Creating an online course is another good way to leverage your time and effort by teaching something once and get paid for it over and over again.
The great thing about online courses is that they’re usually perceived as more valuable than eBooks, mainly because they can offer multimedia content such as video and audio - not just text. Moreover, as course creator you have the option to offer support, guidance or coaching as part of your course, which adds even more value.
With this in mind, here are the top ways to earn online income in this category.
1. Udemy. com
Udemy is the world’s largest marketplace for online courses. The great thing about udemy, beside the high traffic they generate, is a non-exclusive agreement which means that you can sell your course on other portals and/or your very own site.
Bear in mind, that Udemy recommends that the majority of your course content will be featured through video. If you're intimidated by the thought of producing high quality videos or don’t know where to begin, you might be interested in this solid Udemy course.
2. Host your Online Course On your Own Website
Many people choose not to take this route because they get intimidated by complex applications and technology. The truth, however, is that you don’t need a fancy platform or special software to create a powerful online course. Your lessons can be sent out as emails, followed by action plans and/or video tutorials. This approach can be even more effective as most people check their email on daily basis. In fact, that’s the exact approach I took with some of my freedom eCourses.
Now, if you choose to deliver part or all of your course in video format, you can use professional video hosting sites like Wistia or Vimeo. Beside giving you the option of removing the hosting company’s logo, these services also provide analytics which can show you how effective your video is at holding your audience’s attention. Alternatively, you can use litmos. a learning management system that enables you to create an online course with your own branding, domain name, and landing page. There is no percentage cut taken from your revenue like Udemy. Instead there is a monthly fee for their service.
3. Skillshare. com
Skillshare is more of a social learning platform where you can teach real-world skills. The range of skills that you can teach is only limited by your imagination - from board game strategies, garment construction, cooking tutorials, travel hacking, and relationship tips. I even saw a course on how to build a grown man's wardrobe. Creating a class on Skillshare is free. For each student who enrolls, Skillshare takes a 30% fee (Similar to Udemy). You are also provided a unique teacher referral link that lowers the fee to 15% for students who enroll via your referral. Note that all online courses on Skillshare go through an approval process based on specific criteria.
4. CreativeLive
- This is more for the experienced online entrepreneur who already has some authority in his or her niche. If that’s your case and you’re interested in becoming an instructor in CreativeLive. the world’s leading live online classroom platform, you’ll want to email them your proposal. This includes what you would want to teach, links to any websites with your work, social media sites or video of you leading instruction. If you’re just beginning, this is great goal to aim for.
