Hey Course Creators!
Let’s get real for a second.

You’ve been flirting with the idea of creating online courses and making a living from it for a while now. You’ve got an awesome idea, you’re fired up, and you’re ready to take the plunge. So let’s get serious about it.

Are you really ready to create an online course business?

If the answer is "yes," then it’s time to start thinking about setting up your business. And if you’ve been putting this off because you’re worried about what you don’t know (hello, self-sabotage!), fear not. I’m here to help you navigate this jungle of business steps, so you can focus on what you do best—creating that killer course.

Now, for clarity, I’m going to assume a few things: First, you’re an aspiring course creator, and this is your very first business venture. Meaning, you’ve got absolutely nothing in place yet—other than your fantastic course idea. Second, I’m assuming you’re here to build an online course business, not a mobile dog-grooming service (though that’s super cool too). Finally, I assume that you’ve got big dreams and long-term plans for your business. You’re not here for a quick buck; you’re building something sustainable.

This guide is primarily aimed at course creators based in the UK. If you’re reading this from other corners of the globe—virtual high-five to you! Just make sure to check your local legal and financial options.

Now, let’s dive into why setting up an online course business is such a fab idea.

1. Explosive Growth in Online Learning

Over the past few years, the demand for online learning has skyrocketed like a rocket heading to Mars. With more people turning to the internet to acquire new skills, boost their careers, or pursue personal growth, the e-learning industry is thriving. According to recent research, the global e-learning market is expected to surpass $375 billion by 2026. Basically, there's a HUGE audience waiting for your brilliance.

Whether you’re teaching something practical like coding or something more soulful like mindfulness, people are hungry for flexible, accessible learning options. This growing demand means endless opportunities for course creators like you to make an impact (and a few bucks, too).

2. Scalability and Passive Income Potential

Unlike traditional businesses or one-on-one services, online courses can be sold to an unlimited number of students. This means you can be chilling on a beach somewhere (with Wi-Fi, of course) while your course is still selling! Once you’ve created your course, you can keep selling it over and over again with minimal effort. Hello, passive income!

By automating your marketing, sales, and course delivery processes, your online course can work for you—even while you sleep. The more courses you create, the more opportunities you have to scale your revenue. So, yes, you can have your cake and eat it too.

3. Access to Powerful Digital Tools and Supportive Communities

As a course creator, you’re not alone. Today, there are countless digital tools designed specifically to support you in creating, hosting, and marketing your online courses. Whether you’re using user-friendly platforms like Teachable or going all-in with an all-in-one solution like Kajabi, these tools make the tech stuff way easier.

On top of that, there are vibrant online communities of fellow course creators who are ready to cheer you on, share tips, and celebrate your wins. Whether you join a Facebook group like Self-Sabotage Interrupted or attend virtual networking events, there’s a whole community out there ready to support you.

But you’re not here for a pep talk—you’re here to do the thing. So, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of setting up your business.

Step 1: Market Research

Let’s face it, your brilliant idea is just that—a brilliant idea. But before you pour your heart, soul, and maybe a little blood, sweat, and tears into it, you’ve got to be sure people actually want what you’re offering.

Why it’s necessary:
Market research helps you validate that there’s actual demand for your course. After all, you don’t want to create something that’s just going to collect digital dust.

Recommended actions:

• Identify Your Niche: Find that sweet spot between what you’re passionate about and what the market is craving.

• Research Demand: Use tools like Google Trends or Google Keyword Planner to snoop around and see what people are searching for in your niche. You might discover hidden gems (or realize you need to tweak your idea).

• Spy on the Competition: Check out existing courses on platforms like Udemy or Teachable. What are they doing right? What gaps can you fill? It’s not about reinventing the wheel—it’s about building a better one.

Initial steps:
Start small. Try offering a freebie or a low-cost mini-course to test the waters. This is your chance to get real-time feedback and see if your course idea resonates with your audience.

