flashy production, especially at first. Find more details on costs and what drives them in recent online learning statistics.
  • Myth: Nobody finishes online courses anyway. Actually, people are more likely to complete courses they’ve paid for. Investment creates commitment. Free courses often gather digital dust.
  • Myth: It’s bad for the planet. Think again! Compared to in-person training, creating and launching an online course uses about 90% less energy and produces 85% fewer CO2 emissions. So you can build your business and feel good about its footprint.
  • Myth: You just need one killer course. While a flagship course is great, the most successful creators (earning 6+ figures) are 3x more likely to bundle courses together. Think sequences, complementary skills, or beginner-to-advanced tracks.

Beyond Information: The Secret Sauce is Transformation

Here’s maybe the biggest truth bomb, courtesy of product marketing expert Maya Grossman:

“Most online courses fail because creators assume people want information. What learners crave is transformation—tangible change and practical wins.”

People don’t buy courses just to know more stuff. They buy them to become something different: a better leader, a confident artist, a savvy investor, someone free from a specific pain point. Your job isn’t just to lecture; it’s to guide them through a change.

Think about Adeline, a new mom in Paris feeling disconnected from her creative side. Juggling baby schedules, a 9-to-5 felt impossible. Instead of a massive course, she created “Tiny Triumphs”—bite-sized creative writing modules. She didn’t just share writing tips; she offered busy moms a way to reclaim 10 minutes a day for themselves, rebuilding confidence and passion. That focus on transformation built a thriving community and gave Adeline a flexible way to pursue her ambition. It wasn’t just about learning; it was about rediscovery.

Or consider Huong, a retired military officer in Ho Chi Minh City. Transitioning to civilian life, she felt lost. She channeled her experience into an online course for veterans on project management and mental resilience. Her focus wasn’t just skills, but helping fellow veterans find purpose and navigate a challenging life change. When a student credited her course with helping them start their own business, Huong knew she’d found her new mission. That’s transformation in action.

Real People, Real Results (No Overnight Billionaires Here)

Let’s be clear: building a successful online course takes work. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme. But the potential for real impact and sustainable income is undeniable.

Take Idris, a former hotel manager in Lagos. Laid off during the pandemic, the financial stress was intense. Fear and doubt crept in. Who would pay to learn from him?

“My biggest hurdle was doubting if anyone would care what I know,” Idris shares.

But after some encouragement, he decided to channel his years of experience into an online hospitality management course specifically for African jobseekers. It wasn’t instant magic. It took time, effort, and pushing past that imposter syndrome. But six months after launching, his course income surpassed his old salary. More importantly? “Now, my students send me messages when they land a job.” He wasn’t just making money; he was changing lives, finding a deeper sense of purpose than his old job ever gave him.

Huong’s story echoes this. The retired officer didn’t just teach project management; she addressed the isolation and uncertainty many veterans face. Her course became a lifeline, a way to translate military skills into civilian success and renewed purpose.

These aren’t outlier miracles. They’re examples of what happens when genuine expertise meets a real need, structured for transformation.

Okay, But How? Smart Strategies for 2025

Feeling inspired? Good. Now, let’s talk practical steps. Creating a course that connects (and sells) in 2025 involves more than just hitting record.

Validation is Your Friend (Seriously)

Don’t build it just because you think it’s interesting. Before you invest weeks or months, validate your idea. Talk to potential students. Run a survey. Check online communities. Is there a real hunger for what you want to teach? Does your unique angle solve a specific problem better than existing options? Skipping this step is the #1 reason courses flop.

Structure for Change, Not Just Lectures

Remember Maya Grossman’s insight? Design your course around the transformation you promise. Break down complex topics into manageable steps. Include practical exercises, real-world examples, and ways for students to apply what they learn immediately. Think learning modules, short videos, downloadable worksheets, maybe even quizzes or mini-projects. Aim for tangible wins along the way.

Leverage Your New Co-Creator: AI

Feeling overwhelmed by the workload? AI is here to help, not replace you. Successful creators are already using it to streamline tasks. As Chris Lema, VP of Product at Liquid Web, puts it:

“AI will be the next co-creator. It’s already cutting our course design time in half, letting us focus on meaning—not mechanics.”

Think outlining lessons, generating quiz questions, drafting marketing copy, even creating rough video scripts. A whopping 73% of six-figure creators anticipate saving over 26 hours a week using AI. Don’t be intimidated; explore tools that can handle the repetitive stuff, freeing you up for the high-impact work.

Think Beyond a Single Course (Bundling Power)

Remember how top creators are 3x more likely to sell bundles? Start planning for this early. Could your core course lead to an advanced workshop? Could you bundle a beginner course with a community membership? Offering related products increases value for students and boosts your revenue per customer. It positions you as a go-to expert in your niche.

Your Burning Questions Answered (Probably)

How do I choose the right topic for my online course?

Start at the intersection of what you know deeply, what you genuinely enjoy teaching, and what specific problems people are actively searching for solutions to. Validate demand before committing! Idris found his niche helping jobseekers in a specific region with skills he already mastered.

How much does it really cost to create an online course?

It varies wildly, but the average is around $177 to get started with essential tools (camera, mic, basic platform subscription). You don’t need a fancy studio initially. Focus on quality content and connection.

How long does creating an online course actually take?

Don’t expect overnight results. Over half of creators spend three months or more building and launching their course. Quality takes time. Be realistic and focus on progress, not perfectionism.

Which platforms are best for selling online courses?

Popular choices include Teachable, Kajabi, Thinkific, and Podia for hosting your own course site, or marketplaces like Udemy. The best fit depends on your technical comfort, marketing strategy, and desired features (like community or bundles).

Do I need to be a tech wizard?

Honestly, no. Modern platforms are surprisingly user-friendly, often using drag-and-drop interfaces. You need basic computer skills and a willingness to learn, but coding isn’t usually required. Plenty of tutorials exist.

How much should I charge?

While the average price hovers around $137, this depends heavily on your niche, course depth, target audience, and the transformation you promise. Research competitors, but ultimately price based on the value and outcome you deliver.

Can I seriously make six figures doing this?

Yes, it’s absolutely possible, and many creators do. But it requires strategic planning, consistent marketing, delivering real value, and often, building a connection with your audience beyond just the course content. It’s a business, not a lottery ticket.

How do I keep students engaged so they actually finish?

Interactivity! Use quizzes, assignments, discussion forums, live Q&A sessions. Break content into digestible chunks (like Adeline’s microlearning). Build a sense of community. Remind them of the transformation they’re working towards. Engagement is key, especially since online course adoption statistics show learners value connection.

Your Next Move: From ‘Maybe’ to Momentum

Feeling that spark? That little nudge saying, “Maybe I could do this”? Good. Don’t let it get buried under a mountain of ‘what ifs’ or ‘somedays’.

The biggest hurdle, as Idris discovered, is often that voice of doubt. But your knowledge, your experience, your story – they have value. Someone out there needs what you know, presented in the unique way only you can.

So, what’s one small step you can take this week?

  • Brainstorm: Spend 30 minutes listing specific problems you can help people solve based on your expertise. Get granular.
  • Validate One Idea: Pick your strongest idea and ask 5 people in your target audience if it resonates. Would they pay for a solution?
  • Explore One Platform: Visit the website of Teachable, Kajabi, or Thinkific. Just browse. See what feels possible.
  • Outline One Module: Take your core topic and sketch out the key steps for just the first part of the transformation.

Don’t aim to build the entire thing tomorrow. Just start. That first bit of momentum is often the hardest part, but it’s where the magic begins. Your knowledge deserves to be shared. Go make it happen.

Sources Referenced

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