Samantha had lost her job as a retail store manager when the pandemic hit. As an experienced trainer who had previously created materials and taught product seminars for the retail company, she wondered if her skills could transfer online.
After deep research into the most popular and profitable niches, Samantha decided to create an online course teaching customer service skills. Within a few months, she was earning more than her brick-and-mortar management job.
Like Samantha, many job seekers and career changers are turning to online course creation to leverage their experience into a work-from-home business.
The global e-learning market is predicted to grow to $374 billion by 2026 according to ResearchAndMarkets.com, up from $226 billion in 2021. With this incredible growth, high student demand spans many niches.
Why Teaching Online is More Profitable Than Ever
The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked massive growth in online learning. With digital learning now mainstream, the market is hungry for knowledgeable experts. This presents a lucrative opportunity for creators to profit as course creators by providing valuable content.
Some key tailwinds driving massive growth:
- Learn Anywhere, Anytime – Online courses provide flexibility to learn remotely on your schedule. This is crucial in today’s decentralized world.
- Teach Specific Skills – Courses allow instructors to offer tailored expertise vs. generalized degrees. This specialization attracts students.
- Passive Income – Pre-recorded courses can generate sales long after creation. This provides ongoing revenue streams.
- Changing job landscape -Learners need to rapidly gain skills as workplace needs evolve. Online courses enable affordable, scalable upskilling.
With demand skyrocketing, now is the perfect time to capitalize on this opportunity.
How to Identify Your Profitable Niche as an Online Course Creator
With near endless course topics to choose from, a key first step is identifying your “profitable niche” – an area you can teach in that intersects your expertise with student demand.
Here’s a beginner-friendly process for researching and selecting your ideal course niche:
1️⃣ Start with Your Experiences and Interests
What skills, hobbies or professional experience do you have that you enjoy teaching others about? Virtually any interest can be turned into an engaging online course.
🔍Research Existing Demand
Use tools like Google Trends to analyze search volume and demand for topics you’re knowledgeable about. High interest helps attract students.
📈 Validate Demand with Market Research
Talk to real learners to validate their pain points and desire for courses on your shortlisted niches. This provides confidence in demand.
📝 Test Creating Sample Content
Prototype some sample lectures, articles or videos as mini courses on your niche. This helps vet your enjoyment of creating educational content.
🔎 Analyze the Competition
Research existing online courses in your niche using Google and course marketplaces. Can you provide unique value vs. competitors? Is the niche too saturated?
By combining your expertise with high student demand and low competition, you can zero in on the perfect profitable niche online course topic tailored just for you.
Next let’s explore some of today’s most in-demand online course topics…
🤔 Questions to Find Your Niche:
- What problems could your insider experience, knowledge or skills help solve?
- What topics do friends, colleagues and past mentees always ask you about?
- Where do you see widespread mistakes, inefficiencies or knowledge gaps in your industry?
- What skills come so naturally to you that others often struggle with?
- What forums, groups and communities do you participate in around shared interests?
- What learning barriers exist in topics you’re passionate about improving access to?
With thoughtful research and planning, almost any professional background or life experience can be translated into an educational business at scale. You can directly apply your expertise to create transformation.