Step 2: Choose a Business Name

Now, this is the fun part—naming your business! But hold up, it’s not just about picking something catchy. Do you go with your personal name, or do you create a business brand?

Why it’s necessary:
Your business name is part of your identity and helps shape your brand. It also needs to be available as a domain and on social media. Yep, this is one of those fun but practical steps.

Pros and Cons:

• Personal Name:

  • Pros: It’s personal, builds trust, and can make you the face of your brand.

  • Cons: If you plan to scale or sell the business later, your name might not be flexible enough.

• Company Name:

  • Pros: It’s professional, scalable, and can grow with your business.

  • Cons: It might take more effort to build personal trust with your audience.

Action:
Once you’ve picked a name, check its availability as a domain (try Namecheap or GoDaddy) and secure those social handles!

Step 3: Business Structure

Ok, this one’s a bit more serious (but still important, so don’t tune out!). Choosing the right business structure impacts everything from taxes to legal obligations. Here’s the lowdown:

Sole Trader:

• Pros: Easy to set up, less admin, and you have full control.

• Cons: You’re personally liable for any debts.

Limited Company:

• Pros: Your personal assets are protected (yay, limited liability!).

• Cons: More complex to set up, and you’ll need to file annual accounts and pay corporation tax.

Partnership or LLP:

• Pros: Share responsibilities and profits with a partner.

• Cons: You need to figure out how to split profits and responsibilities.

Action:
Register with HMRC as a sole trader or with Companies House if you’re setting up a limited company or LLP.

Step 4: Register for Taxes

Yep, the taxman needs to know about your fabulous new business.

Important notes:

• As a sole trader, you’ll need to inform HMRC and get a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR).

• If you’re making it rain (turnover over £85k), you might need to register for VAT.

Action:
Keep detailed records from day one. Accounting software like QuickBooks will be your new BFF. (Remember: This is NOT official tax advice, so chat with a financial pro for your unique situation.)

In fact, this is the perfect time to put my Disclaimer here:

I am not a legal or financial professional. The information provided in this blog post, particularly regarding business structure, legal requirements, and accounting, is intended as general guidance and should be treated as a suggestion based on personal experience and research. It is strongly recommended that you consult with a qualified legal or financial professional before making any decisions. I assume no responsibility for any legal, financial, or other damages resulting from the use or interpretation of the information in this post. Seriously, my eager course creator friend!

Step 5: Set Up a Business Bank Account

Trust me, you don’t want your personal shopping sprees mixed up with your business expenses. It’s time to separate your personal and business finances.

Why:

• It simplifies tax prep (no more scrolling through transactions trying to remember what was personal and what was business).

• It looks more professional, but more importantly, it will help you take your own business seriously. Will make you feel like a proper business owner, not just someone who dabbles in her free time. 

• You’ll need it for payments and managing your business expenses.

Action:
Check out digital banks like Starling or Monzo, which are tailored to online businesses.

Step 6: Consider Getting Accounting Software

Good financial habits start on day one, not when you’re drowning in receipts.

Why:
Accounting software saves you time and helps you stay organised. Plus, you’ll thank me later when tax season rolls around.

Recommended Software:

• QuickBooks for freelancers and small businesses. 

• Xero if you want a bit more oomph.

Keep an eye out for special deals and offers. I scored a great offer from Quickbooks, where I only paid £10 for the first year of my subscription. 

Step 7: Reserve Your Domain Name

Your website is going to be your digital HQ. Lock down that domain before someone else nabs it!

Action:
Reserve your domain name ASAP (and secure those social media handles while you’re at it).

Step 8: Create Your Logo

Don’t spend ages stressing over this. Your logo doesn’t need to be perfect right out of the gate (we’re not building the next Nike here… yet). In fact, if you think this will hold you back, then just skip this step for now and revisit it later.

Why:
While not essential for launch, having a simple logo can help with brand recognition.

