13 of the most profitable niches to use for Online Courses
Skip ahead:
- What's a niche for an online course?
- What's the sub niche for an online course?
- What are the top-performing areas for online learning in 2023?
- How do you choose your field of interest
What's a niche for an online course?
If you're not yet familiar to online learning, the first thing you'll be thinking of when you hear "online course" might be something in the realm of traditional education, maybe an academic high school or university math or language class. But the industry offers so much more than. Nowadays, students from all backgrounds and experience create and distribute classes on almost any topic you can think of.
Do you know the saying, "there's riches in niches?" This is particularly applicable to area of online education.
Niches are specific areas where someone might have special expertise or knowledge. For example, a cooking class might be an area of interest if it's focused on a particular country's cuisine or style of cuisine like bread-making. Bryant Terry, for example is an acclaimed chef and author of six top-selling cookbooks on healthy vegan or vegetarian recipes. A renowned chef, he is able to make a program on that one niche within your specialization and then become your go-to resource for learning on that topic.
It's important to know that, to find the ability to be successful in a particular area, you don't need to be an international authority in your field or have encyclopedic knowledge about it. All you need is to know significantly more than the average individual -- sufficient to allow them to learn and witness some type of growth, improvement or change. Your area of expertise could be linked to your profession or passions. You can jump ahead to the section on discovering your niche.
What is a sub niche for the online courses?
A sub-niche is a area of specialization within your industry. This is, in essence, an area that is specialized within a specialization. To use our cooking example rather than focusing solely on bread making, an expert chef might choose to teach specifically about creating an sourdough starter. So, while their main focus is making bread and their niche is sourdough starters.
What are the most profitable niches for online education in 2023?
Digital marketing
Reports of layoffs and the tightening of budgets for marketing have made news for the majority of the last year. Marketing executives are now required to reduce their spend and demonstrate the return on investment (ROI). With this in mind, the majority of marketers -- particularly people who are just beginning their careers seeking ways to improve their skills. It's a fantastic opportunity for skills marketers to pass on their experience of the digital world.
Online courses that are examples on this topic:
- Digital Marketing Program by CareerFoundry
- Meta Social Media Marketing Certificate
- Affiliate Marketing for Publicists
Keywords that are searched for in this area :
- Digital Marketing Courses on the internet - - 24K/month
- Social Media Marketing Course online -- 1.7K/month
Examples of sub-niche topic ideas :
- Communications for crisis management through social media
- How can you make a high-converting Google Ad
- Quantifiable and quantifiable measures of digital advertising
- 5 steps to create your very first content strategy
Cooking
If there's something you can prepare on repeat with great success and consistently, it's never an ideal time to make money from the skills you have acquired through online learning! Create an online course sharing the techniques you use to cook your favorite dishes. Cooking is a great niche to increase your earnings and also. You could sell recipe cards or an entire cookbook, provide cooking classes 1on1 and even sell extra products to your course attendees.
Some examples of online courses on this topic:
- Forks Over Knives Plant-Based Cooking
- Cozy Meal Interactive Online Cooking Classes
- America's Test Kitchen (Course: Food for Crowds)
Search volume for keywords within this field :
- Online cooking course - 1.9K/month
- Online cooking course with a certificate - 497/month
- Learn how to bake on the internet - 2.9K/month
Examples of sub-niche topic ideas :
- How do you make a great ice cream base
- The process of making bread from sourdough
- Basics of cooking eggs
- Advanced techniques for cake decorating
Cybersecurity
As another skill of the future, cybersecurity has become a huge and quickly growing subject. The demand for cybersecurity training is skyrocketing as organizations, seeing organizations such as Lastpass as well as Indigo experience significant damage from attacks, are realizing that they are taking cybersecurity very lightly. In addition to the an intense competition to hire cybersecurity professionals, this is an area in which every single member of a company should have some basic know-how. This means you have a lot of opportunities if you possess the expertise to create educational products about cybersecurity.
