Why You Need an Online Course Business Plan Before You Launch
Building an online course can seem like the perfect solution to scale your expertise, create passive income, and serve more people. But if you think that launching a course is as simple as recording a few videos and throwing them online, you may be in for a harsh reality check.
In this episode of the Podcast, I dive into the number one thing I wish every future course creator knew: You need an online course business plan before you build anything.
Why Is an Online Course Business Plan Essential for Your Success?
I get this question all the time: “If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting out, what would it be?” My answer is simple but crucial – develop a solid business and marketing plan first.
Many aspiring course creators jump straight into content creation. They pour hours into designing modules, writing scripts, and recording videos. But what they miss is the foundation that will guarantee the success of their program: treating their course like a business.
Without a strategic plan, you’re simply creating another product that may or may not sell. And let’s be honest, crossing your fingers and hoping for sales isn’t a sustainable way to build an online business.
The Biggest Mistake I See New Business Owners Make
Here’s the reality: building a course and expecting immediate success without understanding your audience, goals, and offer is a recipe for burnout and disappointment.
I often meet people who think that launching a course is the fastest way to make money online. They believe the “just build it and they will come” myth. But without clear strategies for:
Who your program is for (your ideal client avatar)
What problem you are solving
How to market and position your program
Pricing and delivery methods
Your program could end up collecting digital dust.
Build the Foundation First
Before you film a single video or write a script, ask yourself:
What kind of business am I trying to create?
Why am I creating this course?
How will I take this from idea to full-scale offer?
These foundational questions are what will drive the success of your online business. Your “why” has to extend beyond just making money. It needs to be rooted in solving a problem, creating transformation, and delivering value that sets you apart.
The Power of a Marketing Plan
Once you’ve laid the business groundwork, the next essential piece is a marketing plan. Marketing isn’t just about randomly posting on social media or creating content on a whim.
A marketing plan defines:
Who you’re targeting
What platforms you’ll use
How you’ll attract and nurture leads
Your messaging and brand voice
Without this level of clarity, even the most well-designed courses can fail to reach the right audience.
Avoid the “Yacht Course” Illusion
At a conference a few years ago, I watched an influencer stand on stage and claim that she created a million-dollar course on her yacht with just an iPhone. While this sounds glamorous, the truth is she had already spent years building a massive audience, refining her framework, and perfecting her process.
The “overnight success” story rarely includes the countless hours of preparation that happened behind the scenes.
What to Do Next
If you’re thinking of launching a course or building a coaching program, start by developing your online course business plan. Map out your:
Vision and goals
Target audience
Unique value proposition
Marketing and promotion strategy
Revenue goals and delivery model
This simple yet essential step can fast-track your success and ensure that when you do launch, you’re not just hoping for results – you’re planning for them.
Need Help Mapping It Out?
I’m excited to share that we’re launching an Online Course Business Plan Template that will walk you through each step of the process. If you need personalized guidance, I also offer VIP strategy sessions to help you create and scale your online program.
Stop guessing and start building with intention. A solid business and marketing plan is the difference between a course that flops and one that scales to six or seven figures.
If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out and let’s build the foundation for your success today.
Our Host
Tara Bryan is on Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin
Website is: www.Taralbryan.com
Hey, it’s your host, Tara Bryan. And I am on a mission to help more business owners learn to infinitely scale their businesses by leveraging the power of online without sacrificing the customer experience or results.
I like to geek out on all things business strategy, marketing, interactive digital and user experience. This podcast is all about what is working, lessons learned and actionable tips to create and grow a thriving online business.
Join us each week as we dive into different strategies, tactics and tips you can apply immediately to your business.
Key Topics:
The Importance of an Online Business Plan for Online Business | Why Creating a Sustainable Online Course Business Requires More Than Just Content | Avoiding the “Quick and Easy” Myth of Course Creation
Highlights
- Strategic Foundations Matter – Building a successful online course starts with a solid business and marketing plan, not just content creation. Having clear goals and a roadmap ensures long-term success.
- Online Programs are Businesses – Treating your course as a legitimate business—complete with strategy, audience research, and marketing plans—separates sustainable programs from those that fail to scale.
- Beyond the Hype – Creating a course isn’t as simple as filming with your phone and selling it overnight. Behind-the-scenes work, audience building, and strategic positioning are essential for success.
- Sustainability and Scaling – A sustainable online course business grows by solving real problems for a defined audience, not by throwing random content online. This ensures customer transformation and long-term profitability.
