90+ Online Course Ideas For Anyone Who Wants To Sell Online Courses. Examples & Templates

How to know if your new business idea is any good?

It’s a harsh truth that some of the digital products put on the market likely will not make it. And the ones that do make it, that earn revenue come from the same place as any failed products: an idea.

So what are the best online courses? You need to come up with a creative course idea, and find a sweet spot of something that people will want and that will make your offer stand out.

We've put together 90+ examples of the top creative ideas for online courses in various areas; photography, illustration, painting, visual art, marketing, business animation, and graphic design. We include case studies, examples, and templates to help you get started.

Click here to start selling online courses now with CreativeMindClass

Online courses are a great way for creators to share their skills with others, as well as to learn new techniques and stay up-to-date with the latest trends.

Whether you're a creative or a business coach, you'll find plenty of inspiration and resources to help you choose online course topic. So let's get started with some of the best online course ideas for content creators.

What online courses are in high demand?

Hundreds of online course ideas available will have very different focus areas. However, some course categories are more popular and sell better than others.

Here is our list of the most popular online course ideas with examples based on CreativeMindClass sales data:

1. Photography Courses
2. Illustration Courses
3. Painting Courses
4. Visual Art Courses
5. Marketing Courses
6. Business Courses
7. Animation Courses
8. Graphic Design Courses

Examples of creative online courses

Ideas  for Courses on Photography

Ideas for Photography Courses

Include topics such as camera techniques, lighting and composition, portrait photography, landscape photography, documentary photography, photojournalism, digital editing, and post-processing. Other potential focus areas might include black and white photography, color theory, fine art photography, photo history and theory, and portfolio development.

USE TEMPLATE

Example 1. Capture your vision through photography

Guide your learners in using photography to express their unique creative vision and tell their stories. Teach this course to all levels. It helps to improve their skills and create visually striking images. This course could cover composition, lighting, post-processing, and storytelling.

Get Capture your vision through a photography template.

Example 2. Lighting Techniques for Photography

The Lighting Techniques for Photography course is the perfect opportunity to teach how to master the art of lighting and create stunning visual effects in images. This is our favorite course topic, as the customization options are endless. Don't miss this chance to enhance your photography skills and bring knowledge about lighting techniques to your learners.

Get the template for lighting techniques for photography course.

Example 3. Street Photography: Capturing Candid Moments

Get outside to the bustling streets and share with your learners how to capture the essence of urban life with the Street Photography course. Capture stunning images of people, architecture, and cityscapes. Teach how to tell a story through photographs and teach how to create striking compositions that convey the energy and character of the city.

Get the template for the street photography course.

Example 4. Food Photography: Creating Mouth-Watering Images

Are you passionate about food and photography? Teaching how to make a Food Photography course is the perfect blend of both. Teach the skills and techniques needed to create mouth-watering images of food. Start creating the course and delicious food images that will leave your learners hungry for more.

Get the template for the food photography course.

Example 5. Nature Photography: Capturing the Beauty of the Outdoors

Is there anything better than combining work with nature? We don't think so, particularly if it's capturing breathtaking images of the great outdoors and taking your learners' photography skills to the next level. It's a perfect course for beginners as well as experienced photographers. The course will equip them with knowledge and techniques to capture stunning images of landscapes, wildlife, and more.

Get the template for the nature photography course.

Example 6. Black and White Photography: The Art of Simplicity

If you love the simplicity of black and white photographies, then this idea is for you. It packs all timeless art form that has captivated people for over a century. It embraces simplicity, stripping away the distractions of color to reveal the raw beauty of light and shadow. So why wait? Dive into creating the online course where you share your unique skills.

Get the template for the black and white photography course.

Example 7. Travel Photography: Capturing the Essence of a Place

You can pair your love for traveling and photography with creating an online course that's out-of-this-world amazing. Travels (and photos) never get boring, so you can create such a course over (and over!) again.

Get the template for the travel photography course.

Example 8. Action and Sports Photography: Freezing the Moment

We love some action, but photographing it can be a lot of work. So if you have some experience with capturing those adrenaline-fueled moments, share the knowledge in your next online course. Teach how to take great shots, and provide insights into the business of sports photography, including how to market work and sell images.