Some examples of online courses on this topic:
- Beginner's Cybersecurity Awareness Training
- EdEx Essentials for cybersecurity professionals
- Learn the art of Social Engineering
Volume of searches for key words within this field :
- Cybersecurity training - 76.3K/month
- Cybersecurity training online - 5.9K/month
- Online learning in cybersecurity - - 840/month
Sub-niche topics :
- The basics in API security
- What can you do to get above and beyond the firewall
- How to code securely
- Cybersecurity awareness education for non-technical workers
Personal finance and investing
The markets are messy Inflation is very high there's news about banks collapsing. It's not surprising that many want to know how to handle their money and invest and not rely on banks or professional. Since most banking and investing can be managed through the form of an app, there's fantastic opportunity to start teaching people about their personal finances. It's not a difficult market to promote Financial literacy and knowledge of investing will help people make money. This course is really an investment in the short-term that will itself pay dividends in the long run!
Some examples of online courses in this niche:
Search volume for keywords within this field :
- Personal Finance 101 (1.1K/month) 1.1K/month
- Different kinds of loan (3.5K/month) 3.5K/month
- How do I invest in the market for stocks Amount: 26K/month
Sub-niche topics :
- Comparing different long-term investment types
- How to start by investing in stocks
- How do you calculate your net value
- Negotiating with the mortgage broker 101
Digital Transformation
Digital transformation is a relatively recent area that has grown because companies have begun shift more of their infrastructure to cloud. The COVID-19 virus caused a number of businesses to switch to remote or hybrid operation. As a result, these enterprises now require systems which are fast, efficient as well as secure. This is a highly desired ability for the near future as well, so it could be beneficial to focus on professionals who are trying to upskill or find an opportunity with more technical focus. Luckily, digital transformation topics can be both strategic and technological, and if you have experience in either it shouldn't be a problem to have an easy to find a suitable audience for your course.
Some examples of online courses within this field:
- digital Transformation Education by LinkedIn Learning
- Digital Transformation in Financial Services
- Foundations of Enterprise Architecture
Search volume for keywords within this field :
- What is digital transformation ? 12.8K/month
- Digital transformation course (3.5K/month) 3.5K/month
- Data analytics course -- 81.3K/month
Sub-niche topic ideas :
- Mobile commerce technologies
- How to move an actual server into the cloud
- Analytical data analysis for novices
Executive leadership development
Executive leadership development courses have for a long time been an area of profit for coaches. They are the leaders that run the company and are particularly difficult (and cost-effective) to replace, so helping them develop is no problem. Since more teams are working remotely or operating in distributed environments which makes it difficult to invite everyone in person for training. Instead people are taking online courses which are easy to access as well as giving busy executives the freedom to work at their pace. While there can be a lots of competition in this niche, it tends to be an extremely high-margin field.
Some examples of online courses within this field:
- Digital Transformation Learning with LinkedIn Learning
- Digital Transformation in Financial Services
- Foundations of Enterprise Architecture
Search volume for keywords in this niche :
- Leader course - 11.8K/month
- Leadership development program - 8.8K/month
- Coaching for corporate clients -- 4.1K/month
Examples of sub niche topic ideas :
- Empathy and leadership
- The leading way to navigate through moments of crises and enormous transformation
- What can you do to promote alignment on a large team
- How to get the most out of the sales team, even beyond the money
Home improvement
Who doesn't love a good DIY? By 2028, the U.S. market for home renovations is expected to explode and reach upwards of $500 billion. So, yeah, many people are on "team renovating." While the demand is there, the average individual is probably less knowledgeable about home improvement than before. This is a fantastic teaching opportunity. But finding the right subject is important since you'll likely be competing with videos that are free on YouTube. Choose a home improvement that is expensive hard, complex, or requires preparation and you'll be able to discover a lucrative market.
