A Beginners Guide to Selling Online Courses in the U.K.

What Is Selling An Online Course?

It’s a rewarding opportunity to transform your knowledge or passion into a resource that helps others. Whether you’re an expert in a subject or simply enthusiastic about sharing your skills, creating an online course allows you to inspire, empower, and make an impact—all while earning income on your own terms. Imagine the freedom of being your own boss and the fulfillment of seeing others succeed because of what you’ve shared.

Follow my simple, step-by-step beginner’s guide below to turn your idea into reality. Each resource is handpicked to ensure reliability and quality. Simply click on the links provided to explore each recommended platform and connect with companies that can help turn your business idea into a thriving reality. 

Step 1: Choose Your Course Topic

• Pick a subject you know well and that others want to learn.
  
• Validate the idea by asking friends, using online surveys, or checking if similar courses exist on platforms like Udemy or Skillshare.
  

Step 2: Plan Your Course

1. Outline Your Course

• Break your subject into sections or modules.
  
• Create a list of lessons for each module.

Example:

• Module 1: Basics (3 lessons)
  
• Module 2: Advanced Topics (4 lessons)

2. Set Learning Goals

• Decide what students should know or achieve by the end.

3. Prepare Materials

• Use tools like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or Notion to organize your notes and scripts.
  

  Step 3: Create Your Content

  1. Record Videos
  • Use your smartphone or a webcam for video recording.
    
  • Free or low-cost video editing software:
• iMovie (Mac - Free)
  
• Clipchamp (Windows - Free)
  
• Canva Pro (£10/month, optional for advanced editing)

2. Supplemental Materials

• Create slideshows with PowerPoint or Google Slides.
  
• Include downloadable PDFs, worksheets, or quizzes.

3. Test Your Content

• Ask friends or colleagues to review your course before launching.
  

Step 4: Choose a Platform to Host Your Course

Here are beginner-friendly platforms:

1. Teachable

• Website: teachable.com
  
• Price: Free for basic plan, or £29+/month for more features.
  
• Great for beginners, easy to use.

2. Udemy

• Website: udemy.com
  
• Price: Free to list your course, but Udemy takes a commission (30-50%).
  
• Good for getting lots of students quickly.

3. Thinkific

• Website: thinkific.com
  
• Price: Free for 1 course, or £39+/month for advanced plans.
  
• Offers more design flexibility.

4. Podia

• Website: podia.com
  
• Price: £33+/month.
  

Ideal for selling multiple types of products (courses, memberships, etc.).

Step 5: Set Your Price

• Research similar courses to see the standard price range.
  Example: Beginner courses often range from £20–£50, while advanced courses may cost £100+.
  
• Offer an early-bird discount to attract first-time buyers.
  

  Step 6: Promote Your Course

  1. Create a Website
• Platforms like Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress let you create a website easily.
  Example: Wix pricing starts at £11/month.

2. Use Social Media

• Share tips and previews on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
  
• Join relevant groups or forums to promote your course.

3. Email Marketing

• Use Mailchimp (Free for up to 500 contacts).
  
• Build an email list of potential students by offering free resources or previews.

4. Run Ads (Optional)

• Use Facebook or Google Ads.
  

Costs start as low as £5/day.

Step 7: Launch Your Course

• Announce your course on social media and to your email list.
  
• Offer discounts or bonuses for the first students.
  

Full Cost Breakdown

Here’s a typical 'additional' cost estimate breakdown that you need to factor into your Total Estimated Cost of £16 listed below. (monthly unless stated otherwise):

Platform/Tool: Course Hosting Platforms | Cost (GBP): £0–£39+ | Details: Teachable, Thinkific, Udemy, Podia
Platform/Tool: Video Editing Software | Cost (GBP): £0–£10 | Details: Canva Pro, Clipchamp
Platform/Tool: Website Builder (Optional) | Cost (GBP): £11+ | Details: Wix or Squarespace
Platform/Tool: Domain Name | Cost (GBP): £10–£20/year | Details: Custom URL for your site
Platform/Tool: Email Marketing | Cost (GBP): £0–£20 | Details: Mailchimp or similar tools
Platform/Tool: Marketing (Optional) | Cost (GBP): £5–£50+ | Details: Ads on Facebook or Google
 
Example Starting Costs (Monthly):

• Hosting (Teachable Free Plan): £0
  
• Video Editing (Free tools): £0
  
• Website (Wix Basic Plan): £11
  
• Marketing (Ads): £5

Total Estimated Cost: £16 per month (minimum)

Tips to Save Money

• Use free plans of hosting and editing tools when starting.
  
• Focus on organic social media marketing to save on ads.

You’ve Got This!

Starting your journey to create and sell an online course may feel overwhelming, but remember, every expert was once a beginner. The most important step is simply starting. Take it one small step at a time—pick your topic, plan your content, and keep building from there.

You don’t need expensive tools or years of experience to make an impact. Share your unique knowledge and passion with the world, and you’ll find people eager to learn from you. Even if the first attempt isn’t perfect, it’s a valuable learning experience—and your next course will be even better.

Stay consistent, believe in the value you bring, and don’t be afraid to experiment. The online course market is growing, and there’s room for everyone. You have something special to offer, and the world is waiting for your voice.

Start today—you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve!

*Please note, if you sign up to any listed and recommended 'affiliate' supplier, I will make a small commission for referring you.*