Get the template for the action and sports photography course.

Example 9. Post-processing and editing in Lightroom and Photoshop

If you are a fan of going the extra mile to get that perfectly edited, well-balanced photos, then you might consider teaching this skill. Without the need to leave your room, this course can be created in several days. Turn on your microphone, screen recorder, or camera.    

Get the template for the post-processing photography course.

Ideas  for Courses on Illustration

Ideas for Illustration Courses

Include topics such as drawing techniques, digital illustration, character design and development, editorial illustration, book illustration, graphic novels and comics, concept art, and surface design. Other potential areas of focus might include traditional illustration methods, art history, illustration theory and criticism, and portfolio development.

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Example 1. How to create imaginative, dreamlike illustrations

It's an idea of an online illustration course that could teach aspiring and professional illustrators how to create captivating, otherworldly images. The course could be designed to help students develop their own unique style and explore the creative possibilities of illustration.

Get the How to create imaginative, dreamlike illustrations template.

Example 2. Surrealistic illustration with narrative intention

If you ever had to make an illustration of a narrative, this one is for you. Teach how to create visually stunning, thought-provoking illustrations that tell a story through surrealism. Guide your learners through the process of developing their own surrealistic style and using it to craft compelling narratives.

Get the template for surrealistic illustration with narrative intention course.

Example 3. Watercolor and mixed media for magical illustrations

Want an awesome idea for an online course but don't want to spend your entire year recording video lessons and talking? Watercolor and mixed media is the perfect course to create. It's an easy topic that doesn't require much face recording, and it's always a winner.

Get the template for the watercolor and mixed media course.

Example 4. Illustrating Children's Books

Craving illustration course but trying to narrow down the topics or have a sure bet? This Illustrating Children's Books course is going to inspire you. The template comes with real kid's book illustrations!

Get the template for illustrating children's books course.

Example 5. Digital Painting Techniques

Teach how to create stunning digital paintings that look like traditional oil, watercolor, or acrylic paintings. Guide your learners through the process of using digital painting software to create realistic textures, brushstrokes, and color blends.

Get the template for the digital painting course.

Example 6. Vector Illustration

Vector illustrations course teach how to create professional-grade line using vector graphics software. Guide your learners through the process of creating clean, precise lines and shapes that are easily scalable for use in a variety of applications.

Get the template for the vector illustration course.

Example 7. Watercolor Illustration: Techniques and Applications

Recording the process of making watercolor illustration is a great way to make and online course. On to of being a super-quick course to make, you won't need to prepare much theory or content. All the techniques can be explained while painting. So turn your camera on for the perfect watercolor illustration course.  

Get the template for the watercolor illustration course.

Example 8. Science Illustration: Creating Accurate and Engaging Images

Get the template for the science illustration course.

Example 9. Illustrating for Advertising and Marketing

Get the template for illustrating for advertising course.

Example 10. Sketching and Drawing for Illustration

Get the template for sketching for illustration course.

Example 11. Creating Storyboards and Comics

Get the template for storyboards and comics course.

Ideas  for Courses on Painting

Ideas for Painting Courses

Include topics such as color theory and composition, brushwork and techniques, painting from observation, still life painting, portraiture, landscape painting, abstract painting, and mixed media painting. Other potential areas of focus might include art history, contemporary painting practices, and portfolio development.

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Example 1. Learn how to transfer emotions to portraits

Provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to create emotionally powerful and expressive portraits using traditional mediums such as oils, watercolors, acrylics, and pastels. The course is suitable for learners with some experience in painting and is designed for both hobbyists and professionals looking to improve their skills in portrait painting.

Get the Learn how to transfer emotions to portraits template.

Example 2. Introspective portraits

Get the template for the introspective portraits course.

Example 3. Portrait: Being true to your nature

Get the template for the portrait course.

Example 4. Glowing the lights of self-awareness

Get the template for the glowing the lights of self-awareness course.

Example 5. Portrait Painting in Pastels

Get the template for pastels painting course.

