Choosing a Profitable Online Course Topic: A Step-by-Step Guide

However, not all course ideas are profitable. To succeed, you need to choose a topic that not only aligns with your expertise but also has high demand and market potential.

This guide will walk you through the key steps to finding and validating a profitable online course topic, so you can create a course that sells.

Why Choosing the Right Course Topic Matters?

Picking the right topic is the foundation of a successful online course. A great course topic should:

• Solve a real problem that people are actively searching for.
• Have market demand, meaning people are willing to pay for it.
• Align with your knowledge and passion to keep you motivated.
• Offer opportunities for scalability and long-term growth.

By choosing the right topic from the start, you increase your chances of creating a course that attracts students and generates consistent revenue.

If you are just starting, read this complete guide on building a profitable online course to get a clear roadmap for success.

Step 1: Identify Your Strengths and Expertise

Start by making a list of your skills, knowledge, and experiences. This will help you find a topic where you have both credibility and confidence.

Ask yourself:

• What topics do people frequently ask for your advice on?
• What skills or expertise do you have from work, hobbies, or personal experiences?
• Have you successfully solved a problem that others struggle with?
• Do you have professional certifications, training, or unique insights?

If you’re struggling to identify your strengths, consider:

• Reviewing your resume and work experience for specialized skills.
• Checking past projects, hobbies, or personal achievements that others admire.
• Asking colleagues, friends, or social media followers what they think you’re good at.

The goal is to find a topic where you can add real value through your knowledge and experience.

Step 2: Research Market Demand

Even if you’re knowledgeable about a subject, it won’t be profitable unless there’s enough demand. To determine if people are actively looking for courses on your topic, use these research methods:

1. Search Google and YouTube for Course Demand

Type your topic ideas into Google or YouTube and look for:

• Popular blog posts and videos related to your topic.
• High search volumes for key phrases (indicating strong interest).
• Existing courses or digital products covering the topic.

If you find multiple courses on your topic, that’s actually a good sign—it means there’s an audience willing to pay for it.

2. Use Keyword Research Tools

Keyword research helps determine whether people are actively searching for courses on your topic. Some tools you can use include:

• Google Trends – Shows whether interest in your topic is growing or declining.
• Ubersuggest or Ahrefs – Reveals search volumes for specific keywords.
• AnswerThePublic – Identifies common questions people ask about your topic.

Look for topics with consistent search traffic and avoid ideas with little to no interest.

3. Explore Online Course Marketplaces

Check popular online course platforms to see which topics are in demand. Some of the best platforms for research include:

• Udemy – Shows course categories, best-selling topics, and student reviews.
• Teachable & Thinkific – Popular for premium online courses.
• Skillshare – Great for creative and technical courses.

Look at existing courses in your niche. If there are successful courses with thousands of students, that’s a sign of strong demand.

To further validate your topic, consider pre-selling your online course to test if people are willing to pay before fully creating it.

Step 3: Validate Profitability Before Creating a Course

To ensure your course will actually sell, validate willingness to pay before spending time and effort creating it.

1. Check Competitor Pricing

Look at how much similar courses are selling for on platforms like:

• Udemy (budget-friendly courses)
• Teachable and Kajabi (premium courses)
• LinkedIn Learning (professional courses)

If courses in your niche sell at $50-$500+, it’s a sign that people are willing to invest in learning that topic.

2. Run a Poll or Survey

Ask your audience (via email, social media, or forums):

• What challenges they face related to your topic.
• Whether they’d pay for a course that solves their problem.
• How much they’d be willing to invest in a solution.

Real feedback helps refine your course topic and ensures there’s actual demand.

3. Pre-Sell the Course

Before creating your course, test interest by offering a pre-sale or early access discount. If people buy before the course is even made, that’s proof of profitability.

Ways to pre-sell:

• Launch a landing page with a sign-up form.
• Run a limited-time discount for early buyers.
• Offer beta access and collect feedback from early students.

A successful pre-sale means your topic is validated and worth pursuing.

Step 4: Differentiate Your Course from Competitors

If your topic is competitive, focus on what makes your course unique. Ways to stand out include:

• Adding a personal touch – Share real-life experiences or case studies.
• Focusing on a niche audience – Instead of “How to Start a Business,” narrow it down to “How to Start a Handmade Jewelry Business.”
• Offering unique bonuses – Workbooks, templates, private coaching, or a student community.
• Improving on existing courses – Read competitor reviews to find gaps in their content and provide a better experience.

A well-positioned course that offers more value than competitors will attract more students.

Step 5: Choose the Right Course Format

Different audiences prefer different learning styles. Choose a format that fits your topic and makes learning engaging.

Common Online Course Formats:

• Video-Based Courses – High engagement, ideal for visual learners.
• Text-Based Courses – PDFs, eBooks, or email courses for self-paced learners.
• Live Workshops or Webinars – Interactive learning with Q&A sessions.
• Blended Courses – A mix of video, text, and live Q&As for an all-in-one experience.

If your course includes video lessons, check out this guide on recording and editing professional video content to enhance production quality.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right online course topic is the key to success. By aligning your expertise with market demand and student needs, you can create a course that sells consistently and generates long-term income.

Key Takeaways:

• Identify your expertise and skills.
• Research market demand using Google, YouTube, and course platforms.
• Validate profitability by checking competitor pricing, running surveys, or pre-selling.
• Differentiate your course by offering unique value.
• Select the best course format to engage your audience effectively.

By following these steps, you can avoid wasted effort and create a high-demand, high-revenue course that meets real student needs. Start researching today and take the first step toward building a profitable online course business.