Don't Launch Online Courses Without an Audience

The author of this article, who has launched over 80 online courses, shares a crucial lesson he learned the hard way. Despite creating high-quality content, many of his early courses failed to generate sales. This wasn't because the content was subpar, but rather due to the lack of an audience. The author emphasizes that building an audience before creating a course is essential for success.

• It's like trying to sell a product in a store that no one visits.
• Focus on building a community interested in your expertise before launching your online course.

The Marketing Gurus Mislead You

The author challenges the common online business narrative that simply creating a high-quality online course will automatically result in sales. The reality is far more complex. Many so-called "gurus" promote the idea of focusing solely on course content, neglecting the importance of audience building. This leads to frustration for aspiring online course creators.

Common Mistakes Online Course Creators Make

The author details several common mistakes that hinder online course success:

• Relying on Ads: While advertising can be helpful, it's not a guaranteed solution. The author shares his experience spending over $30,000 on ads with limited results.
• Platform Hopping: Switching between LMS platforms without addressing the core issue of audience building only adds to frustration.
• Content Overload: Focusing on creating extensive content without a target audience is akin to spinning your wheels.

Stop Blaming Yourself, Build an Audience

The author reassures aspiring online course creators that their failures are not necessarily their fault. It's easy to fall into the trap of self-blame, questioning your skills or expertise. The reality is that even a well-designed course won't sell if you haven't cultivated an audience.

Audience Building is Essential for Online Course Success

The author explains the crucial role audience building plays in online course success:

• It's like gathering kindling for a fire: It provides the foundation for something to catch fire.
• Building an audience creates a group of people who already know, like, and trust you, making them more likely to purchase your online course.

How to Build an Audience Before Launching Your Online Course

The author outlines the importance of creating organic content:

• Focus on blog posts, YouTube videos, social media posts, and other relevant platforms frequented by your target audience.
• Provide valuable, engaging content that sparks conversations and builds trust with your audience.
• Always offer something valuable in exchange for joining your email list (e.g., a free guide, checklist, or exclusive video).
• Regularly engage with your email subscribers through newsletters to keep them informed and invested in your expertise.
• Pay close attention to the questions and feedback you receive from your audience. This can provide valuable insights for future content creation and course development.

The Right Approach to Launching Online Courses

The author reiterates the essential formula for successful online course launches: build your audience first, then create and launch your course. This approach ensures that you have a receptive group of people who are genuinely interested in your expertise.

Monetize Your Expertise with Online Courses

This article serves as a valuable guide for aspiring online course creators. By understanding the crucial role of audience building and implementing the strategies outlined, you can increase your chances of achieving success with your online course and monetizing your expertise.