Example 6. Still Life Painting in Oils

Get the template for oil painting course.

Example 7. Abstract Painting Techniques

Get the template for abstract painting course.

Example 8. Landscape Painting in Watercolors

Get the template for landscape painting course.

Example 9. Exploring Color Theory in Painting

Get the template for color theory course.

Example 10. Creating Texture in Acrylic Paintings

Get the template for texture painting course.

Example 11. Mastering Composition in Oil Painting

Get the template for composition in oil painting course.

Ideas for Courses on Visual Art

Ideas for Visual Art Courses

Include topics such as drawing and painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, digital art, mixed media, and art history. Other potential areas of focus might include color theory and composition, portraiture, landscape art, abstract art, and contemporary art movements.

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Example 1. Connect your creativity and deep dive into your artistic soul

This visual art course idea could teach aspiring and professional artists how to unlock their creative potential and discover new ways to express themselves through art. The course could be designed to help students embark on a journey of self-discovery and explore the depths of their creative souls.

Get the Connect your creativity and deep dive into your artistic soul template.

Example 2. Combining illustration and photography

Combining illustration and photography is essentially an illustration course with many of the topics like color, composition or contrast. It's a fun way to start with online courses and can be created as a mini course. This versionis fun, bold and vibrant but you can match the style to your own.

Get the template for the combining illustration and photography course.

Example 3. Discover inner symbols and use them to create your visual universe

Get the template for the discover inner symbols and create your visual universe course.

Example 4. Drawing Guided Meditation Path

Missing soulsearching time? Create a drawing guided meditation path course with gong and nature sounts, then top them with warm up exercises for a healty drawing session you can enjoy.

Get the template for the drawing guided meditation path course.

Example 5. Introduction to Visual Art: Techniques and Concepts

An easy beginning, the introduction to visual art course. It's designed to help learners to make the first step in the art world. Go for color theory, composition, fun warm-up exercises, or line drawing.

Get the template for introduction to visual art course.

Example 6. Drawing and Sketching: Techniques and Materials

Get the template for drawing and sketching course.

Example 7. Photography: Techniques and Equipment

Get the template for photography: techinques and equipment course.

Example 8. Printmaking: Techniques and Methods

Get the template for printmaking course.

Example 9. Mixed Media: Combining Different Techniques and Materials

Get the template for mixed media course.

Example 10. Illustration: Techniques and Styles

Get the template for illustration course.

Example 11. Art History: Understanding and Appreciating Different Art Movements and Styles

Get the template for art history course.

Ideas  for Courses on Marketing

Ideas for Marketing Courses

Include topics such as market research, branding and positioning, digital marketing, social media marketing, content marketing, advertising, and public relations. Other potential areas of focus might include consumer behavior, marketing analytics, email marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), and mobile marketing.

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Example 1. Social Media Marketing Tips & Tricks

This idea could cover tips for a good training course for strategies for promoting business or brand on social media platforms. Guide your learners through wide range of topics to help create a strong social media presence and reach their target audience.

Get the Social Media Marketing Tips & Tricks template.

Example 2. Grow your Instagram followers

Get the template for the grow your Instagram followers course.

Example 3. Social media content creation

Get the template for the social media content creation course.

Example 4. Basics of social media for beginners

Get the template for the basics of social media for beginners course.

Example 5. Advertising on social media

Get the template for advertising on social media course.

Example 6. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Techniques

Get the template for SEO course.

Example 7. Social Media Marketing Strategies

Get the template for social media marketing course.

Example 8. Content Marketing Fundamentals

Get the template for content marketing course.

Example 9. Email Marketing Best Practices

Get the template for email marketing course.

Example 10. Google Analytics for Marketers

Get the template for Google Analytis course.

Example 11. Influencer Marketing: Strategies and Tactics

Get the template for influencer marketing course.

Example 12. Paid Advertising on Google and Social Media

Get the template for paid advertising course.

Example 13. Measuring Marketing ROI and Analytics

Get the template for measuring marketing ROI course.

Example 14. Brand Management and Marketing Communications

Get the template for brand management course.

