Selling courses online is a simple business model, but this doesn’t mean that it’s easy.

There are many components that go into selling an online course. Sure, you could sign-up for a free account with a site like Udemy, but there are some pretty compelling reasons on why this is not a good idea.

If you’re looking to build a substantial business from selling online course content, then there is one thing that you have to do – and without doing this you won’t sell anything.

This critical item has to do with both the course content and the marketing plan. In fact, it should impact nearly every aspect of your business.

If you’re selling elearning, you need to clearly articulate the benefits.

Sounds simple, but it isn’t.

Many providers will talk-up their course content (and this is important). But as a course merchant you would do well to clearly identify the need that your course(s) fulfill.

It’s not enough to simply say, “this course will help you become certified in XYZ field”. There are many courses out there that could say the same thing.

You need to identify your unique selling proposition (USP) in a concise way. There is a lot of information available that will walk you through the process of creating an effective USP. Here is a general overview:

1. Identify the unique problem (or opportunity)
2. Define the problem (or opportunity)
3. Describe why this problem (or opportunity) matters
4. Help the potential customer relate to this problem (or opportunity)
5. Provide the solution to the problem (or opportunity)

For each of the items above, you should come up with a few different angles. Then, using your content generate a three sentence (concise) pitch that addresses each one.

Over time you’ll narrow down the most effective approach to your market which will help you standout from other similar offerings, resulting in more courses sold.