In the ever-evolving world of self-publishing, authors are discovering new ways to monetise their expertise, engage with readers, and share their knowledge. One of the most lucrative opportunities for authors is creating and selling online courses or webinars. Not only can these platforms offer a way to share valuable insights with aspiring authors or readers, but they can also provide an additional revenue stream that complements your books.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create your own online course or webinar and show you how to make it profitable. Let’s dive in!
1. Why Should Authors Create Online Courses or Webinars?
Before we jump into the specifics of creating your own course or webinar, it’s important to understand why this is a great opportunity for authors.
- Monetise your expertise: As an author, you likely have a wealth of knowledge about the writing and publishing process. Online courses and webinars give you the platform to share this expertise while generating income.
- Engage with your audience: These educational offerings allow you to interact with your audience in a more personal way. You can build a community of readers, aspiring authors, or fans who are eager to learn from your experiences.
- Create additional income: A well-crafted online course can bring in consistent passive income as people continue to sign up, even when you’re not actively promoting it.
2. Step 1: Choose Your Course Topic
When creating a course or webinar, the first step is to choose a relevant and profitable topic. Your expertise is valuable, but it’s important to find an area that resonates with your target audience.
Here are some ideas for course topics:
- Writing and Publishing Tips: Help aspiring authors navigate the challenges of writing, editing, and self-publishing.
- Example: “How to Write Your First Novel”
- Example: “Mastering the Art of Self-Publishing: A Step-by-Step Guide”
- Marketing Your Book: Share proven strategies for book marketing, including social media strategies, building an author platform, and email marketing.
- Example: “How to Sell More Books: Marketing Strategies for Authors”
- Example: “Building Your Author Brand on Social Media”
- Creative Writing Skills: Teach creative writing techniques, such as character development, plotting, or world-building.
- Example: “Unlock Your Creativity: A Guide to Writing Compelling Characters”
- Example: “Plotting for Success: How to Structure a Bestselling Novel”
- Genre-Specific Courses: Offer guidance tailored to specific genres such as fantasy, romance, or memoir writing.
- Example: “How to Write a Gripping Thriller Novel”
- Example: “Romantic Fiction: Crafting Love Stories that Resonate with Readers”
Pro Tip: Think about what your readers and fans are asking you about. If you regularly receive questions about your writing process, your journey, or self-publishing, consider turning those topics into courses. Your existing fanbase is a great place to start!
3. Step 2: Plan Your Course or Webinar Structure
Once you’ve chosen your topic, it’s time to plan how your course or webinar will be structured. Whether it’s a one-time webinar or an in-depth multi-week course, it’s important to have a clear roadmap that takes learners on a journey.
Structure for a Webinar:
A webinar is typically a live, one-time event that’s around 60 to 90 minutes. It’s a great option for those who want to offer a quick and interactive learning experience.
- Introduction: Introduce yourself and share a brief overview of what the webinar will cover.
- Main Content: This is where you dive deep into the topic, offering valuable insights, practical tips, and case studies. Use visuals and slides to keep the audience engaged.
- Q&A: Allow time for live questions and interaction with your audience.
- Call-to-Action: At the end, encourage participants to take the next step, whether that’s signing up for a longer course, buying your book, or joining a special offer.
Structure for an Online Course:
An online course is often pre-recorded and can span several days or weeks. It’s typically broken into modules that progressively teach different aspects of the topic.
- Module 1: Introduction & Overview: Introduce your course, set expectations, and give a general overview of what the students will learn.
- Module 2: Core Concepts: Go deep into the foundational principles of the topic you’re teaching (e.g., the writing process, self-publishing basics).
- Module 3: Practical Applications: Walk learners through actionable steps or exercises they can implement in their own writing or publishing journey.
- Module 4: Advanced Techniques: Share more advanced strategies and insights for those who want to take their writing or publishing to the next level.
- Module 5: Wrap-Up & Next Steps: Summarise the course and provide clear next steps for learners to continue their journey.
