Nine Strategies to Easily Come Up with Online Course Ideas

The most common question I hear from my clients is, “How do I find the right online course ideas to teach?” Basically, they’re asking, “How do I find an idea that sells?” Nobody wants to put in all that effort to launch a course only to hear crickets on launch day. We all want some measure of success.

Don’t overthink it. The answer is simple. Just give your audience what they are asking for.

1. Check out the competition. What are they creating? If you serve a similar audience, what sells for them will likely sell for you. But, before you want to say, “But it’s already been done!” remember that no two coaches or service providers are alike. Instead of creating the same boring content as everyone else, look at what your colleagues are creating and then find the gap. Do something a little different, or package it in a way that’s more you. What online course ideas can you come up with that are different enough from them?
2. Eavesdrop on your dream clients: Tune in to the questions they ask in private groups, support channels, and the kind of blog posts they’re devouring on your blog or social media. That insider info will reveal exactly what your audience wants & needs.
3. Go straight to the source: Don’t be shy; ask your dream clients directly! Whip up a survey and let them spill the beans on their challenges, roadblocks, and the tactics they’ve tried (and failed at) before. Their answers will guide you straight to course gold.
4. Go on a bestseller hunt. Flip through the table of contents and read the online reviews to uncover topics that resonate with your target audience. Consistently searching for online course ideas will help you create content for every part of your marketing.
5. Read the FAQs. Snoop around competitor blogs, social media posts (specifically TikTok right now), and Facebook groups for the most frequently asked questions. You’ll score some valuable insights and be armed with content that hits the mark.
6. Check out the recommended resources of your colleagues and competitors. They often provide valuable ideas for online courses, specifically when it comes to software and tools frequently inquired about.
7. Check your email. Keep an eye on the questions flooding your email from friends, clients, and even strangers. Spot any patterns? Those queries are pure gold, they reveal exactly what keeps your audience up at night and what solutions they’re itching for.
8. Start adding keyword research to your week. Take a close look at the terms and phrases that your community frequently searches for and use them as a way to find online course ideas. These keywords can guide you toward topics that are in high demand.
9. Check your search terms. Use Google Webmaster Tools to check the search terms that drive traffic to your website. Since people often search for questions (“How to build a funnel” or “How to start a podcast”), this can be a rich source of ideas.  Understanding the questions people are asking can help you create content that directly addresses their needs.

Ideas are everywhere! Your potential buyers are sharing them with you every day. Embrace the opportunity to develop the course they are asking for. By understanding their needs and desires, you’ll be on your way to creating a successful online course.

Need help creating the course? We have ways to help you with that, and now you can “pitch us” by filling out the form below!