Let’s be honest you’ve probably Googled “how to make money online” more times than you’ve made your morning coffee. I’ve been there too typing away at 1 a.m., convinced there must be a magical way to turn caffeine and ideas into cash.
Spoiler: there isn’t a magic wand. But there is a repeatable, profitable way to build an online business from your knowledge through eBooks and digital courses.
I stumbled into this world a few years ago after realizing that the same information I kept repeating to clients could be packaged into something scalable. That first humble eBook didn’t make me rich overnight, but it did open the door to recurring income and eventually, a full-blown digital business.
Let’s break down how you can do the same (without losing your sanity or your sense of humor).
Why eBooks and Digital Courses Are Still Gold
If you think selling eBooks or courses is “so 2020,” think again. The global e-learning market is projected to hit $400 billion by 2026 (Statista), and self-published authors on Amazon collectively earn over $1 billion annually (Forbes).
So yes there’s plenty of pie to go around.
Here’s why they’re so powerful:
💰 Low overhead: No inventory, no shipping, no boxes stacked in your living room.
🔁 Scalable: Create once, sell forever.
😴 Passive income: Your PayPal balance grows while you sleep (or nap, let’s be honest).
🌍 Flexibility: Sell from your website, Amazon, or even Instagram.
Basically, if you’ve got knowledge, you’ve got currency.
eBook vs. Online Course: Which One Fits You?
Feature eBooks Digital Courses
Best For Sharing structured, actionable info Deep-dive teaching and transformation
Format Written (PDF, ePub) Video, audio, worksheets
Creation Time Days or weeks Weeks or months
Typical Price Range £5 – £50 £50 – £500+
Engagement Self-paced reading Interactive, guided learning
Profit Potential Moderate High (especially with upsells)
Pro tip: Don’t choose — bundle them. A course + eBook combo offers more value, boosts conversions, and justifies premium pricing.
Step-by-Step: How to Create a Profitable eBook
1. Choose a Profitable Topic
Find the intersection of what you know and what people search for.
Use tools like Google Trends, AnswerThePublic, or Ahrefs to see what problems your audience is Googling.
Also, check Amazon Kindle categories for bestsellers in your niche — that’s real data on what people are buying.
Example:
Health coach Emma used Reddit fitness threads to find common weight-loss frustrations. She wrote “The 20-Minute Meal Plan”, priced it at £9, and now earns around £800/month — all from one digital file.
2. Write Like You’re Explaining It to a Friend
Start with an outline, then fill it in like you’re talking over coffee. Keep it clear, skip the jargon, and always aim for practical takeaways.
Add examples, stories, and checklists — readers love anything they can do immediately.
3. Design It Like It Deserves Attention
Use Canva, Visme, or Adobe InDesign to make your eBook visually appealing.
Use consistent colors and fonts.
Keep layouts clean (white space is your friend).
For the love of design, avoid Comic Sans.
4. Format for All Devices
Make it accessible everywhere:
PDF: Ideal for direct sales.
ePub: Works on most e-readers.
MOBI: Great for Kindle.
Test readability on phones, tablets, and laptops before you launch.
5. Price for Value (Not Vanity)
A good rule of thumb:
20–50 pages → £5–£15
100+ pages → £20–£50
People don’t pay for page count — they pay for solutions.
Example:
Marketing consultant Josh released a 45-page eBook, “Instagram Ads That Convert”, priced at £12. Within six months, it had over 3,000 downloads — more than £36,000 in sales from a single product.
6. Sell Smart
Pick your platform based on how much control you want:
Amazon KDP: Big audience, less control over pricing.
Your Website: Full control and higher profits (use Gumroad or Payhip).
Etsy or Apple Books: Great for creative or niche audiences.
Add clear calls-to-action and include bonuses like templates or cheat sheets to boost perceived value.
How to Build an Online Course (Without Going Crazy)
If eBooks are appetizers, online courses are the main course — and often the most profitable.
1. Choose a Problem Worth Solving
Your course should solve one painful problem. The more specific, the better.
2. Structure Your Content
Break it down like a mini Netflix series:
Intro: Why it matters.
Core Lessons: Step-by-step guidance.
Action Steps/Quizzes: Keep them accountable.
Outro: Next steps or upsell to your next product.
3. Record Like a Pro (Even If You’re Not)
You don’t need a Hollywood studio — just clarity.
Use Camtasia or OBS Studio for screen recording.
A Blue Yeti mic or Rode SmartLav+ can make a big difference.
Edit with Premiere Pro, Final Cut, or free tools like DaVinci Resolve.
Example:
Teacher-turned-entrepreneur Mia built a 5-hour course on “Mastering Google Sheets.” She filmed it with her webcam and a ring light. Within a year, she made over £25,000 in passive income through Teachable.
4. Choose the Right Platform
Platform Best For Pros Cons
Teachable Beginners Easy setup, built-in payment 5% transaction fee on free plan
Udemy Exposure Massive audience Lower pricing control
Kajabi Advanced users All-in-one solution Higher cost
Thinkific Branding fans Customizable Slightly steeper learning curve
Marketing That Actually Works
You can create the best eBook or course on Earth, but if no one sees it, it’s like shouting into a Wi-Fi void.
Here’s how to sell without feeling sleazy:
Email Marketing: Offer a freebie (mini guide, checklist) to build trust and nurture leads.
Social Proof: Post testimonials, screenshots, or success stories.
SEO Blogging: Write helpful posts that naturally lead readers to your product.
Affiliate Marketing: Recruit partners to promote your work and share profits.
Webinars or Lives: Teach something valuable, then pitch your paid offer.
Bundles: Combine your eBook + course for irresistible value.
Final Thoughts: Your Digital Empire Starts Small
Here’s the truth — no one becomes a six-figure creator overnight. But thousands of regular people are quietly earning steady income by turning their expertise into digital products.
Start with one idea. Make it valuable. Keep improving.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to launch your eBook business… this is it.
Ready to start your own digital empire?
Drop a comment below with your topic idea or sign up for my free mini guide: “From Brain to Bank: Your First eBook in 7 Days.”
Let’s turn your knowledge into income and maybe your next coffee into a business expense. ☕💻