Ideas  for Courses on Business

Ideas for Business Courses

Include topics such as marketing and advertising, finance and accounting, entrepreneurship, leadership and management, human resources, data analysis and decision-making, and project management. Other potential areas of focus might include business strategy and planning, communication and negotiation, and ethics and social responsibility in business.

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Case study. Transform your business

Business and entrepreneurship online courses are popular and profitable, covering a wide range of topics from starting a business, to sales, financial management, and leadership.

These courses are designed for those interested in starting their own business or for business owners looking to improve their skills and transform their businesses.

Such courses are usually taught by successful entrepreneurs and industry experts, providing valuable insights and strategies for success.

Many business and entrepreneurship courses also offer networking opportunities and resources, such as access to venture capital firms and incubators to help students start or grow a business.

Business course topic idea: "Transform your business."

"Transform Your Business" is an example you could use to create an online business course that aims to help individuals and business owners improve their skills and knowledge in various areas of business management. It is designed for people who want to start a business or for those who are already running a business and want to take it to the next level.

The course could be designed to be interactive and engaging, with a combination of video lessons, downloadable files, and assignments. The course could also include hands-on activities, such as creating a business plan, and a final project where students apply what they have learned to their own business. The course might offer resources like access to a business mentor, a community of like-minded entrepreneurs, and networking opportunities.

Overall, "Transform Your Business" could be an ideal course for anyone looking to start or grow their business, providing them with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in today's competitive business environment.

Classes you could create for this course:

01. Introduction to Business Transformation: Learn the key concepts and principles of business transformation and why it's important for business growth and survival.

02. Identifying Opportunities: Learn how to identify new opportunities for growth and innovation in your industry.

03. Developing a Strategic Plan: Learn how to develop a strategic plan that aligns your business goals with your market opportunities.

If you are starting a new online business course, use the template below to get set up in minutes. The template is the ultimate time-saver when creating an online course. It's designed to convert (sell your course), and it's got all the essential elements—it's just waiting for your finishing touch. Slap on your photos, update the copy and visuals, and bam! You've just created an effective business course. It's really that easy.

10 more online business course topic ideas:

Example 1. Starting a Small Business: From Idea to Launch

Get the template for starting a small business course.

Example 2. Making the most use of Excel

Get the template for excel course.

Example 3. Digital Marketing for Small Businesses

Get the template for digital marketing course.

Example 4. Basics of Google Analytics

Get the template for google analytics course.

Example 5. Leadership and Management for Entrepreneurs

Get the template for leadership and management course.

Example 6. E-commerce and Online Business Strategies

Get the template for e-commerce course.

Example 7. Business Planning and Strategy Development

Get the template for business planning and strategy course.

Example 8. Innovation and Creativity in Business

Get the template for innovation in business course.

Example 9. Human Resources Management for Small Businesses

Get the template for human resources course.

Example 10. Business Growth and Scaling Strategies

Get the template for business growth course.

Ideas  for Courses on Animation

Ideas for Animation Courses

Include topics such as character design and development, storyboarding and scriptwriting, 2D and 3D animation techniques, sound design, visual effects, and motion graphics. Other potential areas of focus might include animation software proficiency, animation history and theory, and portfolio development.

USE TEMPLATE

Case study. Basics of Animation in Blender

Animation online courses provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to create animated content using software such as Adobe After Effects, Blender, or other animation software.

These courses cover a wide range of topics such as keyframe animation, character animation, rigging, special effects, compositing, and rendering. They are designed to be flexible and self-paced, allowing students to learn at their own convenience.

Animation online courses offer a combination of video lessons, downloadable assets, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises that equip students with a solid understanding of animation principles and techniques, allowing them to apply them in their own projects. These courses are geared towards individuals with little to no experience in animation, as well as professionals.

Animation course topic idea: "Basics of Animation in Blender"

"Basics of Animation in Blender" is an online animation course idea that could provide an introduction to the principles and techniques of animation using the popular open-source software Blender. The course could be designed for individuals with little to no experience in animation and is suitable for both hobbyists and professionals looking to expand their skills.