Action:
Use Canva to whip up something simple and clean. If you want a more polished look but don’t want to break the bank, check out designers on Fiverr who can create a logo for you at a reasonable price.

Step 9: Build a Website

Now we’re getting to the exciting part—your website! It’s the heart of your online course business, where leaners will discover your offerings, enrol, and engage with your content.

Considerations:

• If you’re starting on a tight budget, you can use platforms like Strikingly for simple, user-friendly sites. It’s perfect if you’re just getting your feet wet and want to keep things light and breezy.

• For long-term growth, you might want to go all-in with platforms like Kajabi or FEA Create. These platforms are all-in-one solutions that include course hosting, payment processing, and lead generation tools. They’re designed for course creators like you! But they also come with a considerable price tag, so weigh your options before you commit to such a big spend. 

Action:
Set up a lead capture system on your site so you can start collecting email addresses and building your audience from day one. Oh, and don’t forget to add a privacy policy to keep everything GDPR-compliant (more on that soon).

Step 10: Set Up Social Media Accounts

Alright, time to get social! Social media is a key tool for connecting with your audience, building relationships, and promoting your courses. But, spoiler alert: you don’t need to be everywhere.

Action:
Pick 1-2 platforms where your ideal students are likely hanging out. Are you targeting professionals? LinkedIn is a great place for that. If your audience is more creative or visual, consider Instagram or TikTok. You can always expand later, but in the beginning, focus your efforts where they count.

Legal Considerations for Online Course Creators in the UK

I know, I know—legal stuff can feel like a snooze fest. But trust me, you want to make sure your business is legit. Here’s what you need to know (and remember, I’m not a legal professional, so for any serious matters, consult someone qualified in the field).

GDPR Compliance

If you’re collecting any personal data (like learner emails, payment details, or course progress), you’ll need to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Don’t worry, it sounds scarier than it is.

Action:
Create a Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, and Cookie Policy for your website. These documents should explain how you collect, store, and use data—and let users opt out of marketing communications if they want to (hey, it happens). You can find templates online to help guide you through this step.

Terms and Conditions

You’ll want to make sure your Terms and Conditions are crystal clear. This includes refund policies, course access terms, and any disclaimers.

Intellectual Property

Protect your hard-earned content! After all, you don’t want someone copying your course material and selling it as their own.

Action:
Consider trademarking your business name and logo. Also, make sure to add copyright notices to your website and course materials. Better safe than sorry!

Insurance

No one likes thinking about worst-case scenarios, but it’s better to be prepared. Consider getting professional indemnity insurance and public liability insurance to cover any potential claims (like if someone sues over advice given in your course—yes, that happens).

Permits and Licences

If you’re operating your course business from home, make sure you’ve dotted your i’s and crossed your t’s. You may need to inform your mortgage lender, landlord, or home insurance provider that you’re running a business from home. Check to see if you need any permits or licences based on your location.

Essential Equipment for Course Creation

Let’s talk gear. You don’t need to buy the latest, fanciest equipment to get started—but there are some essentials that will help you deliver a polished, professional-looking course. Here’s what I recommend:

Laptop or Desktop

A reliable computer is a must. You’ll need it to create, edit, and upload your course content. If you’re planning to edit videos, make sure your laptop or desktop has enough processing power and RAM to handle it.

Recommended:

• MacBook Pro for those who prefer Apple.

• Dell XPS if you’re more of a Windows person.

Camera and Microphone

Good video and audio quality can make or break your course. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to splurge on fancy equipment from day one. You can absolutely start with your phone’s camera and microphone if you’re on a budget.

Recommended:

• Camera: Logitech C920 (budget-friendly option) or a DSLR like the Canon EOS 80D for more high-quality recordings.

• Microphone: Blue Yeti (USB) or Rode NT1-A (XLR for studio-level audio). But if your budget is tight, your phone’s built-in mic can do the trick for now!

