When I first decided to create my own online course, I thought it would be simple: outline the lessons, record a few videos, and launch.
Spoiler alert — it’s so much more than that.
Building a course is part creativity, part strategy, and a whole lot of personal growth. In this post, I’m pulling back the curtain to share what really went into creating my first online course — the wins, the challenges, and the lessons I wish I’d known from the start.
1. It Started with a Problem (and a Passion)
Every great course starts with one question: “What do people keep asking me for help with?”
For me, that question became my roadmap. I noticed clients struggling with the same challenges, asking the same questions, and repeating the same mistakes. That’s when I realized I didn’t need to create something new — I just needed to package what I was already teaching into a format that could help more people at once.
If you’re thinking of building a course, start by identifying the transformation you already help people achieve. That’s your goldmine.
2. Outlining the Journey
Once I knew my topic, the hardest part was narrowing it down. I had so much to share — but I learned quickly that a good course isn’t about giving more information; it’s about giving the right information in the right order.
I created a simple framework:
- Step 1: Define the starting point (where students are now)
- Step 2: Identify the finish line (the result they want)
- Step 3: Map the shortest, clearest path between those two points
When you think of your course as a journey, your content becomes purposeful — every lesson moves your students closer to their goal.
3. Recording & Tech Reality
Ah, the tech part — equal parts exciting and overwhelming. I started with basic tools: my laptop, a USB microphone, and Canva slides. It wasn’t perfect, but it was real, and that authenticity connected with my students far more than any fancy production ever could.
💡 Pro Tip: Done is better than perfect. Your students don’t need studio lighting — they need your knowledge.
4. Launching (and Learning)
When launch day came, I had butterflies. Would anyone sign up? Did I price it right? Did I miss something big?
The first sale changed everything. Not because of the money, but because it proved that something I built could truly help people. The feedback poured in — not all of it perfect, but all of it valuable. Every comment helped me refine the course and make it even better for the next round.
5. What I Learned
- You don’t need to be an expert — just a few steps ahead of your students.
- Simplicity beats overwhelm every single time.
- Systems matter — automate what you can so you can focus on teaching.
- And most importantly: you’re allowed to learn as you go.
Final Thoughts
Building your first course is equal parts messy and magical. You’ll second-guess yourself, you’ll celebrate small wins, and you’ll grow more than you expect.
If you’re on the fence about creating your own course, take this as your sign to start.
You don’t need a big audience or a perfect plan — you just need the courage to share what you know.
Because somewhere out there, someone’s waiting for the course only you can create.
