Public speaking is an incredible way to inspire, educate, and connect with audiences, but what if you could extend that impact beyond the stage? Many speakers find themselves limited by time, location, or the number of events they can physically attend. That’s where online courses and workshops come in! By turning your expertise into digital content, you can reach a global audience, generate additional income, and create lasting value for your followers.

Beyond just increasing your reach, online courses can also lead to more lucrative speaking opportunities. When event organizers see that you have a structured program with valuable content, they may be more inclined to book you for higher-paying gigs, knowing you offer deep expertise. Your course can serve as a showcase of your knowledge, demonstrating the transformation you provide to audiences. Additionally, having an online course allows you to diversify your revenue streams—not only will you get paid for speaking, but you can also offer exclusive workshop add-ons, VIP coaching, or licensing options for companies that want to train their teams using your material.

Whether you want to teach skills, share industry insights, or guide people through personal development, an online course allows you to provide structured, in-depth learning experiences that complement your speaking engagements. The best part? You don’t need to be a tech guru to get started—just a clear plan, engaging content, and the right platform. Let’s dive into how you can successfully create, launch, and market your own online course or workshop.

Steps to Creating a Successful Online Course or Workshop

1. Choose Your Course Topic

Your course should align with your expertise and audience’s needs. Consider the following when selecting a topic:

• What questions do you frequently receive from audiences?

• What problems can you help solve with your knowledge?

• What unique insights or methodologies do you offer?

2. Define Learning Objectives

Clear learning objectives guide your course structure and help learners understand what they will achieve. Use action-oriented goals, such as:

• “By the end of this course, you will be able to craft a compelling keynote speech.”

• “Participants will learn how to market themselves as public speakers effectively.”

3. Outline and Structure Your Course

Break your content into digestible modules or lessons. A typical structure includes:

• Introduction: Overview of what learners will gain

• Core Modules: Lessons, case studies, interactive exercises

• Assessments: Quizzes, assignments, or self-reflection activities

• Conclusion & Next Steps: Wrap-up and guidance on applying knowledge

4. Choose Your Delivery Format

Different learners prefer different formats. Consider:

• Video Lectures – Engaging and personal

• Live Sessions/Webinars – Interactive and real-time feedback

• Workbooks & PDFs – Supporting materials for self-paced learning

• Community Discussions – Private groups or forums for engagement

5. Select the Right Platform

Several platforms cater to online course creation, including:

• Teachable & Thinkific – Ideal for structured courses

• Kajabi – Comprehensive marketing and course hosting

• Udemy & Coursera – Exposure to large student bases

• Zoom & Webinar Platforms – Best for live workshops

6. Create High-Quality Content

Use engaging teaching techniques like storytelling, real-world examples, and interactive exercises. Ensure video and audio quality are high to maintain professionalism.

7. Test and Improve

Before launching, test your course with a small audience to gather feedback. Identify areas for improvement and refine your content accordingly.

Marketing Your Online Course or Workshop

1. Leverage Your Speaking Engagements – Mention your course in keynotes and workshops.

2. Use Social Media – Share testimonials, behind-the-scenes content, and free mini-lessons.

3. Email Marketing – Nurture leads by offering exclusive insights and early-bird discounts.

4. Collaborate with Other Speakers – Cross-promote with fellow speakers or influencers in your niche.

5. Offer Free Webinars – Provide valuable content while introducing your paid course.

Conclusion

Expanding your expertise into online courses or workshops is an excellent way to extend your influence, generate income, and provide lasting value to your audience. By carefully structuring your course, selecting the right platform, and implementing effective marketing strategies, you can turn your knowledge into an educational asset that complements your speaking career. Whether you aim to reach a broader audience, secure higher-paying speaking engagements, or establish yourself as a thought leader, online courses offer an impactful way to achieve your goals.

For more insights and resources to enhance your speaking career, consider subscribing to SpeakerHUB—your go-to platform for speaker opportunities, networking, and professional growth.