Creating an online course requires time, effort, and resources. However, many course creators and co-producers make the mistake of developing a course without first validating the idea. Without proper validation, you risk launching a course that no one wants to buy.
In this guide, we’ll cover how to test demand for your course idea before investing in content creation.
Why Course Validation is Important
Validating a course idea ensures:
High demand – You create a course people are already looking for. Increased sales – You maximize the chances of success before launch. Saved time and money – You avoid creating a course that won’t sell. Lower risk – You ensure a return on investment before committing to production.
Step 1: Research Market Demand
a) Use Google Trends
Google Trends helps you see if people are searching for topics related to your course.
Go to Google Trends and enter your course topic. Look for consistent interest or rising trends over time. Compare related keywords to find the most popular topics.
Example: If you plan to create a course on Instagram Marketing, check if searches for terms like “Instagram growth strategy” or “Instagram marketing tips” are trending.
b) Analyze Online Course Platforms
Check Udemy, Coursera, Teachable, and Skillshare to see:
How many courses exist on your topic? Which courses have high ratings and enrollments? What students are saying in the reviews?
If multiple successful courses exist, it’s a sign of strong demand. However, you’ll need to find a unique angle to differentiate your course.
c) Perform Keyword Research
Keyword research tools help identify popular search terms related to your course idea. Use tools like:
Google Keyword Planner (free) Ubersuggest (free/paid) Ahrefs & SEMrush (paid)
Look for high-search, low-competition keywords that indicate strong demand.
Example: Instead of “Digital Marketing Course”, a more targeted keyword could be “Facebook Ads for Small Business Owners”.
Step 2: Validate the Idea with Your Audience
a) Run a Survey
If you already have an audience (email list, social media followers, YouTube subscribers), ask them what they need help with.
Create a survey using Google Forms or Typeform. Ask what challenges they face and what they want to learn. Offer a small incentive (free resource, checklist) for completing the survey.
Example questions:
What is your biggest challenge with [course topic]? What would you like to learn in a course? Would you be interested in an online course on this topic?
If at least 50-100 people respond positively, your idea has strong potential.
b) Post in Online Communities
Test your idea in Facebook Groups, Reddit, LinkedIn, or Quora.
Find niche groups where your target audience is active. Post a value-driven question related to your course. Observe engagement levels – Are people interested? Do they ask for more details?
Example Post:
“I’m thinking of creating an online course on [topic]. What’s your biggest challenge in this area? Would you be interested in a step-by-step guide?”
If you receive lots of responses, your course idea is validated.
c) Offer Free Mini-Training
Before launching a full course, test interest by offering a free webinar, live workshop, or mini-course.
Use Zoom, YouTube Live, or Instagram Live. Teach a small part of your course. Measure attendance & engagement.
If attendees stay until the end and ask questions, they’re likely interested in a full course.
Step 3: Test Willingness to Pay
a) Create a Pre-Sales Page
A pre-sales page is a simple landing page where people can:
Learn about your course. Join a waitlist. Pre-purchase at an early-bird price.
Tools to create pre-sales pages:
- ConvertKit (email opt-in pages)
- Leadpages (high-converting sales pages)
- Kajabi (all-in-one course hosting + sales page)
If at least 50-100 people join your waitlist or pre-purchase, your idea is validated.
b) Run a Small Paid Ad Campaign
Use Facebook Ads, Instagram Ads, or Google Ads to test demand.
Create a simple ad with a landing page link. Run a $50-$100 test campaign targeting your ideal audience. Measure click-through rates and conversions.
If people click and sign up, it’s a strong indicator of interest.
Step 4: Refine & Differentiate Your Course Idea
Even if there’s demand, your course needs a unique angle to stand out.
Find a niche within the niche
Instead of “Social Media Marketing”, try “LinkedIn Marketing for Coaches”.
Add a transformation promise
Instead of “Learn Facebook Ads”, try “Master Facebook Ads & Get Your First 1,000 Sales”.
Offer unique bonuses
Include templates, checklists, private coaching, or a members-only community.
Final Thoughts
Validating your course idea before production ensures you create something people truly want and are willing to pay for.
By using market research, surveys, mini-trainings, and pre-sales pages, you can test demand and increase course success.
Now it’s your turn—follow these steps and validate your next online course today!
