Free Online Course Launch Checklist
Reader Disclosure So you’re looking to create and sell an online course – I’m stoked for you. Sharing your knowledge online is a great way to optimize your cash and has super high earning potential – well above what you could make teaching in-person classes. There are loads of things to cover, and you’re probably feeling a little overwhelmed, but I got you. By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear path forward and feel prepped for a smooth launch and confident about your course’s success. This online course launch checklist includes the processes and tools you need to get your course off the ground and ready to make you money $$$! So let’s get into it. Research and Planning Skip to Research and Planning Course Checklist 👉 Before you start filming lessons or crafting modules, you need to lay the groundwork for your course. Nailing the research and planning phase will make everything that follows easier and more effective. Here’s how to do it: 1. Conduct Competitive Analysis First, scope out the competition. Spend some time researching similar courses in your niche. What’s already out there? What’s selling well? Just as importantly – what’s missing? Look for gaps in the market. For example, if you notice most courses on social media marketing cover general strategies but skip over TikTok growth hacks, that’s an opportunity to stand out. By filling those gaps, you’ll attract students and position yourself as an authority in your niche. Pro Tip: Read reviews of competitor courses. Negative feedback is gold because it tells you exactly what people want but aren’t getting. Use that insight to shape your course. 2. Identify Your Target Audience Once you understand the market, zoom in on who you’re creating this course for. Who are these people? What do they struggle with? What’s motivating them to take your course? For instance, if you’re building a course on affiliate marketing, your audience could range from total newbies who don’t know what a referral link is, to experienced marketers looking to scale. Each group has different needs, so you need to decide who you’re catering to. Ask yourself: What problem does my course solve, and who’s most likely to pay for that solution? What knowledge level does my ideal student have? Where do they hang out online (forums, social media, etc.)? The more specific you are, the easier it will be to create content that resonates. 3. Define Crystal-Clear Learning Objectives Your aim is to guide students toward a tangible result. Define what success looks like for them. By the end of your course, what should they know, be able to do, or feel confident about? Example:Instead of vague goals like “learn email marketing,” go for “students will be able to design and launch an email campaign that converts subscribers into paying customers.” Make it measurable and specific. Bonus: Clear objectives also help you stay focused when creating content. If a lesson doesn’t contribute to the goal, cut it. BE RUTHLESS! 4. Plan Your Course Structure and Delivery Methods Once you’ve nailed the “what” and the “who,” it’s time to figure out the “how.” A well-organized course makes the learning experience smoother and keeps students engaged. Break your content into bite-sized modules. We go into more depth about micro modules and their benefits here.👈 Each modules should focus on a single skill or concept to avoid overwhelming your audience. For example: Module 1: Intro to Affiliate Marketing Module 2: Choosing Profitable Niches Module 3: Setting Up Your First Campaign When it comes to delivery methods, mix it up. People learn differently, so combine video lessons, downloadable guides, quizzes, and interactive elements. The more variety, the more engaging your course. 5. Decide on Your Course Tools Before jumping to content creation, take time to research the tools you’ll use to build and deliver your course. The platforms you choose can shape how you structure your content, what features you include (like quizzes or multimedia), and how easily students can interact with your course. For most creators, WordPress combined with MemberPress Courses is the ideal solution. WordPress offers unparalleled flexibility and control, while MemberPress simplifies subscriptions and course creation with powerful features like quizzes, certificates, and progress tracking. WATCH >>> MemberPRESS Courses Feature OVERVIEW By understanding what your tools can do upfront, you’ll save time later by creating content that aligns perfectly with your platform’s capabilities. Plus, with tools like MemberPress, you can deliver a professional experience without needing to hire a developer. Free Online Course Launch Checklist: Research and Planning ✅ Conduct Competitive Analysis ☐ Research similar courses in your niche.☐ Identify what’s already out there and what’s selling well.☐ Spot gaps in the market that you can fill.☐ Read competitor reviews, especially negative ones, to identify unmet needs.☐ Use these insights to shape your course and differentiate yourself. ✅ Identify Your Target Audience ☐ Define who your course is for☐ Identify their pain points, challenges, and motivations.☐ Determine their knowledge level to tailor your content.☐ Ask: – What problem does my course solve? – Who’s most likely to pay for this solution? – Where does my audience hang out online? ✅ Define Crystal-Clear Learning Objectives ☐ Set measurable, specific goals for what students will achieve.☐ Ensure objectives align with the skills or knowledge they want to gain.☐ Cut content that doesn’t contribute directly to these objectives. ✅ Plan Your Course Structure and Delivery Methods ☐ Outline your course into logical module.☐ Ensure each module builds on the previous one for smooth progression.☐ Plan to include a mix of delivery methods. ✅ Decide on Your Course Tools ☐ Research and choose the tools to build and deliver your course.☐ Evaluate platforms based on: – Compatibility with your content structure. – Support for features like multimedia, quizzes, and tracking. – Ease of use for both you and your students.☐ Ensure your tools align with your goals to save time and deliver a polished course experience. Building an Online Presence Skip to Building