Online courses that are examples in this niche:
- Drywall Installation and Repair for the Beginner
- OPEN BOOK BUILD to Build Your Own Home
- the Fundamentals of Interior Design
Keywords that are searched for in this niche :
- Home improvement diy - 6.6K/month
- How to build a deck 17.7K/month 17.7K/month
- DIY kitchen renovation - 870/month
Sub-niche topic ideas:
- How to choose the color of your room
- Pouring concrete 101
- Creating arching door frames
- Refinishing hardwood flooring
Marketing with Influencers
It feels like influencer marketing has been a trendy niche for some time -- because it has however, the field is always changing. TikTok has taken over from Instagram and is making it simpler than ever before for ordinary people to create large audiences. Still, it's easier said than done. If you've got an education in marketing or communications it could be possible to help aspiring influencers find their followers or aid companies navigate through the maze of marketing via influencers. Another area where you can learn to drive the revenue of the students you teach, and they'll be prepared to spend money for the knowledge upfront.
Examples of online courses on this topic:
- How do I Get Brand Deals with an enumeration of a small audience
- Make Your Own brand on TikTok
- The Influencer Market 101 of Instagram
Keywords that are searched for in this area :
- How to become Influencer - 16.1K/month
- How do I earn cash through TIkTok -- 31.8K/month
- Amazon influencers program -- 46.5K/month
Sub-niche subject ideas:
- Getting perfect lighting in different spaces
- Video editing 101
- Understanding the algorithms of social media
- How do you use affiliate links to gain the highest amount of income
Management of stress
There's no doubt a lot of "once once in an lifetime" events have been reported in the news over the last few years. From the pandemic to unemployment, isolation, global conflicts, climate change, and more. It's safe to say that stress is in a record high for many people. To help people manage stress can be a lucrative online-based course that is desperately needed in the world at the moment. Plus, people have never been more willing to search for information that will assist them in navigating their emotions and emotions. Corporate organizations, too, are increasingly accepting that the mental well-being of their employees play a crucial part in their productivity and happiness. This niche is ripe for experienced creator educators to join and make a real difference.
Examples of online courses on this topic:
Volume of searches for key words within this field :
- How to handle stress How to manage anxiety 8.6K/month
- Course in stress management -- 1.7K/month
- How to handle the stress of workplace 3K/month
Sub-niche topic ideas:
- The building of emotional strength
- What exactly is mindfulness?
- Training in a psychologically secure work environment
- Empathy and leadership
Sports coaching
There's no need for every industry to be entirely new. Although it's a popular, competitive field there's still an enormous number of individuals who are starting out or trying to be successful as coaches. Coaching sports is a niche however, it has many sub-specialties that are specific to each sport. Great coaches can also get educated on general subjects including nutrition, injury therapy, and communication management to help to best assist their teams. You may have coaching experience your own team or you've taught coaches in the past and have valuable tips that you can use to create sellable online course content.
Online courses that are examples in this niche:
Keywords that are searched for within this field :
- Basketball coaching classes - 2K/month
- What are the characteristics of an excellent coach? -- 1.1K/month
- Coaching in sports - 890/month
Examples of sub niche topic ideas:
- Coaching high-performance athletes
- Dietary requirements for athletes with high-performance soccer players
- Essentials of building a game program
- How do you run a successful practice sessions for tryouts
Personal organization
Marie Kondo's "spark joy" method of organization took off in 2014. People loved her simple, down-to-earth, and highly-relatable method of making decluttering and house organization a snap. There are numerous books, a show, as well as a Youtube tutorial on how to maintain an orderly and tidy life. In other words, she's an example of how people appreciate and want this type of information in their lives. A little organization goes far in creating calm, improving efficiency, and boosting happiness. This is something that people will pay for.
