How to Lay Out a Good Online Course That Really Sells (Even If It’s Your First One)

If you’re an entrepreneur just starting out, you’ve probably heard that creating an online course is a great way to share what you know and make money while helping others.

But when it comes to actually laying it out, it can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re not super techy.

You might wonder:

What should I include?
How many lessons do I need?
What makes people actually want to buy my course?

Don’t worry. This guide will walk you through exactly how to lay out your online course step-by-step, in a way that makes sense for beginners and helps you build something that sells.

Let’s keep it simple.

Why Course Layout Matters (Even More Than You Think)

Before we jump into the steps, here’s something important:

The layout of your course isn’t just about being organized. It actually affects how valuable your course feels—and whether someone sticks with it or gives up halfway through.

A good layout helps your students:

Understand what they’re learning
Make progress easily
Get results (which leads to good reviews and more sales!)

So the way you structure your course is just as important as the content itself.

Step 1: Start With One Clear Promise

Before you build anything, ask yourself:

What will someone be able to do or understand after they take my course?

This is your course promise—and everything you teach should support that.

Here’s a simple formula:

“By the end of this course, you will be able to [specific result].”

Examples:

“By the end of this course, you’ll be able to create and launch your first email newsletter.”
“By the end of this course, you’ll have a 3-day meal plan designed for picky toddlers.”
“By the end of this course, you’ll know how to book your first paying client.”

Your course layout should guide people toward that promise, one step at a time.

Step 2: Break the Big Goal Into Bite-Size Steps

Now that you have your course promise, think about the steps someone would need to take to get there.

Ask:

What do they need to learn first?
What should come next?
What do they need to practice before moving on?

These steps become your modules (the main sections of your course).

Let’s say your course is about starting a blog. Your modules might look like this:

Pick a blog topic
Set up your blog (tech basics)
Write your first post
Share your blog on social media
Plan your next 30 days of content

See how it builds step-by-step?

Step 3: Add Lessons Inside Each Module

Each module will have lessons—short, focused videos or resources that teach one idea at a time.

Aim for 3 to 5 lessons per module. You don’t want to overwhelm people.

For example, in Module 1: Pick a Blog Topic, your lessons might be:

Lesson 1: What makes a good blog topic
Lesson 2: How to choose based on your audience
Lesson 3: Narrowing it down to one idea

Each lesson should answer one question or help with one small task.

Step 4: Keep Your Videos Short and Friendly

You don’t need to be a pro speaker. People want to learn from someone real—just like you.

Here are some tips:

Keep videos between 5–15 minutes long
Use slides or screen sharing if you don’t want to be on camera
Speak like you’re explaining it to a friend—no need for fancy words

You can record your videos using beginner tools like Loom, Zoom, or Canva’s video editor.

Step 5: Add Simple Worksheets or Templates (Optional but Powerful)

You don’t need extras—but they help people take action.

Here are ideas for helpful resources:

A checklist of what to do after each module
A worksheet to help them apply what they learned
A template to save time

Example: If you’re teaching someone how to create a welcome email, include a fill-in-the-blank email template they can copy.

That makes your course more valuable—and makes your students feel supported.

Step 6: Add a Welcome Video and Next Steps

Don’t forget your intro and wrap-up!

In your welcome video, tell your students:

What they’ll learn
How the course is organized
What to do if they get stuck

At the end of your course, remind them:

What they’ve achieved
What their next step could be (like joining a group or booking a service)
That you’re proud of them!

This helps people feel connected—and makes them more likely to leave good reviews or buy from you again.

Step 7: Choose a Simple Course Platform

You don’t need a big fancy system to deliver your course. Here are a few beginner-friendly platforms that don’t require tech skills:

ThriveCart Learn (simple and affordable)
Teachable (great for beginners)
Podia (all-in-one)
Thinkific (easy to use and has a free plan)
AttractWell: Best all in one platform on a budget

You can also host your course on your website if you’re using platforms like Kajabi or AttractWell.

Start small—you can always upgrade later.

Bonus Tips: How to Make Your Course Sell

Creating your course is one thing—selling it is another. But don’t panic. Here are a few easy things that help:

Speak to one specific person: The more clear your audience is, the more likely they’ll say “this is for me!”
Use simple, friendly language in your sales page
Add a clear benefit in your course title (ex: “Blogging Basics: Launch Your First Blog in 7 Days”)
Offer a limited-time discount or bonus when you first launch

And remember: your first version doesn’t need to be perfect. Done is better than perfect.

Final Thoughts: Your Course Can Change Someone’s Life

If you’ve ever helped someone through a challenge, you already have something worth teaching.

Don’t let tech fears or “not being ready” hold you back. Start with what you know, lay it out step by step, and share it in a way that feels kind and clear.

You don’t need to be an expert—you just need to care. And you already do.

Need help outlining your course or setting up your first digital product?
I work with beginner entrepreneurs who want to build simple, effective systems without tech overwhelm. Let’s build your course together—one step at a time.