On the laptop screen, the dashboard of a designing tool is being displayed, and next to the laptop, there is a cup of coffee and a book on the table.

You are considering making an online course to bring in some extra cash. It’s a thrilling idea, and you know you can make it happen.

But there’s an elephant in the room — what topic should you choose to create an online course?

In this blog, we’ll walk you through selecting the ideal topic to engage and inspire your students. Follow our expert advice and take the first step towards choosing the best topics for online courses and creating an impactful online course.

In this Article:

5 Steps to Find the Topics for Online Courses

Infographic of 5 steps to find the topic for online courses

Step 1: Find out what you can teach

Before you create your online course, you need to know what you can teach. And don’t worry – you don’t have to be an expert in everything (unless you are, in which case, go you!). Here are a few ways to identify your strengths and areas of expertise:

  • Reflect on your work experience and skills. What do you do well, and what have you excelled at in the past?
  • Consider your hobbies and passions. Is there something you love doing in your free time that you could turn into a course?
  • Ask for feedback from friends, colleagues, or mentors. They may have insights on what you’re particularly knowledgeable about.

Step 2: Determine what people want and will pay for

Now that you have a list of potential topics for online courses consider what people are actually willing to pay for. Here are a few things to consider:

  • Market research: Look for trends and data on what types of courses are currently popular and in demand.
  • Customer feedback: Ask potential customers (or a small focus group) what they would be willing to pay for and what they’re looking for in a course.
  • Price point: Consider the value of your course and what people are willing to pay for that value. Don’t undervalue your expertise, but also be realistic about what the market will bear.

Step 3: Look for a specific problem to solve

Infographic explaining the difference between a specific topic and a nonspecific topic with an example

When choosing an online course topic, it’s important to look for a specific problem to solve. This can help you create a course that is valuable and practical for your students and one that they will be more likely to enroll in and recommend to others.

For example, let’s say you are an experienced marketing professional. Instead of trying to create a course that covers every aspect of marketing, consider focusing on a specific problem that your target audience is facing. Maybe you’ve noticed that many small business owners struggle with creating an effective social media strategy. You could create a course that specifically addresses this problem, teaching students how to develop a social media plan that generates leads and grows their business.

Step 4: Focus on the transformation​​​​

One thing to remember is that it’s all about the transformation you can offer your students. It’s not just about the topic; it’s about the results they’ll get from your course.

For example, let’s say you’re an experienced yoga instructor. Instead of just creating a course about the benefits of yoga, consider focusing on a specific problem that your target audience is facing. You may have noticed that many people struggle to fit yoga into their busy schedules. You could create a course that addresses this problem, teaching students how to incorporate yoga into their daily lives.

By choosing a topic that addresses a specific problem, you’ll be able to create a course that provides valuable, practical solutions for your students. They’ll be more likely to enroll and recommend your course to others, which can lead to long-term success.

Step 5: Test your online course idea in creative ways.

Now that you’ve chosen a topic for your online course, it’s time to see if it has the potential for success. Here are a few offbeat ideas to consider:

By trying out these creative ideas, you’ll be able to get a sense of how well your course idea will be received and make any necessary adjustments before you invest too much time and effort into creating it.

  • Create a quiz: Use a tool like Interact to create a quiz that helps people determine if your course is right for them.
  • Host a webinar: Use a platform like WebinarJam to host a free webinar on your topic. This will give you the opportunity to gauge interest and gather feedback.
  • Offer a sample lesson: Create a short video or written lesson that covers a small part of your course. Share it on social media or your email list and see how people respond.

Conclusion

Once you’ve chosen the perfect topic for your online course, you should start bringing your vision to life.

One tool that can help you with this is Miho, a platform that makes it easy to create, sell, and engage students in your course. Not only can Miho help you bring your course to life, but it also provides a community for students to connect and support each other. Take the next step in your online teaching journey and give Miho a try. You can get a 14-day free trial when you signup here, so there’s really no risk.