There is no perfect time to create an online course, but you can absolutely launch your first online course for free. Before launching the course, you should know your responsibilities as the course creator and the relevant tools and software to us so that the launch becomes a success. It’s funny that most people think creating an online course requires them to have tons of money. So long as you have the right features, you have all it takes to launch that course you’ve been thinking about!
Let’s dig in to find out the right tools and software necessary for launching an online course:
What is an Online Course?
An online course is a series of information gathered to impart someone with a new skill through digital technology and are entirely delivered through online means at a fee or free. Online courses are economical because they save the student the extra fee they could have used for transportation and other expenses found in traditional courses.
Ever thought about how flexible online courses are? The students can literally fix their schedule without much hustle and without getting worried about lateness.
Tools and Software Used to Create Online Courses
1. Thinkific
Thinkific is a software used to create online courses and is a perfect solution for creators who are working on a budget to create, sell and market their content. Thinkific does not only provide you with a platform to market your online course but also the ability to host your course materials and general content. Some of the course materials hosted by Thinkific are:
• PDFs
• Audio features
• Course videos
If you are a course creator looking who has invested in brand identity but wants to go economical on membership sites, shopping carts, and sales pages, Thinkific is the software for your course.
2. Beaver Builder
If you have already set up a WordPress website and want your online course posted there, Beaver-Builder is the ultimate page builder for WordPress. Moreover, it is ideal for online course creators who have WordPress websites and want to host their sales pages. Your existing website works together with the page builder plugin and perfectly designs professional membership sites and sales pages.
3. Canva
Canva is a free and cost-effective designing tool that makes it simple for you to create PDF Workbooks. The Canva free version provides a range of layout suggestions and fonts to play with, not forgetting the fact that it is perfect for first-time creators who have no brand. However, you can use Canva for Work to bring the features together if you have already achieved a platform for your brand. The logo features include textures, fonts, brand colors, and logos.
4. Catamsia
To be honest, videos are a great way of providing and explaining information to your online course participants as they cover all learning styles, including kinesthetic, audio, and visuals. If you want your video edits to appear professional, Catamsia is the best. Remember, you want the final product to be as professional as possible so that your potential students can take you seriously.
Catamsia is a paid service, but the good news is that you can get a 30-day free trial and make as many online course videos as possible. How else are you planning to create demonstrational videos and tutorials if not through Catamsia?
5. Mailchimp
Keeping in touch with your online students should be top-tier as an online creator. Mailchimp is that free marketing tool that allows you and your participants to keep in touch and connect through the mail. You can go to the paid version way and set up an automated sequence or, better, use the free version to send emails to your participants just by clicking a button. If you are looking for a customer management system that is affordable and easy to work with, get on to Mailchimp!
6. Zoom
Does your online course content contain a live element? Are you incorporating free webinars in your content promotion or hosting live call sessions with your participants? You can integrate directly within Thinkific and host live calls through Zoom’s free and paid versions through Zoom. If your online participants are less than 50 and your call durations are short, the Zoom free version is ideal. However, longer calls with many participants require the paid version so that Zoom does not kick you out.
7. Vimeo
Your professionally filmed and edited videos need a hosting site. With Vimeo, you can use the free or paid version to host, share and upload videos in high-quality HD. You can then embed the hosted videos to your online course website or share the link with your students to watch. Vimeo is a perfect option for online creators looking for safe and ideal hosting sites where they can share the links to their subjects and embed the content on their website.
Moreover, Vimeo has privacy options that ensure only registered participants access your content.
8. Zapier
Now that you have adequate information on the right tools and software, Zapier is here to connect everything and create automation features. Depending on the tools you have chosen for your online course, Zapier recommends popular Zaps and takes your course to the next level. On a serious note, online course creation calls for a lot of organization and flow in systems and organizations, and there’s no better way to do it if not with Zapier.
Importance of Online Courses
An online course is an affordable and sure way of generating side income. Some of the benefits of creating an online course include:
• It enables you to create authority and establish credibility in your niche.
• An online course is convenient and quick to offer a valuable asset to your participants.
• You can create your brand awareness and develop your name through an online course.
Final Thoughts
You cannot get genuine followers if you do not have quality content and have not established trust between you and your participants. Good with creating an online course is that you don’t need to have any formal training. So long as you have a topic you’re knowledgeable about; you are good to go. Online courses include Certification Courses, Free Introductory courses, Membership courses, and Webinar.