Online courses that are examples on this topic:
- Organize Yourself as a self-employed person
- Maximize Organization with Excel Sheets
- Simple Living Hacks
Search volume for keywords in this niche :
- Organization skills examples - 1.2K/month
- How do you remain organized - 1.6K/month
- Time management tips - 11.3K/month
Examples of sub-niche topics:
- The guide to prioritizing 101
- Maintaining and building the label system
- Making a plan of course of
- Timelines and schedules for building
Healthful living
Healthy living is interpreted in a lot of ways. Most people, however it is about eating healthy food, participating in physical fitness activities daily, and keeping a level mental state. Therapists, physicians, dieticians as well as spiritual coaches and even chefs are able to create classes in this field. The great thing about this topic is that it has consumers seeking information at the general awareness level and the level of knowledge, which means that you are able to design content to suit either -- or both!
Online courses that are examples in this niche:
- Bodybuilding Masterclass for beginners
- the Science of Weight Loss and Diet Myths
- Yoga and Meditation Classes offered by Alo Yoga
Volume of searches for key words within this field :
- Fitness classes online (2.8K/month) 2.8K/month
- How to develop good eating habits -- 2.2K/month
- Tips for a healthy lifestyle - 9.2K/month
Examples of sub niche topics:
- Recovery and balancing
- How to find your inner spirit
- Diets designed to help with specific medical conditions
- Maintaining consistency in healthy living
Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurs pursue the path of creating and managing their own business due to the appeal of being their own boss. But that doesn't necessarily suggest that they already have the necessary skills in achieving this goal. In fact, almost fifty percent of companies fail within their first few years. If you have experience running your own business that is successful or worked in a start-up environment that was tight on resources, it's quite likely that you'll have the ability to give some useful advice. Because no one would want their venture to be the next business to go under Entrepreneurs are constantly seeking out new knowledge.
Some examples of online courses within this field:
Search volume for keywords in this niche :
- Entrepreneurship course - 14.1K/month
- How to run a business - 3.8K/month
- Marketing Tips for small companies - 2.1K/month
Examples of sub niche topic ideas:
- What is the best way to transform your idea into a reality
- Securing funding for your startup
- The guide to hiring your first new employee
- High-converting marketing strategies for beginners
How do you choose your field of interest
Imagine your expertise lies.
Make an inventory of possible niches related to your experience and interests that you might develop courses around. After that, you can narrow it down to a top selection of under fives ideas. It is possible to use the following steps to narrow it down further , if you want to. You can count on your family and friends as well as coworkers to assist identify the field that is most similar to you.
Also, it's important to make sure that your niche experience is current and pertinent and relevant, therefore avoid selecting a field that you might have done a lot of previously, but not been involved in for more than 5 years (or perhaps less in the case of something that is related to technological advances that are changing rapidly).
Examine the marketability in that particular segment
What are your competitors already doing within this niche? Are there many material written about the subject? Make sure to conduct a thorough investigation into the area in addition to any sub-niches that you might be looking to write content for. Begin by searching through the web for online courses relevant to your area of expertise. In a short time, you'll be able to see whether there exist any programs on this subject. Utilizing a browser plug-in similar to Keywords Everywhere can give you the most difficult SEO (KD) score for the keyword you are searching for. The higher the score is, the more difficult the market is. In general, you should aim to be competitive with keywords less than 60/100.
Find out where your customer is
Finding existing subjects for your online course niches can help you find out what students are currently buying. It might take a while to get through this research via Google searching on its own, but there are helpful marketing tools that can give an idea of this data a little more quickly. Like, Google Trends is a search tool that helps to determine how well-known the search term is. You can input your subject or sub-niche into the search field and it will generate an assessment for you that ranges between 0 and 100. The higher the score towards 100, the better in-demand that content is. SEMRush is another famous marketing tool that can give an insight into the volume of searches per month. If your audience needs to be located in a certain area (ie. you're giving advice regarding a particular norm or regulation within a specific region) You can select a region on the tool for the most accurate insights.
Begin to create small pieces of content for testing out
Riches in niches
If you're planning to start your first online course, or a long-time creator veteran There's no shortage of topics with an excellent chance of earning you big profits. It's not even close to being our list complete!
If you have passion for something is something you're very knowledgeable about and want to share with others, make that step. Sign up for your forever-free account today and begin your own journey to become a teacher-creator.