Lighting

Good lighting ensures your videos don’t look like they were filmed in a cave. Natural light works great, but if you need some help, a ring light or softbox lighting kit can make a world of difference.

Recommended:
Start with a basic ring light—it’s affordable, portable, and makes a huge difference in video quality.

Video Editing Software

Once you’ve recorded your course, you’ll need to clean up the videos. That’s where video editing software comes in.

Recommended:

• Final Cut Pro if you’re using a Mac.

• Adobe Premiere Pro for cross-platform, professional-level editing.

• If you’re on a budget, iMovie or Camtasia are solid choices.

Screen Recording Software

If your course requires any kind of screen demos or tutorials, you’ll need screen recording software.

Recommended:

• Loom for a simple, user-friendly solution.

• Camtasia or OBS Studio if you need more advanced features.

Recommended Subscriptions and Tools

Alright, so you’ve got your equipment sorted. Now, let’s talk about the software and tools you’ll need to run your course business smoothly.

Learning Management System (LMS)

An LMS is where your course lives. It helps you host, manage, and deliver your content while tracking student progress. It’s like the online classroom where all the magic happens.

Recommended:

• Kajabi or Teachable for all-in-one solutions.

• New Zenler or Podia if you’re looking for something more budget-friendly.

I’m using FEA Create, which is a very solid option and in the mid-price range. It’s not only an LMS but also a CRM, so you can have everything in one place. 

Canva

You’ll need Canva for creating course materials, social media posts, and marketing assets. It’s a design tool that makes it easy to look like a pro—even if you don’t have a design bone in your body.

Google Workspace

A professional email address and collaborative tools (like Docs, Sheets, and Drive) are essential. Google Workspace gives you all of that, plus cloud storage, so you’re never scrambling to find that one document you saved… somewhere.

Zoom

Planning to host live sessions, workshops, or webinars? Zoom Pro is the go-to video conferencing tool that keeps things running smoothly.

Payment Processing Tool

To accept payments for your course, you’ll need a payment processing tool.

Recommended:

• Stripe or PayPal are easy to integrate into most LMS platforms and have low transaction fees.

Email Marketing Platform

Building an email list is one of the smartest things you can do for your business. It allows you to nurture your audience and keep them in the loop about new offerings or updates. Also, remember: whilst it’s great to have a large social media following, you don;t actually own those leads, and it can be taken from you any moment. But your email list is yours! So don’t waste a second, start building it right away!

Recommended:

• ConvertKit or Mailchimp are great options for email automation and managing your mailing list. Plus, some LMS platforms already include email marketing features.

Video Hosting Platform

If you’re not using an all-in-one LMS, you’ll need a dedicated platform to host your course videos.

Recommended:

• Vimeo or Wistia for ad-free video hosting with privacy controls.

Budgeting for Marketing and Promotion

Your course isn’t going to sell itself (as much as we’d all love that), so you’ll need to budget for marketing and promotion.

Paid Advertising (Optional)

Platforms like Facebook Ads, Google Ads, and Instagram Ads can help drive traffic to your course. Just be sure to set a budget and monitor your ROI so you don’t blow your marketing funds all at once.

Social Media Management Tools

To streamline your social media posting and engagement, use a tool like Buffer or Hootsuite to schedule posts and track engagement across platforms.

If you are using an all-in-one platform, like FEA Create, you can have a social media management tool included in the platform. 

Conclusion

So there you have it! Starting an online course business in the UK (or anywhere) doesn’t have to feel like climbing Everest. By breaking down each step and tackling them one by one, you can lay a solid foundation for a business that’s built to last.

Remember, you don’t need all the bells and whistles at the start—just focus on delivering value to your learners and growing from there. Take your time, enjoy the process, and know that every course creator started right where you are now: with an idea, a passion, and a dream.

Now go out there and make it happen!

And don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more tips, tools, and resources to help you succeed on your course creation journey. You’ve got this!