Pro Tip: Use a combination of video, slides, worksheets, and quizzes to make the content engaging and varied. Include downloadable resources that add value, such as templates, checklists, or guides.
4. Step 3: Choose the Right Platform
Now that you’ve planned your course or webinar, you need to choose a platform to host it. There are several options depending on whether you’re offering a live webinar or an on-demand course.
For Webinars:
- Zoom: A popular option for live webinars. It allows for interaction with participants via chat, Q&A, and polls. Plus, it has an option to record your webinar for later access.
- WebinarJam: A platform specifically designed for webinars, offering advanced features like automated follow-ups, landing pages, and attendee tracking.
For Online Courses:
- Teachable: A user-friendly platform where you can host courses and sell them directly to your audience. It offers tools to create courses with video, text, quizzes, and discussions.
- Udemy: A large marketplace where you can upload your course and access a wide audience. However, Udemy takes a commission on sales, and you’ll be competing with other courses.
- Kajabi: A platform designed for course creators, offering tools for hosting courses, marketing, and monetising your content. It’s particularly useful for building an entire business around your courses.
Pro Tip: Choose a platform that fits your needs and budget. If you're just starting out, platforms like Teachable and Zoom are great for beginners, while Kajabi is a more advanced option that’s ideal for those looking to scale.
5. Step 4: Market Your Course or Webinar
Now that your course or webinar is ready, it’s time to get the word out. Promoting your course effectively is key to ensuring it reaches your target audience and becomes profitable.
- Email Marketing: Use your email list to promote the course. Send out teasers, early-bird discounts, and reminders to generate interest.
- Social Media: Share sneak peeks and testimonials from past students. Create engaging posts and ads to drive traffic to your registration page.
- Collaborations: Partner with other authors or influencers in your niche to promote your course. This could include guest appearances on each other's webinars or shared promotions.
- Landing Page: Create a high-converting landing page that clearly outlines the benefits of your course, what students will learn, and the price.
Pro Tip: Offer early-bird pricing or exclusive bonuses (such as one-on-one consultations) to encourage sign-ups before your course goes live.
6. Step 5: Monetise Your Course
There are several ways to monetise your course or webinar. Here are some strategies:
- Charge a One-Time Fee: The most straightforward approach is to sell access to your course for a one-time fee. Offer tiered pricing for different levels of access (e.g., standard access vs. premium access with one-on-one coaching).
- Subscription Model: Offer your course as part of a membership site, where subscribers pay a monthly fee for ongoing access to new content.
- Upsell Additional Services: Offer add-ons, such as personalised coaching sessions, book critiques, or feedback on students' writing projects, to increase revenue.
- Affiliate Marketing: Partner with other creators to promote your course through affiliate links, earning commissions for each sign-up.
Pro Tip: Always deliver value to your students, and they’ll be more likely to recommend your course to others or buy future courses you create.
7. Step 6: Gather Feedback and Improve
After your course or webinar ends, gather feedback from participants. What did they find most valuable? What could be improved? Use this information to refine your content and improve your future offerings.
- Surveys: Send out a post-course survey to get actionable feedback.
- Reviews and Testimonials: Ask satisfied students to leave a review or provide a testimonial that you can use in your marketing materials.
Pro Tip: Constantly iterating on your courses based on feedback will ensure you stay relevant and continue to offer valuable content to your audience.
Final Thoughts: Turn Your Knowledge into Profit
Creating an online course or webinar is a fantastic way for authors to monetise their expertise, engage with readers, and generate passive income. By selecting a compelling topic, structuring your course effectively, and promoting it through the right channels, you can turn your knowledge into a profitable venture.
Remember, the key to success is delivering value. If your course offers practical, actionable tips and solutions that your audience needs, you’ll build a loyal following that’s eager to return for more.
So, start brainstorming ideas for your own online course or webinar today—it’s a smart investment in your author career, and it could be the next big step towards your success.