13 of the Most Profitable Online Course Niches Currently
Based on student demand and course topic saturation, here are 13 highly lucrative online course niches to consider with their revenue Opportunities:
1️⃣ Digital Marketing
With tightening budgets, marketers need to skill up on digital tactics. Teach high-value skills like:
- SEO and content optimization
- Social media and influencer marketing
- Paid search and online ads
- Conversion rate optimization
- Email and funnel building
| Revenue Opportunities | Pricing | Revenue |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive marketing courses priced $200-$500+. At 10 sales daily, $30,000+ monthly revenue achievable. | $200-$500+ per course | $30,000+ monthly revenue achievable. |
| Software Affiliates | Earn $100+ per user who signs up for marketing tools like SEMrush after your link. Can drive 500+ leads monthly. | $100+ per user |
| Services Upsell | Upsell consulting calls, funnel audits, SEO services to students. Huge range based on expertise level but $100-$500+ per hour. | $100-$500+ per hour |
Also check: 11 Best Simple Ways To Make Money Using AI [2024]
2️⃣ Cooking & Baking
Food is a beloved hobby. Share your cooking and baking knowledge teaching niche cuisine like:
- Specific cultural styles like Italian, Thai or French
- Dietary focused like vegan or gluten-free
- Skills like cake decorating, cocktail mixing or sous vide
| Revenue Opportunities | Pricing | Revenue |
|---|---|---|
| Membership Community | Operate a cooking club with access to extra content, recipes, forums, etc. Charge $20-$50 per month. Thousands of potential signups. | $20-$50 per month |
| In-Person Events | Host real-world cooking classes, dinner parties, and workshops. Ticket prices $50-$200 per person with high demand. | $50-$200 per person |
| Branded Merchandise | Sell branded tools, aprons, bakeware. Margin of $10-$25 per item. Lucrative at scale. | $10-$25 per item |
3️⃣ Cybersecurity
Surging threats make cybersecurity skills vital for businesses and individuals. Offer courses on:
- Secure coding practices
- Ethical hacking and penetration testing
- Protecting cloud infrastructure
- Risk management
- Cybersecurity awareness for non-technical professionals
| Revenue Opportunities | Description | Additional Revenue per Student/Signup | Feasibility/Deal Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certification Bundles | Bundle courses with exam vouchers and study guides. | $150+ per student | Additional revenue per student. |
| ActiveCampaign Affiliates | Cybersecurity awareness platform. Earn $100 per signup driven through your course. | $100 per signup | 500+ leads per month feasible. |
| Enterprise Licensing | Sell bulk subscriptions to companies for team training. | $10,000-$50,000 in annual contracts | Deals often in the range of $10,000-$50,000. |
4️⃣ Personal Finance & Investing
Help learners take control of their finances with courses on:
- Budgeting, saving and reducing debt
- Investing basics – stocks, mutual funds
- Cryptocurrency and blockchain
- Retirement planning and passive income
| Revenue Opportunities | Description | Earnings / Commissions / Pricing | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Account Affiliates | Get $50-$200 per user who opens a trading, retirement, or banking account through your link. | $50-$200 per user | Potential for significant earnings. |
| Advisor Referrals | Refer students to vetted financial advisors and get 25%-50% of first-year fees. | 25%-50% of first-year fees | Earn a percentage of advisor fees. |
| Premium Membership | Provide additional content, tools, ask-an-expert access for $20-$50 per month. | $20-$50 per month | Thousands will sign up over time. |
5️⃣ Digital Transformation
With workplaces going remote, businesses need help adapting. Teach skills like:
- Migrating systems and workflows to the cloud
- Data analytics and business intelligence
- Leading change management
- Virtual collaboration tools and strategies
| Revenue Opportunities | Description | Deal Range / Earnings per Signup | Feasibility/Deal Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corporate Training | Sell licenses to businesses to skill up their teams on digital capabilities. | Deals can range from $5,000-$500,000+ | Deals range from $5,000 to $500,000 or more. |
| Active Campaign Affiliates | Marketing automation platform. Earn $100 per business signup driven through your course. | $100 per business signup | Can refer 500+ leads monthly. |
| Managed Services | Provide consulting, implementation, and management services to companies. | Bill hourly rates of $150-$300+ | Hourly rates vary based on scope. |
6️⃣ Leadership Development
Experienced leaders can share their wisdom gained from the trenches on topics like:
- Leading hybrid and remote teams
- Conflict resolution and negotiation
- Data-driven decision making
- Strategic planning and vision setting
| Revenue Opportunities | Description | Deal Range / Pricing / Earnings | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corporate Programs | Sell access to courses plus additional coaching, assessments, and features as a corporate training program. | Deals from $10,000-$100,000+ | Common deals range from $10,000 to $100,000 or more. |
