5 Must Do Things Before Launching an Online Course

March 6, 2025

1. Validate Your Course Idea (Before You Build It)

This sounds obvious, but too many creators skip it.

You might be passionate about underwater basket weaving or advanced spreadsheet sorcery—but is anyone else willing to pay for it?

Here’s how to validate:

Talk to your audience (polls, DMs, Q&As)
Run a simple landing page with a waitlist
Offer a free mini-lesson and gauge interest
Post about your topic on social and track engagement

You’re not just testing demand—you’re testing the pain point. If people say, “OMG, I need this!” you’re on the right track.

Launching an online course without validation is like baking a cake without checking if people actually like chocolate. Sure, it might taste amazing—but what if your audience wanted vanilla?

And remember: validating first makes launching an online course way less risky.

2. Build a Pre-Launch Email List

Your audience is your oxygen. Without it, your launch will gasp for air.

Start collecting emails at least 30–60 days before launching an online course. Use a simple opt-in freebie—a checklist, guide, or webinar—that’s related to your course topic.

Then, nurture that list like it’s your digital garden. Send value-packed emails that teach, tease, and talk to your audience like humans (not robots).

You’re not selling yet—you’re building trust.

Pro tip: Start your welcome email sequence before the course is ready. This way, people get excited while you polish your launch plan.

Want bonus points? Segment your list. Ask people what they’re struggling with and tailor your emails. Personalized value goes a long way when launching an online course.

Also read: The Most Practical Guide to Get the First 10 Learners For Your Online Course

3. Create Buzz (Not Cringe)

No one likes the “BUY NOW OR DIE” sales push.

When launching an online course, your goal is to create anticipation, not anxiety. Treat it like a Netflix series premiere—people should want to tune in.

Ways to create buzz:

Behind-the-scenes content (“I just recorded lesson 3!”)
Countdown timers or “sneak peek” emails
Early-bird discounts for your waitlist
Course trailer videos (short, punchy, informative)
Testimonials from beta users or collaborators

Remember, excitement is contagious. Show your face. Show your process. Be authentic. Your future students will appreciate the transparency and hype.

The more excitement you build, the more people will feel like they’re part of something exclusive. And that’s gold when launching an online course.

4. Map Your Sales Funnel Like a Pro

You need more than a “Buy Now” button. A good funnel guides curious browsers into confident buyers.

Basic funnel example:

Landing Page (with lead magnet)
Email Nurture Series
Sales Page (with all the juicy details)
Cart Open Email Sequence
Cart Close Reminder (with urgency)

Each step should address a specific concern: Why this course? Why now? What makes it worth it?

Use storytelling, testimonials, bonuses, and deadlines to keep things engaging. Don’t rely on hope—rely on strategy.

If you plan your funnel right, launching an online course becomes a sequence—not a scramble. And yes, even evergreen courses need a funnel. Especially if you want to keep those Stripe notifications coming in long after launch week.

5. Test Everything (Seriously, Everything)

Want to ruin your launch? Easy: forget to test your tech.

Before launching an online course, click every link, fill out every form, and run through the buying process on both desktop and mobile.

Common mistakes to catch:

Broken checkout buttons
Emails going to spam
Misaligned mobile formatting
Payment processor not set up correctly
Confirmation emails not sending

Also, preview your course content. Do videos load fast? Do PDFs open cleanly? Are modules in order? Don’t let tech gremlins eat your reputation.

Have a friend or two go through the entire funnel and give you feedback. A fresh pair of eyes can spot the missing pieces you didn’t even know were missing.

Bonus Tip: Build a Post-Launch Plan

The party doesn’t end on launch day.

You should plan how you’ll support students, gather feedback, and resell the course down the line.

Ideas:

Launch a private community or Slack group
Offer live Q&A sessions during Week 1
Ask for video testimonials once students complete modules
Create an evergreen sales funnel for future traffic
Send check-in emails at key milestones (Week 1, halfway point, final week)

Launching an online course is just the beginning. If you want to turn one-time buyers into long-term fans (and repeat customers), keep showing up after the sale.

That’s how you build a brand—not just a bank account.

Final Thoughts: Prep = Power

Launching an online course isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being prepared.

These five must-do things can be the difference between hearing crickets and seeing Stripe notifications light up your phone.

Let’s recap the must-do’s before launching an online course:

Validate your idea with real humans
Build and nurture your email list
Create launch buzz that feels authentic
Map your funnel and guide your buyer
Test every clickable thing (twice)

The creators who win aren’t necessarily the smartest—they’re the ones who launch with intention. And when you take time to set the stage right, your course doesn’t just launch—it lifts off and thrives.

Ready to stop second-guessing and start launching your online course the right way?

Let’s do this.

Also read: 23 Ways to Make Your Marketing Funnel Sales-Ready (Especially If You’re a Course Creator)