You could provide access to step-by-step tutorials, sample files, native files, to help learners practice and reinforce the concepts covered. The course could be designed to be self-paced, so you can complete it at your own convenience.

By the end of the course, learners would have the knowledge and skills to create basic animations in Blender and have the foundation to create more complex animations in the future.

Classes you could create for this course:

01. Introduction to Blender: Learn the basics of the Blender interface and navigation, as well as how to set up a project for animation.

02. Keyframe Animation: Learn the fundamental principles of animation, such as timing, spacing, and easing, and how to create smooth animations using keyframe animation in Blender.

03. Character Animation: Learn how to create believable and expressive character animations, including walk cycles, lip sync, and body mechanics.

If you are starting a new online animation course, use the template below to get set up in minutes. The template is the ultimate time-saver when creating an online course. It's designed to convert (sell your course), and it's got all the essential elements—it's just waiting for your finishing touch. Slap on your photos, update the copy and visuals, and bam! You've just created an effective animation course. It's really that easy.

10 more online animation course topic ideas:

Example 1. 2D Animation

The techniques and tools used in traditional 2D animation, such as hand-drawn animation, cel animation, and digital 2D animation.

Get the template for 2D animation course.

Example 2. 3D Animation

The techniques and tools used in 3D animation, such as modeling, texturing, lighting, and rigging.

Get the template for 3D animation course.

Example 3. Stop-motion Animation

The techniques and production methods used in stop-motion animation, such as clay animation, puppet animation, and object animation.

Get the template for stop-motion animation course.

Example 4. Animation for Video Games

The techniques and tools used in creating animations for video games, including character animation, physics-based animation, and motion capture.

Get the template for animation for video games course.

Example 5. Motion Graphics and Visual Effects

The techniques used in creating motion graphics and visual effects for film, television, and advertising.

Get the template for motion graphics course.

Example 6. Character Animation

The techniques used in animating characters, including walk cycles, lip-sync, and facial expressions.

Get the template for character animation course.

Example 7. Rigging and Character Setup

The techniques used in setting up characters for animation, including rigging, weighting, and skinning.

Get the template for rigging and character setup course.

Example 8. Animation for Advertising and Marketing

The techniques used in creating animation for advertising and marketing, including explainer videos, product demos, and commercials.

Get the template for animation for advertising course.

Example 9. Compositing and Post-production

The techniques used in compositing and post-production for animation, including color correction, compositing, and sound design.

Get the template for compositng and post-production course.

Example 10. Storytelling and Scriptwriting

The techniques used in writing and visual storytelling for animation, including character development, plot structure, and scriptwriting.

Get the template for storytelling course.

Ideas  for Courses on Graphic Design

Ideas for Graphic Design Courses

Include topics such as typography, color theory, branding and logo design, layout and composition, illustration, user interface design, and motion graphics. Other potential areas of focus might include design software proficiency, design history and theory, and portfolio development.

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Case Study: Getting started with Adobe Photoshop

Graphic design online courses provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to create visually appealing designs using software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

These courses cover a wide range of topics such as layout, typography, color theory, and branding. They are designed to be flexible and self-paced, allowing students to learn at their own convenience.

Through a combination of video lessons, downloadable files, native files, case studies, and hands-on exercises, students will gain a solid understanding of graphic design principles and techniques and be able to apply them in their own projects.

Graphic design course topic idea: "Getting started with Adobe Photoshop"

"Getting started with Adobe Photoshop" is an idea for online graphic design course that could privide a comprehensive introduction to the popular image editing software, Adobe Photoshop. The course could be designed for individuals with little to no experience using the software and is suitable for both hobbyists and professionals looking to expand their skills.

Classes you could create for this course:

01. Introduction to Adobe Photoshop: Learn the basics of the Photoshop interface and navigation, as well as how to set up a project for editing.

02. Basic Image Editing: Learn how to make basic adjustments to an image such as cropping, resizing, and color correction.