| Certification | Offer credentialing through official certifications in your methodology that HR recognizes for career advancement. | Charge $500+ per certification | Charge $500 or more per certification. |
| Virtual Coaching | Provide 1-on-1 coaching/advising to leaders. | Hourly rates of $200-$500+ | Hourly rates range from $200 to $500 or more. |
7️⃣ Home Improvement
Home owners want to increase their DIY skills. Consider teaching:
- Woodworking, tiling, drywall, flooring, tile, plumbing
- Landscaping and gardening
- Interior design fundamentals
- Green energy solutions like solar
| Revenue Opportunities | Description | Earnings/Commissions/Project Fees | Potential/Price Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tool/Materials Affiliates | Promote home improvement retailers, earn commissions on student purchases driven. | Potential for $5,000+ per month | Earn commissions on student purchases. |
| Contracting Leads | Connect students needing work done with your network of vetted contractors. | 25%-50% of project fees | Earn a percentage of project fees. |
| House Flipping Course | Sell premium course on how to flip houses start-to-finish. | Price point $500-$1,000 | High perceived value course. |
8️⃣ Influencer Marketing
Aspiring influencers need guidance standing out on social media. Offer courses on:
- Growing followers on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube
- Creating content that converts
- Monetizing through brand sponsorships, affiliates and more
| Revenue Opportunities | Description | Earnings/Commissions | Potential/Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agency Referrals | Refer students to vetted influencer agencies and earn 20%-30% of first year agency fees. | 20%-30% of first year agency fees | Big potential for volume. |
| Brand Partnerships | Broker brand sponsorship deals for influencers in your network. | 10%-20% cut of sponsorship revenue | Earn a percentage of sponsorship revenue. |
| Software Affiliates | Promote affiliate links to influencer tools like affiliate networks, analytics, etc. | $100+ per signup you drive | $100+ per signup is possible. |
9️⃣ Stress Management
With rising anxiety and depression levels, stress management skills are vital. Teach tactics for:
- Mindfulness, meditation and breathing
- Building resilience and strong mental health
- Overcoming burnout
- Corporate wellness programs
| Revenue Opportunities | Description | Earnings/Commissions/Deal Range | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Therapist Referrals | Connect students with vetted therapists, life coaches, and counselors. | Earn 25%-50% of their first year fees | Earn a percentage of therapist fees. |
| Corporate Programs | Sell corporate licenses for company-wide access to courses on burnout, mindfulness, etc. | Deals from $5,000-$50,000 | Deals range from $5,000 to $50,000 or more. |
| Meditation App Affiliates | Meditation apps pay up to $200 per signup. | Up to $200 per signup | Promote to course students to earn commissions. |
10. Sports Coaching
Share your sports expertise to help other coaches or athletes improve their skills for sports like:
- Football, basketball, baseball, soccer
- Tennis, swimming, martial arts
- Fitness related like yoga, Pilates, weightlifting
| Revenue Opportunities | Description | Deal Range / Pricing / Earnings | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Youth Camp Sponsorships | Sell sponsorships for your youth camps to relevant brands. | Deals from $1,000-$10,000 | Deals can range from $1,000 to $10,000 or more. |
| Private Coaching | Offer 1-on-1 coaching for athletes. | Hourly rates of $100-$300+ | Hourly rates vary based on expertise and demand. |
| Team Management Software | Promote affiliate links to coaching management tools. | Earn $50-$200 per signup | Earn commissions per signup conversion driven. |
11. Personal Organization
Help overwhelmed individuals gain control of their lives through:
- Goal setting and habit building
- Reducing clutter through minimalism and decluttering
- Cleaning tips and home organization
- Time management and productivity
| Revenue Opportunities | Description | Pricing / Earnings / Deal Range | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Organizing | Provide in-person decluttering, organization, and optimization services for homes. | Hourly rates of $50-$150 | Standard hourly rates of $50 to $150. |
| Storage Affiliates | Promote storage solutions, earn $50-$200 per customer who signs up after clicking your affiliate link. | Earn $50-$200 per customer | Earn commissions per customer sign-up through your link. |
| Corporate Productivity Programs | Sell corporate licenses providing company-wide access to time management, productivity courses. | Deals from $5k-$100k | Deals range from $5,000 to $100,000 or more. |
12. Healthy Living & Nutrition
Wellness is a priority for many today. Create courses on:
