How to Create an Online Course free

Table of Contents

So, you’ve been thinking about creating an online course, right?

Maybe you want to teach something you’re really good at whether it’s editing TikTok videos, baking soft bread without it turning into stone, or growing a small Instagram page into a community of real humans (not bots named “Ernesto_9344”).

Well, guess what? The online learning market is booming. According to Forbes and Statista, the e-learning industry is projected to surpass $450 billion by 2030. Translation?

If you know something that others want to learn, you’re sitting on digital gold.

But I get it when you’re just starting out, everything feels confusing: Where do you start? What should you teach? How do you record lessons without cringing at your own voice?

Relax. I’ve created courses, coached creators, and yes — made countless mistakes so you don’t have to. Think of this as your older sibling guide walking you step-by-step.

Let’s begin.

Step 1: choose a specific Topic People Actually Care About

You cannot teach “everything.”

You are not Google.

Pick one clear topic.

Nad Topic Example

 “I want to teach marketing.”

Too broad. Too vague. Too much wahala.

Better Topic Example

 “How beginners can grow their Instagram from 0 to 1,000 real followers in 30 days.”

Specific. Clear. Teachable.

How to Make Sure Your Topic Has Demand

Do a quick reality check:

Where to Check What to Look For

TikTok & Instagram Are people talking about it?

Facebook groups / Reddit Are people asking questions about it?

Google Trends Is interest rising or dying?

YouTube Search Are people making tutorials on it?

If nobody is talking about your idea, it may not have demand.

If everyone is talking about it great just bring your own style and experience.

Step 2: Define Your Learning Outcomes

Ask yourself:

 “What EXACT results will students achieve after my course?”

Your answer must be clear and measurable.

Example of weak outcome:

“Students will learn about blogging.”

Example of strong outcome:

“Students will build and publish their blog, write 3 posts, and understand how to earn from affiliate links.”

See the difference?

Clarity = confidence = happy students.

Write down 3–6 outcomes before you continue.

Step 3: Outline Your Course (Like Chapters in a Book)

Your course needs structure. Not 4-hour-long rambling videos. Please.

Simple Course Structure Example:

Module Topic

Module 1 Introduction + What to Expect

Module 2 Tools You Need

Module 3 Step-by-Step Lessons

Module 4 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Module 5 Final Project + Next Steps

Short, clean lessons are better than long ones.

People are busy. Attention spans are shorter than ever (thanks, TikTok).

Step 4: Choose Your Course Format

You don’t need a fancy studio. A clean room and decent lighting are enough.

Options:

Video lessons (most effective)

Audio lessons + slides

Written lessons (PDFs, Google Docs)

Or a mix of the above

Tools You can use (free or affordable)

Phone camera (yes, really)

Canva for slides

OBS or ScreenPal for screen recording

Audacity for voice editing

Done is better than perfect.

Perfection is how people stay broke.

Step 5: Choose a Platform to Host Your Course

Here’s a simple comparison:

Platform Best For Pros Cons

Teachable Beginners Very easy to use Charges transaction fees

Thinkific Those who want customization Flexible, great support Slight learning curve

Podia Selling courses + ebooks + memberships All-in-one, no tech stress Fewer advanced features

Gumroad Fast + simple setup Start selling today Less course organization

YouTube (Unlisted) Testing your idea Free No professional structure

Pick one. Don’t overthink it. You can always switch later.

Step 6: Create and Record Your Lessons

This is where most people panic.

But here’s the calming truth:

→ You do not need to be perfect.

→ You only need to be clear and helpful.

Speak like you’re explaining the topic to a friend. Mistakes? Laugh, redo, or leave it in. Authenticity > perfection.

Step 7: price your course (without overthinking it)

Consider:

How valuable is the result?

What do similar courses cost?

What can your audience realistically afford?

Starter Pricing Guide:

Beginners: $10–$50

Trusted creators: $50–$150

Advanced or professional courses: $200+

You can also offer: ✔ Early-bird discounts

✔ Payment plans

✔ Bundle packages

Start low. Raise as your reputation grows.

Step 8: market your course Like a Boss

You can’t just create a course and disappear like Avatar: The Last Airbender’s air nomads.

You need to promote it.

Marketing Ideas:

Post mini-tutorials on TikTok, Reels, or YouTube Shorts

Share behind-the-scenes

Offer a free mini-workshop

Start a mailing list

Collaborate with influencers in your niche

Marketing is 50% of the journey.

No marketing = no sales.

3 Real-World Case Studies

Name Topic Result

Lina (Kenya) Learning Canva for business Launched a $19 Canva mini-course and earned her first $800 in 3 weeks.

Emmanuel (Nigeria) Smartphone Videography Recorded lessons using his phone. Sold 120+ copies using WhatsApp Marketing.

Sara (Ghana) Twitter Ghostwriting Built a mini-course from her own workflow and now earns monthly recurring subscribers.

They didn’t wait.

They started → improved → scaled.

Step 9: support your students

Check in. Answer questions. Update lessons.

This is how you build trust — and repeat customers.

Good teachers don’t disappear after payment.

Final Thoughts: you can Do This

You do not need: ❌ A studio

❌ A large following

❌ To be a “guru”

You only need: ✅ Something valuable to teach

✅ A clear lesson plan

✅ The courage to start

The world doesn’t need the perfect version of your course.

The world needs your version.

Ready to Start?

Comment “START” below or message me:

 I’ll help you:

Choose your topic

Structure your course

And create your first lesson

Let’s build something that changes someone’s life starting today. ✨