03. Layers and Masking: Learn how to use layers and masks to edit and composite images.

If you are starting a new online graphic design course, use the template below to get set up in minutes. The template is the ultimate time-saver when creating an online course. It's designed to convert (sell your course), and it's got all the essential elements—it's just waiting for your finishing touch. Slap on your photos, update the copy and visuals, and bam! You've just created an effective graphic design course. It's really that easy.

10 more online graphic design course topic ideas:

Example 1. Graphic Design Fundamentals

Typography, Color Theory, and Layout. It covers the basics of design, including principles of design, layout, and composition. It also covers the principles of typography, including typeface selection, type hierarchy, and readability. Also, the basics of color, including color theory, color matching, and color correction.

Get the template for graphic design fundamentals course.

Example 2. Branding and Identity Design

Covers the principles of branding and identity design, including logo design, typography, and color schemes.

Get the template for branding and ideantity design course.

Example 3. Illustration and Vector Graphics

This category covers the techniques used in creating illustrations and vector graphics.

Get the template for illustration and vector graphics course.

Example 4. Digital Design

It's about the digital tools and software used in graphic design, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

Get the template for digital design course.

Example 5. Advertising Design and Conceptual Thinking

This category covers the techniques used in creating advertising and marketing materials, including visual storytelling, conceptual thinking, and design research.

Get the template for advertising design course.

Example 6. Web Design and User Interface (UI) Design

Get the template for web design and UI course.

Example 7. Introduction to Graphic Design: Tools and Techniques

Get the template for introduction to graphic desing course.

Example 8. Photography for Graphic Designers

Get the template for photography for designers course.

Example 9. After effects for beginners

Get the template for motion design course.

Example 10. Product Packaging & Labels Design in Illustrator & Photoshop

Teach the art of designing visually stunning and impactful packaging. Through real-world projects and practical exercises, create a hands-on experience for your learners. In this course you can cover how to create beautiful Photoshop mockups and gain the versatility to design for any industry. Plus, you could teach how to kickstart a freelancing career on popular platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. Encourage your learner to showcase their skills and shape the future of product packaging and label design.

Get the template for packaging design course.

How to come up with a creative online course idea

The world of e-learning has developed rapidly. Since the advent of the web, it’s been possible to create online courses with far fewer restrictions than had previously been possible with traditional courses.

Even so, this area still remains niche, with many people struggling to understand the nature of online education and the type of courses that would actually be interesting for people.

Create a course you would like to take.

Creating an interesting online course involves five main steps:

1. Online Course Plan Set up a place to create your online course

2. Course topic Figure out what and who you'll teach

3. Course outline  Plan each lesson you need

4. Content delivery Prepare videos, downloadable files, and exercises

5. Course website Persuade your audience to buy with text and visuals

These steps are the main focus of our beginner's guide on how to create an online course.

Where to host an online course

The best option for setting up an e-course is to take advantage of the existing business offerings from multiple vendors. Some of the leading software and tech companies offer integrated online learning platforms or website builders. These platforms are free to use for a limited duration, and then provide a subscription fee for customized content and training.

Where to find templates for any online course

An online course needs a great website to sell it. Whether you're a designer, marketer, photographer, coach, or visual artist, this collection of creative online course templates will help you get started and create a successful website for any online course.

7 inspiring templates to create a stunning online course

An online course needs a great website to sell it. Whether you’re a designer, marketer, or coach, these online course templates will help you start.

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Final thoughts

Online courses offer a wide range of opportunities for creators to learn new skills and improve their craft. From graphic design and painting to animation and digital marketing, there is a course for everyone.

The topics discussed in this article, such as "Basics of Animation in Blender", "Getting started with Adobe Photoshop" and "Learn how to transfer emotions to portraits" are just a few examples of the many available options.

With the right course and the right approach, creators can take their skills to the next level, and open new doors for their careers. In addition, having access to examples and templates will make the learning process more accessible and provide a foundation to start creating your own material.

Whether you’re a startup or an industry vet, it’s important to come up with digital product ideas based on your target market. Excellent ideas will make creating an online course easier, keep you ahead of the competition, delight your customers, and earn more sales.

Now you’re equipped with resources to help you come up with a great list of winning online course ideas to start. Get out there and start exploring!

Online course ideas FAQs