- Eating clean and developing healthy habits
- Home workout plans and equipment-free fitness
- Mental wellbeing and self-care
- Chronic disease management through lifestyle
| Revenue Opportunities | Description | Earnings / Pricing / Deal Range | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supplement Affiliates | Promote vetted supplements, earn commissions on sales driven through your course. | $20-$50 per customer | Earn commissions per customer sale. |
| In-Person Workshops | Conduct real-world seminars, camps, and retreats focused on diet, fitness, wellbeing. | Ticket prices $100-$500 | High demand for ticket sales. |
| Enterprise Wellness Partnerships | Sell corporate licenses providing workforce access to nutrition, mental health, and fitness courses. | Contract values from $20k-$150k | Contract values can range from $20,000 to $150,000 or more. |
13. Entrepreneurship
Aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners want guidance on:
- Validating and launching a startup
- Bootstrapping tactics and fundraising
- Business basics – marketing, accounting, HR
- Ecommerce and freelancing
| Revenue Opportunities | Description | Earnings/Partner Fees | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Plan Contests | Host contests offering investment/funding prizes for the best business plans developed by students. | Sponsors pay $5k-$25k | Partnerships with sponsors for funding prizes. |
| Freelance Marketplaces | Promote affiliate links and get $100+ per user that successfully completes a project on platforms like Fiverr after your link. | $100+ per user | Earn commissions per successful project. |
| Accelerator Equity | Refer top graduates to partner accelerators to receive 1%-5% equity in return. | 1%-5% equity | Potential for equity-based earnings on valuations. |
The opportunities are truly endless for creating profitable online courses in your niche of expertise. Focus on skills relevant for now and the future to attract lifelong learners aiming to get ahead.
Here are some list of Effective Keyword Research Tools you can use to find for profitable niche
🚀Actionable Tips for Launching Successful Online Courses
Once you’ve identified your profitable niche course topic, here are some best practices for creating compelling educational content:
📚 Outline a Cohesive Curriculum
Organize material into logical sections and modules. Start foundational, then go deeper into more advanced topics.
🔄 Blend Learning Approaches
Combine video lectures, slide decks, written guides, quizzes, live Q&As and more for varied content types.
🌍 Insert Real-World Examples
Share relevant examples from your experience to make lessons engaging and memorable.
🤝 Foster Community
Encourage discussions and connections between students for richer learning and engagement.
📖 Provide Value-Adds like Cheat Sheets
Complement core lessons with downloadable resources like templates, cheat sheets and workbooks.
👤 Utilize Guest Instructors If Possible
Consider inviting guest experts to expand the material and perspectives covered.
🌱 Make Content Evergreen
Avoid overly time-sensitive material so your course remains relevant for years.
By focusing on in-demand skills, utilizing varied multimedia content delivery, and providing ongoing support, your courses will provide transformative value that keeps students eager to enroll.
🏁 Get Started Sharing Your One-of-a-Kind Knowlege and Skills
So which lucrative niche will you choose to share your exceptional know-how? Could now be your time to, like Samantha, leverage your experience into an online course business allowing you to work from anywhere?
With interest booming amidst massive market growth, there’s no better time to start developing your unique course niche. What first step will you take today?
FAQs
What is a “profitable niche” for online courses?
A profitable niche is a course topic you can teach where you have expertise and there is high demand from students willing to pay for education. Find the overlap between your skills and interests with market demand.
How do I research good course ideas?
Start with your own experiences then use Google Trends and keyword tools to analyze demand. Talk to potential students to validate pain points. Research competing courses to size up competition.
How do I create an effective online course curriculum?
Use a logical structure starting from fundamentals then building up. Blend lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and activities. Insert real-world examples and downloadable resources. Bring in guest experts if possible.
What’s the best way to stand out from competing courses?
Offer a unique perspective drawn from your specialized experiences. Include more interactive elements like live Q&As. Share little-known insights and tactics you’ve picked up over the years. Packed with value-adds like templates.
How important is topic relevance when choosing a niche?
Very important. Choose skills needed now and for the foreseeable future. Avoid niches with shrinking demand. Research growth projections for your niche and talk to working professionals to confirm relevance.
