Here’s the number one question I hear—not only from new product creators, but even from seasoned business owners: “How do I find a good online course idea?”

Of course what they really mean is “How do I find an idea that will sell?” No one wants to devote days or weeks or more developing, planning and launching a course only to catch crickets on the big day. You want to know you’ll have at least some measure of success.

But don’t overthink it. The answer is simple. Create a course that your customers are already asking for.

1. Check out the competition. What are they creating? If you both have a similar audience, then what sells for them will very likely sell for you. Now, before you break out the “But it’s already been done!” line, keep this in mind: No two approaches are the same. You may create a similar course, but your personality, your voice, your experience, along with your teaching style are all very different. No one else is you, and for some customers, YOU are the only person who will resonate with them.
2. Pay attention to your ideal client. What questions do they ask in private groups, via email or telephone? What posts are they reading on your blog that interest them the most (check your Google Analytic stats)? These are all valuable sources of information about exactly what they need and want from you.
3. Ask. Still not sure what your ideal client is looking for? Ask them. Make a survey and ask them to tell you what they struggle with, what keeps them from realising their success, and even what they’ve tried before in an effort to solve their issues.
4. Check the bestsellers list. Which books in your niche are at the top of the best seller list? These are the ones that offer answers your clients are seeking. Flip through the table of contents and read the online reviews to dig deep into the topics that truly resonate with your audience.
5. Read the FAQs. Check the frequently asked questions section on competitor blogs and in forums and Facebook groups. Also check blogs for “Start Here,” and “Quickstart” pages. Many times the most common concerns and questions are addressed in this section.
6. Review available resources. What are the common resources your colleagues and competitors are recommending? There are often questions surrounding the use of software and other tools, and these can be great ideas for online courses.
7. Revisit your keyword research. Review the phrases and terms that your community most frequently searches for, and use them as a basis for your own research.
8. Check your search terms. Google Webmaster Tools allows you to check which terms are sending visitors to your website. Since people often search on questions (“how to design a logo” or “how to start a business”) this can be a fantastic source of ideas.

Ideas are available in many places. Your potential buyers are sharing them with you each and every day, if you just know where to look for them. So don’t let your insecurities hold you back. Develop the course they are asking you for.

Susan Wilkin
Director, Online Business Manager and Webinar Speaker
ADMINaholics

Collaborative Member of Profit Sisters
Teaching business owners how to take their profit potential to the next level!