Written by Benjamin Baillon
In short: Creating an online course is one of the most profitable ways to generate income on the internet. With the right tools and a clear method, you can launch your first digital course in just a few weeks, even without an audience or technical skills.
Reading time: 8 minutes
Table of Contents
01. What is an online course?
An online course is a structured educational program that you create once and sell to an unlimited number of students via the internet. It can take the form of videos, PDFs, audio, or a mix of these formats.
Unlike one-on-one coaching, a digital course generates income without you having to intervene with every sale. This is what's called passive income: you work once, you get paid multiple times.
Good to know
An online course doesn't need to be perfect to be sold. Start with simple, structured content. You will improve your program based on feedback from your first students.
02. Why create an online course in 2026
A booming market
The global online training market will exceed $370 billion in 2026 and continues to grow at a rate of 14% per year. In France, the demand for digital courses in French is exploding, particularly in the fields of digital marketing, personal development, and online income.
A very profitable business model
An online course offers exceptional margins. Once created, the cost of reproducing an additional access is almost zero. You can sell your course for €97, €197, or even €997 depending on the level of value provided.
$370B
Global e-learning market 2026
+14%
Annual sector growth
90%
Net margin possible on a digital course
03. Where to actually start?
The first mistake beginners make is wanting to create a perfect online course before selling it. The right approach is the opposite: validate your topic first, then create the content.
If you don't know what topic to focus on yet, PLR products are a fast and effective solution. Captivateur.com offers, among others, an Ultimate PLR Library with over 9,000 pieces of content ready to be customized for €49.90.
Good to know
PLR products (Private Label Rights) allow you to start from an existing foundation, add your expertise and personality to it, and then resell them as your own creation.
04. Steps to create your online course
Step 1: Choose a profitable topic
Your topic must solve a specific and painful problem for your target audience. Avoid topics that are too broad and focus on specific angles.
Step 2: Structure the program
Break your online course down into logical modules, from simplest to most advanced. A good typical structure: 4 to 6 modules, 3 to 5 lessons per module.
Step 3: Create the content
For videos, your smartphone is enough to start. For PDF materials, Canva offers free professional templates. If you start with PLR content, personalize each module with your own vocabulary and examples.
Step 4: Choose a platform and set the price
Set your price based on the transformation provided. A digital course that solves an urgent problem can sell for between €97 and €497 even if it only lasts 2 hours.
05. Comparison of tools to host your online course
| Platform | Starting price | Commission | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotmart | Free | 9.9% + fixed fee | Beginners with no budget |
| Teachable | From $39/mo | 0% | Intermediate creators |
| Stan Store | $29/mo | 0% | Creators with a social audience |
| Shopify | From €33/mo | 0% | Long-term SEO business |
| Gumroad | Free | 10% | Quick initial tests |
06. Creating an online course: frequently asked questions
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Do you need to be an expert to create an online course?
No, you don't need to be the world's leading expert on a subject. You just need to be 2 or 3 steps ahead of your target audience. -
How much does it cost to create an online course?
You can start with almost zero budget by using your smartphone for videos, free Canva for materials, and a platform like Hotmart or Gumroad without monthly subscriptions. -
How long should an online course be?
There is no ideal length: quality comes before quantity. What matters is that the student achieves the promised result. -
Can you create an online course with PLR products?
Yes, it is a very common approach for beginners. Always check that your PLR license allows the creation of courses before getting started. -
How do you sell an online course without an audience?
Several options: SEO on a Shopify blog to attract organic traffic, paid advertising on Meta or Google, partnerships with other creators, or affiliate marketing. -
Which platform should you choose to host your online course?
If you have an audience on social media, Stan Store at $29/mo is an excellent option. If you are focusing on SEO and the long term, Shopify is more suitable. -
Is it possible to create an online course in French?
Absolutely, and it is even a competitive advantage. The French-speaking market for online courses is less saturated than the English-speaking market.
07. Conclusion
Creating an online course is now within everyone's reach, even without an audience or budget. The key is to choose a subject that solves a real problem, structure a clear program, and use the right tools to host and sell your content.
To speed up your launch, discover the Ultimate PLR Library with 9,000+ pieces of content ready to be customized, or explore all of our digital products to start your online business today.
To go further: PLR Course: definition, benefits, and how to get started
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