I’ve been publishing courses on Udemy for a while now. So far, I’ve created 12 courses (with over 310,000 unique students) and I’m working on my next one now. I’ve done this on the side (i.e., while working a full time job) and I thought I’d break down the overall strategy that I follow in this post.
Keep in mind that there’s no one-size-fits-all formula, so what works for me might not be what works for you.
The Three Pillars of Successful Udemy Courses
There are three pillars that I focus on with my Udemy course strategy: short courses, high-quality content, and a low price.
Let’s break those pillars down.
Pillar 1: Short Course Length
When it comes to designing your course, one key decision is course duration. My approach emphasizes shorter courses, typically spanning 1 to 2 hours, and occasionally even as brief as 40 minutes. The reasons are twofold: benefits for you as the creator and for your students as learners.
Creating a shorter course is advantageous for you because it’s less time-intensive. You can focus your efforts on packing high-quality content into a concentrated timeframe, reducing the risk of burnout. But more importantly, shorter courses are often preferred by learners. In a world where time is limited, students appreciate courses that provide concise, focused information without unnecessary fluff. So it’s a win-win.
Pillar 2: High-Quality Content
Quality is the cornerstone of a successful course. While quality is subjective, there are universal aspects that define quality. Your main goal should be to provide your best effort, ensuring that your course content is valuable, clear, and engaging.
Here, quality refers primarily to the content itself, not the production value. While good production quality matters, it’s not as crucial as the value you provide to your learners. Focus on the customer experience – are you solving a problem for them? Does the content flow logically? Are you addressing their most pressing questions?
Pillar 3: Affordable Pricing
Setting the right price for your course is crucial. Aim for a price point that’s accessible to your target audience while still reflecting the value you provide. In general, a range between $19.99 to $49.99 is recommended, as it reduces the barriers for potential learners to enroll.
Affordable pricing not only encourages more learners to take the leap but also boosts the perceived value of your course. When your course offers substantial content for a reasonable price, it becomes a no-brainer for those who are on the fence about purchasing.
Building Your Udemy Course for Success
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you build out your Udemy course.
Adding Value Through Conciseness
When you’re creating a short course, every minute counts. Cut out any unnecessary fluff and get straight to the point. Consider condensing a longer course into a shorter, more impactful version. Remember, learners are willing to pay more for the essence of a course without spending hours navigating through filler content.
Engaging and Interactive Content with Udemy Courses
Even in a short course, engagement is paramount. Break down your content into bite-sized chunks and include interactive elements like quizzes, discussions, or hands-on activities. Interaction keeps learners attentive and reinforces their understanding of the material.
Personalization and Approachability
Maintain a conversational tone throughout your course. Address learners directly, use relatable examples, and inject your personality into your content. This human touch helps learners connect with you and your material on a deeper level.
Continuous Improvement
As you launch your course and gather feedback, be open to making improvements. Courses are dynamic – they can evolve based on learner feedback and changing trends. Regularly update your content to keep it relevant and valuable.
Expanding Your Udemy Courses
Once you’ve established your brand with a successful short course, consider branching out. You can create additional courses that dive deeper into specific topics or cater to different skill levels. The reputation you’ve built with your initial course will work in your favor, attracting more learners to your extended catalog.
Conclusion
In the world of online course creation, your strategy is crucial to your success. While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, the combination of short duration, high-quality content, and affordable pricing can set you on the right path. Start with these foundational pillars, and as you gain experience and insights, tailor your strategy to suit your unique style and goals.
If you’d like to learn more, check out “Create & Sell an Online Course on the Side” to learn how to publish bestselling courses on Udemy